Islands

Labuan Island

by
September 10, 2025
Labuan Island Sabah
4.9/5 (10 Votes)

Labuan, often referred to as the “Pearl of Borneo,” is a beautiful island situated northwest of Borneo. Its name is derived from the Malay word “Labuhan,” meaning ‘pier’ or ‘harbour’, reflecting its significant historical role as a major shipping and trading center. The island is known for its serene beaches, duty-free shopping, and a diverse cultural scene. Labuan is also a bustling financial center, home to leading banks. The island is a year-round destination, though visitors should note that November to February is the monsoon season, which can bring heavy rainfall.

Historical Spots & LandmarksπŸ›οΈ

  • Peace Park: This is a World War II memorial established in 1983 to commemorate peace. It features a memorial mound, walled gardens, and Japanese-themed ponds. It is open 24 hours.
  • Labuan Museum: Located in a former government office, the museum showcases Labuan’s history and prehistoric artifacts. It’s open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday-Sunday) but is closed on the first two days of Eid al-Fitr and the first day of Eid al-Adha.
  • Labuan War Cemetery (World War Memorial): This memorial honors 3,908 soldiers from various countries who died during the Japanese occupation. It features a colonnade with engraved bronze panels and hosts a Remembrance Day annual service.
  • Surrender Point: On September 10, 1945, Lieutenant General Masao Baba of the Japanese 37th Army surrendered to Major General George Wootten of the Australian Imperial Forces at this location. This event, which occurred in a small wooden shack, marked the end of World War II in Borneo.
  • Labuan Square (Dataran Labuan): A well-known landmark in the city center, located on Merdeka Street.
  • Labuan Clock Tower: This is a replica of the original tower built in 1906 by Chee Swee Cheng.
  • Ramsey Point: This beach is historically significant for two events:
  • On December 24, 1846, the Sultan of Brunei ceded control of Labuan to the British Crown, with the British flag being raised here by Admiral George Mundy.
  • On June 10, 1945, Allied forces led by General Douglas MacArthur landed here to liberate Labuan and Borneo from Japanese occupation. A plaque commemorates this event.
labuan-clock-tower

Labuan During World War II

Location & Strategic Importance: Labuan is a small island off the coast of Borneo in Malaysia, strategically located in the South China Sea. During World War II, it was valued for its deep-water harbor and its position as a gateway to Borneo, making it a critical base for both the Japanese and Allied forces.

Japanese Occupation (1942–1945):

  • In January 1942, the Japanese forces invaded Labuan as part of their campaign to control British Borneo.
  • During the occupation, the Japanese established military facilities and used the island as a staging ground for operations in Borneo and surrounding areas.
  • The local population endured harsh conditions, forced labor, and food shortages under Japanese rule.

Allied Liberation – Operation Oboe Six (June 1945):

  • Labuan was one of the key targets in Operation Oboe Six, the Allied plan to liberate Borneo.
  • On 10 June 1945, Australian forces, supported by American naval and air units, landed on Labuan.
  • The landing faced resistance but was relatively quick, and Labuan became a vital base for the Allies to launch further operations in North Borneo.

Post-Liberation:

  • After liberation, Labuan served as a base for rebuilding infrastructure and supporting military operations against remaining Japanese forces.
  • The island’s airfield and port facilities were expanded during this period and later became essential for commercial use.

Legacy:

  • Labuan is home to the Labuan War Cemetery, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which commemorates soldiers from Australia, the UK, India, and other nations who fought and died in the region.
  • The island’s WWII history is an important part of its heritage, attracting historians and visitors interested in military history.

Religious Places in Labuan

An-Nur Jamek Mosque

The only mosque in the Federal Territory of Labuan. Construction began in 1982 by the Sabah State Government and was completed in 1987. It was officially opened on February 1, 1988, by the eighth Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Iskandar of Johor.

An-Nur Jamek Mosque Labuan

This mosque is one of the three modern mosques built in the East Malaysia state of Sabah.
The An-Nur Jamek Mosque was completed in 1988 in the Federal Territory Island of Labuan,
located off the northwestern side of Borneo. The other two mosques are located in Kota Kinabalu
and Sandakan.

