Labuan Sights and Activities

Sights and Activities

Duty-Free Shopping - This is one of Labuan's known attractions. Its modern shopping centres carry a wide range of locally-produced as well as imported goods. Most popular are spirits and tobacco, textiles and appliances. Every end of the year, the island hosts a month-long shopping carnival with attractive discounts. Cultural shows add to the excitement

International Offshore Financial Centre - Pulau Labuan is Asia's newest international offshore financial centre. The 65 foreign banks operating on the island offer sophisticated offshore banking services and numbered accounts facilities to the world's rich and famous.

World Class Sport Fishing Destination - Pulau Labuan is surrounded by six smaller islands namely Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Daat, Pulau Rusukan Besar, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, Pulau Papan and Pulau Burong. The blue clear water around these idyllic islands is home to one of the world's richest coral and fishing grounds which offers unlimited deep sea tackling and coastal table-fish catches.

World War II Sites - Pulau Labuan is a significant historical destination particularly from the time of World War II. The Labuan War Cemetery, Allied Landing Point and Japanese Surrender Park are three major World War II sites attracting foreign and local visitors alike. A "Remembrance Day" is held every November at the Labuan War Cemetery to honour the 3,900 recorded graves of Fallen Heroes of World War II. This event is attended by Malaysian and foreign war veterans and family members of the Allied soldiers killed in action during the war between 1942 and 1945.

Explore iGuide's interactive Malaysia travel map

International Sea Sport Complex - Besides the various activities already mentioned, Labuan also hosts the International Sea Challenge in May every year which comprises of four events - the Underwater Treasure Hunt, Jet Sport Challenge, Cross Channel Swim Challenge and Big Game Fishing Tournament.

Wreck Diving - Pulau Labuan has one of the best wreck diving sites in Asia. There are four wreck sites on the island's locally known as: Australian Wreck. The Australian Wreck provides a very atmospheric dive thanks to the combination of the less than 10m visibility, rich coral growth, the skeletal remains of the ship, her tragic end and a reputation to be haunted. American Wreck. The American Wreck has a rich and tragic history, having been capsized during the World War II era with the loss of 9 lives. This journey back in time is complete with the sightings of bullet clips, depth chargers, wire bottles and canon artifacts still intact. Cement Wreck. The shallowest wreck in Labuan with its super structure rising to 19m and the way it sits makes it the easiest to pass through and great for wreck diving training for beginners. The Cement Wreck also offers rare whale shark sightings to lucky divers. Blue Water Wreck. Also known as Mabini Padre, is a large Philippines fishing trawler,which caught fire and sank in 1981. The completely intact vessel with masts lies on its side and is further enhanced by an abundance of marine life.

The Chimney - The Chimney is just a short drive from the town just like any other destination due to the island size. This 106 feet high red brick stack, also known by the local as Punil, is an artifact from Labuan's coal mining era (1847-1912). However no one knows the true purpose of the chimney. Entry is free of charge.

Bird Park - The bird park is just opposite of the Chimney. Consist of 3 major dome connected together. Houses a number of species of bird. Entrance is 3 RM for locals and 5 RM for foreigners.

Beach - As the Pearl of South China Sea, it has beautiful stretches of beach. The famous ones are Batu Manikar, Pancur Hitam and Layang-layangan beach where the locals hang out and have a BBQ picnic during the weekend. These beaches won the United Nation COBSEA Clean Beach Award 2008. The prestigious award is well deserved as every morning Labuan Corporation workers can be seen hard at work cleaning the beach from any rubbish and debris.

Kampung Air / Water Village - Interesting settlement where houses, shops, and mosques are built on wooden houses on the water shore. No boat is needed to get in to the village. It is accessible by road till the parking areas near the entrance. You can then, choose to walk around the village on the wooden bridge or steel concrete walkways (e.g. Patau- Patau 1). The villagers are friendly and don't mind tourists walking around their villages and snapping pictures.

Labuan Golf Club - The 9 hole Labuan Golf Course boasts a driving range, putting green, squash and tennis courts, gymnasium, swimming pool, restaurant and karaoke lounge.

Jamek An-Nur Mosque - The largest mosque in Labuan. Features a grey futuristic architect.

Labuan Square - Parade ground with beautiful landscape and green field. New Year, Federal Territory Day and National Day celebrations are held here.

Select a section to browse the Labuan guide