Labuan : Profile

Location

The small island of Labuan lies just 5nm off the northern coast of Sabah, on the island of Borneo.

The port of Bandar Labuan is on the southern side of the island.

Whilst there are several anchoring options here, it's important to note that the marina is closed until October 2012 for renovation.

Clearance

On arrival report to Harbour Control on VHF 16/10.

As Labuan enjoys a certain degree of autonomy, it is necessary to clear Immigration on arrival, even if coming from Kota Kinabalu or another Malaysian state.

Directions for Clearing In

Port Office
Leave the Marina entrance and turn immediately left, past the Waterfront Hotel. Walk along this road until you reach a large grassy field (Labuan Square), and the road turns to the right. At the junction opposite the Police Station, turn left along the main road, keeping the field on your left. Walk along this road until you reach a roundabout. The Customs House will be seen just past the first turning off the roundabout. It has a terrible paint scheme (pink, blue and yellow) and cannot be missed! The Port offices are behind the Customs and to the right. Pass through the security gate, enter the offices, and go to the first floor.

2. Immigration
This is in the Ferry Terminal. Leave the Port Office, the reverse of the way you came in, and turn left at the roundabout. You will pass two banks on your left hand side. Keep walking until the ferry terminal buildings appear. Walk the full length of the front of the terminal and turn left into the arrivals hall. There will probably be nobody around (unless a ferry has recently arrived), so hang around until someone turns up! The Immigration Official will take you to their office, in the bowels of the terminal building, where formalities are carried out.

3. Customs
Retrace your footsteps to the Customs House, and enter the front door. The security man will be behind his desk to your left, and will direct you to the Customs Office, which is hidden behind the staircase.

Clearing Out
To clear out to another Malaysian port, report to Post office amd Customs only.
If clearing the country, visit Immigration then Customs, as well as the Port Office.

Last updated September 2010.

Docking

Anchoring Options

Yachts can anchor on the other side of the river from the ferry terminal outside the mosque - it is perhaps too shallow to go further up the river.

Anchoring directly off the marina wall is possible in about 10 metres of water, although the rebound of wash from ferries, fishing boats etc. makes for a very bumpy anchorage.

The best option for getting ashore, is to use a water taxi (VHF channel 67), however it may be possible to secure your dinghy in the marina if going ashore.

If anchoring off the Sports Complex, there is a dinghy dock below the restaurant. Water is available at the complex as well as garbage disposal. The holding is good, but rather exposed in a squall.

It is essential to lock your yacht and stow outboard engines and other easily portable items below.

Last updated September 2010.

Labuan Public Marina
CLOSED FOR RENOVATION UNTIL DECEMBER 2012
Tel:+60 87 581820
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2011-10-14-1
For details of closure see report linked above.
The marina is no longer part of the Waterfront Hotel business and there is no access to the marina through the hotel. Facilities prior to renovation include toilets, cold showers, washing and drying machines, internet and a poor WiFi service. The water and electricity supply may be intermittent. Long cables/hoses may be required for both services.
The staff are helpful and do their best to keep the marina free of the garbage which tends to collect there. There are also efforts being made to reduce the amount of surge affecting the berths.