Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
300 m
Frequently asked questions
Lankayan Island Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal clear, average temperature +29.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. The water is so clear that the bottom is visible even at depth — ideal for snorkelling. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Lankayan Island Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Lankayan Island Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Lankayan Island Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — powdery. Beach length — 300 metres.
Lankayan Island Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in March. It ends in October. The best month for a holiday is April. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Lankayan Island Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Lankayan Island Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sea urchins on reefs. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Lankayan Island Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, Wi-Fi. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Lankayan Island Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Lankayan Island Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Lankayan Island Dive Resort Restaurant. Cuisines available: Malay. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Lankayan Island Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash, Hat, Snorkelling mask.
Lankayan Island Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is from March to October. Whale sharks are most commonly sighted from March to May.
Lankayan Island Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Littering is prohibited. Do not touch the coral.
Lankayan Island Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Lankayan Island Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for divers, snorkelling enthusiasts and those seeking a secluded holiday on a tiny island with a white sand beach. Not suitable for budget tourists and lovers of noisy resorts.
Lankayan Island Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Lankayan Island is a tiny island of just 5 hectares that can be walked around in 15–20 minutes. It is known as one of the best places in Sabah for turtle watching and diving.
Lankayan Island Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Tiny secluded island, Powdery white sand, Crystal-clear turquoise water, Rich marine life — ideal for diving, Nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles, Opportunity to see whale sharks (March–May), Calm and quiet atmosphere, Free Wi-Fi. Cons: Access only by speedboat (1.5 hours from Sandakan), Resort guests only, High accommodation prices, Limited infrastructure.
Lankayan Island Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Lankayan Dive Sites, Turtle Centre. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Lankayan Island Beach: how do I get to the city of Sandakan?
The beach is located near the city of Sandakan. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Sandakan.