Labuan: Must Go Places

The Labuan island has a population of around 100,000 people and around 20 percent are foreigners. The territory of Labuan comprises of seven islands; Labuan, Kuraman, Daat, Rusukan Besar, Rusukan Kecil, Papan, Mayat and Burung. Labuan mainly known as an Malaysia offshore financial center, there are a few nice attractions in Labuan.

Beach between Mawilla Yacht Club and Labuan Marina:

The Port and Ships anchor at Rancha Rancha Industrial Estate from distance. View from beach behind Labuan Marine Museum.

The nearest beach from town square, a bit crowded during weekends. The water a bit dirty because so near to Rancha Rancha industrial estate.

Chimmey

The 106-foot-tall tower was constructed in the late 1800's still strong on Tanjung Kubong. The Chimney still remains a mystery today, as there is no trace of smoke or burning within. Some said that it is more likely to be a lighthouse. Well, it has become one of the tourist attractions on the island especially it was built with more than 23,000 pieces of red bricks imported from England. of red bricks imported from England.

Inside the Museum Chimney, the illustrations about coal mine shaft / tunnel. This is where you’ll find the remains and mystery of a coal mine since 1847.

World War II Memorial Park and Tomb of Unknown Soldiers:

About 3,908 graves of soldiers who either died in battle or captivity lie here. Most of the soldiers were Australians and British with some from the Punjab Signal Corp, New Zealand as well as a few locals.

Financial Park Complex

This is perhaps the most important building and landmark in Labuan as Offshore Financial Hub. The complex offers visitors a paradise for shopping and entertainments.

An’Nur Jamek Mosque

A unique structural of architecture design and the mosque is the pride of Labuan’s Muslims.

Peace Park:

The memorial site of the surrendered 37th Japanese southern Army to the 9th Division Australia Imperial Forces on 9th September 1945.

Labuan Marine Museum

There are 16 galleries exhibiting items of live specimens to information on do’s and dont’s. It is quite interesting and a good start before diving. The Marine Museum is located at JalanTanjung Purun and opens from 9am to 6pm daily. Admission is free.

Labuan Kampung Air:

The residents are mainly Brunei Malay / Kadayan. The wooden houses are built on stilts over water and are connected to each other by numerous wooden walkways. Almost every house has its own boat. The water village was first settled by fishermen from Brunei, traders, and sailors; homestays allow visitors to see what everyday life on the water is really like. The water village is located just a few minutes northwest of the city center.

Labuan Botanical Garden:

The Botanical Gardens are located only a mile northeast of the city center; admission is free. Labuan Botanical Gardens was once the home of Labuan Island's Government House before it was destroyed in the World War II.

Labuan West Coast Beach:

Labuan Island - particularly the west coast - is surrounded by undeveloped beaches. Peaceful parks, esplanades, and a couple of outdoor eating areas compliment the beaches which, aside from weekends, are usually void of people. The six-mile stretch of sand on the west coast between Layang-Layangan Beach and Surrender Point received the UN's Cleanest Beach Award in 2008. Pancur Hitam Beach and Pohon Batu Beach in the north both have picnic areas, public toilets, and are rarely visited on weekdays.

Manikar Beach Resort:

The writer take the chances by staying at this Resort while vacation on Labuan Island.

Labuan Marina:

The Marina itself is only a few minutes (about 5 minutes) walking to nearby supermarket, Chinese and Malay restaurant, bars. With its clear water and power and water available at the finger jetty along with beautiful tree lined street.

Duty Free Shop:

Tourist who stay not less than 24 hours are entitled for tax exemption on the following items:

Wine, spirit or malt liquor not exceeding 1 litre in all.
Tobacco not exceeding 200 cigarettes.
Talc, soaps and dentrifices to a total value not exceeding RM200.00.
Wearing apparel not exceeding 3 pieces.
Footwear not exceeding one pair.
Portable electrically and battery operated appliances for personal care and hygiene not exceeding 1 unit each.
Dutiable food preparations to a total not exceeding RM75.00.
Souvenirs and gifts on any dutiable items except item 1, 2, 4, 5, tyres and tubes to a total value not exceeding RM500.00.
Portable goods and equipment brought in by tourist/foreign journalist for personal use during the stay in Malaysia and to be re-exported.