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KUALA LUMPUR
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Garden Island of Borneo

Labuan, located in the South China Sea at about 8 km. off the coast of Sabah is an international offshore center and Malaysia’s only deep water anchorage. Once a part of the Sultanate of Brunei, it was ceded to the British in 1846 following the discovery of rich coal deposits. Ruled by the British for 115 years, it joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. Subsequently, in February 1984, Labuan was declared a federal territory.

Also known as Garden Island of Borneo, Labuan is a popular retreat to almost every class of traveler to relax and recuperate for it offers apart from duty free shopping are its natures gifts of unspoiled tropical island paradise with coral reefs, stunning scenery, secluded white sandy beaches on nearby islands and diving. There are four fascinating wrecks in the seas surrounding Labuan comprising of World War II and post-war shipwrecks, making it the region’s center for wreck-diving.

Labuan comprises of Labuan Island and the six islets of Burong, Daat, Kuraman, Papan, Rusukan Kechil, and Rusukan Besar.

A thriving duty-free port and international offshore financial centre, Labuan has developed into an important venue for business and commerce. The island offers several excellent hotels and international venues for meetings, conventions and trade exhibitions.


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DISTRICT, CITY, TOWN & AREA

Bandar Labuan, formerly known as Victoria is the major town and port.

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LOCATION & WEATHER

Labuan comprises one main island and six smaller islets covering an area of 92 sq. km. It is located 8 km. off the coast of Borneo, adjacent to the state of Sabah. The island is mainly flat and undulating and the highest point is 85 meters above sea level.

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WHERE TO STAY

Labuan offers a variety of accommodation that suits all preferences and budgets. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood as well as local Chineses and Western cuisine in dining outlests around the island.

Accommodations
Hotel CITY / TOWN / AREA Type
     
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Packages
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ATTRACTIONS
   DISTRICT PLACES
Islands / Beaches
 
 
 
 
Rainforest
(Lakes / Rivers / Wetlands / Caves)
 
 
 
 
 
 Water Village (Kampung Air)
 
 
 

Sports & Recreation

 
 
 
 
 
 
Monuments / Buildings
 
 
 
 Labuan Square (Dataran Labuan)
 
 
 
Museums / Arts & Culture / Historical
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leisure
 
 

Birds Park


Located near the Tanjung Kubong Tunnel. This Birds Park exhibits a large variety of tropical birds from around the region such as hornbills, kingfishers, sharmas, mynas herons and maybe even ostriches and peacocks.

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Botanical Garden


Located behind the old airport is the Botanical Garden, which was formerly the site of the government house, locally known as "Bumbung 12". It is a recreational park with old trees and beautiful landscaping

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Japanese Surrender Point


Also at Layang-Layangan. This is where the 37th Japanese Southern Army surrendered to the 9th Division Australian Imperial Forces on 9th September 1945 which led to the end of WWII in Borneo. It is also in this area that South East Asia's first war crime trials were conducted.

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Labuan Marine Museum

The Labuan Marine Museum exhibits a variety of fishes, mollusks, crustacean and corals. It ground level focuses on marine life, wrecks, corals and mangrove with life specimens of marine animals. Level one contains replicas and illustrations of coral, sharks, stingrays, marine reptiles, fishes, marlin and marine mammals, and sections on fishing and diving activities, oceanography and mollusks

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Labuan Museum

Labuan Museum displays the history and culture of Labuan. Its history covers pre-historic era of Labuan, Brunei Sultanate, British colonial days, World War II, Independence declaration of Labuan as federal Territory up to the establishment of Labuan Corporation. While it's cultural theme showcases various phases of socio-cultural and economic evolution in Labuan.

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Labuan Square (Dataran Labuan)


Its central focus is a raised open-airstage with tall flag poles flying the flags of Malaysia. At the one end is the town's field. At the other end is a replica of the "Chimney" with beautiful landscaped gardens en fountains. It is a popular venue for some of Labuan's main events.

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Peace Park


Situated at Layang-Layangan. This beautiful landscaped park was built as a memorial and renunciation of the horrers of war. A huge man-made mound is the focal point and there is a plaque signifying the renunciation of war.

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The Chimney

This 106 feet high structure is Labuan's most well-known landmark. It was built in the 1800's. The actual purpose of the chimney is still a mystery but many believe it served as ventilation shaft. Recent archeological study found no traces of smoke to suggest its use as a chimney

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World War II Memorial

This is Malaysia's largest war grave. Some 3,908 soldiers mostly Australians, British and Indian are buried here. A memorial service is held on Remembrance Day every year. Many war veterans families of war victims from Australia and other Commonwealth countries attend this service each year.

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Labuan International Sea Sports Complex


Labuan International Sea Sports Complex is a world class water sports center. It covers an area of 5.91 acres. Its facilities include a sea sports center, souvenier shops, eateries and viewing tower. The Labuan maine museum is also located inside this sea sport complex. The museum showcases large variety of marine fishes.

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Marine Park

The three islands of Rusukan Kecil, Rusukan Besar and Kuraman make up this Park. Its white sandy beaches are perfect for picnic and sun bathing. As it is close to the wreck-dive sites, many divers use it as their base. Rusukan Besar is densely forested. It is ideal for picnic, swimming and snorkeling. Rusukan Kecul in its unspoilt stat is suitable for camping. An atoll in the middle of the marine park has many snakes sheltering there.

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Water Village (Kampung Air)

There are two main water villages namely Kampung Bebuloh and Kampung Patau-Patau. The residents are mainly Brunei Malay. The wooden houses are built on stilts over water and are connected to each other by numerous wooden walkways

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GETTING THERE

Pulau Labuan is one of the most accessible islands in the world today. It is well connected by air, sea, land and via the information highway.

Malaysian Airlines and Air Asia flies daily from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching to this beautiful island. Kota Kinabalu in the Borneo state of Sabah also serves as an international gateway for Labuan with its regular flights everyday. 

For those wishing a more leisurely and cheaper approach, high speed air conditioned ferries ply daily to Labuan from Kota Kinabalu, Sarawak and Brunei. Travelling time from Kota Kinabalu is about three hours and Brunei about one hour.

Another favourite alternative is to take the vehicle ferry from Menumbok  to Labuan.

The ferry here can accommodate trucks and passenger cars. This is the most economical and convenient "trade route" that connects Labuan and the Borneo hinterland.

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GETTING AROUND

Town buses operate both within town and numerous destinations around Labuan. Taxis can also be hired from taxi stands, wave for one by the roadsides or through a radio-phone paging system.

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