Labuan Town

Formerly known as Victoria town, Bandar Labuan today is a bustling business center with strikingly modern office and shopping complexes rising around picturesque postwar architecture.

Downtown Labuan

Downtown are pedestrian areas to relax. Wrought iron seats and ornamental lamp posts, together with flowering plants and shrubs make a pretty sight. There are many eating places which specialize in Malay, Chinese or Indian food, as well as popular fast food outlets.

The busy waterfront area is always a hive of activity. Here are landing berths, as well as the Customs and Immigration departments. The barter trade is carried out in this area and glass noodles seem to be a very popular item with the Filipino barter traders.

The main thoroughfare in downtown Labuan is Jalan Merdeka. At the eastern end of this main road are the Sheraton Hotel, Waterfront Financial hotels and the soaring Financial Park complex.

Sharing the downtown Labuan skyline is the Masjid Jamek An'nur, a huge Muslim mosque of futuristic design with two minarets

History of Labuan Stamp and Postage

A postoffice was operating in Labuan by 1864, and used a circular date stamp as postmark. The postage stamps of India and Hong Kong were used on some mail, but they were probably carried there by individuals, instead of being on sale in Labuan. Mail was routed through Singapore. From 1867 Labuan officially used the postage stamps of the Straits Settlements, then issued its own beginning in May 1879.

The first stamps of Labuan depict the usual profile of Queen Victoria, but are unusual for being inscribed in Arabic and Chinese scripts in addition to "LABUAN POSTAGE". Perennial shortages necessitated a variety of surcharges in between the several reprints and color changes of the 1880s. The original stamps were engraved, but the last of the design, in April 1894, were done by lithography.

Beginning in May 1894, the designs of North Borneo were printed in different colors, with "LABUAN" either engraved into the vignette or overprinted. On 24 september 1896, the 50th anniversary of the cession was marked by overprinting "1846 / JUBILEE / 1896" on the overprinted North Borneo designs. Additional overprints appeared through the 1890s. In 1899 many types were surcharged with a value of 4 cents.

A last Labuan-only design came out in 1902, depicting a crown and inscribed "LABUAN COLONY". After the incorporation into the Straits Settlements in 1906, Labuan ceased issuing its own stamps, although they remained valid for some time. Many of the remainders were cencelled to order for sale to collectors, and are now worth only pennies; genuine postal uses are worth much more.

Labuan Airport

The new 16,000sqm terminal opened in 1999, is equipped to handle up to 1.2 million passengers annually and 500 passengers during peak hours. In 2006, the airport handled 575,684 passengers with 9,332 aircraft movements.

Labuan Square

Labuan Square is a fascinating park with neat lawns and flora indigenous to Labuan. Its design reflects Labuan's status as an International Offshore Financial Center, and is a popular place to stroll or relax.

An'Nur Jamek Mosque

The An'nur Jamek Mosque, featuring futuristic architecture, is the pride of Labuan's Muslims and symbolises the progressive spirit of the people and island of Labuan.

Tanjung Kubong Tunnel

Coal mining in 18th century LabuanThe northern tip of the island is called Tanjung Kubong. An expansive network of underground tunnels and deep wells are found in this area. This is the site of coal mining, which started in 1847. The mine was operated by various British companies for 64 years. The last one, the New Central Borneo, installed an 8 mile long railway track to Victoria Port to facilitate the export of the coal. A series of mining accidents led to the closure of the mine in 1911. The area is dotted with pits and tunnels. Old bricks and pieces of rail tracks and rusted cables can still be seen strewn on the ground. One can actually enter a low tunnel with the help of a short rope and emerge from the top. Across the road next to the Chimney, is a vertical well. It is 10 feet wide and measuring some 100 feet deep. At the bottom of this well are found entrances of more tunnels, which are yet to be explored.

Marine Park

Labuan Marine Park is located 2 kilometers off the southern part of Labuan main island. Beautiful and wild, the park encompasses 10 square kilometers of pristine water and three secluded islets, namely Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Rusukan kecil and Pulau Rusukan Besar. It features long stretches of sandy beaches, reef atoll, jungle tracks and quiet tidal pools. Sea snakes, rare butterflies and a prolific bird life add to its enchantment

Snorkeling and scuba trails introduce you to an underwater world of fascinating marine life. The many secluded beach spots offer unusual privacy and natural ambience.The park has been earmarked for upgrades under the 8th Malaysia Plan (2001-2005). Facilities to be built in the park include jetties, chalets, camping sites and barbecue pits. Other public amenities such as water and electricity will also be installed.

