Places Of Interest                Island                 Ship Wreck Diving

Formerly known as Victoria town, Bandar Labuan today is a bustling business center with strikingly modern office and shopping complexes rising around picturesque postwar architecture.
Downtown Labuan
Downtown are pedestrian areas to relax. Wrought iron seats and ornamental lamp posts, together with flowering plants and shrubs make a pretty sight. There are many eating places which specialize in Malay, Chinese or Indian food, as well as popular fast food outlets.
The busy waterfront area is always a hive of activity. Here are landing berths, as well as the Customs and Immigration departments. The barter trade is carried out in this area and glass noodles seem to be a very popular item with the Filipino barter traders. The main thoroughfare in downtown Labuan is Jalan Merdeka. At the eastern end of this main road are the Sheraton Hotel, Waterfront Financial hotels and the soaring Financial Park complex. Sharing the downtown Labuan skyline is the Masjid Jamek An'nur, a huge Muslim mosque of futuristic design with two minarets reaching for the skies.

A world class water sports center
Labuan International Sea Sports Complex is located at the waterfront area along Jalan Tanjung Purun. It is within close proximity to Labuan town center. The complex covers an area of 5.91 acres. It was a project under the 7th Malaysia plan and built at a total cost of RM25 million. Labuan International Sea Sports Complex is part of the Labuan waterfront beautification project. Its objective is to create a world-class water sports center and to develop more attractive places of interests in line with the Malaysian Prime Minister’s vision to turn Labuan into a major island destination. Labuan International Sea Sports Complex opens to the public in June 2001 when it hosted the yearly Labuan Sea Challenge 2001. The improved infrastructure and facilities provided by this complex is expected to enhance Labuan’s appeal to attract more tourists and investors. The modern amenities will enable the island to host more international sea sports events and championships. The Labuan International Sea Sports Complex is designed with three prominent structures connected to a main viewing plaza. Every building houses a specific activity. Each of these imposing towers is an integral part of a large modern water sports complex. The architecture offers a dramatic expression of nature, tradition and modern functionality. The complex houses the main sea sports centre, an administrative block, a marine biology museum, souvenir shops and eateries.
Sea Sports Centre
This is a center for major sea sports activities and a venue for carnival. There is a large boat storage area that allows direct access to the beach front. There are also facilities for changing room, rest area and general preparation. It serves as a permanent exhibition area for all type of sea sports activities. It connects to the many ‘leisure walks’ on the beachfront.
Museum of Marine Biology
The Museum of Marine Biology is sited together with the Administrative block in a separate building. It takes the shape of a semi circle fronting the sea with an open gallery. A large part of the building space is used by the Maritime Museum. While the rest of the space is for administrative use such as meeting room and office spaces for sports bodies. The podium level contains comfortable resting room for VIP and additional gallery space for museum.
Main plaza
The main plaza is circular in shape. It is equipped with an all weather windbreaker structure to withstand any adverse weather conditions. It serves as a centre stage to launch and view all type of sea sports events.
Handicraft Center and Eateries
The handicraft centre and eateries are located on the west wing of the complex. The many fast food stall and small eateries selling local fares, plus the many souvenir and handicraft shops, make this place a hive of activities. It is a popular stopover for visiting tourists

This Memorial is situated at Jalan Tanjung Batu. 3,908 graves of soldiers who either died in battle or captivity lie here. Most of the soldiers were Australians and British with some from the Punjab Signal Corp, New Zealand as well as a few locals. In February 1945, the Japanese, apprehending an Allied landing in the Sandakan area, started to force march the prisoners to Ranau on which was what came to be known as the infamous Ranau Death March. Hundreds upon hundreds perished along the way and those who were left behind at the Sandakan POW camp also died or were killed. Many of the dead were reburied here at Labuan. On 10 June 1945, Allied troops landed at Brown beach at Tanjung Purun to begin what was to be the liberisation of Borneo from the Japanese. Prior to this, Labuan town was heavily bombed aerially to flush out the enemies. Most of the buildings were destroyed. At the place known as the Pocket fighting also took place. The remains of the Allied troops were gathered from all over Borneo to be interred at the Cemetery. The graves lie in long neat rows all bearing a plaque, mostly identified, many not, but 'known unto God'. The Labuan War Cemetery and Memorial is visited very regularly by War Veteran groups, especially from Australia who have included Labuan as an important destination on their battle-field tours circuit. On the first Sunday of November every year, a service to mark Remembrance Day is held here and is attended by locals and foreign visitors. The place was constructed, and is maintained by Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The lawns are beautiful kept and visitors will appreciate the peace and tranquility of the place as they seek to understand the senselessness of the deaths of so many brave young men.

