INTRODUCTION

Labuan island is located off the northwest coast of Borneo, north of Brunei Bay and faces the South China Sea. It comprises of the main island of Pulau Labuan and six smaller islands namely Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Daat, Pulau Rusukan Besar, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, Pulau Papan and Pulau Burung. It is located at 05 latitude North and 115 longitude East, and lies approximately 10 km southeast off the coast of the East Malaysian state of Sabah.

Labuan is only 8km or twenty minute boat ride from Menumbok, a small fishing town in Sabah. High speed air-conditioned ferries ply daily to Labuan from Sabah, Sarawak and Negara Brunei Darussalam. The trip from Kota Kinabalu, capital of Sabah takes about 3 hours and about an hour from Negara Brunei Darussalam. It is roughly equidistant from Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Manila and Singapore. There are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur as well as from Brunei.

The island is mainly flat and undulating and the highest point is only 85 metres. More than 70 percent of the island is still under vegetation. Due to the fact that land utility is geared more towards property and industrial use, there is less agricultural activity in the area. Most of the island's prime land, waterfront and suburbs are utilised for residential and tourism development. A sizeable area on the south western side of the island is utilised by shipbuilding, manufacturing and oil and gas industries.

Labuan has a tropical climate with two annual monsoon seasons - the South West monsoon from April to June and the North East monsoon from September to December. It is free from hurricanes and typhoons and enjoys good climate all year round. Daily temperatures average between 28 to 32 degrees celsius.

HISTORY

Labuan had a glorious history under the rule of various empires. After the demise of the Majapahit Empire in the 14th century, Labuan came under the rule of the Brunei Sultanate. The British then officially declared Labuan a colony of the British Empire in 1849 and renamed it Victoria. The British lost its hold over Labuan in 1942 when the Japanese invaded the island. Britain resumed power over Labuan 3 years later and subsequently ceded the island to Sabah in 1963 when Sabah joined Malaysia. The administration of Labuan was handed over to the Federal Government of Malaysia in 1984. In 1990, Labuan was declared an International Offshore Financial Centre.

From the earliest times Labuan has had various cultural and religious influences. Traders and pilgrims from China on their way to India brought Buddhist influences. Islamic influence was brought by Arab merchants while Hindu influence came from the Majapahit Empire. There were also passing influences from Europeans who were involved in the Malacca trade; the Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch.

The first excavation in North Borneo took place at Pulau Burong, a small limestone islet off Labuan in 1960. Limestone was being quarried to fill the Labuan runway. In a tiny cave at Pulau Burong were found pottery, tools and human remains dating back to 2000 years. On another island off Labuan, Pulau Eno, were again found Sung and Ming pottery.

GENERAL ATTRACTIONS

An'Nur Jamek Mosque
This splendid mosque was built at a cost of US$11 million and is the pride of the Labuan's Muslim community. Its futuristic architecture symbolizes the progressive spirit of the people and island of Labuan.



World War II Memorial Park
A beautifully landscaped cemetery, the War Memorial is located at Tanjung Purun on the outskirts of Labuan town (formerly Victoria Town). The memorial is the final resting place of fallen Allied soldiers. Maintained by the Commonwealth War Commission, it is a poignant memorial to the 4,000 Australian, New Zealand, and British Allied servicemen who had lost their lives during the World War II. A section is also dedicated to the Indian Soldiers of the Punjab Regiment who died fighting alongside their comrades. Many visitors, especially those from Australia, often return annually to pay their respects to lost friends and relatives.

Labuan Square
Previously known as the "Labuan Town Field", it has since been transformed into an interesting park with neat lawns and fine examples of trees, shrubs, and flora that are indigenous to Labuan. The park's design reflects Labuan's status as an International Offshore Financial Centre and is a popular place to stroll and relax.



Peace Park
Located at Layang-Layangan Village in the west coast of Labuan, Peace Park is dedicated to all fallen soldiers of World War II. This beautifully landscaped park has developed into a place of pilgrimage for those who visit Labuan. Located next to it is Surrender Point. It was built as a memorial where the commander of the Japanese Army surrendered to the Australian on September 9th, 1945, which led to the end of World War II in Borneo.

Kampung Ayer (Water Village)
There are a few stilt villages that can be found on this island. Kampung Patau-Patau and Kampung Bebuloh Laut are two fine examples. Clusters of Malay-styled wooden houses on stilts are built out over the sea and are connected to the land by raised walkways. Currently, efforts are made to ensure that these scenic water villages are not bypassed by the rapid development that is transforming the island. A modern water village complex has been built to cater to thousands of visitors. It is facilitated with seafood restaurants, shopping malls, and a boardwalk. Visitors can also stay in waterfront chalets or enjoy a host of water sports activities.

The Chimney
Situated at Tanjong Kubong, the Chimney is the only reminder of the coaling days of Labuan. The coal-mining era started in 1847 and ended in 1912. During that time, Labuan was used as a coaling station for ships sailing to the Far East. A single rail track was constructed to transport coal to the Victoria Port.


Beaches & Islands
Labuan and its neighbouring islands are a sun-seeker's paradise with breathtaking panoramic views of the South China Sea, secluded white sandy beaches, and lots of tropical sunshine. The remote islands of Papan, Kuraman, Daat, Rusukan Besar, Rusukan Kecil, and Burong have plenty to offer. Visitors can spend the day exploring the beaches or the dense jungle inland, which is home to a variety of plants and animal. There are also a variety of water sports, such as jet skiing, wind surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and even wreck diving. The crystal clear water offers a window to the rich marine life of the South China Sea.

source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/