2025 Labuan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#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 - Going there took about 5-10 minutes (depending on the traffic flow). It is approximately 3.2 kilometers from Labuan Island Airport. Attractions - Many types of fishes displayed and whale fossil. Hotels - Some of the best nearby hotels are Hotel Labuan Point, Beta Service Apartment and Tiara Labuan Hotel. If you are visiting Labuan Island, Marine Museum is one of the list you should visit. #labuancity #awesomepic #fossils #eel #marinelife #whale #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

Everytime back to Labuan surely will visit this seafood. especially with best sunset view. fresh seafood and portion are huge too. we can finished the crabs and have to pack home 🏡.

If you can go to Malaysia or other cities where many Muslims live will see more mosques will gradually become attractions although perhaps not particularly understanding of their religion But I appreciate their architecture This mosque in Sabah is really beautiful Because there was not enough time to visit this time But actually standing on the side of the fence opposite has been able to take beautiful photos 📍Jamek Mosque Likas #Malaysia Attractions

Labuan is best known as a Southeast Asia financial center and for duty-free shopping. Most visitors consist of off-shore businesses and local bargain hunters. Only a handful of travelers make it to this island. But they’re in for a treat. Diving to shipwrecks, pristine beaches and World War II military attractions make Labuan among Borneo’s most underrated destinations. A trip to Labuan promises an adventure and a convenient stop between Sabah and Brunei. The Crazy Tourist identifies the 15 best things to do in Labuan including where to go diving, which museums to visit and the island’s most famous World War II attractions. Labuan Island allures thrill-seeking divers to explore its four shipwrecks. As experienced divers know, this is a rare indulgence. Join a tour and explore one or all four shipwrecks including Cement, Australian, Blue Water and American Wrecks. Nothing beats the thrill of swimming with thousands of fish through the submerged compartments. Discover each wreck’s story and how they met their fate to rest for eternity off Labuan’s coast. Both newly qualified divers and the experienced can visit the wrecks. Arrange your tour before arriving in Labuan. #couplestrip #staycation

#mytripvlog

A place to create a best moments with family or friend. The sea view are amazing.. really beautiful and calming.. the breakfast buffet very delicious with clean environment.

i really like the view and the environment. because the sea especially when have a sunset or sunrise that view very very beautiful 🤩. on weekends my family and i always go out to this place for enjoy the view and eat the food. 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗 what i can say is please come here and you cannot regret that hehehheheheheh 🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🤍🌅☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️#staycation #gooutside #passionpassport #awesomepic #couplestrip

i really like the sunset 🌅 #gooutside #awesomepic #couplestrip #staycation

A great place to have a chill weekend getaway. The place is located about 10 mins from the Labuan Airport, and roughly 20-30 mins from the town. The place is wonderful for those who like beaches and the sun! THE SUNSET WAS BEAUTIFUL!! However, the areas are quite dirty and tons of leaves in the hallway, but I don’t mind since it is a resort when there are a lot of greens! Hehehe. The room was big enough to accommodate 3 people and 3 beds! However, my time there was limited, I didn’t get the chance to roam around the town and the resort itself! The only negative side of my time there was, that the customer service was bad and slow, the amenities were not enough, where one time I asked for a laundry bag, but they gave a rubbish black plastic instead. The pool was closed, and there were no water and electricity for an hour while I was staying there. Overall, I am sure the place is better and the customer service is great! would go back there if I have the chance. #naturalwonders #beaches #gooutside