We spent 3 nights at Lankayan Island to end off our Sabah trip last year. The dive package is a little pricey, but having read the reviews and seen the photos we decided to treat ourselves, particularly as we did not have enough time to go to Sipidan which is THE dream.

The island is a couple hours boat ride away from Sandakan - it is not the most comfortable of rides and we spent a lot of time clinging to the sides, so if you're at all prone to sea sickness I recommend you take appropriate precautions.

On arrival, we were stunned by how beautiful the place was - it really is like a postcard. The water is so clear, the sand so white and the people so incredibly friendly.

Our chalet was large, comfortable and very clean. We spent the sunsets sitting outside on the balcony, watching the juvenile white tips swimming around beneath us.

The restaurant is excellent - there is a wide variety of food, both western and asian. We particularly loved how we could go for breakfast before our first dive, then return to have a second helping. The coconut buns were totally yum! It is served buffy style which means you can have as much as you like, but also I imagine some people may complain that the food is just left to sit out. On the contrary, I do not believe the food sits there long enough to lose it's quality and I do not remember dinner service lasting very long (which again may irritate some people).

The dive centre was really good quality. This being my second dive trip, it's a little hard to compare. They do everything for you, which was a little disconcerting at the beginning and I still found myself checking all my equipment afterwards. The guides were knowledgable and did their best to try to show us interesting things on our dives.

If you just want to snorkel, you can go on trips by boat, but also snorkel around the dive centre which has really great coral and fish. We actually saw the two things on our list (shark and turtle) whilst snorkelling.

We also saw two turtles releases which was just amazing, but unfortunatley no turle nesting because of the storms during the night. Speaking of which, we didn't have the best night's sleep on account of the storms which shook our chalet - but then I think this would be a problem anywhere.

Lankayan was perfect for us - we were looking for a relaxing diving holiday and we really didn't have to do anythign except turn up when asked. It is pricey, but then I think you need to pay quite a lot for any of these islands to go diving. I am not sure I would come here if it was not to go diving.

Highly recommended - a total dream.

Lankayan island is the most beautiful place I have ever encountered, never mind in South East Asia. It is a true gem in Sabah, and was the highlight of my entire 3 week trip to Malaysia. The service is great, and yet I still got the impression that we were completely alone on the island to do whatever we pleased, without distractions of restaurants or people selling things on beaches. Personally, my favourite part of the island was the scenic luscious aqua blue waters, with crystal clear ocean and amazing coral life. The rooms were extremely spacious, and the balcony overlooked the water in such a way that your view had no man made obstructions. I think this was the most relaxing, therapeutic way to have a holiday.
My only concern is the time of year we were travelling in - I would not choose this location in the wet season (for that reason) for the fact that there is clearly not much to do in the rain there, and it occurred to me that the island is probably not best equipped to the rainy weather - i.e. slippery tiles, etc. My other dislike was the 1.5 hour bumpy boat ride into the island, especially because it was in the torrential rain, and you just simply had to bear the downpour. There was a little bit of litter washed up outside our room, however no other guests have seemed to have seen it on their shores.
The packages are very expensive yet basic, however this rather adds to the mood and atmosphere. I thought that the island had a very close family vibe at night.
Food on the island is not an issue, however it is not amazing.
All in all, I would say that it was a magical experience

The reef right of the jetty is the best. Great variety of fish & coral. Simply amazing. We only snorkelled and saw heaps so didn't bother diving even though we're qualified divers.

Just a word of warning however, they warn you of jelly fish in the water. But not the larvae -which can cause as much irritation if you are sensitive. (Unfortunately I think this is a problem in all tropical waters these days) You'll feel tiny pin pricks as you swim/snorkel & think nothing of it at the time. 24-48 hours later, they erupt & they cause blisters if you are sensitive. Bring a wetsuit or antihistamines if you are susceptible- not everyone is. I was covered in blisters by the end of the trip as I didn't realise what was causing them until too late......

Rooms are right on the waters edge with air con & fans are huge. No TV in the rooms but not a bad thing if you wanted to chill & relax or read a book. Bring lots as there's nothing to do in the evenings after dinner, onto that later...

The food was very good with lots of variety over our 6 day stay. Desert was mainly fruit though.

Saw the baby turtle release as well as the laying of the eggs by one of these gentle giants on the beach. Unforgettable experience. Don't forget to hang out the sign on your door.

We stayed in October 2010 (very late review) & at the time, they served meals & drinks at the restaurant. No separate bar area where you can relax after dinner.(I realise that due to the limited no of guests that might make it impractical.) The island is small- you can walk around it in 10 mins. However, you'd think that they would encourage guests to stay & chat & drink after dinner by playing some music perhaps? Just to liven it up a bit!! I am not into the party scene by any means but I wanted some atmosphere or someething?

It's OK for a few days but you might get bored if it's more than that.

Chalet No 3. A lovely place to relax after a long work. Definitely a great place to rest your mind and dive. One thing I like the most is, I make friends with traveler, they are cute and friendly and we had a great talk before bed, one of the enjoyable and memorable moment. Oh yes, new restaurant had just done! The trip is definitely worthy.