LABUAN

American wreck

The American Wreck

Name: USS SALUTE
Type: US Navy Minesweeper
Dimension: L184 ft, B33 ft, DR9 ft
Year Built: 1943

Built By: Winslow Marine Railway and
Shipbuilding Co. Seattle, Washington
DC. USA

Blue water wreck

The Blue Water Wreck

Name: MABINI PADRE
Type: Stern Trawler
Dimension: L80 m, B12 m, DR6 m
Year Built: Unknown
Built By: Unknown

Australian wreck

The Australian Wreck

Name: SS De KLERK
Type: Cargo/Passenger Steamer
Dimension: L85 m, B12 m, DR6 m
Year Built: 1900
Built By: Unknown

Cement wreck

The Cement Wreck.

Name: MV TUNG HWUANG

Type: Freighter

Dimension: L92 m, W15 m, DR7 m

Year Built: Unknown

Built By: Unknown

Labuan Island is located 115km south of Kota Kinabalu and 8km off the mainland of Sabah at the northern mouth of Brunei. Its deep harbor and duty-free port attract shipping from all over the world and in 1990, Labuan was declared the International Offshore Financial Centre of Malaysia. Its history, which has always been intimately entwined with maritime traffic, began over three centuries ago with the first commercial transactions between Chinese junk owners and the Sultan of Brunei. Since then, Britain and other countries have used Labuan as a trading and fuel station and then during World War II, Labuan was the scene of bitter conflicts between the Japanese and Allied Air and Naval forces. Although three islands, Pulau Kumaran, Pulau Rusukan Kecil and Pulau Rusukan Besar are designated as Marine Parks, the special underwater attractions of Labuan are its shipwrecks.

Four well researched and regularly dived wrecks to the southwest make this area 'the wreck diving centre' of Malaysia. Two of the wrecks are from World War II, the US Navy mine-hunter, USS Salute known as the "American Wreck" and the Dutch vessel SS De Klerk known as the "Australian Wreck", which was thought to have been sunk by the Royal Australian Air Force.

The other two wrecks were sunk in the 1980's, the Philippine stern trawler MV Mabini Padre, locally called the "Blue Water Wreck" and the Tung Hwang, a Japanese freighter locally known as the "Cement Wreck". All four ships lie in 30m-35m of water, with the top portions between 8m-12m. The water visibility varies greatly season to season from 6m-20m. The type of diving on these wrecks ranges from novice to experienced wreck diving with penetrations possible into the hulls. Diving the wrecks can be arranged through Borneo Divers who have a PADI 5 star Dive centre located at Labuan. Here they run PADI courses from Discover Scuba to Dive master, also catering for TDI Nitrox and Advanced Wreck Diving courses.

Wreck Diving

The four wrecks - Australian wreck, American wreck, Blue water wreck and Cement wreck, all lie within 34 km from Labuan. The Australian wreck, lies southwest of Pulau Rusukan Besar offers the best hull penetration for experienced divers. The American wreck, formerly the USS Salute, a US Navy minesweeper went down in 1945, lies just 1.4 km from the Australian wreck. The Blue water wreck has the best visibility of all the wrecks. The Cement wreck sits on the sea bed in an upright position. It is dubbed the most colorful and photogenic wreck of Labuan.

Area: 95 sq. km. Land use: 56% developed. Population (2000): The population of Labuan is 76,067 comprising 40,837 males and 35,230 females. Religion: Islam is the official religion of Malaysia. Freedom of worship is guaranteed. Places of worship for Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Buddhists are available. Language: Bahasa Malaysia is the national language, however English, a variety of Chinese dialects and Tamil are widely spoken.

Telecommunication: Two ground satellite connecting 217 countries, International toll free service to Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, United Kingdom. USA and China. Fiber optic cable network with 32,000 lines capacity and only 13,474 subscribers.

Education: The island has 41 preschools, 46 kindergartens, 17 primary schools, 11 religious schools (primary), 9 secondary schools, 1 technical training institute, 1 matriculation college, 1 university, 1 International school and 1 International college. Healthcare: 1 hospital with 109 beds; 11 rural clinics, 12 private clinics and 4 dental clinics. Hotel Rooms: 1,126 rooms.

