Although I was not born I in Labuan, I grew up here. I’ve been staying in Labuan for my whole 16 years of life. The single word which best describes Labuan is “peaceful”. Although Labuan is just a small island, it’s quite an interesting place to be in. Many people from the west coast of Malaysia have not heard of Labuan or do not know its exact location. When we participate in national level competitions people would often approach us and curiously ask where are we from, as we walk in a big group. I’ve experienced problems whereby I did not know how to describe or explain the exact location of Labuan to them. Many often misunderstood Labuan where as it’s part of Sabah. Actually it’s a Federal Territory which is located adjacent to Sabah.
Places of interest in Labuan : -
An'Nur Jamek Mosque
The An'nur Jamek Mosque, featuring futuristic architecture, is the pride of Labuan's Muslims and symbolises the progressive spirit of the people and island of Labuan. The Muslims pays regular visits to the mosque for evening prayers and Friday prayers.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden, is situated behind Labuan’s old airport, which is now being used by the military. The place where Botanical Garden stands now used to be a site for the Government House built in 1852, locally known as Bumbung 12 and was destroyed during the World War 2 ,leaving water storage tanks only today. Many of the trees that are still standing until today were planted by Hugh Low, the Colonial Secretary. Bumbung 12 and its surrounding ground was believed to be kept by Hugh Low.
The huge perimeter houses a hibiscus garden of different species, a herbal garden with a variety of herbs and spices, a reading corner, a manmade lake with an arched bridge, a reflexology pathway, a tai chi ground and many more.
If you are looking forward for recreational activities in a peaceful place, Botanical Garden would be the ideal place for you. With the beautiful landscaping and fresh air, it is no wonder that peoples choose to exercise here. Jogging tracks are built here for joggers. It’s never sunny along the jogging tracks as it is shaded by huge and tall trees all along. There is also a children playground for children and a workout grounds for peoples who wish to work out. Besides, many elderly will come here for a type of exercise called “tai chi”. There’s a “tai chi” ground here. People do not have to be afraid about the sun because majority of this place is being shaded by trees.
Labuan International Sea Sports Complex
Labuan International Sea Sports was opened to the public in June 2001 when it hosted the yearly Labuan Sea Challenge 2001. It is located at the waterfront area along Jalan Tanjung Purun (which is within walking distance from my house). The development of this complex for the creation of a world-class water sports center and to develop more attractive places in Labuan. This complex covers an area of 5.91 acres. The improvement of infrastructure and facilities provided by this complex is important as it is expected to enhance Labuan's appeal to attract more tourists and investors.
This Sea Sports Complex was designed with three prominent structures connected to a main viewing plaza. Each building houses a specific activity. The architecture offers a dramatic expression of nature, tradition and modern functionality. It houses the main sea sports centre, an administrative block, a marine biology museum, souvenir shops and eateries.
- Sea Sports Centre
This is the place where major activities are held. Here, there is a large boat storage area that allows direct access to the beach front. Facilities such as changing room, rest area and general preparation are also available here. It serves as a permanent exhibition area for all type of sea sports activities. This centre connects to the many "leisure walks" on the beachfront.
- Marine Museum
The Marine Museum is sited together with the Administrative block in a separate building. It takes the shape of a semi circle fronting the sea with an open gallery. A large part of the building space is used by the Maritime Museum. While the rest of the space is for administrative use such as meeting room and office spaces for sports bodies. The podium level contains comfortable resting room for VIP and additional gallery space for museum.
- Main plaza
The main plaza is circular in shape. It is equipped with an all weather windbreaker structure to withstand any adverse weather conditions. It serves as a centre stage to launch and view all type of sea sports events. Ceremonies and events are held here.
- Handicraft Center and Eateries
The handicraft centre and eateries are located on the
Besides, this is also the place where the Internationl Sea Challenge is held. This big event is held annually (normally held in April). It is a popular event which attracts both the locals or non-locals. It attracts competitors and spectators from all over the world. Events which are held in this annual Sea Challenge include :
- Rolex IGFA International Game Fishing Tournament.
This competition is part of the qualifying circuit of the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship ;
-Cross Channel Swimming Challenge.
In this competition, competitors from all over the world would swim across the sea to Pulau Papan (an island located at the opposite of Sea Sports Complex) and back to Sea Sports ;
-Round Island Kayak
In this event, participants take on a tough 50km (31 miles) course that hugs the coastline
-Labuan International Extreme Kayak Challenge
This event tests competitors skill, strength and stamina over a 84km (52 miles) course across the Brunei Bay.
Financial Park Complex
The Financial Park Complex was officially opened on 29th of August 1996 by the Malaysian Prime Minister in office that year. It is located on an 11acres prime land in the Labuan town centre. It is just a walking distance from the seafront and only a few minutes drive away from the airport.
The Complex is self-contained with areas for working, living, shopping, leisure and convention. It has a two-floor podium and three office towers.
Two of the office towers are 16 storeys high while the main tower is 18 storeys up. The Main Office Tower is occupied mainly by companies involved in the offshore businesses, such as banks, insurance and insurance-related companies, trust, accounting and legal firms and also support services companies. There are two condominium blocks within the Complex.
There are also two ‘twin tower’. This ‘twin tower’ like building is the apartments . Residential facilities are provided in these apartments. It include swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna and putting green. People who would like to stay here do not have to worry about safety wise. Numbers of CCTV are fixed here and also 24-hours of security is provided.
Shopping centre in Financial park- There are various shops and stalls here. Besides that, banks and bowling alley are also present within the complex. Departmental shops include Parkson Ria. There are a number of eateries here. i.e. :
1. KFC
2. Pizza Hut
3. Public Food Court ( all kind of food are sold here)
4. Tasty Chicken Rice
5. Blueberry, Zipangu ( chill out places )
What we have in Labuan which people would like is the chocolates, liquor and cigarette. All these are sold at a cheaper price in Labuan as compared to other places. This is because Labuan is a duty free island. If you wish to buy all these, consider these 2 shops which in Financial Park. One of it is Monegain duty free shop and the other is Sky Park duty free shop. Large varieties of chocolates and liquor are available here.
At the front part of Financial Park is the Convention hall. This convention hall has facilities for 1,800 seating for convention and other events like performances ,exhibitions, ceremonies, concert and many other events.
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