Banned - Fishing and anchoringLocal authority bans all form of fishing in waters around the Park. It also bans anchoring. Visiting yachts will either have to rent a mooring or tie to a dock in one of the marinas in the main island of Labuan. The only exceptions are boats under three meters in length using a stone anchor, and larger vessels having special advance authorization in writing from the authority. But you may photograph, swim, observe and study all form of marine fauna and flora. You are also allowed to scuba dive, sail, kayak and snorkel freely.

Financial Park Complex

The Financial Park Complex was officially opened on 29 August 1996 by the Malaysian Prime Minister. It is located on 11 acres of prime land in the Labuan town Centre. It is just a walking distance from the seafront and only a few minutes drive away from the airport.The Complex is self-contained with areas for working, living, shopping, leisure and convention. It has a two-floor podium and three office towers. The podium houses 130 commercial and retail outlets, including a supermarket and department store, cineplex, boutiques and food courts.Two of the office towers are 16 storeys high while the main one is 18 storeys. The Main Office Tower is occupied mainly by companies involved in the offshore businesses, like banks, insurance and insurance-related companies, trust, accounting and legal firms and also support services companies. There are two condominium blocks in the Complex. They are the Alpha and Beta Park Tower. Residential facilities available include swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, putting green and 24-hour security.The convention hall has facilities for 1,800 seating for convention and other events like performances and exhibition.

World War II Memorial

This Memorial is situated at Jalan Tanjung Batu. 3,908 graves of soldiers who either died in battle or captivity lie here. Most of the soldiers were Australians and British with some from the Punjab Signal Corp, New Zealand as well as a few locals.

In February 1945, the Japanese, apprehending an Allied landing in the Sandakan area, started to force march the prisoners to Ranau on which was what came to be known as the infamous Ranau Death March. Hundreds upon hundreds perished along the way and those who were left behind at the Sandakan POW camp also died or were killed. Many of the dead were reburied here at Labuan.

On 10 June 1945, Allied troops landed at Brown beach at Tanjung Purun to begin what was to be the liberisation of Borneo from the Japanese. Prior to this, Labuan town was heavily bombed aerially to flush out the enemies. Most of the buildings were destroyed. At the place known as the Pocket fighting also took place.

The remains of the Allied troops were gathered from all over Borneo to be interred at the Cemetery. The graves lie in long neat rows all bearing a plaque, mostly identified, many not, but 'known unto God'. The Labuan War Cemetery and Memorial is visited very regularly by War Veteran groups, especially from Australia who have included Labuan as an important destination on their battle-field tours circuit. On the first Sunday of November every year, a service to mark Remembrance Day is held here and is attended by locals and foreign visitors.

The place was constructed, and is maintained by Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The lawns are beautiful kept and visitors will appreciate the peace and tranquility of the place as they seek to understand the senselessness of the deaths of so many brave young men.

Chimney

The Chimney
An Archeological Mystery

Situated on a rise at Tanjung Kubong is the famous "Chimney", a 106 feet high red brick stack believed to be linked to the coal mining days of Labuan. The Chimney, 106 feet tall, was made from more than 23,000 pieces of red bricks imported from ngland. The bricks layering and works are typical of British style.

The Chimney was long thought to be nothing more than a ventilation shaft. However, recent findings revealed that there were no traces of smokes or burning to suggest its use as a chimney as popularly believed. Careful digging has revealed at least 12 layers of bricks beneath the surface. The structure sits firmly on a large tract of limestone rock containing rich kaolin or porcelain clay, which provided the strong foundation.

The Chimney is still very much a mystery until today. Various hypothesis has been put forward to its purpose. Some said it was an unfinished mansion. While others said it was a light house beaconing passing ships. In its heyday, a thriving settlement was built at the sea front area below the Chimney. It was then used as a bell tower to announce the arrival of ships to the residents below. It has become an intriguing riddle that fascinates locals and visitors alike.