The ‘Chimney’ - An Archeological Mystery
Situated on a rise at Tanjung Kubong is the famous ‘Chimney’, a 106 feet high red brick stack believed to be linked to the coal mining days of Labuan. The Chimney, 106 feet tall, was made from more than 23,000 pieces of red bricks imported from ngland. The bricks layering and works are typical of British style. The ‘Chimney’ was long thought to be nothing more than a ventilation shaft. However, recent findings revealed that there were no traces of smokes or burning to suggest its use as a chimney as popularly believed. Careful digging has revealed at least 12 layers of bricks beneath the surface. The structure sits firmly on a large tract of limestone rock containing rich kaolin or porcelain clay, which provided the strong foundation. The ‘Chimney’ is still very much a mystery until today. Various hypothesis has been put forward to its purpose. Some said it was an unfinished mansion. While others said it was a light house beaconing passing ships. In its heyday, a thriving settlement was built at the sea front area below the Chimney. It was then used as a bell tower to announce the arrival of ships to the residents below. It has become an intriguing riddle that fascinates locals and visitors alike.

Coal mining in 18th century Labuan
The northern tip of the island is called Tanjung Kubong. An expansive network of underground tunnels and deep wells are found in this area. This is the site of coal mining, which started in 1847. The mine was operated by various British companies for 64 years. The last one, the New Central Borneo, installed an 8 mile long railway track to Victoria Port to facilitate the export of the coal. A series of mining accidents led to the closure of the mine in 1911. The area is dotted with pits and tunnels. Old bricks and pieces of rail tracks and rusted cables can still be seen strewn on the ground. One can actually enter a low tunnel with the help of a short rope and emerge from the top. Across the road next to the Chimney, is a vertical well. It is 10 feet wide and measuring some 100 feet deep. At the bottom of this well are found entrances of more tunnels, which are yet to be explored.

Exotic collection of Borneo birds
The Labuan Birds Park is located near the Chimney at Tanjung Kubong. It has three large dome-shaped cages surrounded by beautiful landscaping. The park is home to many species of Borneo birds most likely to be encountered by bird watchers. There are plans to collect a good percentage of the 580 species of birds found in Borneo’s diverse habitats, from mangroves along the coast to forest in the mountains. Much bird watching can be done ithout any equipment in this park. Except for a notebook to jot down what you see and a pair of good binoculars. Help in identifying birds can be obtained rom the park. Entrance to the park is free.

Next to the Peace Park is Surrender Point, another historical place of interest. This is where the 32nd Japanese Southern Army surrendered to the 9th Division Australian Imperial Forces on 9th September 1945 which led to the end of World War II in Borneo. The Japanese arrived at Labuan on 1st January 1942, less than a month after they had started their campaign in Malaya at Kota Baru and took formal possession of the island on the 3rd, after facing no resistance.They occupied Labuan for four years, even renaming it Pulau Maida, or Maidashima after General Maida, the Chief Commander of the Japanese forces in Borneo. He was on his way to Labuan from Sarawak to open the airstrip there when he died in an air crash at Bintulu. The airstrip was built by the Japanese who found it was a good location for their operations in North Borneo. For Labuan, the end of the Japanese Occupation came abruptly with the retaking of the island by the Allied forces. The capture of Labuan was seen as essential for recovering supplies of oil, rubber and timber from the mainland of Borneo. It would also serve as a base to help the Allies recapture Singapore.A convoy of 100 ships were sent from Merotai. On 10th June 1945, they reached Labuan and an attack was launched by the 9th Australian Division. It was a successful attack, resulting in the surrender of the Japanese troops

Labuan Marine Park is located 2 kilometers off the southern part of Labuan main island. Beautiful and wild, the park encompasses 10 square kilometers of pristine water and three secluded islets, namely Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Rusukan kecil and Pulau Rusukan Besar. It features long stretches of sandy beaches, reef atoll, jungle tracks and quiet tidal pools. Sea snakes, rare butterflies and a prolific bird life add to its enchantment. Snorkeling and scuba trails introduce you to an underwater world of fascinating marine life. The many secluded beach spots offer unusual privacy and natural ambience. The park has been earmarked for upgrades under the 8th Malaysia Plan (2001-2005). Facilities to be built in the park include jetties, chalets, camping sites and barbecue pits. Other public amenities such as water and electricity will also be installed.
Banned - Fishing and anchoring
Local authority bans all form of fishing in waters around the Park. It also bans anchoring. Visiting yachts will either have to rent a mooring or tie to a dock in one of the marinas in the main island of Labuan. The only exceptions are boats under three meters in length using a stone anchor, and larger vessels having special advance authorization in writing from the authority. But you may photograph, swim, observe and study all form of marine fauna and flora. You are also allowed to scuba dive, sail, kayak and snorkel freely

Pulau Papan
Of all the small islands around Labuan, this is the most developed. It has an old colonial light house on it. It is a popular weekend getaway for families and visitors from Brunei, where they can picnic, swim and snorkel. Fishing is also allowed on this island. Chalets are available for rent, but many prefer camping in tents.
Pulau Kuraman
Pulau Kuraman is by far the most developed islet in the Marine Park. It has a jetty and a few units of chalets. Plans are underway to upgrade the facilities on this island.
Pulau Rusukan Besar
This island is still densely forested and is perfect for picnic, swimming and snorkelling.
Pulau Rusukan Kecil
This is a beautiful, quiet and unspoilt island. It has no development on it and is perfect for camping.

