Labuan island is located off the northwest coast of Borneo, north of Brunei Bay and faces the South China Sea.Labuan located approximately 8km off the coast of the state of Sabah at the mouth of the Brunei Bay.It comprises of one main island and six smaller ones, (Pulau Burung, Pulau Daat, Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Papan, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, and Pulau Rusukan Besar), which have a combined total area of 92 km². The name Labuan derives from the Malay word labuhan meaning anchorage.
Labuan is an Island with an estimated population of 80,000 people. Its quite a small community where everyone knows everyone. Labuan was proclaimed Federal Territory on 16/04/1984 and declared an International Offshore Financial Centre on 1/10/1990. A few of the major business that is run on the island are the International Offshore Bankings, Steel mills, Methanol plant, floor tiles production, flour mill as well as offshore supplies.
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 Sea Sport Complex - 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.
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.
The Chimney - The Chimney is just a short drive from the town just like any other destination due to the island size. It is where the coal mining was done in the early days. 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 Pohon Batu and Pancur Hitam where the locals hang out and have a BBQ picnic during the weekend.
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 is a very safe town. It is a very peaceful place and the people are very nice and friendly.Crime rate is very low, except once in a while, there used to be physical arguments between the immigrants, but only among themselves, not involving others.
I missed Labuan soooooo much ♥♥♥
