Cecelia ChangMalaysians love travelling around the world. But let’s be honest: how many places in our own country have we actually been to? I have a personal goal of setting foot in every state and federal territory in Malaysia. Therefore, for my first-ever solo trip this year, I ventured to Labuan, an island in East Malaysia that many, including locals, have never even heard of.
Although Labuan is arguably the least known travel destination in Malaysia, it’s actually famous for being a tax-free haven! And because it’s located next to Brunei, I took advantage of this proximity to visit both destinations in one go. Here’s my 4D3N Labuan itinerary that can hopefully provide insights to whoever’s planning a trip to this hidden gem in Malaysia!
Also read: Kelantan Itinerary: My Journey Through this Hidden Gem in Malaysia
My Labuan itinerary
Day 1
The flight journey from Kuala Lumpur to Labuan is only about 2 and a half hours. Since I took an early morning flight, it was only noon when I arrived in Labuan. There was still plenty of time to explore after checking in to the Palm Beach Resort Labuan, the hotel that I will be staying in for the next three nights.
The first attraction of the day is the Chimney Museum, which features the history of coal mining in Labuan from 1847 to 1911 and the history of Tanjung Kubong. Entry is free, and the Chimney Tower stands right by the museum. But after reading, I realised that the tower is not actually a chimney. Whether it was just a landmark, a bell tower, or a lighthouse, its use is still a mystery to this day.
This trip, I relied mostly on e-hailing services (Grab and Maxim), the hotel’s shuttle van, and walking to travel around.
For my next stop, I took Grab to the Labuan Marine Museum (Muzium Marin Labuan), which is right opposite the Labuan Clock Tower.
Fun fact: it’s actually the first marine museum in Malaysia!
Even better, entry is free, and the museum spans two floors filled with fascinating marine exhibits. From aquariums showcasing colourful species like lionfish and triggerfish, to an impressive 42-foot Indian fin whale specimen, there’s plenty here to wow both adults and kids. It’s a great spot to learn about the rich marine biodiversity that surrounds Labuan.
I wanted to try out the food at H&B Coffee Shop in town, but it was closed by the time I arrived, so I just filled my tummy with mee soto at a nearby restaurant. Walkable from the restaurant were the Labuan Supermarket and One Stop Duty Free. The latter is literally a haven for alcohol and chocolate lovers, with products being extremely cheap since Labuan is a tax-free island!
After shopping, I walked all the way to Labuan Museum, another must-visit attraction of the island. Here is where I learnt a lot about Labuan, the fact that it was owned by Sabah, and the local communities here, including the Kadayan people, which I hadn’t heard of before.
Right next to the museum was a shop that sells unique handmade mementoes and local snacks. While the opposite of Labuan Museum is Dataran Labuan. It’s a square that features a raised platform with the flags of all Malaysian states and federal territories, and a football field. There wasn’t much to do here, so I left after a while.
While walking to the dinner place, I stumbled upon many shops selling alcohol and chocolates for cheap, so I had to grab some more chocolates! Dinner was at New Sung Hwa, a seafood restaurant with outdoor views overlooking the sea.
Day 2
After having breakfast at the hotel, I started Day 2 in Labuan with a visit to the Labuan Bird Park. Not gonna lie, it turned out to be one of my favourite attractions of the trip! The entrance fee is super affordable, only RM3 for Malaysians and RM5 for non-Malaysians.
TripZilla tip: The park closes for two hours during lunchtime, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
I know how much of a hidden gem Labuan is, but I didn’t expect to be the only visitor at the bird park! I got to see plenty of birds, from ostrich and hornbill to lesser-seen species like sun conures and marabou storks.
The best part? Many of the birds roam freely around you, making it an up-close and interactive experience unlike any typical zoo visit I’ve had. I even witnessed a grey-crowned crane squaring off with a group of turkeys right before my eyes. Isn’t that cool?
Afterwards, I visited Soon Hin Leong, which is famed for its delicious homemade taufufah (silky soy milk pudding). The taufufah really lived up to its hype. I enjoyed it so much, I ordered a second bowl!
