Tucked away in the turquoise waters of northeast Sabah, Lankayan Island is a pristine tropical escape reminiscent of the Maldives, with powdery white sands and untouched natural beauty. As the only resort on the island, Lankayan Island Dive Resort offers an exclusive, environmentally conscious retreat where guests can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The surrounding waters are part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA), a protected marine park that the resort has helped establish, ensuring healthy reefs, thriving marine life, and unforgettable underwater encounters.
Lankayan is emerging as a world-class diving destination, stepping out from the shadow of Sipadan with its own unique charm. From March to May, lucky divers may encounter gentle whale sharks gliding through the deep blue - an experience not to be missed. The island’s jetty dive site and wreck teem are full of life, including clouds of glassfish, curious lionfish, and patrolling blacktip reef sharks. With unlimited shore diving at the resort, you can explore the shallow reefs at your leisure, spotting turtles, macro critters, and even baby sharks right from the shore.
Above water, Lankayan feels like a scene from a nature documentary. As dusk falls, fireflies twinkle along the shoreline, fruit bats swoop overhead, and if timing is right, you may witness tiny turtle hatchlings making their first journey to the sea (thanks to the resort’s on-site turtle hatchery). The island’s intimate size means you can stroll its entire perimeter in just 30 minutes, soaking in breathtaking sunsets from the jetty’s sun loungers.
Perfect for couples and solitude seekers, the Lankayan Island Dive Resort's rustic-chic chalets blend seamlessly with the island’s lush jungle and oceanfront vistas. Whether waking up to forested greenery or endless ocean views, every moment here feels like paradise.
For those looking to extend their Borneo adventure, the Lankayan can easily be combined with a visit to the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre on the mainland, offering a fascinating glimpse into Sabah’s wildlife conservation efforts.
Escape the crowds, embrace nature, and discover Lankayan Island Dive Resort - where luxury meets wilderness in perfect harmony.
Sitting snugly in this dream location is this delightful beach resort constructed mostly of wood and consisting of 18 stilted beach chalets and 9 water chalets. Many of the beach chalets are directly on the waterfront while others are set further into the little virgin rainforest that covers most of the island. The water chalets are set directly over the sea. The chalets at Lankayan Island Dive Resort are spacious, air-conditioned, with en-suite facilities and tastefully furnished with local arts and crafts. You can enjoy sunset drinks on the privacy of your own balcony or by getting to know other guests at the resort bar.
All the chalets have:
- Air-conditioning
- Some with private balconies
- Private bathroom with hot water shower and bath
- Toiletries, towels, hairdryer
- Daily housekeeping
- Bedside lamps and cabinet
- Mosquito netting
- Fridge
- Personal safety box
- Wardrobe, mirror and shelves
- 220V 24-hour electricity, 3-pin Euro-style power points
- Adaptors available from reception
- Fire alarm and fire extinguishers
Lankayan Island Dive Resort offers a diver's paradise wrapped in convenience and natural beauty. Each dive package includes 3 boat dives daily, plus unlimited beach dives, allowing guests to explore the vibrant underwater world of Lankayan at their own pace. With over 32 dive sites surrounding the island, including reefs and wrecks, all are easily accessible by boat within just a few minutes of the jetty. This means more time underwater and less time in transit, making the Lankayan Island Resort ideal for both seasoned divers and those looking to maximise their time in the water.
Dive boats trips:
- 3 times per day 8 am, 10:30 am and 3 pm
- Monohull speed boats (2 x 150 HP engines). Maximum capacity 15 persons
- Shaded area, Steel entry and exit ladders. Life jackets, first aid kit and oxygen
- Dive guides are provided on all dive trips (1 divemaster for every 10 divers).
Shore diving:
- Unlimited jetty dives until 8 pm for guests with the diver package. No solo-diving, dive within recreational limits.
- Night dives are complimentary when diving with your own buddy, adding a magical dimension to the experience.
