Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Labuan, Malaysia

Labuan is primarily recognized as a financial center in Southeast Asia and a hub for duty-free shopping.

The majority of its visitors comprise offshore businesses and local shoppers seeking bargains.

Only a limited number of travelers visit this island, yet those who do are rewarded with unique experiences.

Diving among shipwrecks, unwinding on pristine beaches, and exploring World War II military heritage render Labuan one of Borneo’s most underrated locations.

A visit to Labuan promises an enriching adventure and serves as a convenient transit point between Sabah and Brunei.

GoTravelDaily outlines the 15 top activities in Labuan, including diving spots, museums, and the island’s renowned World War II sites.

1. Diving to Four Shipwrecks

Labuan Island captivates adventurous divers eager to discover its four shipwrecks.

For seasoned divers, this provides a distinctive opportunity.

Join a guided tour to explore one or all four shipwrecks: the Cement, Australian, Blue Water, and American Wrecks.

The experience of swimming alongside thousands of fish through submerged compartments is unparalleled.

Learn the narratives behind each wreck and how they came to rest off Labuan’s coastline.

Both novice and expert divers can access these dive sites.

It is advisable to arrange your diving tours prior to your arrival in Labuan.

2. Search for a Bargain in the Duty-Free Shops

Due to its tax-exempt status, Labuan attracts bargain seekers from mainland Borneo.

Malaysians and Indonesians from Borneo frequently make the journey to acquire goods.

Shopping malls encompass a wide range from fashionable apparel to designer handbags and perfumes.

GoTravelDaily recommends Financial Park Shopping Mall for apparel, footwear, and electronics. If you are looking to replace your phone or camera, Labuan is an excellent destination.

Visit Bazar Labuan for handicrafts, pearls, and locally crafted jewelry.

3. Spend the Day on a Secret Beach

Labuan may not share the same acclaim as neighboring Sabah for its picture-perfect beaches.

However, a short ten-minute drive from Labuan Port leads to several untouched stretches of shoreline.

The undeveloped beaches along Labuan’s western and northern coasts are virtually deserted.

A few local families find solace under the shady palm trees while children enjoy the sand and shallow waters.

You are unlikely to encounter many others.

Very few non-Malaysians have experienced the fine sandy shores.

GoTravelDaily recommends Layang-Layangan Beach and Surrender Point along the western coastline, in addition to Pohon Batu and Pancur Hitam Beach to the north.

4. A Slice of Serenity in the Botanical Gardens

Labuan’s Botanical Gardens presents a tropical haven just moments away from Labuan Town.

This public park features an array of plants, vibrant flowers, and shaded areas.

Historically, the grounds housed the British Government House in the mid-19th century until it was destroyed during World War II.

Stroll along the paths and discover mini-gardens, rare palm species, and the remnants of Government House.

Keep vigilant for Labuan’s oldest cemetery, established in 1847.

5. Discover Labuan’s Seafaring Past at the Marine Museum

Labuan’s heritage is intricately linked to the sea.

The Marine Museum, located east of Labuan Town, showcases elements of this rich maritime history.

Exhibits display a captivating collection of artifacts salvaged from Labuan’s four shipwrecks.

Additionally, it features an aquarium with starfish, corals, and sea cucumbers.

The museum is situated within the International Sea Sports Complex.

GoTravelDaily suggests scuba divers visit the Marine Museum before embarking on dives to the wrecks.

6. See Jungle Birds at Labuan Bird Park

Labuan Bird Park is home to over 580 birds inhabiting semi-wild enclosures.

Visitors can encounter numerous species, including hornbills, kingfishers, and cockatoos.

Other sections of the park comprise ostriches, eagles, and mynas.

Gain insight into the diverse avian population residing in Borneo’s age-old jungles.

Most visitors spend around one to two hours at this family-friendly attraction.

Labuan Bird Park and the Chimney Museum are conveniently located close to each other on the northern shore and can be explored together on a half-day excursion.

7. Try to Solve Labuan’s Biggest Mystery

In the realm of enigmas, Labuan’s Chimney stands out as one of the more peculiar mysteries.

This only adds to the distinctiveness of this attraction.

With a height of 32 meters (105 feet), the Chimney comprised over 23,000 red bricks sourced from England.

Despite its significant height, the purpose behind its construction remains unknown.

Some theorize that the Chimney was part of an old factory, while others assert it was utilized as a ventilation shaft for nearby coal mines.

Disagreement prevails.

A small museum provides insights into the unusual construction of this Chimney and prevailing theories regarding its origin and function.

