Labuan’s tourism potential largely untapped
Federal Territory of Labuan hardly gets any attention as a tourist destination.

However, it has many attractions and historical monuments.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa had said efforts would be made to unlock Labuan’s tourism potential.

She also promised to look into infrastructure issues to develop the island into an economic hub.

To mark Federal Territories Day, StarMetro highlights some places of interest.

Village on stilts

Sited 3km west of Bandar Labuan, Kampung Air Patau Patau is a fishing community.

Established in the 1930s, the village has some 150 houses on stilts.

The word “patau” means “stilt” in the local dialect and the houses are connected by an extensive network of wooden bridges.

The majority of residents are Bruneian Malays and ethnic Kedayans.

Some locals are fisherfolk with their top catch usually being crab.

The fishermen venture out during low tide to place “bintur” which is the local word for traps before collecting them at high tide.

Other villagers run businesses providing accommodation.

The ‘merukun’ tradition is still practised at weddings and celebratory events during rice harvest season.

Ethnic food, traditions

“Ambuyat” is the traditional food of the Kedayan.

It is made by mixing sago with hot water and usually eaten using a pair of small sticks called “candas”.

It is served with a special sauce made by mixing bambangan (wild mango) with belacan paste, salt, sugar, lime juice and vinegar.

“Ambuyat” is usually served during special occasions such as weddings and during rice harvest season.

Some Kedayan still practise “merukun” – a type of cultural performance where men sing and dance while women play drums and gongs.

The practice cannot be performed on Friday nights, during Ramadan, Israk and Mikraj, and Nisfu Syaaban (15th day before the start of Ramadan).

Merukun can only be held after the daily night prayer and must end before the dawn prayer.

Chimney Museum in Tanjung Kubong offers insights into Labuan’s history as a coal mining powerhouse.

Chimney and museum

The Chimney Museum in Tanjung Kubong pays homage to the island’s past as a coal mining powerhouse.

It showcases the history of coal mining from 1847 to 1911, during the administration of British North Borneo Chartered Company.

Located onsite is the 32.5m chimney believed to have been built in the early 1900s.

There are conflicting accounts on what it was used for.

The name suggests it was used as a chimney but no traces of soot have been detected inside.

Some locals believe it was to provide ventilation to mining workers in the underground tunnel, while others claimed it was used as a watchtower to observe the arrival of ships.

According to locals, the word “kubong” refers to flying lemurs that were found here.

The museum opens daily from 8am to 5pm. Entrance is free.

Kampung Air Patau Patau in Labuan offers scenic view of the sea while allowing tourists to experience local lifestyle. --- FILEPIC

Bird sanctuary

Birdwatchers flock to Labuan Bird Park which boasts some 600 avian species, both indigenous and non-native.

Spanning 6.9ha, the park also serves as a conservation and research centre for endangered bird species.

Entrance fees are RM3 (adult), RM2 (child) and RM5 (non-Malaysians).

Between April and July, some migratory birds will take up residence at the sanctuary.

There is a 1km trail along which visitors can feed the birds.

Seaside spot

Labuan is lined with idyllic beaches, one such being Batu Manikar beach.

Stretching 9km, it is an ideal spot in which to relax and enjoy recreational activities.

Those up for marine adventures may rent “perahu larai” (sailboats) from 8am to 6.30pm.

Another beach worth visiting is Pantai Layang Layangan on Labuan’s west coast, where a popular activity is watching the sun set.
Federal Territory of Labuan hardly gets any attention as a tourist destination.