The Labuan International Sea Challenge (LISC) is Southeast Asia's longest-running annual maritime festival. First held in 1997, LISC has grown from a local water sports event into an internationally recognised celebration of sea sports, maritime culture, and island adventure — attracting 2,500 participants from Malaysia, Brunei, Philippines, Brazil, Poland, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States in its 2025 edition.
LISC 2025 Overview
The 29th edition of LISC was held from 22 to 27 April 2025 at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex along Tanjung Purun Beach. The event featured 12 competitive events spanning deep sea fishing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, beach sports, and cultural activities, with a total prize pool of RM350,000 — the largest in the event's history.
LISC 2025 drew international participants from seven countries, with 212 anglers alone competing in the deep sea fishing challenge. The event attracted thousands of spectators to the island, reinforcing Labuan's position as a premier maritime tourism destination in Borneo and contributing significantly to the local economy through hotel bookings, dining, shopping, and transport.
LISC 2025 — Key Highlights
- 230kg Black Marlin — the largest catch in the Daiwa Deep Sea Fishing Challenge, displayed at the Sea Sports Complex on the final day
- Third consecutive victory by local siblings Nadzmar and Shahdan Sukarno in the 51.2km Round Island Kayak Challenge, despite only three months of training
- 212 anglers on 22 vessels sailed to the fishing grounds near Layang-Layang Island in the Spratly Islands, 160 nautical miles from Labuan
- Seven countries represented — Brunei, Philippines, Brazil, Poland, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the USA alongside Malaysian participants from Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia
- Fish auction proceeds donated to charity — catches displayed on April 27 and auction proceeds donated to Labuan welfare organisations
Event Schedule
212 anglers on 22 vessels departed from the Public Marina jetty for the deep sea fishing grounds near Layang-Layang Island and the Spratly Islands, approximately 160 nautical miles from Labuan. The Daiwa-sponsored fishing challenge ran over multiple days with catches weighed and displayed at the closing ceremony.
The Round Island Kayak Challenge, Regatta 2.0, beach volleyball, silat pantai (beach martial arts), and supporting events kicked off at the Sea Sports Complex. Cultural performances and food stalls opened along the waterfront.
Full programme of competitive events including kayak challenges, sailing regatta, beach tug-of-war, traditional boat racing, and community sports (sukan rakyat). Evening cultural performances and waterfront entertainment.
Prize-giving ceremony, display and auction of deep sea fishing catches (including the 230kg Black Marlin), closing cultural performances. Auction proceeds donated to Labuan welfare organisations. The Sukarno brothers were crowned three-time Round Island Kayak champions.
The 12 Events of LISC 2025
Flagship Events
Daiwa Deep Sea Fishing Challenge
The marquee event of LISC. 212 anglers on 22 vessels sailed to the Spratly Islands fishing grounds near Layang-Layang Island. The 2025 edition produced a record 230kg Black Marlin. Total fishing prizes worth RM180,000 including premium Daiwa-sponsored gear. Catches displayed and auctioned for charity on the final day.
Round Island Kayak Challenge
Malaysia's longest kayak competition route at 51.2km — circumnavigating the entire island of Labuan. The gruelling open-water race drew 48 participants from across Malaysia and Brunei. Won for the third consecutive year by local siblings Nadzmar and Shahdan Sukarno of the Labuan Canoe Association. This event serves as training for SUKMA and SEA Games athletes.
Regatta 2.0
Competitive sailing event featuring national-level athletes from Malaysia and Brunei racing across Labuan's coastal waters. Introduced in its updated 2.0 format in 2024 and expanded for the 2025 edition with larger prize pools and international participation.
Cross Channel Swimming Challenge
An island-to-island open water swimming race across the channel between Labuan's surrounding islands. In 2019, this event entered the Malaysia Book of Records with 185 swimmers — the "Largest Participation in Island to Island Swimming Event."
Supporting Events
Mini Marathon Kayak
A shorter-distance kayak race for intermediate paddlers and newcomers, offering a more accessible alternative to the full round-island challenge.
Beach Volleyball Tournament
Teams compete on the sands of Tanjung Purun Beach in front of the Sea Sports Complex. A crowd favourite that runs throughout the main event days.
Silat Pantai (Beach Martial Arts)
A showcase of traditional Malay martial arts performed on the beach — combining competitive sparring with cultural performance in a unique seaside setting.
Tarik Tali Pantai (Beach Tug-of-War)
Teams battle it out in tug-of-war on the sand — a simple but fiercely competitive community sport that draws enthusiastic crowds and participation from local kampung teams.
Traditional Boat Racing
Traditional wooden boats race along the coastline, celebrating Labuan's deep maritime heritage and the seafaring traditions of the Brunei Malay and indigenous communities.
Coastal Ninja Warrior
Introduced in 2024, this obstacle course challenge tests participants' strength and agility on a beachside course. One of the newest additions to LISC, designed to attract a younger, adventure-seeking audience.
Sukan Rakyat (Community Sports)
A collection of traditional community games and beach sports open to all — including petanque, coastal fishing competitions, and family-friendly beach activities.
Cultural Performances
Traditional dance, music, and cultural showcases celebrating Labuan's multicultural heritage — featuring performances from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities throughout the event.
Practical Information
| Event Name | Labuan International Sea Challenge (LISC) |
| Edition | 29th (2025) |
| Dates | 22 – 27 April 2025 |
| Venue | Labuan International Sea Sports Complex, Tanjung Purun Beach, Federal Territory of Labuan |
| Prize Pool | RM350,000 total across all events |
| Participants | 2,500+ from 7 countries |
| Entry | Free for spectators. Participants register through respective event categories. |
| Listed In | BIMP-EAGA Tourism Calendar, Malaysia National Tourism Calendar (National Water Fiesta Celebration) |
| Getting There | Fly to Labuan Airport (LBU) from KL, Kota Kinabalu, or Miri. Ferry from KK, Menumbok, or Brunei. Full transport guide → |
| Accommodation | Book early — hotels fill up during LISC week. Dorsett Grand Labuan, Tiara Labuan Hotel, and Hotel Labuan Point are closest to the venue. See accommodation guide → |
| Next Edition | LISC 2026 is expected in April 2026. Dates to be announced. |
LISC Through the Years
First LISC held as part of the Malaysia Water Festival, establishing Labuan as a water sports destination.
Two events entered the Malaysia Book of Records — Largest Island-to-Island Swimming Event (185 swimmers) and longest kayak route (51.7km).
28th edition drew 11 countries, 2,000+ participants. New events introduced: Coastal Ninja Warrior, Regatta 2.0, and Glamping LISC.
29th edition. Record RM350,000 prize pool. 2,500 participants from 7 countries. 230kg Black Marlin catch. Sukarno brothers win kayak triple.
Why Attend LISC?
Whether you're an athlete, angler, or simply looking for an exciting reason to visit Labuan, LISC offers something for everyone:
- For athletes — compete in internationally recognised water sports events that serve as training ground for SUKMA and SEA Games qualification
- For anglers — the Daiwa Deep Sea Fishing Challenge takes you to the legendary fishing grounds of the Spratly Islands with premium prizes and gear
- For spectators — free entry to all events, beach carnival atmosphere, fresh seafood, cultural performances, and waterfront entertainment
- For families — community sports, beach activities, food stalls, and a festive island atmosphere over the entire long weekend
- For travellers — combine LISC with duty-free shopping, island hopping, wreck diving, and Geopark exploration for the ultimate Labuan experience
Plan Your Trip to Labuan
Visit during LISC or any time of year — Labuan's beaches, dive sites, seafood, and duty-free shopping await.
Plan Your Visit →