2026 Labuan Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#falladventures #labuan #malaysia Labuan may be a small island in East Malaysia, but it turned out to be a surprisingly meaningful and refreshing place to spend a weekend, especially in the fall. Labuan is a Federal Territory, and although many travellers overlook it, I found that the island carries a quiet charm, important history, and some of the most peaceful beaches I’ve seen in Malaysia. The weather here is slightly hotter compared to other coastal towns, but the sea breeze and stunning sunset views make up for it. One of the most memorable places I visited was the Labuan World War II Memorial Park. Walking through the rows of gravestones reminded me of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War II. The area is well maintained and carries a deep sense of respect. Reading the names, ages, and stories carved onto the stones made me appreciate the historical weight that Labuan holds. It was a quiet moment that encouraged reflection. Next on my itinerary was Peace Park, built as a symbol of reconciliation after the war. The landscape was simple but meaningful, with a calm atmosphere that contrasted with the island’s wartime past. The open grounds, greenery, and gentle sounds of the nearby sea made it a pleasant place to stroll. I then made my way to Layang-Layangan Beach. This was where I felt Labuan’s unique weather most clearly. The heat in the daytime was stronger than expected, but the reward came later. As the sun began to set, the entire sky transformed into shades of gold, orange, and pink. The colours were rich and warm, and the reflection on the water made the view unforgettable. Watching the sunset here felt like the highlight of my trip. Another interesting stop was The Chimney, a tall red-brick tower believed to have been built during the coal mining era. Although its exact purpose is still debated, it stands as one of the island’s most iconic historical landmarks. The structure is simple yet distinctive, and walking around the surrounding park was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Overall, Labuan is a good weekend destination if you enjoy a slower pace, historical sites, and beautiful sunset views. The island may be small, but it offers a blend of history and nature that makes a short fall trip feel worthwhile. Point-form itinerary: • Visit Labuan World War II Memorial Park • Explore Peace Park • Stop by The Chimney and the surrounding area • Relax at Layang-Layangan Beach • Stay until sunset for the best views

#hellohalloween #traveldiaries #travelanywhere #traveladdict #memorablejourney #travel2025 Borneo Flora Festival 2025 is a large-scale annual event that showcases the diverse biodiversity of flora and fauna found in the tropical rainforests of Borneo. Visitors will also witness a variety of rare flower species, learn about the rainforest ecosystem. This festival is not just an event but it connects people with the wonders of our land. The beauty of the festival will be even more evident at night where many sparkling lights decorate the trees and ornamental flowers. This year, the festival will be divided into 10 segments, namely: 1. Borneo Tropical Flora 2. Borneo Rainforest Jewel 3. Underwater World Garden 4. School & University Garden 5. Eco Glamping Oasis 6. Glow in The Dark Garden 7. Insta Garden 8. Magical Garden 9. Flower Alley 10. Garden Showcase

🚗 Getting There The ride to Muzium Labuan was smooth and easy, with the sea breeze and island charm along the way. The location is convenient, right in the town area, making it accessible by local transport or even a quick drive. 🏛️ Exploring the Museum Inside, the galleries were full of stories — from Labuan’s role in World War II ⚔️ to its history as a free port ⚓. The exhibits also showcased the island’s cultural identity, traditional crafts, and local heritage, making the visit educational and inspiring. 🌽🥣🍩 Food Moments After exploring, I couldn’t miss the chance to try Labuan’s delicious local food. Fresh seafood noodles 🦐🍜, satay 🍢, and kuih-muih (traditional snacks) 🥮 were highlights — simple yet full of flavor that reflects the island’s culture. 🎲🌀 Traditional Games One of my favorite parts was discovering exhibits of Malaysian traditional games. Playing congkak 🎲 as a child and watching gasing spin 🌀 brought back nostalgic memories, reminding me of the community spirit and creativity in our culture. 🌅✨ Ending the Day After the museum, I took a peaceful stroll around the surrounding area, soaking in the calm atmosphere, friendly smiles, and the beauty of the island. It was the perfect way to wrap up a day filled with history, culture, and good food. 💙 Overall Muzium Labuan is not just about history — it’s about experiencing the heart of the island through its past, its flavors, and its traditions. A must-visit if you’re in Labuan! #MuziumLabuan#TraditionalGames #IslandVibes

#jomcuti #mytrip #traveldiaries #travelanywhere #memorablejourney Labuan, Malaysia is a small island located in the Borneo area. It is a provincial state in this Malaysia country. To get to Labuan, there are 2 transportation options that can be used, that is airplane and boat/ferry. Customs and immigration checks are also required during the entry process into this province. There are many tourist attractions in Labuan. Among them are Tanjung Batu Beach, Kg. Tg Aru Nelayan Beach, Labuan Museum, Chimney Museum, and Bird Park. Download trip.com for more travel details! Search 'FamilyTravel' in top bar & explore Family Hub. Find hot deals & pro tips for travelling with kids.

