Lankayan Island, Borneo (East Malaysia)

Lankayan Island Quick Guide

Apart from diving, many depart for this island for one main reason – turtles. Yes, this tiny little island has given birth to countless hatchlings of baby turtles. This paradise is covered with tropical plants, and that’s about it with regards to the local population. Whale sharks encounter in the open water used to another draw here, but sights of these gentle giants are getting less recently in this part of the world.

Getting to Lankayan Island Islands

You can have access to this island from Sandakan PSR Jetty, the private and only jetty with 1.5 - 2 hours of speed boat ride to Lankayan Island.

Flight to Lankayan Island

Sandakan Aiport (SDK)

The nearest and most convenient airport to access Lankayan Island. Pick up from airport can be arranged and this domestic airport can connect flight from:

Connecting flight to SDK Airport

From Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Flight journey: 3 hours Airlines: Airasia, Malaysia Airlines

From Kota Kinabalu International Airport Flight journey: 1 hour Airlines: Airasia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly & Malindo Air

Land transfer

30 minutes from Sandakan Aiport (SDK) to Sandakan PSR Jetty.

Sea transfer

1.5-2hours of speed boat ride to Lankayan Island.

Self drive to Lankayan Island

Driving from main capital city in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu will takes about 6.5 hours driving journey to Sandakan and get yourself to Sandakan PSR Jetty for sea transfer to Lankayan Island Island.

Season

This island open all year round, try June to September; that’s peak season when the turtle hatchlings come to life.

Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) Fee

RM 30 per visitor per night. Formed by 3 islands; Lankayan Island, Billean Island and Tegapil Island. Privately managed by NGO - Reef Guardian Sdn Bhd as enforcement since year 2001 under section 21 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, to conserve the rich coral reefs, turtles for the diversity biology of marine life.

Lankayan Island recommendation

The itinerary is easy, come watch the new borns take their baby steps now, and go diving next!