Sandakan, Borneo

Lankayan Island Resort

Name: Lankayan Island Resort
Address: Asia

A coral island diving escape in Sabah’s Sulu Sea

A row of over-water villas perched on stilts above light blue water is seen through a frame of green foliage in the foreground.

Overwater chalets and world-class diving on a tiny island in Borneo

Lankayan Island Resort is the only property on its tiny namesake island in the Sulu Sea. About 90 minutes by boat from Sandakan on the Borneo mainland, its setting is picture-perfect, with powdery sand, clear water and surrounding coral reefs alive with marine life. There are 16 seafront chalets and overwater bungalows just off the beach, built entirely of local hardwood and furnished in a simple, natural style that takes advantage of sea breezes.

The exceptional marine life and a dedicated diving centre are a big draw. You have access to a variety of dive sites right on the doorstep, ranging from shallow coral gardens to wreck dives, all rich with tropical fish like yellow tail barracudas, as well as occasional whale shark and manatee sightings. And the beaches here are sea turtle nesting sites. You can also snorkel directly from the jetty, stroll around the island, or simply watch the sunset from your private veranda. Simple meals are served in the open-air restaurant overlooking the water, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local produce, and an over-water bar provides a place to meet with fellow divers and review the day’s underwater highlights.

Highlights

Stay on a tiny coral island surrounded by turquoise sea

Dive or snorkel at world-class reef sites teeming with marine life

Watch turtles nest and hatch along the island’s beaches

Enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine in the open-air, overwater restaurant

Unwind in your airy chalet built from local hardwood with direct ocean views

Aerial shot of a resort on a tiny island surrounded by white sand and turquoise water and covered in dark palms. A long pier extends from one side with a building over the water, and on the other side, a row of smaller villas run perpendicular to the beach over the water.

Interior of a bathroom with white tiled walls and colourful wallpaper on the upp half. There is a white bathtub, a toilet and a sink.

Interior of a bedroom with a double bed and a single bed as well as part of a grey sofa. The walls and floor are hardwood, and there is a grey and blue rug on the floor.

Interior shot of a wooden chalet with yellow walls and a pitched ceiling. Inside is a double bed with white sheets and a mosquito net, and overhead is a ceiling fan.

Exterior shot of signage indicating a sea turtle hatchery.

Exterior shot of two chalets with pitched roofs sitting on low stilts on a sandy beach surrounded by palm trees.

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Places to combine Lankayan Island Resort with

Kuala Lumpur

Villa Samadhi

Ten minutes out of the city centre, Villa Samadhi sits in one of Kuala Lumpur’s more tranquil and affluent neighbourhoods. Beautiful Asian antiques and a luxury, ethnic Malay style mix to make this a genuine sanctuary amid one of the busiest cities in Asia.

The spacious and lavish guestrooms boast an array of luxurious features, with large beds, walk-in wardrobes, oversized plunge tubs and private balconies. Besides these grand, contemporary pieces, exquisite Asian antiquities dot the rooms, adding cultural elements to the decor.

All ground floor guestrooms are based beside the lagoon pool; this cool spot is the perfect place to unwind and while away the day.

Dining is also taken care of at Villa Samadhi with Mandi-Mandi, the all-day dining room which serves up delicious cuisine exclusively for guests.

Danum Valley

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

In the heart of the Danum Valley, one of the world's oldest rainforests, lies Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

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Sepilok Nature Lodge

Nestled among the lake’s rich jungle fringes of orchids and trees, Sepilok Nature Resort offers a peaceful and comfortable place to explore the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and Rehabilitation Centre.

All sixty of the comfortable chalets come with air conditioning, traditional interiors and private verandas that give you good views.

The Reserve which is home to the last wild Orang-utans of Northern Borneo, is just a mere walk away from the resort. Immersed into this pristine wilderness enjoy days, nights, delicious meals and downtime to the chorus of creatures that surround you.

Take advantage of the river trips, trekking and birding excursions that are all on offer.

Kuala Lumpur

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

Right in the heart of the Kuala Lumpur, among lush gardens and close to the immense Petronas Twin Towers, this high-end hotel boasts stylish interiors, expansive rooms and an array of delicious dining options.

Ten dining spots are on offer here with cuisines varying from Oriental to Mediterranean. With all rooms and suites offering magnificent city vistas, the accommodation at Mandarin Oriental is a lavish space where guests can relax and enjoy the comforts of top quality service.

This sense of relaxation extends from the guestrooms to the spa and wellness facilities. Indulge in some tranquil treatments, or take one of the many classes at the modern fitness centre. Sporting pursuits are also taken care of with an outdoor infinity edge pool, two outdoor tennis courts and two indoor squash courts all available.