Snorkelling:
- Beach and chalet snorkelling at high tide only and until sunset.
- Snorkel boats: 2 x 1-hour trips - 9:30 am and 2:30 pm. MYR 54 per person per trip. Guides available on request.
- Additional costs for snorkellers: Any rental equipment needed.
Dive centre features:
• Scuba equipment rentals, • Outdoor shower, • Gear washing zone
• bathroom and changing rooms, • Coffee, tea and drinking water
'Open Water Diver' and 'Advanced Open Water Diver' PADI courses are available, and, if you've never tried scuba before - Discover Scuba Diving.
Safety:
The nearest chamber treatment facility to Lankayan for diving injuries is at Semporna. Semporna is 200 km from Lankayan and reachable only with air transport. We therefore urge you to take out appropriate scuba insurance, and bring the policy details with you.
Each dive boat carries a small tank of emergency breathing oxygen and there is a further supply back at the resort.
The nearest medical facility is on the Borneo mainland at Sandakan.
Covered by thick tropical island vegetation of tall casuarina trees and pandan screwpine on its topside, this peaceful, untouched little piece of paradise is ringed by an endless pure white sand beach and nearby coral reefs that are ideal for diving. The island is located within a marine protected area, SIMCA. SIMCA stands for Sugud Island Marine Conservation Area. Baby sharks swim in the shallows, turtles will pop their heads up in the water perhaps planning to come ashore to lay eggs and turtle hatchlings scurry down the beach for their first swim in the sea.
There is little in the way of organised fun, but that is Lankayan's charm. The pace of life here can be as slow as you wish to make it and non-diving partners seeking a lovely island break can enjoy the nature and seclusion while their diving partner is below the surface.
Resort facilities: Restaurant (with wi-fi) & bar - Lounge with satellite TV - Mini book library - Ocean kayaks rental - Snorkelling - Beach volleyball - Babysitting - Gift shop
Security: As a counter-terrorism measure, there are 12 armed Malaysian military personnel stationed on the island.
Location: Lankayan Island, Sabah
All day dining is served on the open air wooden terrace, offering stunning views of the surrounding beach and the shimmering blue sea. You might even catch sight of colourful fish and graceful blacktip reef sharks gliding through the waters below. The dive schedule is carefully arranged around the meal times.
Restaurant opening hours:
Breakfast: 6 - 10:30 am
Lunch: 12 - 2 pm
Dinner: 7 - 8:30 pm
Available cuisine:
- Chinese and Western cuisine
- Buffet style dining
- A la carte available on request
- Seafood
- BBQ on customer request
- Salads
- Please send advance notice for special dietary needs
Complimentary breakfast consists of tea / coffee, toast, fruit juice, eggs and sausage, fruit, cakes and pastries, rice and noodles.
"
The dive operators, equipment, dive boats and facilities were excellent The dive guides sadly didn't guide, or help to find marine life underwater, they literally just floated around underwater. Neither were the men handling the boats and dive gear at all helpful with supporting people in and out of the water to move around whilst in dive gear.
Communication with Dive The World was prompt, informative, responses and queries answered and dealt with quickly. The whole trip was organised exactly as I wanted and as per my instructions." -
Carey Barrett, United Kingdom, 31 March 2025 ...
"
It was really professional and I had a personal dive guide, very friendly and courteous. The gear was in the best condition.
Dive The World provided an excellent service, quite quick responses and recommendations. Organisation was perfect. Everything worked in the best way." -
Joerg, Germany, 16 October 2024 ...
"
Everything was perfect, good equipment, very good staff." -
Bernd Volkmer, Germany, 2 July 2023 ...
"
The diving was very good. The Lankayan Island Dive Resort did not have enough guests they said to have buffet style meals. The food was good and served timely for breakfast and dinner. But lunch was late , late, late. Which meant very little time between eating an the afternoon dive. I had to stop eating a full lunch because of this." -
Tom Sikorski, USA, 15 July 2022 ...
