With brilliant, powdery white sandy beaches, the small island of Lankayan is reminiscent of the Maldives. The beach resort is environmentally conscious, being instrumental in having the surrounding waters protected and declared a national marine park. It's also the only resort on the island, meaning you can unwind and feel at one with nature.
The highlight of Lankayan diving is from March to May each year, when you have the not-to-be-missed chance to dive with whale sharks. There's also a great jetty dive in very clear water with thousands of glassfish, lionfish and a wreck. At the end of the jetty are some sun loungers where you can go to sit and watch the sun set over this picturesque island.
The shallow reefs are really fantastic for snorkelling. When the tide is up you can watch blacktip sharks swimming around in the shallows along the beach.
• View a map of Sabah - Borneo Island
Lankayan has been steadily growing in reputation and is beginning to emerge from the huge shadow of Sipadan. Much less crowded, the island has only one resort and much more of a desert island feel to it. Covered by thick tropical island vegetation on its topside, this peaceful, untouched little piece of paradise is ringed by an endless pure white sandy beach.
Lankayan Island is a small island, fully covered with tropical vegetation, featuring tall casuarina trees and pandan screwpine. The island is pristine, not having suffered human occupation for long, so the beaches and clean clear waters are free of the curse of plastic.
Price per person –DIVER (TWIN SHARING): RM1730 (CHALET) RM1600 (STANDARD ROOM)
PACKAGES INCLUDES :-
*LAND/TRANSFER – SANDAKAN/LANKAYAN
*3MEALS PER DAY PLUS AFTERNOON TEA AND SNACKS
*3BOAT DIVES DAILY AROUND THE ISLAND EXCEPT ON ARRIVAL DEPARTURE DAY + UNLIMITED DIVE SHORE IN FRONT OF JETTY
*PROVIDED TANKS/WEIGHTS AND BELT. LIMITED GEAR AVAILABLE FOR RENTAL
*NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR NIGHT DIVES IN FRONT OF DIVE CENTRE FOR ADVANCED DIVER WITH NIGHT DIVES EXPERIENCE
**SINGLE SUPPLEMENT – ADD 30% OF THE ABOVE PACKAGE**
**FOR NON-DIVER LESS 20%**
**SCHEDULED BOAT TO LANKAYAN – 1000HR AND SCHEDULE BOAT FROM LANKAYAN 0700HR
**PRICE VALID TILL 31/12/07 – PLEASE EMAIL OR CONTACT FOR LATEST UPDATE PRICE
Destinations: Lankayan Island. No diving on day of departure.
Resort diving includes: Dives, boat rides, unlimited beach and night diving (with a buddy only), experienced English-speaking divemaster(s) for maximum ten divers (max. fifteen divers per boat), refreshments, tanks, weights and weightbelts. Marine park fees are approx. US$ 5.50 per person per day, are payable in advance. Diving equipment can be rented on arrival.
Resort accommodation (based on two share) includes: Bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sandakan Airport - resort return transfers. Prices are based on twin share accommodation. If you are a single diver you must pay single supplement.
How to get there: The resort is located on Lankayan Island, a 1½ hour boat ride from the jetty at Sandakan. The resort will provide a return transfer from Sandakan to Lankayan. There are daily short flights to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu and Tawau.
Lankayan is favoured by couples seeking a romantic getaway, and those who want to dive in unheralded waters away from the hordes. There is little in the way of organised fun, but that is Lankayan's charm.
Many describe their time here as like being in a nature documentary, where at night dancing fireflies, swooping fruitbats and turtle hatchlings scurrying to the sea all delight the guests. Add to this the amazing diving and snorkelling sights such as numerous baby black tip sharks, and you can see why you might leave sounding like David Attenborough.
Due to the dangers of flying after diving, guests often overnight in Sandakan before taking any onward flights, and often incorporate a day or two visiting the ornag utan santucary in Sepilok, near Sandakan. You can stay at a jungle lodge in Sepilok which is next to the orangutan sanctuary. Add on packages are available. Here you can see rehabilitated orangutans coming in from the open jungle to feed on bananas distributed by their human former carers. More orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, elephants, crocodiles and more await you deeper in the jungle and a few hours river cruise can take you there. With such a list of possible sightings it is a little like diving without getting wet. Borneo's natural wonders abound above and below and all are more than worth a look
| rooms, beds, bathrooms, views... | |
| Lankayan Island Dive Resort has 16 chalets, some on the beach and others overlooking the virgin rainforest. It also has 8 standard rooms, which comprise two clusters of four rooms each under one roof.
