By Izzud deen Redzuan
Labuan, the Pearl of Borneo is a Federal Territory of Malaysia, besides Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Labuan is the main island with an estimated of 100,000 population located at East Malaysia and is comprised of six smaller islands surround it.
Declared as a Federal Territory on 16 April 1984, Labuan also became an International Offshore Financial Centre on 1 October 1990. Originally, Labuan got its name from the Brunei Malay “Labuhan”, which means anchorage. Due to the influence of Brunei, most of people here speak Brunei-Kadayan Malay dialect which is obviously in contrast with standard Malay. But don’t worry, most who live in Labuan can speak and understand Malay whenever necessary.
Places of Interest
Peace Park and Surrender Point Peace Park was built by the Japanese in the conjunction with the memorial of Japanese soldiers who had died during the World War II. It is also symbolic of diplomatic relationship between the governments of Malaysia and Japan which aim at promoting peace and harmony for both nations. Surrender Point which is located nearby, is another significant monument and it is where the Japanese soldiers surrendered to the Australian Imperial Force.
Sunset Beaches Lies facing the South China Sea, it has given Labuan a beautiful scenery of sunset. Labuan beaches is famous among locals as a place for weekend activities, jogging, fishing and even board surfing. Some of the beaches are namely, Batu Manikar, Sg. Miri, Pohon Batu and Layang-Layangan. To add, Batu Manikar and Sg. Miri Beach won the COBSEA Clean Beach Award in 2008 organised by the United Nation Environment Program.
Botanical Garden Labuan Botanical Garden is a recreational park located in the Labuan City. Like other botanical gardens, it features many different species of flora around the world, tracks for jogger and man-made lakes with an arched bridge.
Labuan Bird Park Labuan Bird Park, is one of the main tourist attractions in Labuan. It is a home for 580 of birds which are indigenous to Borneo and richness with bio-diverse habitats. The bird park is a fantastically landscaped with lush green tropical garden and it offers visitors a complete set of paths to walk through it. As expected, this truly is a relaxing and enjoyable place to visit as you can feel the nature while watching the birds at the park.
Marine Museum Marine Museum is part of the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex located at the Labuan City. This museum features almost 20 galleries that present marine biologist and heritage around the sea of Labuan. As you enter the museum, you will be welcomed by the Touch Pool, where you get a chance to touch and feel marine inhabitants like sea cucumbers, a little sharks and starfish. Other significant things are a lot of aquariums and artefacts from shipwrecks during the World War II.
World War II Memorial World War II Memorial, is a place where 3,908 war heroes from Australia, Britain, India, New Zealand as well as Malaysia take final rest. Every year, on September, a Remembrance Day is organised here in full military tradition to honour the sacrifices.
Getting here
By plane There are daily flights to Labuan Airport (LBU) from Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia as well as 4 flights a day to Miri with MASWings and a couple more flights to and from Kota Kinabalu.
By boat You can arrive in Labuan by ferry and express boat from Brunei, Kota Kinabalu, Lawas, Limbang, Sipitang and Menumbok. Labuan is the usual port for changing boats for those getting from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei and departure-arrival will take place at Labuan International Ferry Terminal.***
Photos of Attractions in Malaysia & Sabah Travel Guide