I just wrapped up a visit to the Labuan Chimney Museum, admiring its mysterious history and exhibits, then something unexpected happened. Our guide, with a knowing smile, suggested we continue with a local-only jungle trek right behind the museum. I wasn’t prepared for how raw and magical the rest of the journey would be. We stepped off the beaten path into lush greenery. The trail wasn’t fancy, but full of character: dusty earth, forest birds overhead, and the scent of damp leaves underfoot. Our guide pointed out old British tombstone, those of coal company workers from the 1860s and shared stories along the way about the surrounding mining history and wartime relics . After winding through trees, the jungle suddenly opened up, guiding us to a secluded sandy beach. The contrast was stunning, forest immediately giving way to the soft sand of Tanjung Kubong’s coastline. Low tide had revealed a beautiful stretch of shoreline and calm waters, clear enough to see scattered rock formations and a small sea cave carving its way into the cliff edge . A few of us paused to snap photos; one local even joked that "the beach here feels like our own little secret escape." The whole loop took about 3–4 km, and included stops like the Gedung Ubat, an old ammunitions store and Raffles Anchorage, plus that cliffside point overlooking the endless South China Sea #hiddengem

#mytraveldiary In July 2025, a Borneo Flora Festival @Labuan event was held in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia. I am from Sandakan and went to Labuan to attend the event. This event is the first time it has been held in the Borneo region. This festival is a showcases that shown a various species of flowers and plants with the uniqueness of Borneo which is rich in natural resources. The atmosphere will be even more interesting at night because the flowers will be decorated with the beauty of very beautiful and colourful of lights. This festival will be held from 26 to 30 July 2025 at the International Marine Sports Complex, Labuan Malaysia. Admission is free.

Trip Review: Labuan Sunset — Where Peace Found Me My recent trip to Labuan was nothing short of serene. From the moment I stepped onto the soft sandy beach to the final glimpse of the setting sun, everything felt like a living painting. The golden hour by the shore was absolutely magical — a sky bathed in amber light, calm waves gently rolling in, and the wind carrying whispers of peace. 🌅 Golden moments by the beach The highlight? Sitting under the shady casuarina trees, watching the sun slowly dip into the horizon. People strolled and played in the distance, silhouetted by the evening light — a scene that was both lively and calming at the same time. 🍃 Relaxed moments at a seaside hut We spent time at a rustic wooden hut, enjoying local snacks, conversations, and the comfort of good company. That simple moment felt precious — like time slowed down just enough for us to breathe and be present. 📸 No filter needed Every photo taken looked like a postcard. The lighting, the atmosphere, the stillness — everything was naturally beautiful, effortlessly aesthetic. 💭 Final thoughts Labuan isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. A quiet kind of peace. A space to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. If you're searching for a calm escape, Labuan will welcome you with open arms. #travel #labuan

#summervacay #travel #beachlife #poolhotel My favourite beach staycation 🏖️ If you're coming to Labuan, this would be your best pick ☝🏻 It's away from the hustling and bustling roads. It has its own private beach with stunning view. Perfect for your quick getaway and also healing trip. Relax, Retreat and Refresh 🎉 📍Address: Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan

#cityplaybook Labuan Bird Park is one of the interesting places on Labuan Island. This park is a home and protection for various species of birds, most of which are birds that are commonly found in the Borneo Islands. This park is located near Chimney, which is approximately 13 km or about 17 minutes by car from Labuan City Center. This park was opened to the public in 1999 and is beautifully decorated with various species of flowers and other plants to attract more visitors from home and abroad to come to this park. Birdwatching enthusiasts will certainly be interested in coming to this park to see various types of birds for themselves without using any equipment such as binoculars. There are currently approximately 600 more birds in this park, consisting of 74 species of birds, whether birds that are commonly found here or those from abroad. Among the birds found here are: 01. Tiong mas 02. Love bird 03. Eagle 04. Owl 05. Parrot 06. And many others.