Ship Wreck Diving

Great Wreck Exploration off Labuan
Every year, people from around Asia come to Labuan to dive. The waters surrounding the seven idyllic islands off Labuan are home to some of Malaysia's richest coral and fishing grounds. Labuan offers fascinating and colourful underwater sights on coral reefs with a dazzling variety of marine life. Nearby are four wrecks, which also make for great diving for wreck-diving enthusiasts. They are the Blue Water Wreck, the Cement Wreck, the American Wreck and the Australian Wreck. Each of these wrecks has its unique character. All the four wrecks are suitable for both beginners and more serious divers.

Great Wreck Explorations Off Labuan
Up to now, Labuan has identified four ship wrecks to dive near Labuan; two from World War II and two from the 1980's. These ships lie in 100 to 115 feet of water, with the top portions at 25 to 70 feet. Visibility varies greatly season to season from 20 feet to 70 feet. These wrecks are named "Cement Wreck", "American Wreck", "Australian Wreck" and "Blue Water Wreck". The type of diving on these wrecks ranges from novice to serious wreck diving with penetrations into the hulls. Local dive schools provide various introduction and basic wreck diving training courses leading to a PADI Wreck Diver Specialty rating and TDI Advanced Wreck Diving course. The "Cement Wreck" is most suited for novice divers. For the "Blue Water" wreck, one must be an advanced diver with deeper diving experience logged. To penetrate into the above two wrecks or to dive the "American" or "Australian" wreck, one must be certified in a wreck diver specialty or have logged experience in wreck diving.

Conditions For Diving
All divers are required to show proof of diver training from an internationally recognized Diver Training Agency or they will not be allowed to dive without first taking a dive course. Log books are highly recommended. All dives must be with a buddy; no solo diving is allowed. Depth on any dive shall be limited to a maximum of 130ft (40m). For safety measures, a mandatory minimum 60 minutes surface interval is required before the next consecutive dive, regardless of whether you are diving by computer or by tables. To Night Dive, divers must show proof of night, cavern or wreck diving (with penetration) in the form of certification cards or log books documenting such dives. If no proof is available, diver who wish to night dive are required to take an introduction or certification course in night diving. The latest recommendation from DAN and Diver Training Agencies, recommends a waiting time of 12 hours after diving, and sometimes up to 24 hours, before boarding a plane.

Nitrox Diving In Labuan
Enriched Air or Nitrox is a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen like air but with higher proportion of oxygen. Using this mixture, divers can stay underwater longer than when using normal air. It is safer than other methods because divers are less likely to get "bends" since they are breathing in more oxygen. The use of Nitrox in recreational diving in Labuan started in 1995. It is only for suitably qualified divers with EANx certification, but certification courses in Nitrox are conducted in Labuan for divers, either in groups or individually.

The Four Wrecks of Labuan

This wreck lies south west of Rusukan Besar Island about 23 km from Labuan and is anything but Australian. It is the wreck of a cargo and passenger steamer originally named SS De KLERK, built in Amsterdam in 1990 and plying what was then the Dutch West Indies. During World War II the Dutch scuttled the ship to prevent it from falling into Japanese hands. But the Japanese salvaged the ship and renamed it the "Imbari Maru". In 1949 while on a voyage to Manila it struck a mine off Labuan and sank. 339 passengers lost their lives, mostly workers and prisoners of war. The wreck lies on the sea bed under 21 meters of water. Experienced divers will enjoy exploring the interior of the wreck. Others will appreciate the variety of marine life around it, including soft corals, lion fish and seldom-seen frog fish. It is a good subject for underwater photography.

This wreck lies south-east of Rusukan Kecil Island, 1.4 km away from the Australian wreck and about 24 km from Labuan. It is the "USS SALUTE", a US Navy Minesweeper built in Seattle, Washington in 1943. It was first put into service in Hawaii in 1944 escorting convoys between Pearl Harbor and several ports in the Far East. Later it was involved in intense action, providing protection for anti-aircraft vessels and submarine, as well as minesweeping. After several minesweeping operations in the Philippines, the ship began operating in Brunei Bay where it struck a mine in 1945. Nine US sailors lost their lives when she sank.

The "TUNG HWANG" is a freighter that sank while transporting cement to Brunei for the Sultan's new palace. It hit the Samarang Bank and sank as it tried to reach Labuan for repairs. Fortunately, no lives were lost. The wreck now lies east of Kuraman Island and just 21 km from Labuan. It has settled in an upright position. It is the easiest wreck to navigate, making it ideal for training in wreck diving. Divers can swim around in the cargo hold and docks. There is a great variety of marine life to be found here including barracuda, turtles, lion fish and reef fish. Soft and hard corals grow on the surface of the wreck, which makes this the best Labuan wreck for underwater photography.

This wreck lies northeast of Kuraman Island and is 34 km from Labuan. It gets its name from the very clear "blue" waters it lies. Of all the wrecks, this one has the best visibility. The wreck is the "MABINI PADRE", a large Philippines fishing trawler, which caught fire and sank in 1981. It is an interesting site for divers as it is completely intact. It also supports a wealth of marine life like soft corals, grouper and bat fish.

Acknowledgement :** All facts and Information taken from Labuan Corporation.
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