Lankayan Island, Coral island in Beluran District, Malaysia.
Lankayan Island is a coral island in the Sulu Sea featuring white sand beaches fringed by dense tropical vegetation across its terrain. The shore forms a natural boundary where the land transitions to shallow waters ideal for marine exploration.
The island came under protection in the early 2000s when a marine conservation area was created to safeguard fish stocks and coral reefs from overfishing. This designation allowed marine life in the area to recover and rebuild.
The island serves as a working marine conservation hub where visitors can witness ongoing protection efforts for sea creatures and reefs. The commitment to safeguarding this marine environment shapes how people experience and move through the place.
The resort on the island sits roughly 90 minutes by boat from Sandakan port and features wooden accommodations with standard amenities throughout. Plan for boat travel as part of your arrival, keeping in mind that sea conditions can shift with weather changes.
From March through May, whale sharks move into the shallow waters around the island and divers can encounter them in their natural setting. These seasonal visits draw travelers who specifically time their trips to witness this natural gathering.
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