Diving in Lankayan

Wrecks and Reefs in Borneo

Lankayan may not promise the heart-stopping action of high profile neighbours Sipadan or Layang Layang but if you seek a little slice of paradise on a remote tropical island with plenty of easy diving over pristine reefs then this could be the place for you. The area was recently afforded national marine park protection status and for good reason.

This is one of those destinations where in April and May a mighty whale shark may well cruise by. During hatching season you can witness one of nature's most fascinating spectacles - baby turtles scurrying out to sea for their first swim. During the rest of the year the island offers everything that is good about Lankayan diving - plenty of wrecks housing numerous octopus and cuttlefish, and some excellent macro opportunities including frogfish and ghostpipefish. Snorkelling is quite thrilling too, with squadrons of black-tip reef sharks patrolling the shallows.

Highlights

Jawfish Lair - A colourful mosaic of healthy hard corals, and lots of activity from small marine creatures including mimic octopus and nudibranchs by the dozen, are what's in store for you here. But the most novel feature of the site are the yellow jawfish that reside here. These little lovelies are readily identifiable by the profusion of offspring delicately lodged in their protective mouths.

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How to Dive Lankayan

Lankayan Island Dive Resort is the only resort on the island and no liveaboards visit the area. This means that from your beachfront chalet you have an unrestricted view of the vast blue seas and you have acres of empty beach perfect for a romantic stroll or a naughty skinny dip!

Diving Season

The resort never closes because conditions are relatively stable and good for diving throughout the year. For those with whale sharks on their mind try to come during the months of April and May.

Reef Summary

Great for: Wrecks, large animals, small animals, underwater photography and beginner divers
Not so great for: Non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - 30m
Visibility: 3 - 25m
Currents: Moderate
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 26°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: 14
Access: Dive resort
Recommended length of stay: 5 - 7 days

Dive Site Descriptions

For further information and details on the Lankayan dive sites:

• Lankayan Island tourist information

View a map of:
• Sabah - Borneo  -  Malaysia Peninsula

• Scuba diving vacation enquiries

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