Lankayan Island is a small island in Sabah's Sulu Sea, known for its clear waters, coral reefs, and sea turtles. With only one resort on the island, it offers a quieter experience compared to more developed beach destinations.

The journey takes a little more planning. You'll need to fly to Sandakan, travel to the jetty, and continue by boat to the island.

That extra travel time is part of what makes Lankayan appealing. There are fewer visitors, less development, and plenty of space to enjoy the island at your own pace.

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Lankayan Island is located in the Sulu Sea, around 90 minutes by boat from Sandakan. It is part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area, together with Billean and Tegaipil islands.

As a protected marine area, the waters around Lankayan are home to well-preserved coral reefs. The island itself has only one accommodation option, which naturally keeps the number of visitors low.

Lankayan is also an important nesting site for Green and Hawksbill turtles. The island has its own hatchery to help protect turtle eggs.

Depending on the season, divers may also have the chance to spot migrating whale sharks in the surrounding waters.

Beyond marine life, the island has plenty of natural scenery to enjoy. Think tropical forest, white sandy beaches, and clear water surrounding the island.

A trip to Lankayan involves three stages: flying to Sandakan, travelling to the jetty, and taking a boat to the island.

From Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu: You can take a domestic flight to Sandakan Airport. Flights from Kota Kinabalu usually take less than an hour.

Airport Transfer: From Sandakan Airport, the drive to Sandakan PSR (Post Office) Jetty takes around 30 minutes. The resort usually arranges this transfer as part of the package.

By Speedboat: The boat journey from Sandakan PSR Jetty to Lankayan Island takes around 90 minutes. The resort typically operates one scheduled boat transfer each way per day.

Tip: Plan your flight around the boat schedule. Try to arrive in Sandakan by mid-morning so you don't miss the island transfer.

If you miss the scheduled boat, you'll usually need to stay overnight in Sandakan before continuing to Lankayan the next day.

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Lankayan is further from the mainland than many other island destinations in Sabah. As a result, weather conditions can affect both boat transfers and activities around the island.

It's worth checking the resort's schedule before booking your flights.

Island Access: Lankayan is mainly available to overnight guests of the island resort. Day trips are not usually available because of its remote location.

Boat Transfers: During the peak season, boats generally operate daily. Outside this period, services may run only on selected days.

Check your transfer schedule with the resort before confirming your flights. This helps you avoid arriving in Sandakan on a day without a boat service.

Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Morning is a good time to explore the water. Visibility is often better for snorkelling and diving. If a hatchling release is scheduled, this may also be the time to see it.

Evening (after dinner): Turtle nesting can take place after dark. When conditions are suitable, the resort may arrange guided turtle-watching activities for guests.

Peak Season (April to September): These months generally offer calmer seas and better visibility underwater. April and May may also bring opportunities to spot migrating whale sharks.

Monsoon Season (November to February): Sea conditions can be rougher during this period. This may affect boat crossings and underwater visibility, so check the latest conditions before planning your trip.

Lankayan is not the type of destination where you need a long list of attractions. Most activities centre around the sea, marine life, and the island's natural surroundings.

There are around 25 dive sites around Lankayan. Certified divers can also explore the house reef in front of the resort.

Some divers choose to go for an unguided dive here, depending on the resort's rules and current conditions.

Lankayan has an active turtle conservation programme. Visit the hatchery to learn more about how turtle eggs are collected and protected.

When the hatchlings are ready, they are released into the sea as part of the conservation efforts.

You don't need a diving licence to enjoy Lankayan's underwater scenery. The shallow reef close to the beach is accessible to snorkellers.

The calm, clear water also makes it easier to explore the reef at your own pace.

Lankayan has very few facilities outside the resort. There are no banks or regular shops, and mobile signals can be limited.

Use the time to slow down instead. Take a walk around the island, rest by the beach, or enjoy a quiet evening under the night sky.

Read more: Trip to Sabah: A Guide for Hotels and Must Visit Sabah Attractions

Lankayan's boat transfer follows a limited schedule, so staying overnight in Sandakan can make your journey easier. You'll have more time to reach the jetty without rushing on the day of departure.

Here are a few accommodation options to consider in Sandakan:

Tyng Garden Hotel Sandakan is a straightforward budget hotel just a few kilometres from Sandakan Airport, with air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk.

It's a practical, no-fuss option if you just need somewhere comfortable to rest before heading to the jetty.

The Pavilion Hotel sits along Sandakan's boardwalk, with a restaurant, spa services, and a function hall on site.

It's a good pick if you'd like a bit more comfort for the night, with the option to unwind with a massage before your trip to Lankayan the next day.

Livingston Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with balconies and an outdoor pool, set in a quieter part of Sandakan away from the town centre.

It's a solid choice for families or anyone who'd rather spend the evening relaxing by the pool than out and about before an early departure.

Lankayan may take a little more planning than a typical island holiday. You'll need to coordinate your flight, airport transfer, hotel stay, and boat schedule.

Traveloka can help you arrange the main parts of your journey. Book your flight to Sandakan, choose a hotel, and arrange an airport transfer before heading to the jetty.

Traveloka also offers flexible rescheduling and free cancellation on selected bookings. You can contact 24/7 customer support if you need assistance, while the Best Price Guarantee is available for eligible bookings.

Once your travel arrangements are sorted, you can focus on enjoying the island. Open the Traveloka app and start planning your Lankayan Island trip.