#cityplaybook The Labuan Museum is a colonial-style building built during the British administration in Labuan around the 1950s as the British Administration Office. In 1963, this building was made the Labuan District Office and subsequently the Labuan Municipal Council Headquarters in the 1980s. The Malaysian Museum Department then took over the building and began conservation and renovation works as a museum exhibition gallery which took approximately 32 weeks and was completed in 2001. Then, research work and filling in the exhibition gallery with texts, artifacts and graphics was carried out starting in August 2001 until completed in September 2004. The Malaysian Museum Department then took over the building and began conservation and renovation works as a museum exhibition gallery which took approximately 32 weeks and was completed in 2001.

#kotakinabalutrip Standing at the foot of the mysterious **red-brick chimney**, I half-expected Mary Poppins to come floating down. But this isn’t London—it’s **Labuan’s** most intriguing landmark, a 106-foot enigma that’s been baffling visitors since 1890. Is it a chimney? A lighthouse? A secret spy tower? (Spoiler: The answer’s weirder than fiction.) **The "Wait… What?" Moment** The museum guard whispered: *“This thing never smoked—not even once.”* Cue my existential crisis—*what’s the point of a chimney that doesn’t chimney?!* Turns out, it’s likely a **ventilation shaft** for an underground coal mine. Mind = blown. 💥 **Sensory Time Warp** - **Touch:** The bumpy **British bricks** (each stamped “LONDON”—fancy!) - **Sound:** The eerie *whoosh* of wind through the hollow tower (ghosts of coal miners? Probably just pigeons.) - **Smell:** Earthy dampness from the **secret tunnel** (now sealed) that supposedly led to the sea **Hidden Gem** Behind the museum, hunt for the **abandoned railway tracks**—only 20 feet remain, swallowed by jungle. Perfect for: ✓ Dramatic “last train to nowhere” photos ✓ Pretending you’re in an Indiana Jones sequel **Creepy/Cool Artifact** The **“Devil’s Coin”**—a 1900s mining token with a horned figure. Workers believed finding one meant death was coming. (It’s now safely behind glass, but still… *shivers.*) **Local Legend** Old-timers swear the chimney **glows red** every anniversary of a 1945 Japanese soldier’s suicide here. (I visited at dusk. Can confirm: it was just sunset. Probably.) **Pro Exploration Plan** ⏰ **3:00 PM:** Arrive (avoid the noon furnace heat) 🧭 **Do the clockwise walk:** Start at museum → chimney base → railway relic → beach viewpoint 📸 **Best photo spot:** Lie on the grass shooting upward—the spiral brick pattern is trippy! **Why You’ll Love It** This isn’t just a tower—it’s a **Victorian mystery** wearing a tropical jungle skirt. And that sealed tunnel? Labuan’s biggest “what if…” **#ChimneyChronicles #LabuanLore** Who’s ready to solve history’s quirkiest cold case? 🔍🕵️♂️ **P.S.** The gift shop sells **mini brick keychains**—because nothing says “souvenir” like carrying chimney rubble in your pocket. 🧱💼

#kotakinabalutrip Stepping onto the quiet shores of **Surrender Point** in Labuan, I didn’t expect to feel such a *weird* mix of peace and heaviness in the air. This unassuming spot is where World War II officially ended in Borneo—a place where empires bowed out and the island finally breathed again. ### **The Unexpected Moment** I was busy snapping pics of the ocean when a local fisherman walked up, pointed at the memorial plaque, and casually said, *“Japanese general stood here, handed over sword. No more war.”* Chills. Suddenly, the breeze felt louder. ### **Sensory Snapshots** - **Sight:** Rustling casuarina trees framing a lone white obelisk against the blue sea. - **Sound:** Waves lapping the rocky shore—no crowds, just quiet. - **Feeling:** That eerie *weight* of standing where history pivoted. ### **Hidden Gem** Walk 5 minutes west to **Peace Park**, a serene Japanese garden with a mini waterfall and koi pond. It’s like the universe’s way of balancing the solemnity with life. (Also, killer sunset spot! 🌅) ### **Must-Do** Read the plaques *slowly*. The surrender documents are replicated here—seeing the actual signatures (Sept 10, 1945) hits different. ### **Quick Itinerary** ⏰ **3:00 PM:** Arrive (avoid noon heat). ⏰ **3:15 PM:** Reflect at the memorial; trace the surrender map etched on stone. ⏰ **4:00 PM:** Stroll to Peace Park; sip iced lemon tea from the roadside stall. ⏰ **5:30 PM:** Drive to nearby **Labuan War Cemetery** (more WWII stories). **Final Tip?** Bring water (it’s secluded) and let yourself just *stand there*. History isn’t always in museums—sometimes it’s in the salt air. **#QuietHistory #LabuanHiddenStories** Who knew a patch of shore could hold so much? 🤯

