Pulau Langkayan is another unforgettable gem offering a fascinating array of diving opportunities in a remarkably small area. It is in Sulu Sea north west of Sandakan on the north east coast of Sabah and it takes about 90 minutes
(by speedboat) to get to the island.
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This small paradise island, with stretches of white sandy beaches, swaying casuarinas pines and beautiful sunsets is another island with only one dive resort, Langkayan Island Dive Resort. The resort was built in 1997 and since then tourists has slowly been discovering the serenity and tranquility of this remote peace of paradise. This resort offers accommodations range from simple chalets to deluxe apartment rooms. Lankayan offers a fantastic variety of macro marine life, a muck-diving arena that rivals both Mabul and Kapalai Island.However, with new protection from local fishermen, the larger marine creatures such as leopard sharks, marbled stingray and giant grouper have returned to the surrounding reefs.
School of humphead parrotfish, yellowtail barracuda and scads also appear at many dive sites.
Today, it is home to an array of fish which relish the irony of its shelter.
Of all the islands in Malaysia, it offers the best chance for sighting whale sharks. The best time to see this mesmerising giants is between the month of March and May. Otherwise, you will have to be content with ogling bamboo sharks, mandarin fish, mimic octopuses, porcelain crabs and ghost pipefish.
Among the 40 dive sites is 'Langkayan Wreck", an ocean going fish poaching vessel that demised in the area of its illegal activities. This wreck now hosts many different species of fish from small glassfish, harlequin ghost pipefish, painted frogfish to giant grouper and marbled stingrays. This wreck located just in front of Langkayan Island Dive Resort.
On the other side is the "Mosquito Wreck". It is really an armed barge that sank during World War II. However, this makes it old enough to be encrusted with lots of corals and inhabited by a bevy of fish life. On it doorstep lies a nursery of baby white tip sharks. Enjoy the experience of feeding them!
Many rare subject can be found on many other sites including sea horses, flying gurnards, flamboyant cuttlefish, jaw fish, dragonets and sand divers. Having Pulau Selingan, home to Sabah's Turtle
Sanctuary nearby, it is not a surprise to also see the occasional Hawksbill or Green Turtle on one of your dives.
