People taking their vacations at luxury hotels in Borneo should not pass up the opportunity to go snorkelling, the Times reports.

In particular, the island of Palu Lankayan near Sandakan was recommended, due to its having been designated a Marine Protected Area by the Malaysian government.

This means that the area has been specially reserved for eco-tourism – as major developments will not be allowed nearby in order to protect local wildlife and encourage sustainability.

Accessible by a 90 minute boat trip from the town, the island is “renowned for lush vegetation, stunning white beaches, but most of all, for diving”, the report adds.

Sea animals, fauna and shipwrecks are all in close proximity – and can be explored via organised diving tours.

Animal-watchers can also study sea turtles on the island, as it is a nesting place for the green turtle and hawksbill turtle species.

Hatchlings are released by locals between the months of May and September.

Tourists who wish to stay on Palu Lankayan itself, rather than in a luxury hotel nearby, can also take one of the 16 chalets and two bungalows on the island.