💚💙One amazing history✏️✏️..One amazing island.. One amazing story.. Very Rich culture and the natural resource of this island attracts more of its industrial partners in development. #tripblazers #bucketlistreboot #mytripvlog #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood #foodie #staycation #urbanexplorer #summervacation #cafe #themepark #wintergetaway #givethanks #naturalwonders

Uncover the wonders of the sea at Labuan Marine Museum, where history and marine life collide! Get up close with realistic shipwreck replicas, explore vibrant coral exhibits, and learn about Labuan’s rich maritime heritage. The highlight? A giant whale skeleton that steals the show! A hidden gem perfect for sea lovers and history buffs alike. #favouriteitinerary

Preparation - Documents: Prepare a valid passport and a Malaysia visa. If you apply for an e-visa, print it in advance. - Clothing: Prepare light and breathable summer clothes, such as short sleeves, shorts, and skirts. Also bring a sun-protective jacket and a thin coat. - Other items: Bring common medicines, high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, a swimsuit, a power bank, etc. Transportation - External transportation: You can fly to Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu first, and then transfer to Labuan. You can also take a ferry from Kota Kinabalu. - Internal transportation: You can rent a car, take a taxi, or ride a motorcycle on the island. An international driver's license is required for car rental. Attractions - Labuan Bird Park: The ticket is cheap, and you can get close to peacocks. - Chimney Museum: The 30-meter-high brick chimney is a landmark of Labuan. The museum displays the local coal mining history of the 19th century. - Batu Manikar Beach: The beach is clean, and the sunset view is beautiful. There are thatched pavilions in the food center nearby. - Labuan Marine Museum: It displays a variety of marine specimens, such as corals and the skeleton of an Indian fin whale. - Labuan Geopark: It has unique geological landscapes. You cannot enter the park due to the fence protection, but you can take photos outside. Food - Seafood: Such as baked lobster with cream, black pepper crab, and steamed grouper. - Malaysian specialties: Satay, curry chicken, nasi lemak, and the unique Tuna Satay. - Chinese food: Local Chinese restaurants offer a variety of Chinese dishes, such as fried rice, fried noodles, sweet and sour pork ribs, etc. Accommodation - Palm Beach Resort & Spa: The rooms are spacious and comfortable. It offers spa services and sunrise and sunset views. - Other hotels and homestays: You can choose a hotel or homestay that suits your budget and needs on major travel platforms. Travel Itinerary - 3-day tour: Visit Labuan Bird Park, Chimney Museum, and Batu Manikar Beach on the first day; visit the War Cemetery, Labuan Marine Museum, Labuan Museum, and Tip Of Tanjung Kubong on the second day; visit Labuan Geopark, Pohan Batu Beach, and Peace Park on the third day. - 5-day tour: Follow the 3-day tour itinerary for the first three days, arrange diving or fishing on the fourth day, and go shopping or relax in the hotel on the fifth day.

Labuan blends tranquil charm with rich history and coastal adventure! Wander through its serene War Memorial and discover echoes of the past at the Chimney Museum. Stroll along pristine beaches and savor fresh seafood delights by the sea. Don’t miss a boat ride to explore nearby marine parks teeming with vibrant reefs. Labuan’s unique mix of culture, history, and natural beauty makes it an ideal weekend escape for every traveler! #weekendgetaways

Went on a three-day escape to Labuan. Checked into Labuan Point Hotel upon arrival, we had our dinner on the hotel's rooftop restaurant. The rooftop boasted with breathtaking views of Labuan Town, and the view of the sunset was simply magical. While Labuan is renowned for the duty free shopping, we were more focused on relaxing and indulging in local cuisine. So second day we moved on to Palm Beach Resort (a bit far from Town) for check in and relax ourselves for the rest of the trip. Actually there are lot of things to do in Labuan but because we've been here several times, we decided to just relax and didnt explore as much. We're still satisfied with the escape here, enjoying the peace of mind it brings. #mymymemories

A bit far from the city area but beautiful place for relaxation and perfect place to have a quality time together with your loved ones. The hotel location serounded by the local residents and easy access to Pantai Manikar recreational area. spend nice evening walk along the beach area and testing food from the local cafe along the Pantai manikar . #trip #labuan #shortvacay

