Federal Territory of Labuan, Borneo

Labuan island is a flat island of 95 square kilometers; south of Kota Kinabalu and north of Brunei Sultanate. The name Labuan may derived from Malay word, the ethnic majority

at Labuan island from the word "labuhan" meaning anchorage. It's quite a close community where everyone knows everyone. The main town is known as Labuan Town (Bandar Labuan in Malay)but was formerly known as Victoria during the colonial era. Before 1984, Labuan is under Sabah administrative before hand over and declared as second Federal Territory of Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur. In 1990, it was declared an international offshore financial center and free trade zone (it still is a tax free island). The Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC) was created as Malaysia's only offshore financial hub on October 1990 and was operating under the name of Labuan International Offshore Financial Centre (IOFC). Labuan Town can be explored on foot, but also by bus or taxi. Taxi drivers generally do not drive on the meter, which means you need to haggle on the price before entering the taxi. 

Best time to visit Labuan Island:

The island can be visited throughout the year as there is no real monsoon season in these parts of Borneo. However, between the months of November and February you might experience more rainfall and rough seas as a result of the typhoon 'season' north of Borneo.

How to get to Labuan Island:

Labuan Island can be visited by air and by boat. There is a daily ferry service from the mainland (Kampung Menumbok) to Labuan Island. The ferry from Kota Kinabalu takes three hours to reach Labuan. There is also the possibility to travel by boat from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei via Labuan Island. Most tourists however arrive through Labuan Airport. There are daily flights from Kuala Lumpur (and also from Kota Kinabalu) to Labuan. Flights are operated byMalaysia Airlines, AirAsia and MASWings. 

Here, from Jesselton Ferry Terminal, Kota Kinabalu, you may buy a ticket to Labuan. Jesselton Point is the main public ferry terminal to Labuan. The journey from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan will take about 3 hours. The average capacity of each ferry is 200 seats with 60 seats for First Class and 140 seats for Economy Class. There are two trips to Labuan. Counter Operation : 6:30 am to 4:00 pm:

Arrival at Labuan Ferry Terminal:

Brief About Labuan Town: