Labuan boasts several beautiful, sandy beaches with scenic views. From the award-winning United Nations Beach to the vibrant coastline at Pantai Tanjung Purun near the island’s town centre, there really is no shortage of picture-perfect views at Labuan’s sun-kissed beaches.
United Nations Beach
Labuan’s United Nations Beach or UN ’08 Beach is so named for being the recipient of the COBSEA (Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia) Clean Beach Award by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2008.
Fringed with casuarinas and coconut trees, the UN Beach is a fabulously long stretch of coastline stretching from Pantai Batu Manikar up north to Pantai Sungai Pagar down south.
Pantai Batu Manikar
Pantai Batu Manikar in the far north of the island is home to the Palm Beach Resort & Spa, one of several beach resorts in Labuan.
Batu Manikar Beach is just under 2 kilometers from Labuan Bird Park and Labuan Chimney.
Pantai Pohon Batu
Further along is the gorgeous Pantai Pohon Batu, where one may bask in the sun and enjoy snacks and fresh seafood from stalls that line the coast.
There is a small natural path here where you can hike up Bukit Kubong for great views of the South China Sea.
Pantai Pancur Hitam
Next up is Pantai Pancur Hitam, where more casuarina trees sway in orderly rows.
Home to Labuan’s biggest and most luxurious private homes, the roads surrounding Pantai Pancur Hitam have well landscaped and decorated pathways.
Over here you’ll find rows of market stalls offering treats such as fresh coconuts, chicken wings, popcorn and other mouth-watering local delicacies and snacks.
Nearby is a sandy park with man-made obstacles called Sudut Cabaran (Challenge Corner), suitable for exercising and team-building activities.
Pantai Layang-Layangan
Further south is Pantai Layang-Layangan, a white sandy beach great for relaxing with the calming resonance of waves continuously lapping the shore.
Pantai Layang-Layangan is especially popular during weekends. Cycling paths and picnic tables are shaded by leafy trees. Food stalls can also be found here with live musical bands often performing on the weekends.
Horse riding and cycling are popular leisure activities in this area. Nearby is the rustic Labuan homestay of Kampung Sungai Labu. The Peace Park and Surrender Point are also situated just round the corner from here.
A nearby atoll called Pulau Layang-Layangan or Pulau Batu Ular, accessible from Pantai Layang-Layangan, is known for the many sea snakes sheltering there.
Pantai Sungai Pagar
The southernmost beach on Labuan’s west coast is Pantai Sungai Pagar. Located near Kampung Sungai Pagar and Universiti Malaysia Sabah Kampus Labuan (UMSKAL), this beach is where the UN COBSEA Clean Beach Award monument can be found.
Pantai Tanjung Aru
Situated on the east coast of Labuan, Pantai Tanjung Aru is a beautiful stretch of beach that is home to popular seafood restaurants and eateries such as Anjung Ketam Tanjung Aru and Anjung Selera Ikan Bakar Labuan.
Pantai Tanjung Purun (Labuan Beach)
Also found on Labuan’s east coast, this beach is located right by the town centre, next to Ramsey Point and the International Sea Sports Complex.