Labuan Attractions - The pearl of Borneo

This beautifully landscaped public park was once the official residence of the British Governor in Labuan. It was originally built in 1852. The house was destroyed during World War II with a few remains left to date.

Labuan Museum
The Museum contains a decent share of exhibits that are related to the history of Labuan. There are two flame-of-the-forest trees in each corner planted in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and several plaques and stones of historical worth.

The Chimney & Chimney Museum
A century-old red brick chimney with a height of 32 metres stands at the museum and is believed to be connected to the history of coal mining activity in the past. There is a small museum on-site which provided more details on the past industry.

Marine Museum
Though named a marine museum, this is a basic aquarium with a few fish tanks and a few other sea-related exhibits. However, the aquarium is located at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex which was built in 2002. The venue was intended for aquatic sports events such as the annual Labuan National Water Festival which includes the Labuan International Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament.

Gurdwara Sahib Labuan
Sikhs have been living in Labuan since the 1860s and have a long history of prosperity and growth which is showcased in the main Sikh temple which is the Gurdwara Sahib.

An'Nur Jamek State Mosque
Opened in 1988, this futuristic piece of architecture is said to have incorporated Malay and Turkish influences into its design.

The Tanjung Batu beach is an ideal hangout place for tourists as the place is equipped with changing rooms, toilets, snack stalls and kids' playground. You can witness oilfield vessels anchored offshore. Besides this, the entire west coast of Labuan is one long stretch of around 7 beaches. These beaches are quite clean except that jellyfish can be of a threat. Ouch! If you want to spend some more time on the island there are a few options for accommodation including a Resort in Labuan the likes of Dorsett Grand Labuan.

Further, the beach bordering the Labuan town, named as the 'Ramsey Point' is where the Sultan of Brunei handed over control of Labuan to the British in 1846. The same beach was used to land Allied forces to free Labuan from Japanese occupation.

Labuan War Cemetery & The Labuan Memorial
The Labuan war cemetery is one of the major attractions in the island. Many are the graves of Allies who died in Borneo. It has around 3, 908 burials of which more than half are unidentified.

Peace Park
The Peace Park at 'Layang-Layangan' is a beautifully landscaped beachside park built in 1982 to commemorate the deaths of all who lost their lives during World War II. It was built with the collaboration of the governments of Japan and Sabah dedicating it to world peace thus inheriting its name.

Surrender Point Memorial
Located right next to the Peace Park is 'Surrender Point' which is the spot where the 9th Division, Australian Forces received the formal surrender of the 37th Japanese Army in North Borneo on 10 September 1945. Historical information along with a few old photos on Labuan in the Second World War are portrayed on-site.

The clock tower located at Taman Antarabangsa Borneo which was built in 2002 is the exact replica of the original Labuan Clock Tower which was demolished in 1945. The original clock tower was said to have been built in the town centre in 1906, funded by a Chinese businessman from Malacca.

Kampung Bebuloh and Kampung Patau-Patau are two water villages in Labuan. The villages are basically built on Stilts above shallow waters and connected by wooden walkways. Whilst Homestay accommodation is available at Patau-Patau, this is an ideal way to experience some local life in Labuan.

The Labuan bird park is in the northern part of the island covering around 6 hectares of land area. The park includes several geodesic domes in which the birds have some space to fly around. There are around 580 species of birds showcased in the park. Kingfishers, peacocks, hornbills, Sharma and cockatoos are a few birds at the park. There is a live bird show and the park is opened daily from 10m to 5 pm.

The Labuan Square is in the heart of Labuan Town. National day parades and football matches are held on the Padang, which is located within the Labuan Square. The Padang also hoists the flags of all Malaysian states and depicts a few artworks of its significance.

Besides the above attractions, most visitors are known to visit the island for shopping purposes. Mostly for textiles but you can also find readymade garments, bags, accessories, shoes, cosmetics, skincare products and leather goods. Besides these, you can find imported chocolates, biscuits and candy. Electronic gadgets are available as well. If you can't handle all this in a day, try to get some rest at the Dorsett Grand Labuan.