Labuan’s the name. It’s a small island located off the Borneo coastline. I’ve been contemplating for months whether to create this post for the competition. The main issue that I’m facing is that I’m not physically present back in Labuan to be able to snap photos of things that I would like to share.
Given that I only have limited “supply” of photos to share with, I shall just focus on the two things that I miss most about Labuan when I’m abroad. If I had to describe Labuan in two words, I’d use “air” and “beach”.
In comparison to big cities like Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Johor Bahru, Labuan would appear insignificant as a holiday destination, especially in terms of shopping.
The air that I’m referring to simply means fresh air. If you’ve been to the bigger cities in Malaysia, there would be no need for me to elaborate on that. I’ve had many friends and relatives praising the cleanliness, peacefulness and the relaxing conditions in Labuan.
As an island, we’re surrounded by beaches. Though it’s impossible to put them on the same par as the beaches you would find in Maldives, you need not pay a fortune to stay in a resort to enjoy the beach. You can just pick a hotel downtown, and walk to the beach; or catch a cab to the other end of the island if sunset is what you’re after.Also, the beach in the area known as “layang-layangan” is a place where you can have the best satay in town whilst enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and waiting for the sunset. There may be awestatic satay through out Malaysia, but how many comes with a complimentary sunset?
This postcard-like photo isn’t exaggerated and was not photoshop-ed before hand. It was taken in the beach opposite University Malaysia Sabah at around noon time. This is by far my favourite photo!
Now diverting from the "air” and “beach”, the next best thing you could here would be, cheap and fresh seafood (particularly fish). The best time to buy your fish would be early in the morning or in the evening as this is when the fishermen return with their catch. Having grown up eating such fresh fish throughout my life, I find it hard to gulp down the fish that I can find here in Australia (sorry Aussies).
The traditional fishing boats just beside the fish market.
Fresh catches
Being such a small island, you can get around the island in approximately a day. From my own experience, the drive from the bottom of the island to the tip of the island takes only about 20 minutes.
The island
The other significant feature of Labuan would have to be the Chap Goh Meh (the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year) celebration. It’s a similar celebration to those held in Penang and other cities. Very few places in Malaysia actually hosts such celebration. I’d like to share some photos and videos of the celebration. Basically it involves the God & Goddess possession with food offerings. At the end of the celebrations, the foods are shared between the people in the community (so don’t worry, there’s no wastage). Enjoy the pictures.
Well fair enough, a week stay in Labuan is probably too long, but I’d definitely recommend a three days stay in Labuan, as your next holiday destination, especially when you’re after an inexpensive getaway from the stressful work and busy cities.
Kindly cast your vote for my entry please =)
Hey mayte. This is a very in-detail post on Labuan. The quiality of post is definitely enhanced by some breath-taking pics whilst the video show an event, which is also good. Thumbs up mate. Have a good day.
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