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Labuan Island is situated 8 kilometres off the Sabah coast and is a popular transit point for ferries and boats travelling between Brunei and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Labuan is a small island with an even smaller town called Bandar Labuan as its commercial centre and downtown area.
Labuan’s main claim to historical fame is the fact that Japanese forces in Borneo surrendered to the Allies here at the end of world war two.
Today, Labuan is a pleasant, even idyllic island which has duty free status, hence drinks are cheap and visitors flock in from nearby alcohol free Brunei for a few cold beers. You can reach Labuan by passenger ferry from Kota Kinabalu ( a 90 minute trip ) or Brunei (a 45 minute trip ) or fly in from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching or Miri.
Labuan’s attractions include the Labuan Financial Park Complex, which trumpets itself as a duty free shopping complex, although the prices aren’t really that exciting. Popular tourist stops on the island are the Museum Square, the Labuan Sea Sport Complex, the Layang-Layangan Peace Park and the Japanese Surrender Point which marks the spot where the Japanese southern army surrendered to Australian forces in 1945.
The Island has some nice beaches with Pohon Batu and Layang Layangan the most popular. These are good beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Diving is also popular off some parts of the coastline.
Southwest of Labuan is the Labuan Marine Park which contains a number of uninhabited islands with excellent beaches. Boats for these islands leave from the jetty at the Sea Sports Complex.
Labuan has a good range of accommodation options in town, ranging from a few cheap hotels right up to luxury places like the Sheraton Labuan.
There are plenty of choices for eating and drinking and Labuan has dozens of restaurants, cafes, street stalls and bars with cheap beer everywhere. You can eat well in moderate places for RM5 to 10, a big bottle of beer will cost you an extra RM5 or so.
Labuan is a good spot to visit as a side trip from Sabah or Brunei and whilst there isn’t a great deal to see or do, it’s a peaceful laid back place and perfect for a few days rest and relaxation.
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HOTEL RESERVATIONS 