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| Lankayan Island Dive Resort (LIDR) is a much acclaimed tropical island paradise resort offering everything from small number of guests, great beaches, superior rooms and food, and fantastic macroworld diving around more than thirty dive sites, including two wrecks. | |
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Lankayan Scuba Diving Sites
Jawfish Lair
Robust staghorn coral, fine table coral, bush coral, maze coral, lobed pore coral covered with Christmas tree worms, mushroom coral and bubble coral. These are just a few of the varied and colourful hard coral varieties fused together to create the perfect home for all manner of critters at Jawfish Lair.
Recently declared a National Marine Park, this is one of the best loved Lankayan dive sites. You'll really appreciate the expert eye of your Divemaster as he guides you straight to the modest home of the resident yellow jawfish at about 28 metres in depth who, if you are lucky, will have a mouthful of eggs. This makes for a photo opportunity that will wow your land-lubbing chums.
That is not all there is to see here. Often you can watch the chameleonic behaviour of the mimic octopus. Venture here and there and you could be rewarded with other examples of macro heaven such as rare nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, frogfish, cuttlefish and devil scorpionfish. Don't think that it's only small stuff here though. Be on the look out for stingrays in the sand and resting leopard sharks that frequent many of Lankayan's diving sites.
Jawfish Lair Reef Basics: wreck dive
Depth: 15 - 25m
Visibility: 3 - 20m
Currents: None
Surface Conditions: Can be rough
Water Temperature: 26 - 30°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving Season: All year round
Distance: 2 km (8 minutes) from Lankayan Island jetty
Access: Lankayan scuba diving resort
Lankayan Wreck
Dive down onto a wreck that was once engaged in the odious practice of fish poaching. There is a certain pleasure to be had from the thought of how this craft now harbours all manner of fish whose only imminent worry is being assaulted by the sight of some divers in garishly coloured wetsuits.
This Lankayan diving site is quite a shallow wreck, so is suitable for most levels of divers to peep around at the lurking cardinals, groupers and yellow sea perch. Pay attention here and you will be the first to spot the resident ornate ghostpipefish who calls this wreck home.
Given that macro diving is Lankayan's specialty it is not surprising that the visibility here is not amazing. However it is always worth keeping an eye on the blue for some big stuff passing by. Huge bump-headed parrotfish and barracuda are common as are the mighty whale sharks between March and May.
Lankayan Wreck Reef Basics: wreck dive
Depth: 15 - 23m
Visibility: 3 - 15m
Currents: None
Surface Conditions: Can be rough
Water Temperature: 26 - 30°C
Experience Level: Intermediate - advanced
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving Season: All year round
Distance: 2 km (8 minutes) from Lankayan Island jetty
Access: Lankayan scuba diving resort
Jetty Wreck
This site is an artificial reef, made from the wreck of a small fishing boat, located right in front of the jetty. Just giant stride off the jetty at any time of the day, descend and follow the guide rope to this Lankayan diving wreck. Within minutes of descending into the waters, you'll come across a school of batfish and sometimes a school of jacks as well. The wreck itself it home to a couple of frogfish - you can find them on the rope around the wooded pyramids.
Other life on board are groupers, blue spotted sting rays, cuttlefish, scorpionfish and ghostpipefish. As well as that, within a lone anemone, you'll find a family of anemonefish. Also considered a good location for night diving, nocturnal visits will bring you up against more frogfish and other reef life.
On your return to the jetty, spend some time around the coral encrusted pillars, home to families of beautiful but dangerous common lionfish. They make willing subjects for photographers and the shallow, clear waters are perfect for sharpening your photographic skills.
Jetty Wreck Reef Basics: wreck dive
Depth: 15 - 20m
Visibility: 3 - 15m
Currents: None
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 26 - 30°C
Experience Level: Beginner - intermediate
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving Season: All year round
Distance: ½ km (2 minutes) from Lankayan Island jetty
Access: Lankayan scuba diving resort
Mosquito Wreck
Mosquito Wreck is one of Lankayan Island's three wreck diving sites. The ship was once part of the Mosquito Fleet maintained by the Japanese during World War Two.
The wreck itself has some great items of interest - from the bow gun which still remains intact to other bits and pieces of its original cargo. As for fish life, around the surrounding waters you might come across schools of jacks and barracuda, with the occasional manta ray even whale sharks.
Mosquito Wreck Reef Basics: wreck dive
Depth: 15 - 25m
Visibility: 3 - 20m
Currents: None
Surface Conditions: Can be rough
Water Temperature: 26 - 30°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving Season: All year round
Distance: ½ km (2 minutes) from Lankayan Island jetty
Access: Lankayan scuba diving resort
Scuba Diving in Malaysia
How to book?
