Labuan is a federal territory of Malaysia and the nation’s only offshore financial centre doing business through Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (IFBC). Labuan was under the rule of the Brunei sultanate in the 14th century and became one of the smallest colonies of the British Empire before being ceded to Sabah when it joined Malaysia in 1963.
The glorious and colourful history of Labuan with some unusual and varied foreign influences adds to its diverse cultural and religious heritage. The Chinese brought Buddhism to Labuan while on their passage to India, Arab merchants brought Islam and Hindu influences came in when it was under the Majapahit Empire before coming under Brunei sovereignty. Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch traders brought in European influences to Labuan.
Pulau Labuan, set off the north west coast of Sabah is one of the most accessible islands in the world today. It is well connected by air, sea, and land and via the information highway. It is also only a twenty-minute boat ride from Menumbok, a small fishing town in Sabah. High-speed air-conditioned ferries ply daily to Labuan from Sabah, Sarawak and The kingdom of Brunei.
Six smaller islands, Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Daat, Pulau Rusukan Besar, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, Pulau Papan and Pulau Burong, surround Pulau Labuan. Divers from all around the world come to experience the world’s richest coral clusters peeping through the crystal clear waters around these idyllic islands.
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Pulau Labuan also offers one of the best wreck diving sites in Asia with wrecks from the world over submerged in its waters. Locals refer to the four main wrecks as the "Australian" Wreck, the "American" Wreck, the "Blue Water" Wreck and the "Cement" Wreck.
The tiny island town Labuan, formerly known as Victoria Town is the Pearl of South China Sea, with its beautiful stretches of beaches. The Pohon Batu and Pancur Hitam beaches are the favourite hangouts of locals for their BBQ picnics. The beach comes alive with hawker stalls and live musical bands over the weekends. The picturesque beach is also fringed with cycling trails and picnic tables.
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The Labuan Marine Park, located 2 km southwards from Labuan Island has some pristine white beaches, reefs, lush jungles and tranquil tidal pools. The vivacious marine life of its waters makes it a preferred spot for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Labuan is also a heritage site significant for its role during World War II. The Labuan War Cemetery, Allied Landing Point and Japanese Surrender Park are three major World War II sites here. Every November a "Remembrance Day" is held in honour of the 3,900 Fallen heroes buried in the site. This event is attended by Malaysian and foreign war veterans and family members of the Allied soldiers killed in action during the war.
Labuan was the site of coal mining in its early days. The island used to have a massive network of tunnels and deep wells built in the 18th century at the peak of its coal mining days. These tunnels were built to mine the rich coal ores found in this area. Many of these were closed down in the year 1911. Among these Tanjung Kubong tunnel is the only tunnel open to visitors and still has old bricks, pieces of rail tracks and rusty cables strewn across its length. Visitors can enter the low tunnel with a short rope and climb it all the way to the top.
Apart from these the International Sea Sport Complex, Bird Park, Botanical garden and museum square are some of the finest attractions in this land of Old World charm. A walk around Kampong Air or Water Village, an interesting rustic settlement on its shores can give tourists an insight into the way of life of the native settlers of Labuan.
The town of Labuan has some modern shopping centres but is not necessarily a bargain hunter’s paradise. However some items like pearl and crystal jewellery may be cheaper in Labuan than in other places. The shopping centres hold annual shopping carnivals where you can strike some terrific bargains. The town is also a hub for duty-free goods and attracts many visitors from its neighbour Brunei. The town also has some modern shopping centres with their annual shopping carnivals.
A holiday in Labuan is incomplete without a taste of its crab delicacies. The most popular seafood centre in Labuan is at Anjung Ketam. This small food court is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike for its fresh crab, lobster and other seafood delicacies. Its crab varieties are so much in demand that some dishes sell out as fast as they are cooked and require advance booking.
With treats for the eyes and food for the soul a holiday in Labuan is as relaxing and as satisfying as it can get. Double click the map to get a closer look!
