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Labuan
is the second federal territory of Malaysia.
Located
8 km off Sabah coast in East Malaysia, Labuan was designated
as an international offshore financial centre and duty free
port. The harbour is large and deep, hence the name Labuan was
given to the island, stemming from the Malay word "Labohan"
which translates into anchorage. Labuan is 2 1/2 hours from
Kuala Lumpur by flight.
The island of Labuan
is 10km (6 miles) off the coast of Sabah, and covers an area
of 98 sq km (38 sq miles). It is a duty free port and operates
as Malaysia's offshore financial centre. Excellent duty free
shopping and wide expanses of white sandy beaches throughout
the island make Labuan
a popular tourist destination. It is also a popular
destination for divers and has four established wreck diving
sites. The Cement Wreck is suitable for beginners, but
the Blue Water Wreck requires more advanced diving
experience. It is possible to penetrate the hull of the Australian
and American wrecks, but these dive sights are only
accessible to qualified wreck divers with relevant experience.
Religious buildings of interest on the island are the An'nur
Jamek Mosque, Kwong Fook Kung Temple and Lauan
Gurdwara Sahib. The mosque, a place of worship for Labuan's
Muslim community, has a progressive futuristic design. The
temple, constructed in 1952 is the oldest Chinese temple on
the island. The Hokkien community stages a deity procession
with trance-like dances and food offerings each year in March.
Lauan Gurdwara Sahib, a place of worship for Labuan's
Sikh community was built in 1957. The Sikh 'Golden Temple' in
Amritsar inspired the design. The Peace Park at Layang-Layangan,
commemorating World War II, is a tranquil retreat.
Japanese-inspired pavilions and ponds with stone bridges are
dotted throughout beautifully landscaped gardens.
PULAU PAPAN: An
island only five minutes by boat from Labuan,
Pulau Papan is a popular retreat for weekenders from Brunei.
Attractive landscaping throughout the island and a colonial
lighthouse enhance Pulau Papan's natural charm. Chalet
accommodation is available; the only alternative for anyone
wanting to stay overnight on the island is camping.
THINGS
TO DO AND RECREATION
Sea sport, Diving, Duty free Shopping,
island tours, golfing
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