"
The staff were absolutely wonderful, I had the difficult task of changing flights while I was there and they were endlessly patient and helpful every step of the way. The dive shop staff were incredible, they have unbelievable eyes for macro and I saw the most amazing macro things I have ever seen thanks to them as well as some great big stuff like the leopard shark and giant groupers. They were kind and lovely and helped us do the sunset dive every evening and took unbelievable care of me when I put my elbow on a scorpionfish! I was in tears when I left the island. What a paradise." -
Bronwyn MacRitchie, South Africa, 16 August 2014 ...
"
Staff and facilities were very good. We read reports about slapdash dive operations at Lankayan but as experienced divers we couldn't really see too many problems. Gear a bit old and battered about, but that is always to be expected. Lankayan was indeed a paradise." -
Anne Quaid, New Zealand, 24 June 2014 ...
"
Service has been excellent, kind and very friendly staff, very good equipment (beside the wet suits, but this has not been a problem), everything right in time ready for diving, good instructions and briefing, comfortable dive boats. The dive base was perfect organized. We appreciated the small groups (max. 10 persons per boat with always 2 dive masters, only 1 boat per dive site, very relaxed diving, easy to get out and in the boat, excellent if you are not that experienced in diving. Only short boat rides not more than 10-15 minutes, 3 dives a day was great.
Lankayan resort is a very good place to relax and no-divers will have a lot of opportunities for snorkelling. So it's a good place for a family with divers and no-divers. Chalets are nice, next to the beach, friendly staff and excellent food. Recommendation: Excellent for everybody who likes easy diving, maximum 25m, small groups, no anchor only with bouy, no gloves allowed (good for the environment and marine life). Possibility to watch turtles (nesting and hatchery), good place for non-diver to relax without been bored." -
Martina Fleckenstein, Germany, 22 July 2011 ...
"
Very nice accomodation on a very clean and lovely island! The food and staff were both very good. The maintenance of diving equipment was very good! The staff are cleaning every equipment for the divers very profound. The dives very nice, especially for macro although visibility was less than we expected. Security was not so good since they allow divers to dive without computer." -
Inge Van Stappen, Belgium, 2 July 2011 ...
"
Island and resort were unspoilt, peaceful, clean and very beautiful. Accommodation was comfortable, food was good. Could improve with a few more activities (non motorised). Staff were very friendly and motivated. Hire equipment was good." -
Susan Fretten, Australia, 6 May 2011 ...
"
Everyone was excellent - from the people who picked us up from the airport, the divemasters and all the resort staff. Great service and we felt very welcome ... it was all just so easy for us - no problems just relaxing and very enjoyable." -
Carl Shuetrim, Australia, 20 October 2010 ...
"
Transfer to the resort without any problems. The facilities and accommodation were immaculate, well organised. All staff friendly and always poised to help. Nice and interesting food; the only downside that they run out with ice cream by the end of our stay (probably due to our extreme consumption. :)) Equipment: there wasn't my size of BCD available (XS) which didn't surprise me but would have been good to have the right one; regulators would need a bit more maintenance in my opinion. Overall it was all working well and there was enough equipment to swap when faulty." -
Katerina Sakarova, Czech Republic, 11 October 2010 ...
"
The staff were amazing and incredibly friendly. From the moment we stepped off the boat, they greeted us at made us feel at home. They were keen to alert us when the baby turtles were hatching and when a mature green turtle came on shore to leg her eggs. The dive staff was magnificent and made each dive memorable and safe. Nothing escapes their eagle eyes!" -
Aimee Tapia, USA, 16 July 2010 ...
"
The resort at Lankayan Island was really beautiful with good facilities, good food and very nice service. The diving was ok but I was expecting a bit more after all the reviews. We saw turtles and sting rays but mostly macro life amongst the corals. The hire equipment was pretty old and due for replacement." -
Barry Bishop, Australia, 31 May 2010 ...
