Things to Do in Labuan

All Activities at a Glance

Labuan's experiences span the full spectrum — underwater, on the water, on land, and at the table. Browse the categories below and click through for detailed guides on each.

Active Adventures

Labuan's geography — a small, flat island surrounded by warm tropical waters and a ring of even smaller islands — makes it ideal for water-based adventures without the logistical headaches of larger destinations. Everything is close. You can dive two wrecks before lunch, island hop in the afternoon, and cycle to a sunset beach by evening.

The diving is the main draw for active visitors. Four shipwrecks dating from World War II and the mid-20th century now serve as artificial reefs, attracting everything from schools of batfish and grouper to the occasional whale shark during migration season. Dive operators run daily trips, and the absence of crowds means you'll often have an entire wreck to yourself.

Island hopping requires nothing more than a boat booking — operators at the main jetty and at the Sea Sports Complex can arrange half-day or full-day trips to any of the surrounding islands. Snorkelling gear is usually included, and some operators will set up a beach barbecue lunch on one of the islands. For something different, ask about bagang fishing — spending a night on a traditional fishing platform, watching the lights attract squid and fish while the stars come out overhead.

Heritage & Culture

Labuan holds a unique place in the history of the Asia-Pacific. It was here, on 10 September 1945, that the Japanese forces in Borneo formally surrendered to the Australian 9th Division — a moment that marked the end of one of the war's most brutal campaigns. The island's war heritage is preserved with care and dignity across several sites: the War Cemetery, Peace Park, and Surrender Point together form a circuit that takes about two hours to visit properly.

Beyond the war history, Labuan's cultural identity is shaped by its position as a crossroads. Malay, Brunei Malay, Kedayan, Bisaya, Chinese, and Indian communities have coexisted here for generations, creating a multicultural fabric that's reflected in everything from the food to the festivals. The water villages — traditional stilt settlements built over the shallows — are living examples of a way of life that predates modern Labuan.

And then there's the mystery. The Chimney, a 106-foot brick structure at Tanjung Kubong, has puzzled historians for over a century. Was it a coal ventilation shaft? A smelting chimney? A lighthouse of sorts? The debate continues, and visiting it is one of those pleasantly odd experiences that gives Labuan its character.

Food, Shopping & Nightlife

These three categories might seem separate, but in Labuan they blend together into a single, very enjoyable way to spend a day. Start with a morning visit to the wet market — Labuan's daily fish market is a spectacle of mud crabs, prawns, and fish you won't find on the peninsula. Shop for duty-free goods in the afternoon — chocolate, alcohol, and perfume are the classics, but electronics and household goods are also significantly cheaper here. Then settle in at a waterfront restaurant for dinner, where your mud crabs will be cooked to order and your duty-free beer will cost less than water does in some Malaysian cities.

The nightlife is unpretentious and fun. A handful of bars and karaoke spots cluster in the financial district area, and the waterfront comes alive on weekend evenings. Don't expect Kuala Lumpur-style clubs — Labuan's charm is in its laid-back, locals-and-visitors-together atmosphere.

Practical Info