Peace Park

Peace Park at Layang-Layangan is situated close to Surrender Point, the place where the 32nd Japanese Southern Army surrendered to the 9th Australian Imperial Forces on 9 September 1945. The Japanese arrived at Labuan on 1 January 1942, less than a month after they had started their campaign in Malaya at Kota Baru and took formal possession of the island on the 3rd, after facing no resistance.

They occupied Labuan for four years, even renaming it Pulau Maida, or Maidashima after General Maida, the Chief Commander of the Japanese forces in Borneo. He was on his way to Labuan from Sarawak to open the airstrip there when he died in an air crash at Bintulu. The airstrip was built by the Japanese who found it was a good location for their operations in North Borneo. For Labuan, the end of the Japanese Occupation came abruptly with the re-taking of the island by the Allied forces. The capture of Labuan was seen as essential for recovering supplies of oil, rubber and timber from the mainland of Borneo. It would also serve as a base to help the Allies recapture Singapore.

A convoy of 100 ships were sent from Merotai. On 10 June 1945, they reached Labuan and an attack was launched by the 9th Australian Division. It was a successful attack, resulting in the surrender of the Japanese troops.

The Peace Park was built as a memorial and renunciation of the horrors of the war. It is dominated by the memorial mound which is surrounded by landscaped gardens and pavilions. Small ponds with stone bridges and park seats are all Japanese-inspired. A bronze plaque commemorating the Surrender is mounted on a stone slab near the entrance.

International Sea Sport Complex

World Class Water Sports Centre
Labuan International Sea Sports Complex is located at the waterfront area along Jalan Tanjung Purun. It is within close proximity to Labuan town center. The complex covers an area of 5.91 acres. It was a project under the 7th Malaysia plan and built at a total cost of RM25 million.

Labuan International Sea Sports Complex is part of the Labuan waterfront beautification project. Its objective is to create a world-class water sports center and to develop more attractive places of interests in line with the Malaysian Prime Minister's vision to turn Labuan into a major island destination.

Labuan International Sea Sports Complex opens to the public in June 2001 when it hosted the yearly Labuan Sea Challenge 2001.

The improved infrastructure and facilities provided by this complex is expected to enhance Labuan's appeal to attract more tourists and investors. The modern amenities will enable the island to host more international sea sports events and championships.

The Labuan International Sea Sports Complex is designed with three prominent structures connected to a main viewing plaza. Every building houses a specific activity. Each of these imposing towers is an integral part of a large modern water sports complex. The architecture offers a dramatic expression of nature, tradition and modern functionality. The complex houses the main sea sports centre, an administrative block, a marine biology museum, souvenir shops and eateries.

Sea Sports Centre
This is a center for major sea sports activities and a venue for carnival. There is a large boat storage area that allows direct access to the beach front. There are also facilities for changing room, rest area and general preparation. It serves as a permanent exhibition area for all type of sea sports activities. It connects to the many "leisure walks" on the beachfront.

Museum of Marine Biology
The Museum of Marine Biology is sited together with the Administrative block in a separate building. It takes the shape of a semi circle fronting the sea with an open gallery. A large part of the building space is used by the Maritime Museum. While the rest of the space is for administrative use such as meeting room and office spaces for sports bodies. The podium level contains comfortable resting room for VIP and additional gallery space for museum.

Main plaza
The main plaza is circular in shape. It is equipped with an all weather windbreaker structure to withstand any adverse weather conditions. It serves as a centre stage to launch and view all type of sea sports events.

Handicraft Center and Eateries
The handicraft centre and eateries are located on the west wing of the complex. The many fast food stall and small eateries selling local fares, plus the many souvenir and handicraft shops, make this place a hive of activities. It is a popular stopover for visiting tourists.

Bird Park

The Labuan Bird Park can be found near the Chimney at Tanjung Kubong. This tranquil bird park is surrounded by a well-landscaped garden and walking paths. It has three large dome-shaped cages surrounded by beautiful trees and flowering plants. A slow, relaxing walk within the bird park is recommended if you wish to escape to a more peaceful surrounding where you can drink in the beauty and marvel at a large variety of tropical birds from around the region, under the same roof.

