Lankayan Tourist Information
Lankayan 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.
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How to Get There
Flights - Boat Transfer
If you are arriving from Kota Kinabalu then there are daily 50 minute flights from Terminal 2 departing to Sandakan at 10:10 and 16:15 hrs (return 13:35 and 19:40 hrs). If you plan to arrive from Sipadan then there are daily 40 minute flights from Tawau to Sandakan at 12:30 and 18:35 hrs (return 11:25 and 17:30 hrs).
For up-to-date flight information and bookings, please visit the Air Asia web site.
Guests are collected at the airport and taken to the jetty for registration before being transferred to the island. The boat transfer takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. To get a transfer on the same day, you need to take one of the earlier flights, otherwise you can stay overnight in Sandakan and get a transfer next morning.
Sightseeing and Things to do
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 orangutan sanctuary 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.
Are you interested?
If you're keen to explore the sparkling waters of Lankayan, then click below to check your options now for:
Be sure to book up in plenty of time to avoid limited choice! The best diving opportunities are booked by repeat customers who book well in advance to ensure their reservation!
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