Labuan Museum

Muzium Labuan

A comprehensive museum showcasing Labuan's colonial history, indigenous heritage, and wartime past through artifacts and exhibits. It provides essential cultural context for understanding the island's multifaceted history.

Things to do

• Explore the Colonial Gallery — View artifacts and photographs documenting Labuan's British colonial period, including administrative records and period furnishings that shaped the island's governance.
• Study Japanese Occupation Exhibits — Examine wartime artifacts, documents, and personal accounts from World War II when Japan occupied Labuan, including military equipment and civilian experiences.
• Discover Indigenous Artifacts — Inspect traditional weapons, pottery, textiles, and household items from Labuan's indigenous Brunei Malay and Bajau communities that predate colonial settlement.
• Visit the Underwater Warfare Section — Learn about naval history and shipwrecks surrounding Labuan, including details about submarines and maritime battles that occurred in these waters.
• Attend a Museum Lecture or Guided Tour — Participate in scheduled presentations by local historians who provide deeper context about specific periods and artifacts on display.
• Photograph Historical Documents — Capture images of rare maps, letters, and official records that illustrate Labuan's administrative transformation across different colonial eras.

Food to try

• Ambuyat — A traditional Bruneian and Labuan dish made from sago flour stirred into a glutinous paste, typically eaten with fish curry or sambal for dipping.
• Kuih Muih (Local Pastries) — Assorted Malay sweet snacks and cakes such as kuih lapis and kuih talam sold at local markets near the museum area, reflecting traditional recipes passed through generations.
• Fresh Seafood at Waterfront Stalls — Grilled or steamed local fish, prawns, and squid prepared at open-air food courts along Labuan's waterfront, featuring catches from surrounding waters.
• Nasi Kuning (Yellow Rice) — Fragrant turmeric-infused rice traditionally served at local eateries, often accompanying grilled meats or curries as a staple Malay accompaniment.
• Roti Canai — Flaky, layered Indian-influenced flatbread stretched and cooked on a griddle, served with curry sauce for dipping at nearby food courts.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Respectfully in Religious Spaces — Cover shoulders and knees when visiting any attached prayer rooms or if viewing religious artifacts, as Labuan is a Muslim-majority region with conservative customs.
• Learn Basic Malay Greetings — Use 'Assalamu alaikum' and 'Terima kasih' with museum staff and locals; this shows respect and enhances your cultural experience in this Malay-speaking territory.
• Ask Permission Before Photographing Certain Exhibits — Some wartime artifacts and indigenous cultural items may have restrictions; always check with museum staff before taking photographs to respect preservation policies.
• Visit During Ramadan with Sensitivity — If visiting during Ramadan, be mindful that many staff members and locals are fasting; avoid eating visibly in front of others and respect prayer times when the museum may have adjusted hours.