Basic HTML Version
FireFlyz | 25
to guide you to the top spots. For a sweet
treat, seek out the coconut puddings and
the traditional
punjung
(a traditional
dessert), which are best enjoyed at the
weekend market alongside the plethora
of other
kuih
and pastries made by the
local people.
As a weekend escape, Labuan should
be high on the list and can appeal to the
whole family with its winning blend
of history, nature, food and shopping.
Labuan’s true asset, however, is its charm,
and the slower pace of life and warm
island welcome is sure to tempt visitors
back time and again.
places for a poignant look back at the
island’s history. Like its neighbouring
Borneo brothers, Labuan is also a top spot
for marine life, with three uninhabited
islands southwest of Labuan united as
Labuan Marine Park and protected by the
federal government. Hop on a ferry and
spend a day exploring the islands, flopping
on the pristine beaches or meeting the
underwater world by scuba diving. Divers
will alsowant to take advantage of the fact
that Labuan has one of the best wreck
diving sites in Asia.
Back on dry land, shopping is undoubt-
edly a popular pastime, as the island is
duty-free and thus the destination for
many in the region to pick up their favou-
rite goods at lower prices. Just to make
it more tempting, regular sales are held,
and the crowds tend to rush for liquor and
tobacco, textiles and appliances, both from
Malaysia and abroad.
Balance the shopping with some
culture by taking a trip to Kampung Air,
Need to know
•
There are direct flights to
Labuan fromKL daily, with a
flight time of approximately
2.5 hours.
•
Labuan is connected to
Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei
by daily, high-speed ferries.
•
The climate is tropical, with
twomonsoon seasons
(April-June, September-
December).
•
Malay and English arewidely
spoken, although some local
people speak a local Malay
dialect that is a blend of
Brunei and Kadayan dialects.
•
Labuan Town can easily
be explored on foot, while
buses and taxis are available
for exploring further afield.
a traditional ‘water village’ where the
wooden houses are built on high stilts up
to the edge of the water. Long wooden
walkways connect the houses and allow
the curious to stroll in these wooden
worlds, and for those charmed enough to
spend the night, there are accommodation
options with the friendly residents.
Lesser spotted
Labuan is blessed with many park and
green spaces, and the bird park should
be on the visitor’s list as a great spot
to enjoy beautiful surrounds and catch
sight of some lesser spotted species in
one of the three geodesic domes. Many
of the birds native to Borneo can be seen
here – it saves a trek into the rainforest
to find them!
When it comes to dinner time, seafood
should be the focus for the hungry tourist.
Food is well priced and the freshness
unrivalled – as one would expect – but ask
around for some local recommendations
Visit the traditional water
village where houses sit on
stilts above the water
Pujung, a sweet
treat from Labuan
TheWar Memorial is
a poignant reminder
of the island’s past
Many of the birds
native to Borneo can be
glimpsed in the Bird Park