Labuan War Cemetery

Makam Perang Labuan

A solemn and meticulously maintained cemetery honoring Commonwealth servicemen who died in World War II, featuring over 3,900 graves. It's one of the largest war cemeteries in Southeast Asia and offers profound historical significance.

Things to do

• Pay respects at the main memorial — Visit the Cross of Sacrifice and the Stone of Remembrance, the focal points of the cemetery honoring over 3,900 Commonwealth servicemen.
• Walk the cemetery grounds — Traverse the immaculately landscaped grounds to view individual grave markers and read the inscriptions of fallen soldiers from various Commonwealth nations.
• Visit the Cemetery Office and records — Consult with staff to locate specific graves or learn detailed histories of servicemen buried here, including personal stories and military records.
• Attend a remembrance ceremony — Participate in formal commemorations held on ANZAC Day (April 25) or Armistice Day (November 11), where wreaths are laid and services are conducted.
• Photograph war graves and memorials — Document the architectural beauty of the cemetery's headstones and monuments, which reflect the solemnity and design principles of Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries.
• Explore adjacent historical sites — Visit nearby Labuan Museum to understand the broader context of World War II in North Borneo and the Pacific campaign.

Food to try

• Nasi kuning with sambal — Fragrant turmeric-infused yellow rice served with spicy chili paste, a traditional Malaysian staple readily available in Labuan's local restaurants and food stalls.
• Seafood curry laksa — Rich coconut broth with noodles and fresh seafood, reflecting Labuan's coastal location and Malay culinary traditions.
• Roti canai — Flaky flatbread served with curry sauce for dipping, a beloved Malaysian breakfast or light meal found in local kopitiam (coffee shops).
• Grilled fish with belacan — Fresh local fish seasoned with shrimp paste and grilled, showcasing Labuan's abundant seafood and traditional Malay flavoring techniques.
• Teh tarik — Pulled tea with condensed milk, a popular local beverage served in coffeehouses that provides refreshment during your cemetery visit.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress respectfully — Wear modest clothing and comfortable shoes appropriate for a solemn site; remove hats when approaching the main memorial areas as a sign of respect.
• Observe silence and reverence — Maintain quiet contemplation throughout the grounds and refrain from loud conversations to honor the fallen and respect other visitors' remembrance.
• Visit during cooler morning hours — Arrive early in the morning to avoid Labuan's intense tropical heat and humidity, which makes the experience more comfortable for walking the expansive cemetery grounds.
• Check visiting hours and admission — Verify opening times before your visit, as the cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and may have specific access guidelines or guided tour availability.