Gurudwara Sahib Labuan, Sabah

The new Gurdwara Sahib is a double storey brick building with a tiled roof. There is a large dome on top of the building with two smaller domes on the left. The ground floor consists of the langgar hall and kitchen, three rooms for Sikh visitors and Granthi’s quarters. The first floor consists of the Darbar Sahib. This building was officially declared open by the Panj Piyarae on 2nd April 2000.

Gurudwara Sahib Labuan, Sabah

Note: Accommodation at the temple’s hostel is offered at no charge to those in need.

Address: 708, 87000 Labuan, Labuan Federal Territory, Malaysia
Telephone: +6087 415 104

The twice weekly prayers are held on Saturday evening from 6.00p.m. to 8.00p.m. and Sunday morning from 6.30a.m. to 7.30a.m. The Isteri Satsang programmes are held on Wednesday from 2.00p.m. to 4.00p.m.

Thirumurugan Temple

Thirumurugan Temple is the main Hindu temple on the island, dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is a spiritual and cultural hub for the local Tamil Hindu community. The temple has undergone several renovations, including a major one in the year 2000 and a new reconstruction project began in 2019. It hosts daily rituals and celebrates major festivals like Thaipusam and Deepavali.

Thirumurugan Temple Labuan

Temple Thirumurugan Labuan Location: Membedai labuan sawangan Cina.
Prayer hours: Daily 7am to 9 am and 7 pm to 9 pm

Ba Xian Miao Temple (ε…«δ»™εΊ™)

Also known as the Eight Deities temple or the ‘Heaven and Earth’ temple, this Taoist place of worship features halls dedicated to Heaven and Hell.

Taoist temple in Labuan, Malaysia
Address: 87000 Labuan, Labuan Federal Territory, Malaysia

Pak Sin Mow Chinese Temple is known for its religious significance and its role as a tourist attraction. It features a towering 21-foot statue of the “Goddess of Mercy” (Kuan Yin) and a chamber with colorful murals. The temple also has a “hell-chamber” at its basement.

The Pak Sin Mow temple here has added and consecrated 33 manifestations of the “Goddess of Mercy” (Kuan Yin) and it is now open to the public

The temple celebrates most major religious festivals of the Chinese Community such as the Emperor Gods festival and the Hungry Ghost festival.

Address: 87000 Labuan, Labuan Federal Territory, Malaysia

Sandy Shores & Geopark πŸ–οΈ

Labuan boasts many beautiful beaches and interesting geological sites.

  • Pancur Hitam Beach: Lined with beautifully landscaped and decorated pathways, this park is a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenic ocean views.
  • Sungai Lada Beach: Situated in Kampung Sungai Lada, it’s a popular recreational spot for families. It offers a picturesque view of the sea and serves refreshing drinks and food.
  • Kuraman Island: At 1.47 kmΒ², this is the largest island in Labuan Marine Park. It features two main beaches and a lighthouse at its highest point. * Layang-Layangan: Just a short walk from Peace Park, this beach is popular for sunsets and offers pristine white sand. It’s a great place for family picnics and romantic walks.
  • Sungai Labu: A peaceful place to unwind and enjoy the gentle sea breeze, it offers a great view of the sunset, creating a beautiful golden light over the water.
  • Sungai Pagar: Located on the southernmost beach in Labuan’s west coast, this is one of the best spots for taking stunning photos.

Geopark

The Geopark has several geological attractions to explore:

  • Batu Pasir Belait Atas Tanjung Kubong: A popular attraction featuring rock formations created by waves crashing into the sea.
  • Batu Pasir Belait Tanjung Batu: Features 15-million-year-old cross-layers, coastal erosion platforms, and steep cliffs.
  • Langkasan Hakisan Pantai Tanjung Layang-Layangan: Impressive rock formations, including rare iron-and-salt and marine terrace features.