8. Discover How Labuan Evolved into a Thriving Financial Center

Labuan Museum showcases the island’s lengthy history, traditions, and culture.

Meet the earliest inhabitants of Labuan who thrived on the island millennia ago, and learn about the British colonialists’ use of Labuan to extend their influence into Borneo.

Other exhibits highlight Labuan’s vital role during World War II.

Permanent displays delve into Labuan’s contributions to the coal mining industry, alongside a segment dedicated to ethnographic collections.

Dedicate some time to appreciate the colonial edifice housing Labuan Museum.

The trees in the small square outside were planted to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain’s coronation in 1953.

9. Gurdwara Sahib: Labuan’s Most Majestic Sikh Temple

The Sikh community in Labuan migrated in the 1860s.

The British facilitated immigration from India to fulfill labor needs in the coal mines and for security roles.

Gurdwara Sahib exemplifies Sikh architecture in Labuan, if not in all of Borneo. This two-story, white façade is the largest temple on the island.

Each corner is adorned with four golden domes.

For the best photographs of this striking building, head towards the Botanical Gardens.

10. Appreciate Labuan’s Role in World War II at the Largest War Memorial in Malaysia

A total of 3,908 men are commemorated at Labuan Island’s World War II Memorial.

Labuan and Borneo experienced hardship during the brief Japanese occupation, with thousands of Allied soldiers sacrificing their lives defending the island or subsequently as Prisoners of War.

The Memorial is situated a few kilometers north of Labuan Town, featuring rows of meticulously maintained graves extending in all directions.

Take a moment to remember the many Australian, British, Malaysian, Indian, and New Zealand servicemen who perished.

Commemorative military services are conducted annually to honor these fallen heroes every November.

11. Spend the Night in a Water Village

Floating villages precariously hovering above the water are a common sight in Borneo.

Supported by wooden stilts, these villages include shops, mosques, and schools, all interlinked by narrow wooden walkways.

Labuan features two floating villages that offer insight into this unique lifestyle: Kampung Patau-Patau near Labuan Town and Kampung Bebuloh further west.

Ferries provide transport between each village and the mainland.

Descendants of Labuan’s early fishermen, sailors, and traders make their homes here today.

Travelers can find homestay experiences in Patau-Patau, immersing themselves in life within Borneo’s renowned overwater communities.

12. The Grandest Clock Tower in Labuan

Opened in 1906, Labuan Clock Tower has an intriguing history.

After suffering irreparable damage during World War II, the original tower was dismantled. The current structure was erected in 2002.

This white-washed edifice seamlessly combines various architectural styles across its three tiers, each featuring its own unique design.

The clock face is adorned under a pyramidal roof structure.

Capture the majestic structure’s beauty against the backdrop of colorful skies during sunset.

Located near the city beach, the Clock Tower is a popular landmark.

13. Labuan’s Most Historic Site

At first glance, Ramsey Point may seem unremarkable. This subtle beach does not exhibit Labuan’s typical paradise-like aura along its northern coast.

Nonetheless, Ramsey Point holds significant historical importance in Labuan.

In 1846, the Sultan of Brunei transferred Labuan to Captain RN Mundy of Great Britain, subsequently enabling the British to expand their influence into North Borneo (present-day Sabah).

Additionally, Allied forces landed at Ramsey Point in 1945, liberating the island from Japanese rule.

Stand at the shoreline and reflect on the pivotal role this location played in two notable events in Labuan’s history.

14. Serenity and Sunsets in Peace Park

Peace Park in Layang-Layangan represents reconciliation after World War II.

This landscaped garden extends along Labuan’s western coast adjacent to the beach.

Commissioned by Japanese authorities in 1982, Peace Park honors those who sacrificed their lives in the war.

A stone plaque memorializes the atrocities and suffering endured during this period. Additionally, the House of Culture and Art Gallery is located within the park.

As one of Labuan’s most frequented attractions, Peace Park is worth visiting.

GoTravelDaily suggests pairing your visit with Surrender Point in the late afternoon.

Catch the stunning Bornean sunset from the beach.

15. Stand Where World War II Ended in Labuan

Surrender Point adjacent to Peace Park signifies the location where World War II concluded in Southeast Asia.

Australian troops received the formal surrender notice from the Japanese Army on September 10^th, 1945.

This area has since evolved into a memorial and a small museum. Outdoor exhibits showcase historical photographs representing Labuan during the conflict.

Information panels provide insight into the war’s progression and events leading to the official surrender.