Once you have any interest, send me an email for your expected dates. Then I immediate make a reservation and inform you about the costs and if there are spaces available. If you like to book, then you just conform to me by email, with the following details:
1) name according to passport:
2) male / female:
3) passport number:
4) date of birth:
5) full/permanent address:
6) nationality:
7) dive certification:
8) others i.e. flight details e.g. arrival/departure to/from Kota Kinabalu and hotel accommodation for transfer arrangement (within Kota Kinabalu only).
Frequently Asked Questions
What languages do people speak in Malaysia?
Bahasa Melayu may be the official language of the country but English is very widely spoken and is in fact the language of business in Malaysia. Bahasa Melayu uses the Romanic alphabet and there are many words which sound the same as English although their spelling may be a little different, e.g. you can find a 'teksi' outside the 'restoran'.
Is it hot in Malaysia?
Malaysia enjoys tropical climate with warm and balmy weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C. Annual rainfall varies from 2,000 mm to 2,500 mm. Humidity level is at an average of 80% throughout the year. Loose light clothing is the order of the day and plenty of sunscreen is always a good idea when holidaying or diving in the tropics.
What about the wet season?
Malaysia has a wet season and a dry season. It all depends where you intend to go. Sabah eastern coast (including Pulau Sipadan) can be dived whole year round even during the less settled November to March period. Heavier rains can be felt only during typhoons around the region but diving condition is still acceptable. Sabah western coast - dry months are from January to May, wet months are from June to December. West Peninsular Malaysia - dry months are from November to March, wet months are from April to October due to the southwest monsoon. East Peninsular Malaysia - dry months are from April to October, wet months are from November to March due to the northeast monsoon.
Malaysia is a Muslim country. What about alcohol?
Malaysia has a great number of Muslims. It also has a great number of Christians, Buddhists and other religions. Although the government is Muslim, Malaysian society is not ruled by Shia law but is a model of secular tolerance. All religions are respected here and only in one or two states on the Peninsula is alcohol not permitted. In Sabah in particular the mix of religions is very widespread and alcohol is not frowned upon (except when you see the price in some of the classier places!).
What is the currency?
The Malaysian Ringgit is the currency here and its value generally hovers around 3.6 to 4 RM to the US$, around 4.5 RM to the Euro and around 6.5 RM to the GBP. Tourists are free to bring in any amount of foreign currency or travelers cheques. However, tourists would need to seek approval if the amount of foreign currency to be carried abroad exceeds the amount brought into Malaysia and if the amount to be taken out is more than the equivalent of US$ 2,500. Tourists must also obtain permission and declare Ringgit exceeding RM 1,000 being brought into or out of Malaysia.
Are things cheap in Malaysia?
Some things are very inexpensive such as food, clothes and there are some great deals on accommodation. Other things like alcohol and dive gear rental are not as great value, but both are often essential.
What about the risk of Malaria?
This depends where you will be visiting. If you simply arrive in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu or Tawau and proceed to your diving destination then there appears to be very little danger. If however you are going to spend time in the jungles and wetlands of Malaysia it is probably wise to take suitable precautions. So consult your doctor before travelling.
How can I travel from the Malay Peninsula to Sabah and Sarawak?
Geographically, Malaysia consists of the Peninsula and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Travel between the two regions is by air. Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia have regular flights from Kuala Lumpur to cities and towns in Sabah and Sarawak. Please check out our tourist information sections for details.
Is Borneo undeveloped?
Most first time visitors to SABAH are amazed at how modern and progressive the state is. Many imagine Borneo to have little in the way of modern buildings or infrastructure. While the wild natural Borneo exists in certain areas, the state capital of Kota Kinabalu is a thriving modern town. All mod cons exist here including luxury hotels, golf courses, fast food outlets, bars, restaurants, clubs and internet cafes.
I am a beginner - Is diving in Sipadan only for experts?
There is a huge drop-off in SIPADAN which calls for buoyancy control if you do not want to disappear forever into the depths. No operators conduct Open Water Diver courses here for this reason. That said the conditions are normally not very difficult in and around Sipadan and it can be enjoyed by divers of all levels. If you do wish to become certified in Sabah we recommend you take your PADI Open Water Diver Course in Kota Kinabalu, where you can concentrate on mastering the basics. Then when you come to dive in Mabul and Sipadan you can enjoy all the sights without being too concerned about your equipment, buoyancy etc.
