My Labuan Journey: A Little More Of Town

If i said i didn't drink, i was lying. If i said i didn't step into a massage parlour, i was not telling the truth. Just... they are not how you would have imagined.

And oh, if i said i didn't buy any chocolate, you can stop reading.

That pretty much sums up Labuan, eh? Well, not exactly. After a week being on the oil town/island, i realized that Labuan has some attractions worth visiting and food worth tasting, and possesses potential to be a preferred tourist destination. I couldn't manage to squeeze the entire island during my time-off, so my little adventure revolved around town, a limited radius from my hotel, all within walking distance.

One of the roundabouts (near Labuan Square) beautifully decorated and lit.

Labuan is a duty-free location, so alcoholic beverages and chocolates are supposedly cheaper (supposedly because i don't exactly know or remember the prices in Peninsular Malaysia to compare). Cars are cheaper too- but to bring it out the island would nullify the cost benefit. The island has interesting history- from the old days to becoming part of Malaysia and now a Federal Territory. Divers would come here as there are 4 popular wrecks (just wait til i have my license). It is relatively safe to walk around town- just not too late as you may encounter drunk people, and it is encouraged to walk in groups (and other basic safe walking rules you should know). Traffic in town does get heavy during peak hours- after work and nearing my hotel, i got down and walked, and it saved much time.

Aifa Hotel
My stay in Labuan. Definitely a strategic location- restaurants and duty free shops nearby; jetty is within walking distance.

Simple but comfortable room. The lobby was preparing for the Hari Raya festival. Outside my window was a beautiful view of the shoreline- and early in the morning, i could hear the horn!

Labuan Square
There is nothing much to say about this- it's a square. I was lucky to be there during a cultural celebration, in collaboration with the Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

Flags and the 'Dataran Labuan' sign.

Labuan Museum
Just opposite the Labuan Square is this museum. One of the better museums i have visited in Malaysia. It was small; two levels: lower ground focused on the history of the island and Malaysia while the upper ground displayed the people and culture. Incorporating technology, some exhibits were equipped with electronic devices. Free admission. It was quiet during my visit, so looking around alone at antiques or its replica could be spooky.

At the entrance of the museum. I particularly like the design of the old age section. No photography permitted inside.

At the entrance of the museum.

Labuan Walk
On weekends, this stretch of road was filled with stalls selling clothes, perfumes and snacks. Over my weekend, due to the celebration, the Labuan Walk was more happening.

Between stalls.

BBQ chicken wings 'sayap panggang' war! Get ready to be smoked.

Financial Park
I heard much about the Financial Park. I initially thought it to be a park (garden) of sort. To my surprise, there was a shopping mall. I was there nearly closing time. Parkson Ria was there.

Marine Museum and Clock Tower
Slightly eastward from town (approximately 30 minutes walk from the hotel), was where i could let my passion for marine life takeover. Located within the vicinity of the International Sea Sports Complex and free admission, i joined the gathering crowd at the petting pool near the entrance. There were starfishes and shark amongst others to touch.

There were two levels: mostly live exhibits at lower floor and dummies on the upper floor. I didn't favour much the dummies on display but at least they were informative.

Meet the creatures.

It's a whale (skeleton).

Just in front of the Complex was the Clock Tower. Snapped a picture with it then i left.

Patau-Patau 2 Water Village
Northwest off town, also approximately 30 minutes walk, was this Water Village. There is something about houses on stilts above water that never fail to excite me- floating village in Cambodia, clan jetty in Penang, this. Walking on the cemented path, i saw schools of fishes next to me, boat used as transport and children dipping in the water (but i wouldn't do that; water was rather dirty).

Me at the entrance of the little village and while strolling carefully within the path.

A wooden boat idling on the water, in the sun.

One Stop Duty Free Shop
I like the alcohol section of this shop- neatly organized and wide array of selection. Some (or most) i have never heard of. There was a worker kind enough to assist me in buying liquor- and gave me a quick tutorial around the shop. Yes, it was my first time buying liquor, so pardon my innocence at the shop.

Some Restaurants:
Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant- had a yummy dinner here of Assam Fish, Garlic Paku Choy and Thai Style Chicken.

Pulau Labuan Restaurant- scrumptious lunch with the bosses; i enjoyed the Coconut Prawn Curry much.

Fratini's Restaurant- the only Italian restaurant in town and thought to give it a try with my friend. It was average.

Fisherman's Corner Restaurant- another good place for Chinese, seafood meals. Apart from that, the Fried To Fu was tasty. Mention the restaurant above the market and the locals will be able to guide you there.

Medan Selera- just opposite the Financial Park was the food court selling mostly Malay and Chinese food. After walking several rounds, i settled for the Lemon Chicken Rice.

Raff Restaurant- i wanted to have my dinner here but it was closed so i came another day for brunch, to an almost full-house. It is located next to the Temple in town. The Sarawak Laksa (Labuan being close to Sarawak) did taste authentic and delicious.

Yummy!

Mehfil's Restaurant- crave for Indian cuisine? This restaurant serves good food. The mutton curry, Tandoori chicken and naan were finger-licking good.

New Wa Hong Restaurant- because i saw this name on the Internet and it sells bah kut teh, i tried. But i didn't really like it. The herb flavour was overpowering. It uniquely had some spiciness too.

Mawilla Yatch Club Restaurant- in another trip to Labuan, a team member introduced and brought me to this eatery by the seaside. Not easily accessible on foot (that's why i couldn't try last time), located near the International Sea Sport Complex, we went on a weeknight and it was packed. We had to wait quite awhile after placing our orders. I enjoyed the breezy ambiance of the place to keep us company.

To order the seafood, we handpicked the items we want on a boat style table, weighed the item and decided on the cooking style. The waitress there was good to recommend the popular styles. Good that they have price list for each item but make sure to select the right one, especially the fish. I looked and i wanted all- then my cholestrol whispered.

Tasty. The grilled squid was well cooked so it was not too chewy. The sambal added flavour. The garlic fried rice was ordinary though, so white rice with the others will be good enough. The salted egg anchovies fry is recommended. Wet with gravy on the outside but still crispy when eaten, you can just eat it as it is.

Fish maw soup was delicious. Mixed with other ingredients, this soup is good starter. 

The gem of the night was this- satak. I didn't know what satak was; it is crayfish. Cooked with dried chili, i could taste the freshness of its meat. The minimal sauce on the outside was good enough to elevate the flavour. Recommended.

I visited a new restaurant or shop for every meal so to try out and experience each one. I couldn't remember the names of the eateries but they were near the hotel. Also nearby were fast food chains like KFC and Marrybrown. The closest McD was at the airport.

My free time at Labuan was short. A glimpse of the town, learning, and broadening my horizon nonetheless.

(if you want to know what actually happened, you have to ask me personally)