Labuan

Introduction

Labuan is a federal territory off the coast of Malaysian Borneo. It is made up of the main Labuan Island and six smaller islands, and is located off the coast of the state of Sabah. It is also a tourist destination for people traveling through Sabah, nearby Bruneians and scuba divers.

Geography

The Federal Territory of Labuan comprises Labuan Island (87.52 km²) and six other smaller islands (Pulau Burung, Pulau Daat, Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Papan, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, and Pulau Rusukan Besar), which have a combined total area of 91.64 km². The islands lie 8 kilometres off the coast of Borneo, adjacent to the Malaysian state of Sabah and the independent state of Brunei. Labuan Island is mainly flat and the highest point is only 85 metres. Over 70% of the island is still covered with vegetation.

Cities

Labuan's capital is Victoria and is best known as an offshore financial centre offering international financial and business services via Labuan IBFC since 1990 as well as being an offshore support hub for deepwater oil and gas activities in the region.

Events and Festivals

• Thaipusam - This annual Hindu festival commemorates the birthday of Lord Murugan. Over a million devotees and visitors throng Batu Caves on this eventful celebration, every year.
• Chinese New Year - Chinese make up about a quarter of the total population and in honour of the Chinese New Year, Malaysia has declared the first two days as public holidays. In the Gregorian calendar, Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year, a date between 21 January and 20 February.
• Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (Eid ul-Fitr) - This Muslim festival marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is celebrated by 60% of the population. The first two days are public holidays, and most people take extra days off to spend time with family and visit relatives and friends.
• Mid-Autumn Festival - Alternatively known as the Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the full moon day (15th day) of the eighth month of the Chinese calendar – usually in September.
• Deepavali (or Diwali) - A significant Hindu festival also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrating the victory of good over evil. Based on the Hindu luni-solar calendar, Deepavali typically falls between mid-October and mid-November.
• Christmas - This joyous day is declared a public holiday in Malaysia. Year 2000 census indicates that almost a tenth of the population are Christians.

Weather

Labuan has a tropical climate with hot and humid conditions year round. Temperatures usually are around 32 °C during the day and around 24 °C at night. Although there is no distinctive dry season, the months of June to December in general are wetter than January to April, well, at least along the northwest coast. The months of November to January stand out in having more rain and the drier months are March and April. In general though, rain is possible anytime and sometimes up to 500 mm of rain a month is not unheard of.

Getting There

By Plane

Labuan Airport (IATA: LBU) offers flights to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Miri.

By Boat

Daily ferry connections operate out of the Serasa Ferry Terminal in the port town of Muara in Brunei, to Labuan. The journey takes about an hour and a half.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website