Malaysia's duty-free island paradise — where world-class wreck diving, pristine award-winning beaches, fresh seafood, and rich Borneo heritage create unforgettable memories.
Lying just off the coast of Sabah at the mouth of Brunei Bay, facing the South China Sea, Labuan is a Federal Territory of Malaysia that is relatively small in size but bursting with beauty and charm. Home to seven islands, four legendary shipwreck dive sites, a nationally recognised Geopark, and the only duty-free port in East Malaysia — Labuan is a destination that promises peacefulness, serenity, and beautiful memories. From enchanting sunsets on award-winning beaches and unique WWII landmarks to vibrant water villages and the freshest seafood in Borneo, this is one of those rare experiences of a lifetime.
Explore four legendary shipwrecks — the Cement Wreck, Blue Water Wreck, American Wreck, and Australian Wreck. Labuan's warm, clear waters and diverse marine life make it one of Southeast Asia's top dive destinations for all levels.
Discover Dive Sites →Walk the Labuan War Cemetery, a Commonwealth graveyard honouring Borneo campaign soldiers. Explore Peace Park at Layang-Layangan, the mysterious 106-foot Chimney, the Labuan Museum, and marked heritage trails across the island.
Explore Heritage →Hop between Pulau Papan, Pulau Rusukan Besar, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Burong, and Pulau Daat. Each offers unique snorkelling, secluded white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear tropical waters.
Plan Island Trips →Feast on giant mud crabs, lobsters, and grilled fish straight from the South China Sea at unbeatable prices. Try unique Bruneian-Malay specialities like ambuyat, jelurut, and punjung that you won't find elsewhere in Malaysia.
See Food Guide →Discover Labuan's nationally recognised Geopark featuring unique geological formations, coastal rock outcrops, mangrove ecosystems, and educational geo-trails. A living classroom where millions of years of Earth's history meet tropical biodiversity.
Explore Geopark →Visit one of Malaysia's most picturesque water villages, home to Brunei Malay communities living in traditional stilt houses over the sea. Experience authentic kampung hospitality, local cuisine, and a way of life unchanged for generations.
Visit Water Village →As Malaysia's only duty-free island, Labuan offers tax-free prices on chocolates, alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and electronics. Browse the Financial Park complex, town centre shops, and the bustling weekend market for incredible bargains.
Shopping Guide →Labuan's beaches have won the United Nations COBSEA Clean Beach Award. From Pancur Hitam to Layang-Layangan and Palm Beach, enjoy pristine tropical shores perfect for swimming, sunset viewing, picnics, and shore fishing.
Find Best Beaches →Unlike remote island destinations, Labuan offers the best of both worlds. The island has modern infrastructure including international-standard hotels, reliable high-speed internet, well-maintained roads, and the Financial Park complex — a hub of offshore banking and business services. Yet step outside the town centre, and you're surrounded by lush tropical greenery, quiet beaches, and the kind of unhurried island pace that makes holidays truly restorative.
Labuan is also uniquely positioned as a crossroads between Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei — making it an ideal base for exploring the wider Borneo region. Grab ride-hailing works island-wide, car rentals are affordable, and the compact 92km² size means nothing is ever more than 20 minutes away. Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or planning a multi-destination Borneo adventure, Labuan belongs on your itinerary.
Start Planning →Labuan Airport (LBU) receives direct flights from Kota Kinabalu (25 min), Kuala Lumpur (2.5 hrs), and Miri. AirAsia and MASwings operate regular services. The airport is just 5 minutes from town.
Ferries and speedboats connect Labuan to Kota Kinabalu (3 hrs), Menumbok (30 min), Limbang and Lawas in Sarawak, and Serasa in Brunei. The RORO ferry accommodates passengers and vehicles.
From KK, take the Labuan Ferry Coach (Menumbok Express) from the bus station opposite the High Court building. Or drive yourself to Menumbok and park at the residential car parks before catching the ferry.
Car rentals from RM60/day. Grab ride-hailing works island-wide. Taxis, buses, and vans serve major routes. Rent a scooter for freedom, or take a water taxi to explore the water villages and nearby islands.
The island's prime location in the South China Sea means the freshest catches arrive daily at waterfront restaurants and bustling markets. Giant mud crabs, succulent prawns, grilled fish, and lobsters are served at prices that surprise visitors from the peninsula. Beyond seafood, Labuan's unique Bruneian-Malay culinary heritage offers flavours found nowhere else in Malaysia — from the sticky, dipping sago of ambuyat to the sweet coconut custard of jelurut.
Explore Food Guide →Fresh from the sea, unbeatable prices
Traditional sago starch delicacy
Coconut milk custard dessert
Charcoal-grilled fresh catch daily
Giant freshwater prawns
Jelly wrapped in banana leaves
Labuan's nationally recognised Geopark showcases millions of years of geological history through dramatic coastal rock formations, ancient sedimentary outcrops, and thriving mangrove ecosystems. The Geopark offers guided geo-trails, educational programs, and partnerships with local operators including the Pulau Rusukan Besar Resort and Agrotourism VCO Geo-Farm — making it a unique destination for eco-tourism, education, and nature lovers.
Whether you're a geology enthusiast, nature photographer, or simply curious about the Earth beneath your feet, Labuan Geopark offers an experience unlike anything else in Malaysia's island destinations.
Explore Geopark →Ancient coastal outcrops & sedimentary layers
Guided geo-walks along the shoreline
Thriving biodiversity & wetland habitats
Programs for schools & research groups
Just six minutes from the town centre, Kampung Patau-Patau is one of Labuan's most iconic landmarks — a sprawling water village of traditional stilt houses built over the sea, home to Brunei Malay communities who have lived here for generations. Connected by wooden walkways and accessible by water taxi, the village offers visitors a rare window into authentic kampung life.
Experience genuine Borneo hospitality with a homestay, sample home-cooked Bruneian-Malay dishes, watch traditional fishing techniques, and witness daily life in a community where the rhythm of the tides still shapes every day. Kampung Patau-Patau is a must-visit for anyone who wants to understand the heart and soul of Labuan.
Visit Water Village →Southeast Asia's premier open-water swimming, kayaking, and sailing event. Part of the Malaysia Water Festival, attracting athletes and spectators from across the region.
Celebrating Borneo's rich tropical flora and cultural heritage at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex. Features exhibitions, workshops, agrotourism showcases, and Geopark displays.
A solemn annual ceremony at the Labuan War Cemetery honouring Commonwealth soldiers who fell during the Borneo campaign. Veterans and dignitaries attend from around the world.
Celebrate Malaysia's Independence Day with Labuan's biggest food festival. Local vendors, seafood feasts, live entertainment, and cultural performances across multiple venues.
A vibrant celebration of the island's multicultural heritage through traditional dance, music, food fairs, and art exhibitions across venues island-wide.
Every weekend the Labuan market comes alive with local produce, handicrafts, and street food. The waterfront dining strip is popular for evening seafood feasts and socialising.