Lankayan - Sipadan

Lankayan brings a different feel to the Sipadan area. We’re talking healthy corals and schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish, and banners that just blanket the reef. But the real joy here, for us, is taking it slow and looking for the smaller stuff. We’ve found frogfish tucked into sponges, ghostpipefish swaying in the current, and nudibranchs in colours you didn’t know existed. It’s a great spot for photographers or anyone who likes a more relaxed pace, letting you really appreciate the details, though you’ll still spot blacktip reef sharks cruising past in the blue.

Location
Sipadan, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
6.430000, 117.680000

Marine Protected Area: Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area

Best Time to Dive in Sipadan

The warmest water temperatures in Sipadan occur in August, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.5°C
  • February: 28.3°C
  • March: 28.9°C
  • April: 29.7°C
  • May: 30.3°C
  • June: 30.3°C
  • July: 30.2°C
  • August: 30.6°C
  • September: 30.5°C
  • October: 30.4°C
  • November: 30.0°C
  • December: 29.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Sipadan

Nearest Dive Centres to Lankayan

Marine Life in Sipadan

Home to 147 recorded species including 111 reef fish, 11 sea snails & nudibranchs, 9 sharks & rays, 5 seagrass & algae, 4 other, 4 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Lankayan

Based on average water temperature of 29.7°C, currents 12 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories