A jewel-like tiny island in the Sulu Sea, a 1.5 hour boat rides north of Sandakan; Lankayan has been declared part of an immense Marine Protected Area to adopt the eco-tourism concept. Unpopulated and covered by thick tropical island vegetation on its topside, this peaceful, untouched little bit of paradise is ringed by an endless pure white sandy beach, offering simply elegant and exquisite accommodation in all 23 wooden, roomy and perfectly appointed seafront chalets. While the ideal destination for those who search for tranquility and relaxation in a virgin natural setting and for families with children, Lankayan Island is also becoming one of the hottest diving destinations on the map today: its dive sites – all just a few minutes away – boasting unbelievably colorful macro, fauna, fascinating wrecks and in season from March to May, regular sightings of gigantic and harmless whale sharks, the “dream date ” of every diver in the world. Situated within the Sea Turtle Corridor, Lankayan Island is also a nesting place and foraging ground for sea turtles; most commonly Green and Hawksbill Turtle. Therefore, guests will have a chance to see turtles nesting as well as new hatchlings of baby turtles released to the sea especially in season from June to September
Lankayan Island is a true Macro world paradise. Saved are large stretches of beautiful hard and soft corals belonging to numerous genera, among which are multitudes of macro world subjects and juvenile fishes, colorful to the extreme.It is possible that some of the species found here are yet to be described. Pelagic also abound here, from large schools of scads, yellow tail barracudas, jacks, and many more. The many schools of medium to large hump head parrotfish are always an exciting encounter. Sometimes, the diver is lucky enough to meet large rays, guitarfish and even manatees. For those more inclined towards the smaller denizens of the reefs, there are numerous juvenile fishes, clown anemone fishes, decorator and spider crabs, coral shrimps, nudibranchs, prawn gobies and abundant of rarer subjects such as jawfish, ornate ghost pipefish and frogfish.Divers are sure to appreciate the remaining large stretches of unspoiled lettuce, staghorn and other hard corals as well as the many varieties of soft corals, feather stars, sponges, sea fans etc. The many different types of anemones and their different partners, the clown anemone fish, shrimp and porcelain crabs are a definite sight.We have four totally different wrecks home to abundant of fishes large and small. Our “Lankayan Wreck” was an ocean going fish poaching vessel appropriately demised in the area of its illegal activities. It is now the base of numerous fishes, from small cardinals and yellow pikes to large groupers, cobias and emperors. A very impressive site and at only 23 meters. Look out for the ornate ghost pipefish
Despite the remoteness we are proud to offer all the amenities of a tropical island resort. Visitors have a choice to stay in chalets twin or triple sharing basis. Made out of local wooden materials to blend into the natural surroundings, chalets rooms are attached with private balcony overlooking the white sandy beach and turquoise colored ocean. Lankayan chalets are well appointed and equipped with hot bath, coffee and tea making facilities, mini refrigerator and fresh water from mainland. Power is available with 220 V or 110 V. All chalets offer direct access to the beach which is in fact just at your front door step. Meals are informally served at the central open building, which boasts an amazingly beautiful open-air wooden terrace surrounded by swaying casuarinas, the ideal spot for after dinner relaxation and chatting, all the while admiring the dozens of juvenile black tip sharks swimming leisurely a few feet beneath. Occasionally, head out to the sunset bar for an evening get together BBQ while enjoying the panoramic view of the sun surrendering for the day. A TV room is available for viewing the day’s video shots or other footages shoot during the dive. Internet access is also available at the resort’s main building which opens daily from 0800hrs to 2300hrs.A small over the counter shop that sells souvenirs such as postcards, T-shirts, and other necessities such as film, batteries, and toiletries is integrated at the central open building.Water sport gears and equipments for diving, snorkeling and ocean kayaking activities are available for rental at the dive centre
