General Facts about Labuan
Location: Labuan comprises one main island and six other smaller ones covering an area of 92 sq. km. It is located off the coast of East Malaysia.
Population: The population of Labuan is about 76,000.
Politics: Labuan is a Federal Territory of Malaysia, a democratic country based on the parliamentary system.
Language: Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism circles. Other languages include Chinese dialects, kadazan and several indigenous and dialects.
Religion: Malaysia's official religion is Sunni Islam, but freedom of worship is respected. Places of worship for Muslims, Christians and Buddhists and Hindus are readily available.
Climate: Labuan is a tropical island with warm climate all year round. The average
temperature is about 30 degree Celsius.
Land Use: 56% developed. Remaining 44% is secondary jungle or swamp.
Currency: The local currency called Ringgit Malaysia (RM). One ringgit comprises 100 sen.
The currency comes in the form of both notes and coins. Ringgit banknotes are issued in the following denominations
RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100 while coins are issued in one sen, five sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen and
RM1 denominations.
Best to exchange at licensed money changers or banks,
traveler cheques and major credit cards widely accepted.
There are plenty of money changers in the Airports and city, but ATMs offer one of the most convenient means of
obtaining cash for travellers.
Conversion: USD 1.00 = RM 3.8(Approx.)
Entry Regulations: Visa free entry for holiday purposes (14 days to 3 months) is given to most nationalities. Best to check with Malaysian Diplomatic Missions for current situation. Passports must have 6 months validity.
Health Regulations: No vaccinations required, unless coming form Africa or
South America (Yellow Fever). Most Tropical diseases eradicated, anti-malaria
treatment not indispensable, malaria cases very rare in Borneo (most occur in
logging camps and very remote areas).
Labuan has 1 hospital with 109 beds; 13 government doctors and 15 private practitioners.
Water: Safe to drink from the tap in towns. Hotels and restaurants provide boiled water. Bottled mineral water widely available. Water Supply: Present demand rated at 6 million gallons per day (MGD) - 4.2 MGD from Sabah and 2 MGD from Bukit Kuda and Kerupang reservoirs.
Electric Current: 122 mw (MegaWatt) is generated of which 60 mw is supplied to Sabah. Daily consumption is rated at 39 mw. This means Labuan has an excess capacity of 23 mw. In areas not connected to the grid, generators are often used. Three pin plugs (not American plugs) 240V, 50Hz.
Dress Code & Clothing: Casual dress is the norm, light cotton clothing is recommended.
Shopping:Labuan is a shoppers paradise with plenty of duty-free shops. Items such as films, batteries, torch lights, raincoats, slippers, etc. are available in all towns. Indigenous handicrafts and textiles, potteries, antiques, etc. are good bargains.
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Safety: Borneo is probably one of the safest places on earth, crime rate is
low, there are few dangerous animals in the jungles, general health is good, there
are no earthquakes, volcanoes or cyclones and there is political stability, racial
harmony and tolerance, no terrorism and no internal strife. Fortunately, Labuan
does not experience any natural disaster or calamities.
Visitors who face unforeseen problems can always seek the aid of the Malaysian Tourist Police. You can identify an officer by his or her attire - checkered hatband, dark blue shirt and trousers and a red and blue badge (with the letter "I" for information) displayed on the breast pocket. These officers usually patrol tourist spots and protect the attractions/monuments as well as the safety of all visitors. |
Tipping:
The custom of tipping is not practised in Malaysia. To tip or not depends entirely on you. Most hotels and large
restaurants have already included a 10% service charge in addition to the 5% government tax to the bill (indicated by
the ++ sign on menus and rate cards) so tipping is unnecessary.