War memorials and museums in Labuan

War Memorials & History

Labuan's historical landscape is defined by its strategic role during the Second World War and its 19th-century industrial roots. This collection features the Labuan War Cemetery, the largest in Malaysia, alongside Surrender Point, where Japanese forces officially yielded to the Allied Forces in 1945. The list also explores the island’s coal mining heritage at the mysterious Chimney and its accompanying museum, as well as maritime and colonial history preserved within the Labuan and Marine Museums.

War Memorials & History — Map

A

Labuan Museum

Housed in a 1950s colonial building, this museum chronicles Labuan’s history from the 10th century, covering the British colonial era, the Japanese occupation during World War II, and the island's economic development.

B

Marine Museum

Located within the International Sea Sports Complex, this museum focuses on Borneo's marine biodiversity. Exhibits include preserved sea life, information on local shipwrecks, and the history of the island's maritime activities.

C

The commonwealth war grave

Malaysia's largest war cemetery contains the graves of 3,908 Allied soldiers who fell during the Second World War. Most burials are of Australian and British personnel, including those from the Sandakan Death Marches.

D

War Memorial

A memorial dedicated to the Allied Forces who served in Borneo during World War II. It serves as a focal point for annual Remembrance Day ceremonies held on the island.

E

Surrender Point

The historic site where Lieutenant General Masao Baba of the 37th Japanese Army officially surrendered to Major General George Wootten of the Australian 9th Division on September 10, 1945.

F

The Chimney

A 32-meter-tall red brick tower built in the late 1800s. While its exact function is debated, it is widely believed to have served as a ventilation shaft for the nearby coal mines.

G

Chimney Museum

This museum details the history of coal mining in the Tanjung Kubong area from 1847 to 1911. It displays artifacts found during excavations and explains the industrial techniques used during the period.

H

Clock Tower

A replica of the original 1906 clock tower donated by Chee Swee Cheng. The original tower was the only structure in the town center to survive the heavy bombardments of World War II.

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