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What makes Labuan, Malaysia the best holiday destination?

Over the years, Labuan has slowly emerged as one of Malaysia's popular tourist destinations. It may not be as famous as Langkawi, but it has plenty to offer — from duty-free shopping to underwater sports.

Location

Labuan, together with six other islands, makes up the Federal Territory of Labuan. The nearby islands include Pulau Daat, Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, Pulau Burung, Pulau Rusukan Besar and Pulau Papan. They lie about 8 km off the coast of Borneo, right across from the Malaysian state of Sabah. The territory's main hub is Victoria, the capital and one of Labuan's major towns, and it is one of the region's important financial centres. The total area is around 91.64 square kilometres (35.38 square miles), divided into Victoria and a number of kampung (village) communities — among them Durian Tunjung, Bukit Kalam, Layang-Layangan, Sungai Keling, Sungai Buton, Rancha-Rancha, Patau-Patau, Batu Manikar, Bebuloh, Sungai Lada, Pantai, Sungai Labu and Sungai Bedaun, to name a few.

Climate of Labuan

Labuan is a place you can visit at any time of year, as its temperatures stay comfortable throughout. On average, temperatures range between about 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F). The warmest month is typically April, when temperatures sit between roughly 28°C (83°F) and 32°C (90°F). Rainfall peaks in May, with around 390 mm (15.4 inches), while the rainiest days tend to fall in October and November.

The landscape

Labuan Island is mostly flat, with around 70% of its vegetation still intact; its highest point reaches about 85 metres. A wide range of flora and fauna remains, and beyond the lush, dense forest there is plenty to explore. The island has beautiful beaches with white sand and clear water, and the limestone deposits along the mangroves are well worth seeing. There is also a great deal of underwater activity — the rich marine life makes for excellent diving, snorkelling and water sports, with views of coral reefs and various species of dolphins and whales. Old tropical dry forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, lizards, butterflies and frogs.

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