Located at quiet part of town but as long as the food quality is good the distance is not a problem. Easily accessible parking space and quick responsive waiters. There are many kind of dishes so please choose accordingly your preference. High recommended this place whether solo or with a group. Most of their food are well balanced tasty comforting and healthy all make with fresh. #food #jjcm #labuan

Address - Singapore Chicken Rice, Lazenda Shophouse, U 0488, Labuan City. Ambiance/Facilities - Facilities are comfortable Highlights - The signature dish is obviously the famous Chicken Rice. Avg. Price per Person - RM10-RM20 (Depending on your dishes ordered) Rating - I would say it is 4/5. #singapore #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood #chickenrice #labuancity #foodhunting

my favourite place to stay with my family

Address - Labuan War Cemetery Memorial Park, 87000 Labuan City. Before it was just a graveyard for the fallen of Australian Troops, Indian Army and The Borneon Soldier that were killed during the Japanese invasion of Borneo. Now to commemorate all the fallen heroes, the graveyard had been changed into a memorial cemetery. If you loved history, this is one of the places in Labuan you should visit. Highlights: List according to pictures 1. Main Gate 2-3. The Cross 4-7. The Pillar Name List 8-10. The Tombstone 11. Brief Summary #northborneo #worldwar2 #history #cemetery #memorial #labuancity #army #couplestrip #australia #indian #awesomepic

The total area of the park is 6.9 hectares. It has large dome-shaped cages surrounded by stunning landscape just like the one you saw in Jurassic Park/World movie. Address - Labuan Bird Park, Department of Veterinary, Jalan Tanjung Kubong, 87000 Labuan. Highlights - There's a lot of exotic birds where you can feed and take pictures with them. If you're lucky you can even touch them Rating - Since this is the only bird in Borneo, I would say the excitement was 4/5. #birdpark #borneo #birds #thanksgiving #turkey #labuancity #awesomepic #couplestrip

Getting There - Took about 15 minutes of driving along the 12 KM from Labuan airport. Attractions - The museum exhibits about the history of coal mining in Labuan during the British era. People usually come here to see the iconic Chimney. Hotels - Tiara Labuan Hotel is the nearest to the Chimney Museum. Food & Restaurants - So far there's no restaurant only a vending machine that sells drinks. #awesomepic #labuan #chimney #british #colonialtimes #history

The distance from Kota Kinabalu city to Labuan Island is about 164 KM. There are two ways to get there: a) Via Menumbuk: It's about 2hr 30minutes - 3hr drive from KK. Upon reaching Menumbuk ferry terminal, you can transport your car by ferry to Labuan or you can just park your car at the car park provided. The ferry took about 1hr 30minutes - 2 hr to reach Labuan terminal. b) Via Jaselton terminal: About 3hrs using the ferry (for passengers only) Here are some of the best spots that are a must visit place when you're in Labuan Island. 1. World War II Cemetery Address - 87000 Labuan Highlights - Many of the personnel buried in this cemetery mostly Australian troops that were killed during the Japanese invasion of Borneo 2. Chimney Museum Address - Tanjung Batu, Labuan. Highlights - The museum describes the history of coal mining in Labuan around 1847-1911. 3. Kubong Hill Trail Address - Kubong Hill Highlights - There's an old Ammunition Store which is believed to have been a storage area used by the Japanese army. 4. Labuan Museum Address - U 0364, Jalan Dewan, 87008 Labuan. Highlights - History about Labuan Island and WW2. 5. Bird Park Address - 87000 Labuan. Highlights - You can take pictures with various birds up close. These places are just the tip of the iceberg. I will post some more attractions in Labuan. Be sure to check on my post for more attractive site to visit. #awesomepic #couplestrip #labuan #worldwar2 #history

Try out the Korean restaurant for the first time in Labuan. Surprisingly it's the food is nice and taste good. serving portion is big for most of the dishes. kimchi stew is really spicy 😋. would like to try the Chicken UFO next time.

Miss Mary brown for last 3 years. finally can have it and really love the foods. especially the cheesy fries 🍟 😋. my daughter love the chicken burger so much flavors. my neice and nephew had chicken burger and MB Nasi Lemak and the chicken is so juicy and tender. would visit soon. Am impressed also have drive thru set up infront of Mary Brown as well. well done MB. 👏

recommended one of best Western food with huge serving portion. grilled half Boneless chicken with black pepper sauce almost can't finish it 😅. fish and chips are juicy and portion enough for 1 pax. the tiara sandwiches taste juicy with the chicken and turkey ham with vegetables. would come again