Top 8 things to do in Labuan

With current economic conditions, many have opted to travel locally as one of the options. Labuan as one of a new destination that currently being promoted by Cuti Cuti Malaysia along with Malaysia Airlines. Hence I come out with Top 8 things to do in Labuan.

Little did I know that Labuan is a petroleum town that makes them one of a duty free island in the country besides Langkawi and not only that, it is a town that filled with alot of historical moments especially during World War 1 and 2.

Labuan is a federal terriory of Malaysia off the coast of Borneo in East Malaysia. It is made up of the homonymous Labuan Island and six smaller islands, and is located off the coast of the state of Sabah. Labuan’s capital is Victoria and is best known as an offshore financial center offering international financial and business services via Labuan IBFC since 1990 as well as being an offshore support hub for deepwater oil and gas activities in the region. It is also a tourist destination for people travelling through Sabah, nearby Bruneians and Scuba divers. The name Labuan derives from the Malay word labuhan which means harbour. (source from Wikipedia)

As for such there are Top 8 things to do in Labuan that I have come out with:

NO:1 – Visit all historical area in the island

1. Labuan Museum 

Labuan Museum is located in the financial district itself where is just 5-10 minutes walk from luxury Dorsett Grand Labuan Hotel. Entrance is free.

We got a passionate guide (Willie Teoh – 0198820551) whom he have passion in sharing all the island history to all travelers. Will be your perfect guide if you are looking one when you are there.

Its a nicely done museum that showcase the historical moments of the island and all the details that what had happen during the World War.

Location:

2. Labuan Chimney

How and why this chimney was built in the year of 80’s and the usage of it is still a mystery. Traces of this chimney are all the way back with paper trails and locals remark still could not get a clue out of it. There are various perception on the purpose and usage for it such as : maybe a ventilation shaft? unfinished light house? an emergency smoke alarm tower?

The mystery of it still remains as mystery till date as historians are still trying their best to find out the main purpose of it. This do not hinder them from getting one of a latest recognition known as The Green Apple Awards for Heritage Architecture.

Location:

The Peace Park is an important monument located in Labuan Island. It was built by the Japanese as they felt sorry and guilty of what their forefathers have caused in those early days. The Peace Park acts as a promise to peace and mankind. It also acts as an important bond between Japan and Malaysia. The Peach Park is a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the World War II. (source by: attractionsinmalaysia)

4. Surrender Point Memorial

Surrender Point Memorial is located directly next to Peace Park as this area is where the Japanese officially surrendered their ruling on Labuan to the Australian in charge. About 50 meters away from the surrender point, the ceremony of signing and the handover took place to mark end of World War II in Borneo. Location:

Peace Park  87000 Labuan,

Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan, Malaysia

2. Adventure + Cycling around city area

One of a cool activity that you can do during your stay is you can get a bike and cycle around the city center or to some of nearby historical area. From hotel we cycle about 10 minutes to this Labuan War Cemetery where it is build to remember those that had sacrifice during Japanese Invasion during World War II.

Moments later, we cycle for another 10 minutes to Labuan Botanical Garden.

Right after that, we head to Bukit Kubong for a quick hiking to check in with nature. The hike ended in another location that facing beach.

3. Labuan Fish Market

Woke up at 5am and reach this place at 5.30 am to check out their fish market. Located in the city itself as this is where most of the market traders will come to this early market to grab all fresh seafood from fisherman that just came back from sea.

catch of the day depending on what they have. This huge lobster which are easily weight 3.5kg – 5kg are selling about RM180-RM300.

Other fish and prawns can be crab here as indeed it is really cheap!

Location:
Labuan Fish Market (Labuan Fisheries)
Jalan Merdeka 8700, Labuan

Next can head to their wet market which is nearby from the dock. It takes about 5-10 minutes walk to be here.

Market here is huge, well plan and segregated into sections which is very easy for shoppers.

Never knew this few types of fishes can be eaten.

As you move to another wing, this is where all the locals ingredients such as sauce, chilli padi, fruits and many others can be bought here.

5. Island Hoping (Pulau Kuraman) & Diving

Island hoping is next thing to do in Labuan. You chater a boat and head out to those beautiful island. Not only that, as there a few islands that is nearby which is very suitable for diving.

Along the way, this got me excited as I have never seen an oilrig before, as usually seen it in game or newspaper. Indeed it does lift the expectation of oil producing state.

Totally in love with this first island that are stopping by. Crystal Clear water, warm and a perfect day for a swim.

We keep taking pictures non stop.

Pulau

6. Sunset Viewing

there are a few beaches in the island and Labuan United Nation 2008 beach is one of the place to be for sun set viewing.

Enjoying my cocktail from Dorsett Grand Labuan outdoor catering team

Location:

Labuan United Nation 2008 Beach, UNO8

Jalan Sungai Pagar

7. Seafood Hunting (Food)

Kampung Nagalang Seafood Restaurant is one of a recommended restaurant from hotel local staff as they regard this is one of a proper seafood restaurant in terms of taste, quality and presentation. Just recently open its door to public for less than 3 months. 

Pretty good seafood range and food.

Location:

Kampung Nagalang Seafood Restaurant

Jalan Kerupang 1, Kampung Nagalang, Simpang Ikan Todak 24.

Tel: 012 – 8341997

8. Duty Free Shopping

Labuan is regard one of a duty free zone state, and of course this shop is a must not miss whenever you are in town. Dirt cheap items can be bought here too.

Location:  One Stop Duty Free Shop Sdn Bhd

Victoria Point, Jalan OKK Awang Besar,  Bandar Labuan,

Labuan Federal Territory

Tel: 0162020200