Patau-Patau Water Village

This unique tourist attraction consists of wooden houses built on stilts over the water, primarily inhabited by Brunei Malays. Accommodations are available for visitors to experience the local lifestyle.

Labuan Bird Park

Labuan Bird Park is the only bird park in Borneo. It is fully administered by the Department of Veterinary Service under the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry of Malaysia. Labuan Bird Park is located in the Northern part of Labuan with the distance from the city approximately 16km and takes about 20 minutes drive.

The Labuan Bird Park offers a variety of facilities for visitors, including a walk-in aviary and a bird sanctuary for nature lovers, as well as a rest area and gazebo for relaxation. There are food stalls for refreshments, a walkway for leisurely strolls, and a souvenir shop for keepsakes. Families can enjoy the playground, and there is also a prayer room available for visitors.

Seafood Heaven 🦞

Labuan is a fantastic destination for seafood lovers, with a variety of restaurants to choose from.

  • Anjung Ketam Tg Aru Labuan: Offers delicious, affordable seafood in a great ambiance. Located at Simpang Anjung Ketam, Jalan Tanjung Aru.
  • Mawilla Yacht Club Restaurant: Situated by the sea, it offers excellent seafood dishes and a great view of the ocean.
  • Tiara Hotel: Located at Tiara Hotel, this restaurant offers fresh and affordable seafood, including signature dishes and grilling options.
  • Labuan Fisherman Harbour Restaurant: Located at 766 Kg. Patau. The operating hours are 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM (Monday-Sunday).
  • Thai Beach Restaurant: Located at Kampung Kempang. The operating hours are 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Tuesday-Sunday) and 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Mondays.
  • Deep Sea Raiff Restaurant: Located at Bandur Labuan. Operating hours are 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday-Sunday).
  • The Farmshop: Located at 786 Kg. Pantai. Operating hours are 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM (Monday-Sunday).
  • The Living Room: Located at the Living Room, Dorsett Grand Hotel Labuan. Operating hours are 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Monday-Sunday).
  • Kampung Nagalang Seafood Restaurant: Located at 816, Kampung Nagalang. The operating hours are 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Wednesday-Monday) and it is closed on Tuesday.

Sports & Recreation πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

Labuan offers a variety of sports and recreational activities for all interests.

  • Hiking @ Labuan Geopark: Hike up scenic trails at the Geopark to enjoy the natural beauty.
  • Diving @ Labuan Marine Park: Offers multi-site diving with four renowned sites, including a shipwreck. The area is rich in soft corals and marine life.
  • Golfing @ Labuan International Golf Club: Located at the highest point of its course, it offers spectacular views of the South China Sea and features a beautiful backdrop for the 18-hole championship course.

Sports Events ⚽️

  • Labuan International Sea Challenge: A yearly event featuring powerboat racing competitions and activities at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex.
  • Cycling: Labuan hosts cycling events that attract both visitors and professional athletes.
  • Lawn Bowls: A popular sport in Labuan, the Labuan Sports Complex offers well-kept greens for both competitions and events.

Staycation Spots 🏨

If you’re looking for a relaxing stay, Labuan has several great accommodation options.

Hotel / Resort NameLocation
Dorsett Grand Labuan462 Jalan Merdeka
Hotel AIFA700, Bandar Labuan
Tiara Hotel LabuanJalan Tanjung Batu
Labuan Rusukan Besar ResortLot 3181, Pulau Rusukan Besar
Palm Beach Resort & SpaJalan Batu M, Kampung Batu Manikar
Lazenda HotelBlock C & D, Lazenda Commercial Centre Phase 3

Duty-Free Shopping πŸ›οΈ

Labuan is a popular destination for duty-free shopping.

  • Chocolates: A wide selection of local and imported chocolates is available.
  • Textiles: A popular spot for high-quality fabrics, which are perfect for custom clothing.
  • Alcoholic Drinks: Take advantage of the duty-free selection of alcoholic beverages, including various types of wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks.