"
Dive staff were exceptional, thorough, professional but a lot of fun at the same time. We could not have asked for more from the dive staff at Lankayan, they were so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble." -
Glenn Zanoni, Australia, 9 March 2010 ...
"
Equipment was good, staff very friendly and helpful. The service was above expectations. Diving in general was pleasant experience." -
Olga Kozmiruk, Russia, 2 March 2010 ...
"
Very good service there, it's expensive but it's worth the stay. We have to do nothing, not even hook up the bottles, as everything is provided for, and very well organized and on time for maximum enjoyment. It's very calm and the facilities are nicely made, very modern. We enjoyed the all-inclusiveness and privacy of the island." -
Benoit Strat, France, 1 March 2010 ...
"
Quick, efficient and friendly service. The equipment was also of good quality and the divemaster took the time to clearly explain the dives beforehand and to show us the wild-life whilst diving." -
Christine Lavigne, Canada, 22 February 2010 ...
"
Facilities best I ever saw so far. Clean!! Smart (on top of water, well ventilated), hard-working staff and very very friendly." -
Susan Leong, Finland, 30 December 2009 ...
"
Everything from the amazing location, the great food, and the friendly and funny staff was just great. We really did have the best time and would love to return in the future." -
Lori Trujillo, USA, 22 January 2009 ...
"
Dive masters extremely knowledgeable and very eager to assist, remainder of trip well organized." -
Gavin van Popering, South Africa, 9 December 2008 ...
"
Beautiful location and good diving in Lankayan, very close to the resort with great variety of marine life, including nestling turtles during the night." -
Ger & Marleen Steenbergen, Netherlands, 4 November 2008 ...
"
Very friendly people and excellent service, great food and nice and clean accommodations." -
Peter Mank, Netherlands, 15 December 2007 ...
"
The dive operation itself is outstanding. Heaps of boats; very good dive boats. Nothing was an issue. Gear hire was great and in good condition, staff were all excellent. Every dive was fully explained before the dive and you felt like you were in very good hands." -
Steve Church, Australia, 24 July 2007 ...
"
Awesome location, not too many divers (which made it better for us!!)" -
Kristy Housley, Singapore, 8 January 2007 ...
"
The staff were very professional - efficient at putting your scuba kit together before each dive, and removing it from the boat. Dive masters were good at providing dive briefs before getting on the boat and finding macro life on the dive." -
Rebecca Graham, Australia, 25 August 2006 ...
"
The services were first rate. The dive staff was very professional and were great at helping me out since I am a relatively new diver (only 20 dives before this trip) and because I was travelling alone. Everyone involved with the Resort was very accommodating." -
Teresa Schauer, USA, 30 April 2006 ...
"
A stunning place to visit, transfers, hospitality, professionalism of resort staff and dive staff outstanding, we were very sad to leave." -
Sarah Donnelly, United Kingdom, 23 November 2005 ...
"
Wonderful accommodation, food, staff and atmosphere. Wouldn't recommend for novice divers as the diving is very 'relaxed' shall we say. Great for us experienced divers but novice divers may prefer more guidance, more thorough dive briefs and perhaps a dive de-brief after the dives." -
Rick Horbury, Australia, 14 October 2005 ...
"
We won't say anything good about Lankayan in Italy, because we'd like to keep this dream only for us. Lankayan will be our Best Secret, thank you! We'll think about you, for sure." -
Marina and Massimo, Italy, 25 September 2005 (sorry Marina & Massimo!) ...
MORE PACKAGE DETAILS
Special offers: Packages prices have been discounted by 7% until further notice. Offer closes: 31 Dec 2050
The Lankayan Island Dive Resort is open from March to December every year. January/February, the resort is closed due to bad weather.
