 Labuan
is an island that is located approximately 8km off the coast of the state
of Sabah at the mouth of the Brunei Bay. It comprises of one main island
and six smaller ones, thus covering an area of 92 sq. km. It is also centrally
located in the middle of the Asia-Pacific region. Labuan's inhabitants
are very cosmopolitan. They come from all walks of life and from various
regions around the world, thus creating a diverse and stimulating society.
Once a part of the
Sultanate of Brunei, Labuan was ceded to the British in 1846. It remained
under the British rule for 115 years except for the three years when it
was under the Japanese occupation. With the increasing change in colonization,
Labuan was ceded to the state of Sabah in 1963. Subsequently, its administration
was handed to the Federal Government of Malaysia in 1984. Recognizing
Labuan's strategic location and proximity to major shipping routes and
offshore oil and gas fields, the Federal Government launched a long-term
development program to jump-start Labuan's stagnating economy and to encourage
the influx of both domestic and foreign investments. As Malaysia's only
deepwater anchorage, Labuan is a free port, a Federal Territory, and an
International Offshore Financial Centre (IOFC).
Labuan is well served
by both Royal Brunei Airlines and Malaysia Airlines. For those who wish
a more leisurely approach, high-speed air-conditioned ferry services are
available from Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei.
Buses and taxis are
readily available within Labuan itself. Basically, they will take you
anywhere around the island. It is, however, important to note that their
fares are fixed. Car rental is also available for those who wish to travel
on their own.
This splendid mosque was
built at a cost of US$11 million and is the pride of the Labuan's Muslim
community. Its futuristic architecture symbolizes the progressive spirit
of the people and island of Labuan.
 A
beautifully landscaped cemetery, the War Memorial is located at Tanjung
Purun on the outskirts of Labuan town (formerly Victoria Town). The memorial
is the final resting place of fallen Allied soldiers. Maintained by the
Commonwealth War Commission, it is a poignant memorial to the 4,000 Australian,
New Zealand, and British Allied servicemen who had lost their lives during
the World War II. A section is also dedicated to the Indian Soldiers of
the Punjab Regiment. Many visitors, especially those from Australia, often
return annually to pay their respects to lost friends and relatives.
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