Things To Do
in Labuan
Labuan, Malaysia is a federal territory located off the northwest coast of Borneo. It is known for its duty-free status, making it a popular destination for shopping and business. Labuan is also recognized for its beautiful beaches and pristine marine parks, offering opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
The island has a rich history as a strategic trading post and military base, evidenced by its well-preserved colonial-era architecture and monuments.
- "Apa khabar?" - How are you?
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Tolong" - Please
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex, where you can enjoy various water sports and stunning ocean views. Grab a hearty breakfast at a local café nearby before heading out.
Spend your afternoon touring the Labuan Marine Museum to learn about the rich maritime history of the island. Don't forget to sample some delicious local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Wind down with a stroll along the beautiful beaches of Labuan during sunset. Consider dining at a beachfront restaurant for fresh seafood and a relaxed atmosphere.
Begin with a visit to the picturesque Labuan Botanical Garden, where you can enjoy nature and take stunning photos. After some exploration, have a light breakfast at a garden café.
Head to the Labuan Financial Park for some shopping and sightseeing. Here, you can pick up souvenirs and enjoy lunch at one of the nearby eateries.
Conclude your day by visiting the Labuan Square, a perfect spot for evening relaxation and people-watching. Enjoy a local dinner in the area and maybe catch some live music.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Favorable tax environment with low corporate tax rates and incentives for international business.
- Strategic location within Southeast Asia, making it a good hub for trade and investment.
- Ease of doing business with a flexible regulatory framework that supports foreign investment.
- English is widely spoken, which facilitates communication for international businesses.
- Access to various financial services, including banking and insurance options.
- Limited infrastructure and public services compared to larger cities.
- Smaller local market size may restrict business growth opportunities.
- Potential regulatory changes that could impact the business environment.
- Dependence on offshore financial services can create a perception of being a tax haven.
- Environmental concerns related to development and resource management.
Best Activities in Labuan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful underwater world with a diving trip to Labuan's coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life while snorkeling around Labuan's coastline.
Relax and unwind on Labuan's scenic beaches, perfect for a leisurely beach picnic with family and friends.
Take a nature walk through Labuan's lush jungles and mangrove forests, offering a chance to spot diverse wildlife and bird species.
Tours
Uncover the best of Labuan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Labuan
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of the coastline, beach, and South China Sea, popular spot for sunset photography.
Historical site with a beautiful view of the sea, great for capturing both landscapes and history.
Scenic beach location with natural rock formations and clear waters, perfect for beach and seascape photography.
Provides a picturesque backdrop of the sea and stadium, ideal for action and sports photography.
Food in Labuan
Labuan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled fish marinated in a blend of spices and served with sambal sauce. Try at Anjung Ketam Seafood Restaurant.
Must-Try!
Nasi Lemak topped with succulent lobster meat, a must-try at the Pasar Sentral Labuan.
A popular flatbread served with flavorful curry at Restoran Sri Selera.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Labuan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a variety of local street food such as satay, grilled seafood, and traditional desserts.
Known for its vibrant street food scene featuring stalls with a wide range of local and international cuisines.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone in Labuan, it is customary to greet them with a smile and a handshake. It is respectful to address people using their titles and to use formal language, especially when speaking to elders or those in positions of authority.
In Labuan, it is important to show respect for elders. This can be demonstrated through actions such as giving up your seat for an older person, listening attentively when they speak, and using respectful language and gestures.
When visiting religious sites or participating in cultural events, it is important to dress modestly and conservatively. This means avoiding clothing that is too revealing or provocative out of respect for the local customs and beliefs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Labuan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Labuan
Ensure a smooth experience
In Labuan, Malaysia, tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. It is common to leave a 10% service charge at restaurants and hotels. Additionally, rounding up the fare for taxi rides is also appreciated as a form of tipping.
Cash is widely used for transactions in Labuan, Malaysia. However, major credit and debit cards are also accepted in most establishments. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash when visiting smaller vendors or markets, as they may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Labuan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Labuan is during the dry season, which typically lasts from January to August. During this period, visitors can expect sunny and warm weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, and beach outings.
The monsoon season in Labuan occurs from September to December, bringing heavy rainfall and rough seas. Visitors should expect frequent rain showers and potentially disrupted outdoor activities during this period. It is generally not recommended to visit Labuan during the monsoon season.
Labuan at Night
Hiking in Labuan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination in Labuan, Bukit Patoi offers a scenic trail with views of the surrounding forest and coastline. The hike is suitable for various skill levels.
Located on the western coast of Labuan, Tanjung Kubong offers a coastal hiking experience with beautiful beaches and historical sites along the way.
This forest reserve features several trails through lush greenery, making it a great spot for nature walks and birdwatching as well as hiking.
While primarily known for water sports, the area around the complex has paths suitable for hiking with views of the ocean and nearby islands.
A lesser-known spot, Bukit Tanjung provides hikers with a peaceful environment and panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it ideal for a quiet getaway.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Labuan through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Labuan by plane.
The main airport serving Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the state of Sabah in Malaysia, located approximately 340 km from Labuan.
The primary airport serving the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, located about 400 km from Labuan.
The airport serving Labuan itself, offering connections to Kuala Lumpur and other destinations.
The main airport serving Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, located approximately 650 km from Labuan.
An airport serving Miri in Sarawak, around 800 km from Labuan, providing regional flight services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Labuan, comprising approximately 50% of the population, they are predominantly Muslims.
The second largest ethnic group, making up about 30% of the population, with a significant presence in commerce and trade.
Includes various ethnic communities such as the Bisaya and Kadazandusun, making up about 10% of the population.
A smaller community, representing around 5% of the population, primarily involved in business and various professions.
This category includes expatriates and individuals from various backgrounds, accounting for about 5% of the population.
The Soul of Labuan
Discover the essence of Labuan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Labuan, with many local teams and a strong following among residents.
Basketball is actively played in Labuan with several courts available, attracting both youth and adults.
A traditional sport in Malaysia, Sepak Takraw is popular in Labuan, showcasing local talent and skills.
Badminton is widely played in Labuan, with many tournaments and recreational play enjoyed by the community.
Cycling is a popular recreational activity in Labuan, with various trails and scenic routes attracting cyclists.
With access to beautiful beaches, swimming is a favored leisure activity among Labuan's residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Labuan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most eating establishments in Labuan offer vegetarian dishes such as tofu-based curries, vegetable stir-fries, and fresh salads.
While specifically vegan restaurants may be limited, many local eateries are happy to accommodate vegan preferences with custom dishes like stir-fried vegetables and coconut milk-based curries.
Some restaurants and cafes in Labuan provide gluten-free choices, including rice-based dishes, grilled seafood, and fruit-based desserts.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Labuan with these cultural adventures.
