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Lankayan Island

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Lankayan Island is a small private island located off the coast of Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, the island is best known for its peaceful atmosphere, diving opportunities, and marine conservation efforts. It is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a quiet tropical escape away from crowded tourist areas.

What to See & Do

  • 🐢 Witness a mother turtle laying her eggs under the moonlight guided by expert Sabah Parks rangers 🌙
  • 🥚 Observe the transplanting of eggs to the protected hatchery to shield them from natural predators 🛡️
  • 🌊 Participate in the release of tiny hatchlings as they make their first heroic dash into the Sulu Sea 🏝️
  • 🤿 Scuba diving and snorkeling in coral reefs teeming with clownfish, giant clams, and vibrant sea life 🐠
  • 🌅 Enjoy sunset walks and nature photography on white sandy beaches that remain untouched by commercial development 📸
  • 📖 Visit the educational gallery and video room to learn about the decades of conservation history on the islands 🏛️

How to Get There

  • 🛥️ Boat transfer is arranged from the Sabah Parks (Crystal Quest) Jetty in Sandakan; the journey takes about 60 minutes 🌊
  • ⏰ Standard boat departure is at 10:00 AM daily—ensure you are at the jetty by 9:15 AM for registration 🕙
  • 📍 The jetty is located about 15–20 minutes from Sandakan Airport, making morning flight arrivals feasible ✈️
  • 🎟️ Advance booking is required through licensed tour operators as only 50 visitors are permitted on the island per night 🎫

Travel Tips

  • 🎒 Pack light: Carry only a small overnight bag; many travelers leave their main luggage in lockers at the mainland jetty 🧳
  • 🧴 Use reef-safe sunscreen (look for non-nano zinc oxide) to protect the coral and hatchlings from harmful chemicals 🪸
  • 🚫 Follow single-use plastic bans: As of January 2026, single-use plastic bags are strictly prohibited in all Sabah Parks ♻️
  • 📵 Respect turtle conservation guidelines: No flash photography or torches are allowed during the nesting process 🌑
  • 🗓️ Plan your stay during the peak nesting months of July to October for the highest number of turtle landings 📅

Suggested Itinerary

  • 🕙 Day 1 – 10:00 AM: Depart Sandakan; 11:30 AM: Check-in and lunch; Afternoon: Snorkeling and beach relaxation 🏖️
  • 🕙 Day 1 – 06:30 PM: Dinner followed by the “Turtle Call” (wait for rangers to signal a nesting mother) 🐢
  • 🕙 Day 2 – 06:30 AM: Early breakfast and final beach photos 📸
  • 🕙 Day 2 – 07:00 AM: Boat departure for the return trip to Sandakan city or airport 🛥️

Opening Hours & Entry

Open:

Year-Round (subject to weather conditions)

Entry Fee:

Included in resort or tour packages

Best Time to Visit:

March to October for calm seas

Location

📌Lankayan Island, Sabah, Malaysia

👉 View on Google Maps

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