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Location
Labuan
comprises one main island and six other smaller ones covering an area of
92 sq. km. It is located off the coast of East Malaysia.
History
Labuan had a glorious history under the rule of various empires. After
the demise of the Majapahit Empire in the 14th century, Labuan came
under the rule of the Brunei Sultanate. The Island was ceded to the
British by the Brunei Sultanate in 1846. The British then officially
declared Labuan a colony of the British Empire in 1849 and renamed it
Victoria. The British lost its hold over Labuan in 1942 when the
Japanese Army occupied the island. The Island was renamed Maeda Island
during the Japanese rule. After World War II, the British resumed
control of the island until 1963 when Labuan joined Malaysia and became
a part of Sabah. The Island became a Federal Territory of Malaysia in
1984. Labuan was declared an International Offshore Financial Centre in
1990.
Politics
Labuan is a Federal Territory of Malaysia, which is a democracy based on
the parliamentary system of government. Labuan is a strategic naval and
air force base for East Malaysia, which makes it one of the safest
places to visit in the region.
Population
(year 2000)
The population of Labuan is 78,000 comprising
of 41,900 males and 36,100 females.
Malay - 24,400
Chinese - 9,400
Indian - 900
Other races - 20,900
Foreigners - 22,400
Climate
Labuan has a tropical balmy climate with two annual monsoon
seasons - the South West monsoon from April to June and the North East
monsoon from September to December. It is free from hurricanes and
typhoons and enjoys good climate all year round. Daily temperatures
average between 28 to 32 degrees Celsius.
Language
Bahasa Melayu is the national language. However, English, Chinese and
Tamil are widely spoken.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of Malaysia. Freedom of worship is
guaranteed. Places of worship for Muslims, Hindus, Christians and
Buddhists are available.
Time
Local time :
GMT + 8 hours
Sunrise : 0600 hours
Sunset : 1830 hours
Taxi
Services
Taxis may be
hired from taxi stands, hailed by roadsides or through a radio-phone
paging system. They operate by zone with charges ranging from RM6.00 for
Zone No. 1 to RM26.50 for Zone No. 9.
Bus
Services
Town buses in
Labuan operate services both within town and numerous destinations
around. Generally these buses utilize vans and are commonly called 'mini
buses'.
Business
Hours
Shops
generally open from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm while supermarkets and department
stores operate from 10.00 am till 10.00 pm. Some bigger stores may open
for business on Sundays.
Working Hours
Government
Monday to Thursday: 8.00am - 1.00pm / 2.00pm - 4.30pm
Friday: 8.00am - 11.30am / 12.00pm - 4.30pm
Saturday : 8.00am - 12.30pm
*Off on 1st Saturday and 3rd Saturday of the month, Public Holidays and
Sundays
Commercial
Monday to Friday: 9.00am - 1.00pm / 1.30pm - 5.00pm
*Some open half day on Saturday;Off on Public Holidays and Sundays
Bank
Monday to Friday: 10.00am - 3.00pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 11.30am
*Off on 1st Saturday and 3rd Saturday of the month, Public Holidays and
Sundays
Currency
Malaysia Ringgit (RM) is the legal medium of exchange in Malaysia.
Traveller’s cheques and foreign currency can be converted to RM with
commercial banks or authorized money changers. (USD = RM3.8)
Money
Changing
Foreign
currency and travellers cheques may be changed in all commercial banks
during banking hours. Mondays
to Fridays - 9.30 am to 3.00 pm Saturdays - 9.30 am to 11.30 am. Banks
are closed every Sunday. Travellers cheques are accepted in leading
hotels, stores and car rental agencies.
Shopping
Tips
Check for the
correct voltage when purchasing electrical and electronic goods.
Malaysia uses 220 volts. Most stores however, often sell their products
without plugs but will be fixed on upon request. Many electrical items
also carry a one-year warranty, so please make sure you get the warranty
card.
Export Of
Antiques
Antiques may
not be exported without a licence from the Director-General of the
Museum and Antiquity Department.
Fly Drive
Tourism
Labuan's roads
are generally free from traffic and is ideal for self drive. The many
car rental companies offer a wide range of luxury cars at competitive
rates.
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