Where is the best place to stay to dive Sipadan, now that the island is closed to tourists?
The nearby island of MABUL and the sandbar of KAPALAI provide the best locations in which to stay for diving in Sipadan. The resorts are long established and comfortable and of course boat journey times are greatly reduced (around 20-25 minutes). Currently there is no really viable mainland alternative as the boat journey time is more than one hour from Semporna.
I read somewhere that Sipadan is not safe - is it?
In the year 2000 some people were kidnapped from Sipadan by the Philippine separatist movement, Abu Sayyaf. Since then security in the region has been beefed up considerably. Although you may see no evidence of it during your stay, there is a large Malaysian military presence in the area both on land and at sea. The Malaysian government realises how important the Sipadan area is to their tourism industry and have taken serious measures to protect the area and those visiting. Any repeat of 2000 seems almost impossible given the current levels of protection.
Is there anything to do for the non-diver?
Malaysia in general and Sabah in particular has a lot more to do than diving and it is worth extending your time as much as possible to add some of these wonderful experiences to your trip. ORANG UTAN, proboscis monkeys, snakes, elephants, macaques, crocodiles, hornbills and many more beautiful species of wildlife can be seen in the interior of Sabah and many of them in the peninsular rainforests too. In Borneo the diving destinations such as Sipadan, Mabul and Layang Layang are exactly that - diving destinations. There isn't a wealth of things to do for the non-diver there, but in Sabah itself there are more activities than you could wish for. Mountains, jungles, rafting, trekking, nature in every hue as well as beaches, watersports, golf, mountain-biking ... the list goes on ...
Where else can we dive in Borneo other than Sipadan?
Borneo divers have a tremendous range of world-class diving available and the island is now becoming recognised as one of the best locations around for a few weeks dive safari. Combining Layang Layang, Lankayan and the Sepilok Orangutan sanctuary with Sipadan - Mabul would probably amount to one of the best extended diving holidays imaginable.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE !!!!
Package Includes:
- Land/sea transfer - Sandakan/Lankayan. Based on MAS flight Schedule.
- 3 Meals per day plus afternoon tea and snacks
- Accommodation on twin sharing triple basis in Lankayan island.
- 3 boat dives daily around the island except on arrival/departure day + unlimited shore dive.
- Provide tanks/weights and belt. Limited gear available for rental.
- Unguided night dives right in front of the resort for qualified divers only
- Included compulsory conservation fee (RM20/pax/night)
Package excludes:
- Overnight in sandakan hotel, based on Air Asia flight schedule. (Can be arranged)
- Transfer airport to hotel, based on Air asia flight schedule
- snorkeling/Swimming, equipment not included
A) Suggested Itinerary: - Air Asia Flight
| Date | ETD | ETD | Description | Remarks |
| Day 0 | 0715 | 1000 | Kuala lumpur to Sandakan | AK5160 |
| Day 01 | 0945 | 1145 | Pick up from Sandakan Hotel to SYC jetty | Mini Coach |
| Day 02 | | | 3 Guided Boat dives daily | Full Board |
| Day 03 | 0700 | 0845 | Lankayan island to SYC jetty | Speedboat |
B) Suggested Itinerary:-MAS Airlines
| Date | ETD | ETD | Description | Remarks |
| Day 01 | 0730 | 0820 | Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan | MH2042 |
| Day 02/ | | | 3 Guided Boat dives daily | Full Board |
| Day 03 | 0700 | 0845 | Lankayan island to SYC jetty | Speedboat |
Note:
- Rate based on per person basis
- Extension Night included Conservation fee.
- Daily Departures Sandakan - Lankayan island 10.00A.M (Fixed Time)
- Daily Departures Lankayan island - Sandakan 7.00A.M (Fixed Time)
Price subject to change without prior notice. Please feel free to email shirechin@hotmail.com or call 0168217976
TO check latest pricing
EXAMPLE 5D4N LANKAYAN ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival in SDK by MH2042 from BKI eta 0810 hrs.
Meet at airport & transfer to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for the boat transfer to Lankayan Island at 1000 hrs.
A check-out (orientation) dive in the afternoon.
Over night at Lankayan (L/D)
Day 2 to 4
Daily 3 boat dives around Lankayan Island + unlimited beach dive
Over night at Lankayan (B/L/D)
Day 5
Early breakfast, depart Lankayan at 0700 hrs transfer by to Sepilok center for the feeding tour at 1000 hrs.
Lunch at Sepilok Nature Resort & transfer to airport for flight MH2709 etd 1415 hrs. (B/L)
End of service.
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