Labuan
The island of Labuan is 10km (6 miles) off the coast of Sabah and covers an area of 98 sq km (38 sq miles). It is a duty free port and operates as Malaysia’s offshore financial centre. Excellent duty free shopping and wide expanses of white sandy beaches throughout the island make Labuan a popular tourist destination. It is also a popular destination for divers and has four established wreck diving sites. The Cement Wreck is suitable for beginners, but the Blue Water Wreck requires more advanced diving experience. It is possible to penetrate the hull of the Australian and American wrecks, but these dive sights are only accessible to qualified wreck divers with relevant experience. Religious buildings of interest on the island are the An’nur Jamek Mosque, Kwong Fook Kung Temple and Lauan Gurdwara Sahib. The mosque, a place of worship for Labuan’s Muslim community, has a progressive futuristic design. The temple, constructed in 1952, is the oldest Chinese temple on the island. The Hokkien community stages a deity procession with trance-like dances and food offerings each year in March. Lauan Gurdwara Sahib, a place of worship for Labuan’s Sikh community was built in 1957. The Sikh ‘Golden Temple’ in Amritsar inspired the design. The Peace Park at Layang-Layangan, commemorating World War II, is a tranquil retreat. Japanese-inspired pavilions and ponds with stone bridges are dotted throughout beautifully landscaped gardens.
An island only five minutes by boat from Labuan, Pulau Papan is a popular retreat for weekenders from Brunei. Attractive landscaping throughout the island and a colonial lighthouse enhance Pulau Papan’s natural charm. Chalet accommodation is available; the only alternative for anyone wanting to stay overnight on the island is camping.
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