Written by Ying Chia |
Looking for a fun-filled vacation that’s close enough to make the most of your time off? This duty-free haven is a thriving community with plenty to do, eat and drink! There are six smaller islands around the mainland area that are also part of the Labuan territory so you’ll have plenty of spots to jet off to for a day of soaking up the sun and relaxing in pristine waters. If you want to stay on land, the island is rich with history and there are lots of nature walks, landmarks and beaches to explore — you might even meet a local surfer or two!
Labuan Island is officially considered a federal territory of Malaysia, which means international visitors will need a passport to enter; the Labuan International airport services most major and regional airlines and a short ferry ride is available for Bornean visitors who don’t want to catch a flight over. Ferry schedules are available online at www.pulaulabuan.com but it’s best to call 24 hours before to check for time changes or cancellations. A 50% ferry fee subsidy is provided for Malaysian citizens by the federal government on ticket fares for the Menumbok, Kota Kinabalu, Sipitang, Lawas and Limbang routes. This discount however is not applicable for the Brunei route
CHIMNEY MUSEUM
Discover Labuan’s rich past as the largest producer of coal mineral resources in Borneo region until the development of the railway system, which is believed to be among the earliest in Malaysia. The museum sits on a hilly bit of land that used to also be the site of an old coal mine. When you’re done looking through the artifact collections and historical coal samples found in Tanjong Kubung, many of which were unearthed from around the area, head off on the lovely walking trail that passes along a hidden beach cove area. Entry is free and a short guided tour is available.
Find them: Chimney Museum, Kg Lubok Temiang, Jln Tanjung Kubong, 87007 | Tel: 6087 463 603
DESA TUNAS HIJAU
Located on the southwest coast of Labuan, this seven-acre site offers facilities and services for everyone, from toddlers to the elderly. There are outdoor activities for the adventurous, family fun to be had, and wonderfully furnished chalets to spends a few nights in! Their large banquet hall can accommodate up to 500 people if you’re choosing Labuan for a big gathering or event, and the beautiful landscape and luscious greens will captivate your minds and soul. Serene and secluded, it is fronting the vast South China Sea with an unobstructed view of the stellar sunset.
Find them: Jln. Sg. Pagar. Kg. Sg. Miri, WP Labuan, 87008 | www.desaland.com.my
LOONG FISH HEAD SOUP STALL
You wouldn’t expect it but this humble stall behind the Labuan Times Square mall is constantly packed with customers who love the Fish Head Noodle Soup served here. A balanced, tangy soup that comes with mee hoon noodles or a bowl of kolo mee, topped off with fresh fried fish slices, who can say no to that! The Curry Fishball also comes highly recommended.
Find them: Labuan Times Square, Labuan, Malaysia | Tel: 6016 811 1661 | FB: Loong Fish Head Soup Stall Labuan
DEEP SEA RAFF RESTAURANT
The Deep Sea Raff Restaurant is synonymous with Labuan’s food scene and has retained its legendary status by continuing to serve great Halal Malay-style food. Located to the side of the Jetty Sri Ganti Labuan, it’s a convenient place to grab a meal pre or post-ferry, and watch all the shops as they come and go. Fill up on Deep Sea Raff’s speciality, the Nasi Campur Berlauk. It’s also conveniently located behind the local mosque.
Find them: c/o Labuan Deep Sea Seafood Centre, Bangunan Terminal Lama Feri Penumpang, Jln Merdeka, 87000 Labuan, Malaysia | Tel:6019 897 2799 | FB: Raff Restaurant
PALM BEACH RESORT & SPA
This beachfront property is the ideal getaway for holiday and business travelers, with just 15 minutes drive from the town and industrial centre. With 245 spacious and comfortable rooms on 17 acres of private beach and attractive tropical gardens, there is plenty to do or nothing at all if you wish! Relax in the large outdoor pool and have a chilled beverage or take a walk along the pristine beach to catch the island’s stunning sunsets !
Find them: 700, 87-14, Labuan Federal Territory, Malaysia | Te;L 6087 418 700 | IG: @pbrslabuan
SANTAI BEACH BAR
Imagine sipping on a refreshing cold beverage while lounging on a beach chair facing a clear blue sea. Welcome to Santai Beach Bar, located on the snazzy Palm Beach Resort property. Aside from the beautiful modern Bali-inspired interiors, there’s tons of kid-friendly spaces for young ones to run around, while you enjoy a nice meal al fresco — Western barbecue, wood-fired pizza or Asian favourites, everyone’s guaranteed a good meal and a good time.
Find them: 700, 87014, Labuan Federal Territory | www.palmbeachresortspa.com
PULAU RUSUKAN BESAR
One of three islands grouped in the Labuan Marine Park, this absolute gem will take your breath away with its clear waters and teeming ocean life. You’ll be able to walk the whole island in about a half hour, but spend most of your time underwater on the popular scuba and snorkeling trails that also offers the excitement of diving a World War II wreck! You’ll also find the amazing bioluminescent plankton here so make sure yo book a night at the island’s glamping chalets.
TAMAN DAMAI (PEACE PARK)
Amidst a lush landscaped garden space, this memorial park was built in honour of the casualties from Labuan’s four-year occupation by Japanese forces during World War II. Have a walk through the tropical rock garden after enjoying some time in the serene atmosphere and head to the beach which is facing the park. The island was yielded to Allied Forces on the 10th of September 1945, and there is an archway monument erected to memorialise the point of surrender on the beach side corner of the park.
Find them: Corner section of Jalan Mohammed Salleh & Jln Damai, Labuan Federal Territory | www.pulaulabuan.com
DATARAN LABUAN (LABUAN SQUARE)
This huge field and grandstand area is where Labuan comes to enjoy some downtime, and location of most major events and football matches. At night, you’ll find buskers around the area, a cool breeze and lots of pretty lights. Grab a photo at the Labuan Heart or the replica Chimney, and of course, you’re never far from a meal here. Restaurant are scattered all around the square’s surrounding area, and a nice food truck park between the square and the Dorsett Hotel.