Labuan Bird Park is home to many species of Borneo birds only likely to be encountered by bird watchers in the deep forests of Borneo. But there are plans to collect a good percentage of the 580 species of birds found in Borneo’s diverse habitats, from mangroves along the coast to forests in the mountains, and increase the number of residents at this bird park. Unlike bird watching in the wild, here at the bird park, nature lovers and do some bird watching without the arduous treks in the jungle or any need to tow expensive equipment.

Labuan Bird Park on the northern end of Labuan island, accessible via Jalan Tanjung Kubong.

Mariner Hotel

Situated in the heart of Malaysia's first International Offshore Financial Centre, the Mariner Hotel offers you an unsurpassed value for money. Unwind yourself in our rooms that comes complete with a business center, complimentary shuttle service to and from the Labuan Airport or ferry terminal and safe deposit boxes are available free of charge, at the Front Desk.

Accommodation
The Mariner Hotel has 60 fully air-conditioned & equipped rooms.

Guest Room Features:
- Air-Conditioned
- Mini Bar
- IDD Line
- Color TV
- In-House Video & Astro
- Coffee And Tea Making Facilities
- Complimentary Morning Newspaper

Food & Beverage:

Mariner Coffee House
A casual all day restaurant with a selection of international & local specialities.
Breakfast buffet available daily as well as an A la carte menu. Open daily from 6.30am to 12.00 midnight

Banquet and Meeting Facilities:
A fully equipped conference room is available on the 6th floor to accomodate 30 to 50 pax.

Manikar Beach Resort

The Manikar Beach Resort sits on 15 acres of private beach and beautiful gardens, on the island of Labuan which is just off the South China Sea, near the border between Sabah and Sarawak. Blessed with a breezy tropical climate, it is a fascinating island of great natural beauty and historical significance. Guests are assured of a unique and pleasant stay with superb convention facilities. It is located just 30 minutes away (flying time) from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Accommodation

The resort features 250 luxurious rooms and suites, most of whichoffer a panoramic view of the magnificent ocean.

Guest Room Facilities

- Air-conditioning
- Ceiling Fan
- Mini Fridge
- Remote controlled Colour Television
- In-House Video
- IDD Telephone
- Bath
- Shower
- Hairdryer
- Coffee and Tea-making facilities
- Radio / Music selector

Facilities & Services

• Business Centre
• Seminar room
• Health centre
• Lounges
• Ball room
• Swimming pool
• Limousine service
• Restaurants
• 24-Hour Room Service
• Food and Beverage facilities
• Entertainment
• Duty-free shopping
• Sports and recreational facilities

Beta apartment

The Beta Service Apartment offers excellent apertment style accommodation. All units are tastefully furnished and completely self contained. Each apartment has three well appointed rooms with individual bath and shower. Other facilities include a kitchenette, dining area, a large living room, two separate toilets and a large balcony with a panoramic view of the island. It has many conference, seminar and meeting rooms, which can accommodate 30 to 400 people. A stage on its ground floor provides space for promotional activities and exhibition.

Accommodation
Consists of 86 units, ranging from 1 bedroom to 3 bedroom apartments. All rooms are spacious and tastefully furnished with well equipped kitchenette and other amenities. Rescreational facilities such as swiming pool anf gymnasium are alsp provided.

Guest Room Facilities
- Spacious Living
- Dining and Bedroom
- Telephones with international direct dail facilities
- Fine toiletries
- Refrigeratot
- Cooking facilities
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Iron
- Hairdryer

Facilities

• Swimming Pool
• Gymnasium
• Children's playground
• Landscaped podium rooftop garden
• 24-hours Security System
• Cleaning Services (twice weekly), and
• Intercom System
• Function Room

Waterfront Financial hotel

The Waterfront Financial Labuan has a marina and is centrally situated within minutes to all financial and business services, as well as leisure and pleasure (golf, shopping etc.)

