Labuan comprises of the main island of Labuan Island and six other smaller islets. It has a major cultural influence of Brunei due to its close proximity to this neighbouring country. Discover the exciting experience with local people and lifestyle as well as the culture, historical sites and nature in Labuan.
Discover Labuan
The Chimney
The Chimney is one of a must place to visit in Labuan. A tall tower of 32.5m height was built in in the early 1900s resembling a shaped tower with an inner hollow structure based on typical British architecture during that period. It is stated that there is no traces of smoke and whatsoever that indicate that it works like any normal chimney. However, the locals believe that it was used as a ventilation shaft. Still, there are many people that have other thought. Some say that it is just an unfinished mansion built in those days while others claim that it is a light house to be. Until today, no one knows the right purpose of this chimney and this is why it is such mysterious!
The Peace Park
The Peace Park acts as a promise to peace and mankind, was built as a memorial and renunciation of the horrors of the World War ll. It is dominated by the memorial mound which is surrounded by landscaped gardens and pavilions. Once you reach the entrance, you can see the huge man made mound that acts as the focal point with a plaque signifying the renunciation of war. Near to the Peace Park is the famous Japanese Surrender Point with built by the beach for you to surrender yourself to the nature of Labuan!
The World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial is definitely a must visit place when you step your foot in Labuan Island. It is a historical place and certainly a place to appreciate the scarifications that are done by all soldiers that were involved in the massive war. Most of the soldiers buried there were Australians and British, of course, there are others such as Punjab, locals, New Zealand and more. The lawn was beautifully kept with neat rows of plaques. The bodies were all shipped in from Sabah, some with the military tags hanging around the necks. Out of the 3,908, there are as much as 2,156 are unidentified. White stones are given to each soldier with their names, military positions and death ages engraved on the stones. On the first Sunday of November every year, a service to mark Remembrance Day is held here and is attended by locals and foreign visitors. Bring the whole of your family to visit this place is an open to their eyes. We should indeed cherish those who sacrificed their lives and who have passed on. Remember, peace among humanity is what counts.
Labuan Bird Park
The 6.9 hectares Labuan Bird Park acts as a home to all kinds of Borneo birds where you can hardly see it around anywhere except in the deep forests of Borneo. There are up to 580 of birds showcased in the bird park include the famous Cockatoo, kingfishers, peacocks, hornbills and sharmas, just to name a few. A visit to the Labuan Bird Park is definitely worth every penny as it is suitable for all ages. You can bring your family with elders and kids and they will enjoy the day for sure.
Labuan International Sea Sport Complex
The Labuan International Sea Sport Complex is 5.91 acres big, a world class water sports centre. It is officially opened in the year of 2001 which hosts the inaugural Labuan International Sea Challenge annually. They are the block of administrative, a marine biology museum, eateries and some souvenir shops. The museum is sited next to the administrative block in a different building. Apart from the world class architecture complex, visitors often visit this very place as there are souvenir shops and amazing eateries. There are famous local food and handicrafts items selling in the complex.
Duty Free
Before heading back home, shopping for souvenirs is a must in Labuan Island due to its duty free goods offered. Enjoy Duty Free shopping in Labuan – one of the tax-free territory in Malaysia. Great purchase on wines and alcohols, perfumes, chocolates, cosmetics, cameras, audio equipment, pens, watches and lighters as well as leather goods at attractive prices. Local and imported, all these discounted prices items are sold almost everywhere in Labuan.
Kampung Air
Kampung air or water villages in Labuan are mostly lived in by the Brunei Malays, built along the edges of water. The houses there are all made up of high stilts and only woods. Then there is a long wooden walkway that is used to connect each and every house in the village. Most of the houses have their own boat as transport. Their houses are quite spacious. The residents are all very friendly. Some host families will even welcome you with some local treats. What interesting is that the village is not just comprised of wooden houses, and many a small shop, but it is well equipped will all kinds of basic facilities. It has seafood restaurants and boardwalk. You are more than welcome to roam around and pay a visit to the village, offering you a water sport activities.
Labuan Central Market
Labuan Central Market has its orderly sections of meat, fish/seafood and vegetable cum grocery beckons. Walk through the covered complex for a cornucopia of local sights, sounds and smell. Exclusive for seafood foodies, all looked like they’ve just been hauled from the sea, which probably was the case. Prices were definitely lower than those here and the vendors will also pack the fresh seafood in proper packing should you want to bring them aboard a flight.
Labuan International Golf Club (LIGC)
Labuan International Golf Club (LIGC) is set amidst over 200 acres of lush landscapes and is the only 18-hole golf course in Labuan bordered by magnificent sea view of South China Sea and cooling greenery. The Club also boasts some first-class practice facilities with 16-bay driving range, practice greens and a bunker. Designed by the renowned Australian designer of Parslow & Winter Golf Course Design, the 18-hole Par 72 golf course is fast becoming the venue choice amongst Borneo’s golfing fraternity. With interesting design and 60% of the flora and fauna remain untouch
Botanical Gardens
This famous Botanical Gardens was previously the grounds of the Government House that is locally known as the 'Bumbung 12'. The park possesses amazing landscape and beautiful old trees. The Government House has a low and long structure. Its architecture has its own unique design too, especially its very own roof. Unfortunately, the house was completely destroyed during the era of World War II and what left over is nothing but a water storage tank. It is said that most of the old trees are planted by the Colonial Secretary, Hugh Low. Apart from the scenic background, there are some historical means featured in the park itself. On the ground of the park has two graveyards. These graveyards are believed to be the oldest ever in Labuan Island. One of the graves is planted down at the year of 1847. These two graves are memorable and has distinct historical story behind. Today, you can only see the left over water storage tank and a small grave of a foxhound with the name of 'Jim'. Besides these interesting features, the park owns a hibiscus garden with various kinds and species within, a herbal garden featuring all kinds of herbs and spices, a manmade lake and arched bridge above, a reflexology pathway and a lot more for visitors and locals to enjoy.
Wreck Diving
Experience the Wreck Diving in Labuan. If Wrecks are your “thing”, Labuan is the place to be. The four major wrecks in Brunei Bay off the coast of the Island of Labuan are among the best in South East Asia. For history buffs, two World War II wrecks are available. If you enjoy prolific marine life, the underwater oasis formed by the "Cement Wreck" and the "Blue Water Wreck" which were from 1980s, are not to be missed.
No visit to Labuan is complete without a meal or two or three of its freshest seafood. Get the great taste, quality and presentation of seafood dishes at reasonable prices. One of the best things about the restaurants is that you can request the staff to cook your food the way you want, no matter if you want the food to be cooked with spicy or non-spicy. Thus, if you have a specific preference of seafood dishes, Labuan is a place that will definitely not disappoint your taste buds. Just a reminder - the place is constantly packed, so remember to book your tables earlier!
Surrounded by the South China Sea, Labuan Island, together with its 6 other smaller islands are just perfect for island hopping. The islands, namely Rusukan Besar, Burung, Daat, Rusukan Kecil, Papan and Kuraman form the Labuan Marine Park. The water around these islands is crystal clear and so irresistible to snorkelers and divers. There are 3 well-known shipwrecks in the area, a clear attraction for wreck divers.