Sunday, April 29, 2007

Hidden beaches of Labuan

Layang Layangan beach
Paved walkway to the beach

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Mohammad Abdullah and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.

By Mohammad Abdullah

Labuan's beaches are away from town, hence it is not surprising that they will be missed by visitors from Brunei, who revel at the city centres in search of shopping.

Layang Layangan (a place to fly kites) beach is a popular place on weekends. Its sandy white beaches is tempting and inviting for one to lie down and soak up in the sun and hear the sound of waves lapping at the water's edge. Cycling paths and picnic tables are shaded by leafy trees.

There are many food stalls with live musical bands performing every weekend. Horse riding and cycling are popular leisure activities on this beach.

Extending directly onto the long sandy beach is a beautiful landscaped Peace Park, with its arched bridges over tranquil ponds and shaded gazebos. It was built as a memorial and renunciation of the horrors of the war, when the Japanese occupied Labuan for four years before they surrendered. Near the entrance is a stone slab with a bronze plaque commemorating the Surrender.

Nearby is the Manikar Beach Resort, the island's only beach resort with 15 acres of sandy beach and tropical gardens. It offers fishing and diving trips and a view of the South China sea, and a magnificent pool.

The Layang Layangan Beach, one of the most developed beaches, is on the western coast of Labuan, south of Pancur Hitam.

Pancur Hitam beach is home to Labuan's biggest and most luxurious private house, the "House of Millions of Peace". The roads near this house, Jalan Batu Manikar and Jalan Pancur Hitam, are tastefully designed with well landscaped and decorated pathways

Just in front of the house, rows of local market stalls offer treats including fresh coconut water, chicken wings, popcorn and other mouth-watering local cuisines and knick-knacks. Right on the side of the house is a small natural path that will lead to Bukit Pohon Batu (Pohon Batu Hill), the second highest peak in Labuan, where you can enjoy jungle trekking.

On top of this hill, you will be greeted with beautiful beaches that stretch along the shoreline. From this high vantage you can also have a bird's eye view of the entire Labuan island. On clear days, you can see all the way to the south of Financial Park Complex, the revitalised uptown business district five kilometres from the Labuan airport.

Further south of Pancur Hitam beach, you will find a recreational area,the "Sudut Cabaran" (Challenging Site), an ideal site for recreational activities, picnic and camping.

In the evening, a breathtaking vista awaits with the three peaks of Phin Batu Hill as a dramatic backdrop. The sunset here is not to be missed!

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday

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