Guest Room Features:
- Sea And Park View
- Color TV
- In-House Video
- IDD Telephone
- Mini Bar
- Air-Conditioning
- Separate Shower & Bath
- Hair Dryer
- Coffee And Tea Making Facilities
- In-Room Safe

Food & Beverage:

Spinaker Coffee House
Open daily - 24 hours
- Serving Asian, and Western Cuisine
- Malaysian Mix Buffet Dinner (Every Saturday)
- Hi-Tea (Sunday 12 noon -3 pm)

Anchorage - Karaoke Lounge
- Daily Happy Hours until 8.30 pm

Sunset Bar
Overlooking harbour and South China Sea, serving beverages and snack daily from 3 pm to 9 pm

Facilities:

• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Spa
• Health Centre
• Steam Bath
• Fitness Centre
• Gynasium
• Kids Club
• Room Service
• Basketball Practice Court
• Beach Soccer
• Volleyball
• Netball
• Pool Volleyball
• Water Polo
• Pool Netball

Tiara hotel

Tiara Labuan Hotel, a top class Resort Style Living welcomes you to experience our very own Paradise. The Hotel is located just a few minutes away from the airport and Labuan commercial centre and it is surrounded by luscious tropical landscaping, ideally located in a low density area by the sea and adjacent to the Golf course.

Accomadation

The suites are tastefully furnished to give a warm and cozy feeling of home. These are very spacious offering exceptional value and providing you with :

Suite Room
• Living and dining area
• Roomy bedroom(s)
• Balcony - panoramic sea view
• Kitchenette - storage room
• Refrigerator
• Bathroom - shower and long bath
• Cable television - ASTRO
• Air conditioning and ceiling fans
• Personal safe deposit box
• Iron and ironing board
• 24 hours CCTV security
• Free Internet WIFI

Deluxe Room
• Spacious room
• Sea view
• Garden ambiance
• Large open plan bed / Sitting area
• Coffee and tea making facilities
• Air conditioning
• Cable television - ASTRO
• 24 hours room service
• Covered walkway to restaurant
• Covered walkway to sports facilities
• Covered walkway to leisure facilities
• Private balcony

Food & Beverage

Guests and visitors have a choice of a la carte or buffet (at selected times) to partake of the mouthwatering delights offered. We are very proud of our restaurant staff, with an Executive Chef, two Chinese Chefs and one Western Chef plus support people. You can be well assured of the remarkable variety of choice and quality of cuisine that awaits you in our dining areas.

You may choose the intimate dining experience for those special and unique occasions, or have tables arranged to accommodate a group. Weather permitting, why not choose to dine out and take advantage of the open atmosphere of our wonderful courtyard. As you can see, we are well equipped to cater for all tastes and requirements. Our Chinese chefs pride themselves in the quality of the food that they prepare for you. They have very special ways of preparing and presenting the excellent quality seafood available in Labuan.

The Cheer's Pub combines Karaoke, Band & Disco. We have our own Ten 2 Seven live band performing daily except on Sunday when we have karaoke all night long. The Band comprises of 3 ladies & the band leader, Bing - Bing.

Facilities & Services

The Tiara Fitness Centre is an exclusive club which provides facilities and amenities especially designed for guest’s entertainment and relaxation, which includes :

An outdoor swimming pool with Whirlpool
Fully equipped gymnasium
Sauna and Steam bath
Squash court

Conference& Banquet

Our Teratai seminar room has capacity for up to 80 participants and we are able to cater for your needs with our fully equipped business centre.

As there are numerous functions being held throughout the year, please book well in advance to ensure placement and avoid disappointment. Prices will vary dependant on your specific requirements, so please contact our function manager via reception to assist you.

Grand Dorsett Hotel

Grand Dorsett Labuan Hotel (formely known as The Sheraton Labuan Hotel) is a deluxe 5-star international hotel with excellent business and leisure facilities, located opposite the financial park, on a duty-free island.
Grand Dorsett Labuan Hotel is located opposite the Financial Park in the revitalised uptown business district, only 5km from Labuan Airport. The Hotel overlooks the harbour, islands and city centre and is the perfect location for the international business or leisure traveller.

Accommodation

• 178 luxurious guest rooms with a Royal Suite and 10 Premier Suites.
• Rooms overlook the stunning harbor or views of the city.
• Guests staying on the Executive Floors or Premier Suites enjoy exclusive use of the Executive Lounge on level 8 with complimentary coffee/tea from 7.00am to 10.00pm and evening cocktails, canapés, and hors d'oeuvres from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.
• The suites includes additional features such as fax machine and hands free telephone.
• Published Room Rates range from RM473.00 to RM3850.00 net per night.
• Rates are inclusive of 10% service charge. Currently there is no government tax in Labuan.

