As an island, you can expect to find that most of the activities that are found here are water related, so if you are the type of people that fall into this particular category then Pulau Labuan is definitely the place for you.
International Offshore Financial Centre
The island of Labuan is Asia’s newest international offshore financial centre. There are over 65 foreign banks that are located in the island that offer sophisticated offshore banking services and numbered accounts facilities to the world’s rich and famous.
Historical visits and sites
Pulau Labuan is a significant historical destination especially from the time of World War II and there are three major World War II sites located here that attracts both foreign and local visitors. This includes:
- The Japanese Surrender Park
- the Labuan War Cemetery
- and the Allied Landing Point
During the month of November, a ‘Remembrance Day’ is held at the Labuan War Cemetery which is to honour the 3,900 recorder graves of the Fallen Heroes of World War II. This particular event is attended by the Malaysian and foreign war veterans as well as their family members of the Allied troops that were killed in action during the war from the year 1942 to 1945.
Wreck Diving – Pulau Labuan has probably the best wreck diving sites in Asia and there are four wreck dives located around the island which are known locally as The Cement Wreck, The American Wreck, The Blue Water Wreck and The Australian Wreck.
Shopping for duty-free goods
Duty-Free Shopping – This may be one of the main draws of Labuan and equipped with modern shopping centers that carry a wide variety of both locally produced products as well as imported goods. The most popular items that are sold here include tobacco, appliances, spirits and textiles. At the end of the year, the entire island hosts a month long shopping carnival with attractive discounts; there are even cultural shows that add the excitement.
World Class Sport Fishing Destination
As you may or may not already know the island of Labuan is surrounded by a cluster of six smaller islands namely Pulau Burung, Pulau Papan, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, Pulau Daat, Pulau Kuraman and Pulau Rusukan Besar. The clear blue water around these idyllic islands is home to one of the world’s richest coral and fishing grounds that will definitely offer you unlimited deep sea tackling as well as coastal table fish catches.
Interesting places to visit
International Sea Sport Complex – Besides the various activities that are available on the island, Pulau Labuan is also the host to the International Sea Challenge which is held in the month of May every year. The event itself comprises of four other main events which includes the Jet Sport Challenge, Big Game Fishing Tournament, the Underwater Treasure Hunt and the Cross Channel Swim Challenge.
The Chimney – Due to the size of the island most of the attractions that can be found on the island is just a short drive away from town and The Chimney is also one of them. In the early days it was actually a coal mine; however the true purpose of the chimney still remains a mystery even until this day.
Bird Park – The bird park is located just opposite that of the Chimney and it consists of 3 domes with each of them connecting to one another. Here you will be able to find a number of species of birds. The entrance fee to enter the bird park is RM3 for the locals while foreigners are charged RM5.
Beaches – Pulau Labuan is called the Pearl of South China Sea and with that kind of name you can expect to find beautiful stretches of beach here. Some of the more popular ones include Pancur Hitam and Pohon Batu where you will find the locals hanging out and having a BBQ picnic during the weekends.