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Labuan

Labuan, Labuan, Malaysia

Escape to Labuan: Duty-Free Haven with a Touch of History Nestled amidst the turquoise waters of the South China Sea, Labuan Island offers a unique blend of duty-free shopping, pristine beaches, and captivating history. …

#duty-free#offshore financial center#maritime industry#tourism#island getaway

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Labuan.

Top Hotels in Labuan

Top Flights to Labuan

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Labuan.

Tours

Labuan Museum Visit

Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Labuan at the Labuan Museum.

Peace Park Visit

A tranquil park that commemorates the peace following World War II.

Labuan War Cemetery

Visit the war cemetery where many World War II soldiers are commemorated.

Shopping

Labuan Square Shopping

Shop for local crafts and souvenirs at Labuan Square.

Duty-Free Shopping Mall

Shop at the duty-free complex for cheap international goods.

Outdoor

Taman Damai Park

Enjoy a relaxing day at Taman Damai Park with beautiful gardens and ocean views.

Labuan Marine Park

Explore the underwater beauty of Labuan with snorkeling and diving activities.

Labuan International Sea Sports Complex

Participate in various water sports activities at the Sea Sports Complex.

Bird Watching at Garden of Peace

Observe various bird species in their natural habitat at the Garden of Peace.

Papan Island Tour

Take a boat tour to nearby Papan Island for a day of adventure and relaxation.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Labuan.

Currency

RM | MYR | Malaysian Ringgit

Population

95120.0

Languages

Malay, Malay, English, Chinese

Average weather

Labuan

Jan

30°24°

Feb

30°24°

Mar

31°25°

Apr

31°25°

May

31°25°

Jun

31°25°

Jul

31°24°

Aug

31°24°

Sep

31°24°

Oct

31°24°

Nov

30°24°

Dec

30°24°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Labuan.

What people love

Labuan, located in Malaysia, is a lesser-known travel destination that offers several unique advantages for travelers. Here are some pros of traveling to Labuan:

Duty-Free Shopping: Labuan is a duty-free island, making it a haven for shopping enthusiasts looking to purchase goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and electronics at discounted prices.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Labuan is surrounded by crystal-clear waters with diverse marine life and coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Historical Sites: Labuan has a rich history, evidenced by its well-preserved World War II memorials and cemeteries. Visitors can explore sites such as the Labuan War Cemetery and the Peace Park, providing insights into the island's past.
Peaceful and Relaxing Atmosphere: Labuan offers a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere, making it an excellent destination for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Cultural Diversity: Labuan is home to a diverse population, including Malay, Chinese, and indigenous communities, creating a vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can experience a mix of traditions, languages, and cuisines during their stay.

Overall, traveling to Labuan can offer a unique blend of shopping opportunities, water activities, historical exploration, relaxation, and cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy.

Please note that travel information may change, so it's always a good idea to check for the latest updates before planning your trip.

What to know

Labuan is a Federal Territory of Malaysia, known for its duty-free shopping and as an offshore financial center. While Labuan is a beautiful destination with its own unique charm, there are some potential cons to consider when traveling there:

Limited Tourist Attractions: Labuan is a relatively small island with limited tourist attractions compared to other popular destinations in Malaysia. Visitors looking for a wide range of activities and attractions may find Labuan to be lacking in variety.
Limited Nightlife: Labuan is not known for its nightlife scene, with a limited number of bars and clubs available. If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife experience, you may be disappointed with the options in Labuan.
Limited Dining Options: While Labuan offers a variety of local Malaysian and international cuisines, the dining options may be limited compared to larger cities in Malaysia. Visitors with specific dietary preferences or looking for gourmet dining experiences may find the choices in Labuan to be limited.
Weather: Like many tropical destinations, Labuan experiences hot and humid weather throughout the year. Visitors who are sensitive to heat and humidity may find it uncomfortable to explore the island during certain times of the year.
Limited Transportation Options: Labuan is a relatively small island, and transportation options may be limited compared to mainland destinations in Malaysia. Renting a car or relying on taxis may be necessary to explore the island, which can add to the overall travel costs.
Accessibility: Labuan is not as easily accessible as other popular tourist destinations in Malaysia. Visitors may need to fly to Labuan or take a ferry from the mainland, which can be time-consuming and may limit flexibility in travel plans.

Overall, while Labuan offers a unique experience with its duty-free shopping, tranquil atmosphere, and natural beauty, visitors should be aware of the potential limitations in terms of attractions, nightlife, dining options, weather, transportation, and accessibility. It's important to consider these factors when planning a trip to Labuan to ensure it aligns with your travel preferences and expectations.

Labuan, an island territory off the coast of Borneo in Malaysia, has a rich and varied history shaped by its strategic location and colonial influences. Here's a detailed overview:

Early History

Pre-Colonial Period: Labuan was traditionally part of the Brunei Sultanate. It served as a trading post due to its strategic location along the busy shipping routes of Southeast Asia.

Colonial Era

British Colonization (1846): On December 24, 1846, the Sultan of Brunei ceded Labuan to the British under the Treaty of Labuan. The British took control, recognizing the island's strategic potential as a naval base and coal station. It was declared a Crown Colony in 1848.
James Brooke and Henry Keppel: James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak, played a pivotal role in negotiating Labuan's cession to the British. Admiral Henry Keppel was instrumental in suppressing piracy in the region, further securing British interests.
Development as a Port and Naval Base: During British rule, Labuan developed as a coaling station for ships traveling between Europe and the Far East. The establishment of a naval base further emphasized its strategic importance.

World War II

Japanese Occupation (1942-1945): Labuan fell to Japanese forces during World War II and was renamed Maida Island, after General Maida Takahiko. The occupation lasted until the island was liberated by the Allied Forces, specifically the Australian 9th Division, in 1945.
The Battle of Labuan: As part of the Borneo Campaign, the battle to reclaim Labuan was significant in the broader Allied efforts to liberate Borneo from Japanese control. The island was used as a base for further military operations in the region.

Post-War Period and Federation with Malaysia

Return to British Control: After World War II, Labuan returned to British administration until it became part of the newly formed Federation of Malaysia in 1963.
Federal Territory Status (1984): On April 16, 1984, Labuan was declared a Federal Territory of Malaysia, stepping away from its association with the state of Sabah. This status was aimed at fostering economic growth and development.

Economic and Industrial Development

Free Trade Zone and Financial Centre: Labuan was declared an International Offshore Financial Centre (IOFC) in 1990 to attract international business and financial activities. The island also operates a free trade zone.

Significant Landmarks

Labuan War Cemetery: This is the largest war grave in Malaysia, commemorating soldiers from the Commonwealth who died in World War II.
Chimney Museum: The Chimney is a historic structure believed to be part of a coal mining operation. Today, it houses a museum detailing the island's mining history.
Surrender Point: The location where Japanese forces formally surrendered to the Australian forces in 1945, marking the end of Japanese occupation in Borneo.
Peace Park: Built by the Japanese government as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, commemorating the end of the war.

Labuan today is known for its offshore financial services and as a tourist destination with its duty-free status, beautiful beaches, and vibrant marine life. It continues to play a unique role in Malaysia's economic landscape.