Guest Room Features:

• Air-Conditioned Room
• Alarm Clock
• Balcony
• Cable Channels
• Connecting Room
• Refrigerator
• Handicap Accessible Room
• Maid Service
• Voicemail
• Non-Smoking Room
• Rollaway Beds
• Telephone
• Mini Bar
• Room Service
• Wake-up Service Available
• Iron/Ironing Board
• International Direct Dialing
• Radio
• Desk
• Fax Machine
• Cribs

Food & Beverage:

Victoria's Brasserie

• The hote's all-day dining outlet is open from 6:00 am - 11:00 pm.
• Guests can make their selections from the extensive daily theme buffet or the a la carte menu that features Asian and Western Cuisine.
• The restaurant also has a unique open kitchen concept where guests are able to watch the chef at work.

Fun Pub

• The hotel's fun pub is open daily from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am except Sundays.
• Guests may enjoy a wholesome meal with the accompaniment of the live band, or go to the dance floor for fast or slow numbers.

Lobby Lounge

• Located at the lobby level, this lounge is a delightful place to relax while enjoying refreshing cocktails or mocktails.
• Guests can enjoy a full selection of wines, other beverages and snacks while watching •
LIVE sports telecasts. Selections of cigars are also available.
Open from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight.

Facilities:

Hotel Services

• 24-Hour Front Desk
• Business Center/Services
• Concierge Service
• Fitness Facility
• Room Service
• Wake-up Service Available
• Golf Course Nearby
• Limousine Service
• Laundry Service
• Shopping Available
• Safe Deposit Boxes
• Outdoor Pool
• Smoke Detectors

Location

General Driving Directions to the Hotel

• From Labuan Airport:
Take a left turn onto Jalan Tun Mustapha until you get to the roundabout. Turn left onto Jalan Merdeka. The hotel is located opposite the financial park complex.

• From Labuan Ferry Terminal:
Exit the terminal and proceed right along Jalan Merdeka. Continue past the shopping district. The hotel is opposite the financial park.

History

Labuan, from the Malay word labohan meaning anchorage was inhabited as early as pre-historic time.This was evident by the various ancient artifacts foundon the three islets off Labuan namely Burong, Papan and Enoe, Modern history of Labuan began after the Brunei Sultanate ceded the island to the British in 1846. Labuan was then British Empire's smallestand most easterly colony in the Far East. The British used Labuan as a trading center and naval base to fight pirates in the Brunei Bay. The discovery of coal on the island made Labuan a strategic re-fuelling station for British steamships of the day.

Labuan was proclaimed a duty free port and Rajah James Brooke was Appointed the first Governor of Labuan in 1847. The administration of the island was handed over to North Borneo Chartered Company on 1st January 1890. It was reverted back to British government rule in 1904. The island was placed under the straits settlement Administration in 1907.

The Japanese Imperial Army invaded and occupied Labuan in January 1942. The island was re-named Maedashima or Maeda Island in memory of General Maida, chief commander of the Japanese Forces in Borneo who was killed in an air crasl while enroute from Bintulu to Labuan. The Japanese ruled the island for threeand a half years until 1945.
The liberation of Borneo began on 10th june 1945 when the Allied Forces under the command of General McArthur landed at Labuan with a convoy of 100 shops. The 9th Australian Division launched an attack supported by massive air and sea bombardments that resulted in the surrender of the Japanese. On 9th september 1945, General Masao Baba, commander of surrender at the Layang-layang beach befone Majar General George F. Wooten, commander of Australian 9th Division Army. The island was placed under British Military Administration before being made a colony of British North Borneo 15 July 1946.

Labuan became independent when it joined the Federation Of Malaysia on 16th september 1963. It was proclaimed a Federal Territory Of Malaysia on 16th April 1984 and declared an International Offshore Finacial Center (IOFC) in October 1990. The right honorable Prime Minister Of Malaysia Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad pronounced Labuan as a garden island destination on 14th August 1998 - adevelopment that further exalts the historical glory of the island.