Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DIVING
Labuan is famous for its
wreck diving
, with no fewer than four major shipwrecks off the coast (two from WWII
and two from the 1980s). The only dive outfit operating here is
Borneo Star Dives
( 087-429278; stardiver-
s2005@yahoo.com; International Seasports Complex; dive packages from RM438)
, which does island-hopping
tours and can take you out to all four sites. Note that only the 'Cement Wreck' is suitable for novice divers; the
'Blue Water Wreck' (in our opinion, the most impressive of the bunch) requires advanced open-water certifica-
tion, and the 'American' and 'Australian' wrecks are only recommended for certified wreck divers.
Sleeping
HOMESTAY
Labuan Homestay Programme $
( 422622;
www.labuantourism.com
; 1/2 days incl full board RM65/140)
This excellent
service matches visitors with a friendly local in one of three villages around the island:
Patau Patau 2, Kampong Sungai Labu and Kampong Bukit Kuda. Some of the homes are
just as grand as one of the international-class hotels on the waterfront! If you want to be
near Bandar Labuan, ask for accommodation at Patau Patau 2 - it's a charming stilt vil-
lage out on the bay. Stay a bit longer and learn how to make
ambuyat,
also known as
'gluey sago porridge' and Brunei's favourite dish.
If you want to enrol in the program, book online at least a few days in advance.
Grand Dorsett Labuan $$$
( 422000;
www.granddorsett.com/labuan
;
462 Jln Merdeka; r from RM475;
)
The Grand Dorsett (once a link in the Sheraton chain) has everything you would ex-
pect from an international hotel, with five-star rooms, good restaurants and a pub hosting
live bands. Weekend rates go down to as low as RM230.
HOTEL
Waterfront Labuan Financial Hotel $$
( 418111; leslbn@tm.net.my; 1 Jln Wawasan; r RM250-580, ste RM580-2150;
HOTEL
)
Not just for merchant bankers - this is a large, luxurious leisure hotel which practically
feels like a mall, with full facilities and a small marina attached. The rooms are spacious