Shopping Spots in Labuan

  1. Financial Park Mall / Ujana Kewangan | Libuan Mall
  2. Labuan Duty-Free Shops
  3. Labuan Central Market (UTC)
  4. Tamu Labuan (Weekend Bazaar)
  5. Pasar Malam (Night Market)
  6. Labuan Walk
  7. Jalan OKK Awang Besar Shopping Street
  8. Ramadhan Bazaars (Seasonal)
  9. Labuan Souvenir Shops
  10. Hotel Shopping Arcades

Emergency Numbers & Useful Contacts

ServiceContact Number
Labuan District Police Headquarters+6087-412 222
Labuan Fire & Rescue Station+6087-586 999
Labuan Hospital+6087-506 000 / +6087-506 999
Malaysia Civil Defence+6087-423 155

ATMs

BankContact Number
Maybank+6087-440 293
CIMB Bank+6087-451 033
Public Bank+6087-414 201
BSN Labuan+6087-416 381

Tourism Authority

OfficeContact Number
Labuan Tourist InformationPhone: +6087-423 445
https://labuantourism.my/
Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Labuan+6087-422 622
Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts, Labuan Corporation+6087-408 740 / 746

Transportation

ServiceContact Number
JPJ Labuan+6087-417 518
Labuan Port Authority+6087-424 833
Labuan Marine Department+6087-413 511
Labuan International Ferry+6010-977 2117

Here’s your Labuan Bus & Taxi Services information organized into tables:

Bus Schedule – Labuan

ZoneRoute
Zone 1Jalan Merdeka β†’ Jalan Balai Polis β†’ Ujana Kewangan β†’ Jalan Tanjung Purun β†’ Kompleks Sukan Laut Antarabangsa β†’ Tanjung Batu β†’ Kelab Golf Labuan β†’ Tugu Peringatan Perang Dunia Kedua β†’ Jabatan Kesihatan β†’ Jalan Tanjung Taras β†’ Radio Malaysia Labuan β†’ Jalan Sawangan Cina β†’ Perumahan Tentera Membidai β†’ Jabatan Bekalan Air β†’ Jalan Ke Pejabat JPJ β†’ Taman Botanikal β†’ Gereja Basel β†’ Gereja Roman Katolik β†’ Jalan Jumidar Buyong, Ujana Kewangan β†’ Terminal Feri β†’ Terminal Bas
Zone 2Jalan Tun Mustapha β†’ Jalan Batu Arang β†’ Airport β†’ Jalan Rumah Murah Rancha-Rancha β†’ Kg. Sg. Keling β†’ Ranggo β†’ Pengkalan Kapur β†’ Kg Rancha-Rancha Darat β†’ Labuan Shipyard β†’ Kg. Rancha-Rancha Laut β†’ Asian Base Supply β†’ Amsteel β†’ Kilang Tepung β†’ Petronas Methanol β†’ Kg. Patau-Patau 1 β†’ Kg. Patau-Patau 2 β†’ Ujana Kewangan β†’ Terminal Feri β†’ Terminal Bas
