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Pulau Labuan Travel Guide
Once a colonial outpost of the British, Pulau Labuan is now enjoying its "freedom" as a free trade zone under the Malaysian government. With its balmy, tropical climate congenial for all kinds of fish and marine life to thrive in its pristine coral reefs, it obviously has the potential of becoming Asia's most desirable destination.
Blessed with world-class diving sites around sunken World War ships, Pulau Labuan is certainly a diver's paradise. No true-blooded diver will toss aside the opportunity to see the spectacular wreck sites such as the Blue Water Wreck, the Cement Wreck, the American Wreck and the Australian Wreck.
The mile long beaches of Pantai Pancur Hitam and Pohon Batu are dotted with exclusive resorts, hotels, golf course and a duty-free shop that carries a wide range of locally produced goods as well as imported ones. The venue also serves as a hangout for locals and tourists to have a seaside picnic during the weekend.
The numerous activities such as bird watching in the Labuan Bird Park and island hopping to the nearby islands of Pulau Rusukan Besar, Pulau Kencil and Pulau Kuraman, which houses some of the endangered marine life and coral reefs protected by the Labuan Marine Park, will keep the divers occupied after their strenuous dives.
Pulau Labuan is not only endowed with natural splendors but also has a significant historical value. The island had experienced various rules under various British and Japanese empires. It had even been renamed once under the Japanese occupation as Maeda. Then came World War II, and once again the island was under a turmoil, which explains why there are a War Cemetery, a Japanese Park and an Allied Landing Point attracting local and foreign visitors alike.
While fresh seafood and mouth-watering rendang (dry curry of beef, chicken or mutton) tickle the palates of the tourists, quality pearls and crystals made into brooch, pendants and bracelets, will mesmerize the eyes of the ladies. They can also go for some beautiful sarong batiks which can be purchased from some nearby bazaars in Labuan.
Pulau Labuan Landmarks:
- Beaches (1)
- Historical Spots (2)
- Parks (1)
- Sights (1)
- Zoos (2)
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