Next, I headed to Kedai Kopi Jia Yan, a humble coffee shop tucked slightly away from the town centre, for a hearty bowl of curry fish noodles before setting off to my next destination — Peace Park.
To my surprise, this serene park by the coast was built by the Japanese as a symbol of peace, harmony, and friendship. It features a large memorial monument surrounded by a calm lake and shaded pavilions, a truly tranquil atmosphere. Again, I was the only visitor here.
Just across the road lies Layang Layang Beach, while a short walk away is Surrender Point, a historic site marking the official surrender of the Japanese army during World War II.
Continuing the historical journey, I took Grab to the next stop: Labuan War Cemetery. This beautifully maintained memorial park serves as the final resting place for over 3,900 World War II heroes from Australia, Britain, India, New Zealand, and Malaya (now Malaysia). Entrance is free, making it both an accessible and meaningful stop for history lovers.
Right: the kids next table were playing with hermit crabs!
At night, I treated myself to a scrumptious seafood dinner at Nagalang Seafood Restaurant. I actually discovered this place from a Tourism Malaysia billboard while on the highway! Although the wait was a little long, it was well worth it. The crab, shrimp, and squid I ordered were all incredibly fresh and tasty. And the best part? The prices were so much cheaper than in KL!
Day 3
Day 3 was definitely the most nerve-wracking for me. Why? Because I was about to travel to another country all by myself! Since Labuan is located so close to Brunei, I figured it was the perfect opportunity for a little adventure: a half-day detour to Brunei! Read more about my half-day adventure in Brunei here.
After returning from Brunei by ferry, I stopped for dinner at Loong Fish Head Soup Stall, conveniently located within walking distance from the ferry terminal. That’s where I tried the Labuan-style Kolo Mee and fish head soup. The latter instantly became my favourite. It was rich, flavourful, and extremely comforting. I still prefer the original Sarawakian Kolo Mee, though!
While walking back to the town centre, I noticed a long queue that immediately caught my attention. Curious, I soon found out that everyone was lining up to visit the Doulos Hope cruise, which happened to be docked in Labuan at the time.
Even though I’m not much of a reader, I find the concept of an international book fair interesting. So I had to check it out! Inside, there were plenty of discounted books, along with food stalls, free balloons, face painting, and even live performances. It was such a fun and unexpected experience. A perfect way to wrap up Day 3 of my Labuan trip, too.
Also read: My Half-Day Brunei Trip: Your Guide to Seeing the Best of this Country
Day 4
Sunrise from Palm Beach Resort
Day 4 of my Labuan itinerary began with a breathtaking sunrise view! The sun rises much earlier here than in Peninsular Malaysia, so I made sure to wake up at 6 a.m. to catch the golden moment. After breakfast, I hopped on the hotel’s shuttle van one last time and headed to Financial Park Labuan.
From there, visitors get free transportation to the Borneo Flora Festival, the first of its kind in East Malaysia. The festival showcased themed gardens and educational exhibits, celebrating the extraordinary biodiversity and rich botanical heritage of Borneo’s rainforests.
At one of the food stalls, I even tried ambuyat, a traditional staple food from Brunei! The texture is pretty unique; it’s slimy. I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite, but it’s worth trying.
Then, I headed to Nam Thong Kopitiam to have my final meal of this Labuan trip. Here, I indulged in some beloved Malaysian classics: pisang goreng, kaya butter toast, and a refreshing glass of teh O ais limau. After picking up my luggage from the hotel, it was finally time to make my way to the airport.
The Labuan Airport is pretty small with limited food options. However, I stumbled upon a shop where many travellers were buying frozen seafood to take home, for a relatively cheaper price. And just like that, my Labuan trip has come to an end.
Also read: Hong Kong Is ‘Rude’? What Hong Kong Is Really Like, In My Eyes
Labuan may be small and peaceful, but it’s a true hidden gem for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist trail in Borneo. I truly hope that my experience inspires you to plan your own Labuan adventure!
All images credited to Cecelia Chang