Zone 3Jalan Tun Mustapha β†’ Kg Batu Arang 1 & 2 β†’ Airport β†’ Kompleks Sukan β†’ Hospital Labuan β†’ ILP β†’ SMK Mutiara β†’ Kg. Sg. Bangat β†’ Kg. Bukit Kalam β†’ Jalan Bebuloh β†’ Kg. Sg. Bedaun β†’ Taman Mutiara β†’ LDA β†’ Kg. Sg. Sembilang β†’ Kg. Sg. Buton β†’ Kg. Bebuloh Darat β†’ Kg. Belukut β†’ Kg. Bebuloh Laut β†’ Pangkalan Marin Kastam β†’ Perumahan TLDM β†’ Sabah Shell Kiansam β†’ Ujana Kewangan β†’ Terminal Feri β†’ Terminal Bas
Zone 4Jalan Tun Mustapha β†’ Kg Batu Arang 1 & 2 β†’ Airport β†’ Kompleks Sukan β†’ Hospital Labuan β†’ ILP β†’ SMK Mutiara β†’ Kg. Sg. Bangat β†’ Jalan Kg. Bukit Kalam β†’ Kg. Kilan/Pulau Akar β†’ Kg. Layang-Layangan β†’ Kg. Kilan Kassim β†’ Jalan Taman Damai β†’ Kg. Sg. Labu β†’ Kg. Sg. Lada β†’ Kg. Sg. Pagar β†’ Sekolah Menengah Sains Labuan β†’ Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMSKAL) β†’ Ujana Kewangan β†’ Terminal Feri β†’ Terminal Bas
Zone 5Jalan Tun Mustapha β†’ Kg Batu Arang 1 & 2 β†’ Airport β†’ Jalan Pulau Buah β†’ Jalan Kg Nagalang β†’ Kg Kerupang 1,2 & 3 β†’ Kampung Pantai Atas β†’ Perumahan Sabah Gas β†’ Kg. Tanjung Aru Nelayan β†’ Perumahan MPL β†’ Perumahan Batu Arang β†’ Kg. Tanjung Aru β†’ Kg Lajau β†’ Kg. Bukit Kuda β†’ Perumahan Kastam Kg. Bukit Kuda β†’ Kg Durian Tunjung Bawah β†’ Jalan Penghulu Tuah β†’ Kampung Pantai Bawah β†’ Ujana Kewangan β†’ Terminal Feri β†’ Terminal Bas
Zone 6Jalan Tun Mustapha β†’ Kg Batu Arang 1 & 2 β†’ Airport β†’ Kampung Pantai Bawah β†’ SK Pantai β†’ SMK Pantai β†’ Kg Durian Tunjung Bawah β†’ Kg Lajau β†’ Kg. Ganggarak β†’ Kg Merinding β†’ Kolej Matrikulasi β†’ Kg. Lubok Temiang β†’ Muzium Chimney β†’ Taman Burung β†’ Kg. Tanjung Kubong β†’ Manikar Beach Resort β†’ Kg. Batu Manikar β†’ Kg Pohon Batu β†’ Taman Rekreasi β†’ Kg Pancur Hitam β†’ Ujana Kewangan β†’ Terminal Feri β†’ Terminal Bas

Taxi Services – Labuan

ZoneRouteFare (MYR)
Zone 1Town β†’ Balai Polis β†’ Ujana Kewangan β†’ Tanjung Bendera β†’ Taman Kawan-Kawan β†’ Jab. Pengangkutan Jalan β†’ Kg. Gersik Baru/Lama β†’ Saguking β†’ Jln. Jumidar Buyung β†’ Labuan Botanical Garden β†’ Labuan International Sea Sport Complex10
Zone 2Airport β†’ Shell Batu Rancha Rancha β†’ Taman Fulliwa β†’ Taman Kian Yap β†’ Lazenda 1 β†’ Jalan Kolam β†’ Taman Miramar β†’ Taman Wong Wo Lo β†’ Taman Guan Huat 1 β†’ Taman Guan Huat 2 β†’ Taman Chong Soon β†’ Lazenda 7 β†’ Pilly Kayu β†’ Petronas Fuel Station β†’ Tamu β†’ Perbadanan Labuan Hall β†’ Labuan Sport Complex β†’ Nucleus Hospital β†’ Institut Latihan Perindustrian β†’ Jln. Arsat Atas β†’ Jln. Arsat Bawah β†’ SMK Mutiara β†’ Taman Danta Ria β†’ Jln. Pulau Buah β†’ Sebor β†’ Saguking Warehouse β†’ Kg. Patau-Patau 1 β†’ Gropoint β†’ Sawangan Cina β†’ Tiara Hotel β†’ Old Hospital β†’ Mawilla 213
Zone 3Membedai Shell Club β†’ Membedai Army Camp β†’ Taman Sutera 2 β†’ Taman Pearl β†’ Kg. Sungai Bangat β†’ Jalan Ujong Bukit β†’ Kg. Bukit Kalam β†’ Lazenda 6 β†’ Kerupang 1, 2 & 3 β†’ Kg Nagalang β†’ Kg Pantai Atas β†’ Kg Pantai Bawah β†’ Kg. Durian Tunjong Atas β†’ Kg. Durian Tunjong Bawah β†’ Sec Durian Tunjong β†’ Perumahan Batu Arang β†’ Jln. Penghulu Tuah β†’ Jln. Aman β†’ Peladang β†’ SM Teknik β†’ Taman Rancha Rancha Phase 1 β†’ Golf Driving Range β†’ Taman Sintee β†’ Taman Tan Boon How β†’ Kg. Sungai Keling β†’ Kg. Sungai Keling Dalam β†’ Sekolah Chung Hwa β†’ Lazenda Warehouse Rancha Rancha β†’ Giat Mara β†’ Lazenda 2 & 3 β†’ Sec Rancha Rancha β†’ Labuan Shipyard β†’ Jabatan Perikanan β†’ Jabatan Laut β†’ Futsal (Bukit Kalam) β†’ Perumahan Perbadanan17
Zone 4Kg Tanjung Aru Nelayan β†’ Taman Sea View β†’ Taman Tan Villa β†’ Perumahan Jabatan Laut β†’ Kg. Bukit Pulau β†’ Kg Tanjung Aru β†’ Restoran Anjung Ketam β†’ Kg Lajau β†’ Lazenda 5 β†’ Kg Segumau β†’ Kg Bukit Kuda β†’ Lorong Hj Wahab (Bukit Kalam) β†’ Kg Kilan β†’ Stesen Pertanian Kilan β†’ Lazenda 520
Zone 5Kg. Lajau Rimba β†’ Kg. Lajau Bukit β†’ Kg. Ganggarak β†’ Bukit Minyak Gas β†’ Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan β†’ Kg Merinding β†’ Kg. Lubuk Temiang β†’ Kg. Pohon Batu β†’ Kg. Pancur Hitam β†’ Kg. Kilan Dalam (Tangki Payung) β†’ Kg. Layang Layangan β†’ Kg. Laboi β†’ Kg. Kassim Empangan Merinding β†’ Kg. Kassim Dalam β†’ Kg. Sungai Labu β†’ Kg. Sungai Lada β†’ Kg. Sungai Miri β†’ Kg. Sungai Bedaun β†’ Kg. Sungai Sembilang β†’ Kg. Sungai Buton β†’ Perumahan LDA β†’ Taman Mutiara β†’ Taman Orkid β†’ Kg. Bebuloh Darat β†’ Kg. Bebuloh Laut β†’ Asian Supply Base β†’ Petronas Methanol Labuan β†’ Sabah Flour β†’ Mega Methanol β†’ Kg. Rancha Rancha Laut β†’ Kg. Rancha Rancha Darat β†’ SK Rancha Rancha β†’ Klinik Rancha Rancha β†’ SESB (Rancha-Rancha) β†’ Penjara β†’ Halliburton23
Zone 6Kg. Sungai Pagar β†’ Sek. Menengah Sains β†’ Universiti Malaysia Sabah β†’ Kg. Belukut β†’ Taman Burung β†’ Kg. Tanjung Kubong β†’ Kg. Batu Manikar β†’ Manikar Beach Resort β†’ Stesen Pemancar TUDM28
Zone 7Labuan Gas Terminal (Petronas) β†’ Labuan Crude Oil Terminal (Shell) β†’ Perumahan TLDM Kiamsam β†’ Penempatan Perlarian30
Visit Malaysia | Malaysia Tourism | Promoting Malaysia stunning destinations and rich culture to the world.

Tags:

Comments are closed.

You may also like

Destinations

Pontian

Discover Pontian, Malaysia – a hidden coastal gem in Johor. Explore pristine mangroves, local fishing villages, delicious seafood, cultural sites, and top attractions for an authentic Malaysian experience.

September 9, 2025
Destinations

Matu

Explore Matu, Sarawak, Malaysia – a hidden gem offering serene landscapes, Melanau culture, traditional longhouses, local cuisine, and authentic Bornean experiences. Plan your visit now

September 12, 2025

Malaysia! Truly Asia!