Labuan, the Garden Island of Borneo is one of Asia's best kept secrets. It is a place where the old and the new complement each other, where traditional ways and hi-tech methods co-exist, where people of diverse cultures live in perfect harmony. Surrounding coral reefs provide a glimpse into the fascinating and delicate marine eco-system. Secluded beaches on nearby islands offer quiet solitude. Four shipwrecks promise the thrill of danger for expert divers. The island's rich history is reflected in its unique customs, monuments and memorial parks.

From resorts and five star hotels to broadband telecommunications, Labuan is well equipped to host corporate meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions.

Its success as a progressive International Offshore Financial Center in Asia further boosts the island's appeal among the world's rich and famous. As a duty free island, Labuan enjoys many special privileges and facilities. Besides great bargain shopping, the island offers plenty of business and investment opportunities. Raw materials and components used in manufacturing can be brought in and exported free of duty and taxes. The easing of custom control allows many profitable entreport activities to be conducted freely in Labuan.

Oil and gas is the main economic activity on the island. Other fast growing sectors include banking and finance, tourism and education.

Labuan International Sea sports complex is a world It covers an area of 5.91 acres. Its facilities include a sea sports center, souvenir shops, eateries and viewing tower. The Labuan marine museum is also located inside this sea sports complex. The museum showcases a large variety of marine fishes.

Located near the Tanjung Kubong Tunnel. This Bird Park exhibits a large variety of tropical birds from around the region such as hornbills, kingfishers, sharmas, mynas, herons and maybe even ostriches and peacocks.

Situated at Layang-Layangan. This beautifully landscaped park was built as a memorial and renunciation of the horrors of war. A huge man-made 8 mound is the focal point and there is a plaque signifying the renunciation y of war.

This is where the 37th Japanese Southern Army surrendered to the 9th Division Australian Imperial Forces on 9th September 1945 which led to the end of WWII in Borneo. It is also in this area that Southeast Asia's first war crime trials were conducted.

Located behind the old airport is the Botanical Garden, which was formerly the site of the Government House, locally known as "Bumbung 12". It is a recreational park with old trees and beautiful landscaping.

The three islands of Rusukan Kecil, Rusukan Besar and Kuraman make up this Park. Its white sandy beaches are perfect for picnic and sun bathing. As it is close to the wreck-dive sites, many divers use it as their base. Rusukan Besar is densely forested. It is ideal for picnic, swimming and snorkeling. Rusukan Kecil in its uncoil state is suitable for camping. An atoll in the middle of the marine park has many snakes sheltering there.

There are two main water villages namely Kampung Bebuloh and Kampung Patau-Patau. The residents are mainly Brunei Malay. The wooden houses are built on stilts over water and are connected to each other by numerous wooden walkways. Almost every house has its own boat.

Its central focus is a raised open-air stage with tall flag poles flying the flags of Malaysia. At one end is the town's field. At the other end is a replica of the "Chimney" with beautiful landscaped garden and fountains. It is a popular venue for some of Labuan's main events.

This is Malaysia's largest war grave. Some 3,908 soldiers mostly Australians, British and Indian are buried here. A memorial service is held on Remembrance j Day every year on a Sunday j closest to 11th of November. Many| war veterans, families of war victims from Australia and other Commonwealth countries attend this service each year.

Labuan Museum displays the history and culture of Labuan. Its history covers pre-historic era of Labuan, Brunei Sultanate, British colonial days, World War II, Independence, declaration of Labuan as a federal territory up to the establishment of Labuan Corporation. While its cultural theme showcases various phases of socio-cultural and economic evolution in Labuan.

This 106 feet high structure is Labuan's most well-known landmark. It was built in the 1800's. The actual purpose of the chimney is still a mystery but many believe it served as a ventilation shaft. Recent archaeological study found no traces of smoke to suggest its use as a chimney.

Labuan is Asia's premier International Offshore Financial Centre (IOFC). It is one of the few integrated offshore financial centres established in the vicinity of developing economies in Asia. The Island offers a full range of offshore financial services including offshore banking, Islamic banking, offshore insurance, trust business, investment holding, mutual funds, investment banking and management services.