Lankayan
This slice of heaven is not from a television studio – it’s all nature’s work. Lankayan is such a picture-perfect tropical island paradise that it seems almost unreal. Read More>> |
| Photo gallery
Check out our photo gallery..
|
Scuba
diving and snorkelling
There are 14 dive sites around Lankayan, offering divers the chance
to see anything from massive whale sharks to delicate macro life.
Read More >> |
|
Travel tips
The best time to visit
The resort usually closes in January and February for the monsoon
season, but enquire beforehand to be sure of the specific dates.
The best chances of spotting whale sharks are between March and
May, while most turtle landings occur between June and August.
Climate
Equatorial with fairly uniform temperatures year-round, ranging
from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Humidity is
high (85-95%). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm and
most rain can be expected between November and February.
Clothing
Very casual. There are no dress restrictions on the island and light
cotton clothing, t-shirts and shorts would be suitable. If you are
planning to visit the orang-utan sanctuary, you may need to purchase
rain poncho in case of tropical downpours.
Currency and credit cards
The Malaysian currency unit is Ringgit (RM) and sen, where 100 sen
equals one Ringgit. US$ 1 is roughly RM 3.20 (Check www.oanda.com
for up to date exchange rates). Foreign currency can be converted
at banks and money changers at the airport and in Semporna.
Visitors are not permitted to take more than RM 1000 in Malaysian
currency out of the country and no more in foreign currency than
was brought in.
There are no banks or ATMs on the island, the closest are at Sandakan.
VISA and Mastercard are accepted.
Shopping
The resort has a small boutique offering t-shirts, sunscreen and
postcards, batteries and some other essential items.
Telephone and Internet
The resort has telephone facilities, including facilities for international
phone calls. The access code for making international calls from
Malaysia is 00. For more information, dial 103. Internet access
is available at the resort office.
Water
The resort provides ample free drinking water for its guests. Freshwater
bins are provided for rinsing cameras and dive gear. All waste water
is treated with a Hydroponics Treatment System, to minimize impact
on the environment.
Elsewhere in Malaysia, tap water is safe for drinking, provided
that it is boiled first.
Electricity
Available 24 hours a day. 220V, 50 cycles using a plug with three
rectangular prongs similar to UK plugs. Adaptors for other plugs
can be purchased at airports and some stores elsewhere.
Health and medical services
While still listed as a malaria-infected country, most literature
states that malaria has been widely eradicated from most parts of
Malaysia. Discuss your needs with an experienced travel doctor.
Warning: divers should never take Lariam because of common side-effects
including nausea and vertigo. Discuss alternatives with your doctor.
The only vaccination requirements are yellow fever for those from
infected areas.
The resort has basic first-aid services while the closest hospitals
and clinics are in Sandakan on Malaysian Borneo.
Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the official language but English is widely spoken
and understood.
Time
Malaysia is eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S.
Pacific Standard Time.
Driving in Malaysia
Visitors will need an international driving licence. Driving is
on the left-hand side of the road and it is advisable to observe
the speed limits, which are generally 50km/h in the city or residential
areas and 80km/h or 110km/h on the highway and expressway.
Police and the Law
The closest police station is in Sandakan.
Anti-drug law
Visitors to Malaysia are advised that the trafficking of drugs in
the country is an offence punishable by the death penalty.
Religion
The official religion of Malaysia is Islam but there is freedom
of worship.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is widely practised. RM2-RM5.
Immigration
Citizens from the following countries are required to have a visa
to visit Malaysia : North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam and the People's
Republic of China. Nationals other than those stated will receive
a visa upon arrival or are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa
for a visit not exceeding one month. However, it is recommended
that visa enquiries are made at the Malaysian embassy or Malaysian
consulate closest to you, as regulations are subject to change.
Also check http://www.imi.gov.my/ for updated information.
Tourist Information Centers
Please contact the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board for tourist
information. (http://tourism.gov.my) or the Sabah Tourism authority
at www.sabahtourism.com |
| |
|
|
