faq.subtitle Lankayan Island
Fly to Sandakan (from Kota Kinabalu 45 min or Kuala Lumpur 2.5 hours). Resort picks up guests at airport, drives to yacht club jetty (30 min). Speedboat to island 1.5-2 hours. Departure at 10:00 AM, must arrive by 9:30 AM.
March-October (dry season). For whale sharks: March-May. For turtles: June-September — nesting and hatching almost daily. Resort closed January-February due to monsoon. April-May — best visibility for diving.
3-day/2-night package from 2725 MYR (~$670) per person. Includes: chalet, full board, 3 dives daily, unlimited jetty diving. Extra: SIMCA conservation fee 25 MYR/day, tourist tax 10 MYR/night. Solo travelers +30% supplement. Minimum 4 people, otherwise fuel surcharge 864 MYR.
For certified divers — PADI Open Water or equivalent. For beginners — Discover Scuba Diving course on the island. PADI Open Water and Advanced courses also available. No certificate needed for snorkeling — equipment free for guests.
Useful tips for visiting Lankayan Island
Book at least 2-3 months ahead — only 25 chalets, fills up quickly in turtle season (June-September).
Use only reef-safe sunscreen without oxybenzone — protect coral reefs and sea turtles.
Plan for 3-4 nights minimum — transfers are limited, and you'll want to enjoy all dives and turtles.
Arrive in Sandakan the day before — boat departs strictly at 10:00 AM, latecomers wait until next departure.
When watching turtles: no flash photography! Light disorients hatchlings. Keep distance from nests.
Average temperature by month
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Cost of food, accommodation and services
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
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Everything included at island. Cash for staff tips.
Tourist area with low crime rate
Safe private island in marine reserve. Only risk is ocean currents when diving. Always dive with instructor. Jellyfish rare but possible in monsoon season.