Special rates apply for Malaysians and expatriates with Malaysian work permits. Please contact us for details at info@dive-the-world.com
Destinations:
Lankayan Island (Diving environment: wreck diving, healthy reefs, beginner & advanced divers, off the beaten track; Highlights: whale sharks, turtles, great macro life/marine diversity).
No diving on day of departure.
Resort diving includes:
Dives (as detailed in the packages above), unlimited self-guided shore and night dives, and snorkelling in front of scuba centre, boat rides to sites, experienced English-speaking divemaster (maximum 10 divers per DM), tanks, weights and weightbelts, drinking water, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks.
Diving excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own):
Scuba equipment (USD 24 per day). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.
Optional extras:
Extra boat dives, scuba computer, dive insurance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased on site are subject to change.
Resort accommodation includes:
Bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks, return resort transfers from Sandakan airport.
Accommodation excludes (mandatory):
8% sales and service tax (SST) on package prices above (payable in advance), Lankayan conservation fees per person per night, payable in advance (USD 15), Malaysian tourism accommodation tax (USD 2 per room per night). A public holiday surcharge (USD 24 per night) is applicable for stays on National Day (31 August) and Malaysia Day (16 September). Single supplement on single travellers only, payable in advance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or credit card).
Note: for bookings of less than 4 guests on a 2 nights package, or bookings for 3 nights with less than 2 guests - there is a roundtrip boat transfer surcharge (from Sandakan jetty to Lankayan Island) of USD 189 (+8% SST) per group, if there are no other guests to transfer on the day. This fee is payable on arrival.
Single Supplement:
This is a compulsory additional charge on single travellers for the sole occupancy of double/twin accommodation.
Optional extras:
Alcoholic drinks, internet access, boat snorkel tours (USD 13 - min. 2 pax), snorkelling equipment (USD 9 per day), kayak hire. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.
How to get there:
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (and then Sandakan) is the main gateway to Pulau Lankayan and there are direct flights to and from Bangkok, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Taiwan, Kaoshiung, Singapore, Philippines, Kuala Lumpur and Brunei. Guests are collected at Sandakan Airport (code: SDK) and taken to the town jetty for registration before being transferred to the island.
The boat transfer to the resort is daily and takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. To get the 10 am transfer on the same day, you need to take one of the earlier flights, arriving Sandakan before 9 am. Otherwise you can stay overnight in Sandakan and get a transfer the next morning.
The once-daily boat transfer from Lankayan Island Dive Resort departs at 7 am. Guests are recommended not to book flights departing before 11 am.
There are daily direct flights to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu and from Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines, and with Air Asia. If you plan to arrive from Sipadan then there are direct flights to/from Tawau with Malaysia Airlines but you would need to overnight in either direction.
For more information on how to get there (including airlines) see our Malaysia resorts travel section.
Dive clubs and group discounts:
5% off the package rate for 3 adults sharing in a chalet.
Groups of 9 guests or more - 1 extra person can join free of charge.
Add-on package:
Since flying immediately after diving isn’t safe, many guests extend their trip with a visit to the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, located near Sandakan, just a short transfer from Pulau Lankayan. If this is your only trip to Malaysian Borneo, we highly recommend adding a stay at Sepilok Nature Lodge, a tranquil jungle lodge right next to the sanctuary. This unforgettable add-on lets you witness Borneo’s incredible wildlife up close.
At Sepilok, you’ll observe rehabilitated orangutans swinging in from the rainforest to snack on bananas during feeding sessions - a truly magical experience. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Venture deeper into the jungle to encounter proboscis monkeys, macaques, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, and more. A river cruise through lush waterways offers even more wildlife sightings. Think of it like scuba diving, but without getting wet!
Don’t miss this chance to combine Lankayan’s underwater wonders with Borneo’s legendary jungle encounters. A perfect finale to your island escape!
Click to view product. Special discounted trips highlighted in yellow
Sepilok Nature Resort
Lankayan Island Resort
