Chimney Museum, Labuan (Borneo)

Chimney Museum is a site museum which was erected above a former coal mine at Tanjung Kubong. This museum was established to preserve and disseminate knowledge on the history of coal mining in Labuan, particularly in the area of Tanjung Kubong and around Labuan in the years 1847 to 1911. There is also an on-site mysterious and historic monument known as the Chimney Tower, which was built during the coal mining heyday although the exact date of its construction remains uncertain. The Chimney Museum was officially opened on October 26, 2002.

Collections

The Chimney Museum displays a collection of 612 historical artifacts unearthed during conservation works and archaeological excavations at the Chimney site. These include the original bricks at Chimney; various types of coal mining equipment and items left behind by the miners as well as various archaeological findings unearthed in the vicinity of Tanjung Kubong. Also on display are the remaining structure of a train, which was used to transport coal and different types of coal found around Tanjung Kubong area.

Gallery

The exhibition was presented according to historical chronology and events with related artifacts for the visitors’ better understanding. The visitors can also explore a taste of atmosphere inside a coal mining tunnel through a special diorama. The exhibition’s segments are divided into; Tanjung Kubong’s early history; the history of coal mining and the Labuan Railway; the history of Chimney; Chimney through the centuries; conservation works and archaeological excavations at the Chimney site.

How to Get There

By taxi or public bus no. 6 from the town center, by car take the road from the town center heading towards Jalan Tun Mustapha and then onto Jalan Lubok Temiang. The Chimney Museum is approximately 3 km from the village of Lubok Temiang, located on Tanjung Kubong road.

Facilities

- Parking

- Prayer room

- Washroom

- Bus stop

- Guided tours (upon request)

Nearby Attractions

- Tanjung Aru Fishing Village

- Labuan Bird Park

- Tunnel sites of former coal mine

- Beaches such as Batu Manikar Beach, Pohon Batu Beach and Pancur Hitam Beach.

General Information

FREE ENTRANCE

Visiting Hours

8:30 am – 5:00 pm daily

Closed on the first day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha

Address

Chimney Museum,

Kg. Lubok Temiang,

Jalan Tanjung Purun,

87008 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan.

Tel. : 087 – 463 603

Fax. : 087 – 414 462

http://www.jmm.gov.my/ms/meuseum/muzium-chimney

Labuan Marine Museum, Malaysia

The Labuan Marine Museum displays the richness of marine life in Borneo waters particularly Labuan. Its main objective is to promote awareness and love for our natural heritage so that this can be preserved for the continued enjoyment by future generations.

The Labuan Marine Museum is housed at the International Sea Sports Complex in a two-storey building designed in the shape of a shell. The museum was officially opened on January 26, 2003.

Collections

The Labuan Marine Museum features a collection comprising 572 marine specimens and contemporary items such as fishing, diving and oceanography equipment. The Museum’s main attraction is the 100 years old skeleton of a baby Indian Fin Whale, which is 42 feet long and a preserved Dugong. This marine mammal was found stranded on Papan Island, one of the small island off the coast of the Federal Territory of Labuan.

Gallery

The ship-like designed gallery is made up of the ground and the first floor.

The ground floor gallery is divided into four sections; Marine Life; Shipwreck; Reef; and the Mangrove section that features habitats found in the mangrove areas showcased in the form of a diorama. This gallery houses 14 aquaria of varying sizes and a ‘touch pool’ that offers visitors the opportunity to touch all kinds of marine life.

The first floor features the habitats of various ocean species, traditional fishing equipment and traps as well as diving gear. There are also four aquaria showcasing coral life and two reading corners for public.

How to Get There

By Taxi: 10 minutes’ drive from both the Waterfront and Sheraton Hotels

By Bus: bus No. 1

Facilities

- Parking

- Washroom

- Prayer room

- Food stalls

- Souvenir shops

- Labuan Marine Centre

- Guided tours (upon request)

Nearby Attractions

- Labuan Clock Tower

- Tanjung Purun Beach

- Labuan Botanical Garden

- Sawangan Cina Beach

General Information

FREE ENTRANCE

Visiting Hours

9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily.

Closed on the first day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha.

Address

Labuan Marine Museum,

Labuan International Sea Sport Complex,

Jalan Tanjung Purun,

87008 WP Labuan.

Tel. : 087 -  425 927 / 414 135

http://www.jmm.gov.my/ms/museum/muzium-marin-labuan

Diving In Malaysia

Malaysia known to be one of the best diving destination and ultimate diver's paradise. Sabah's Sipadan, Malaysia's sole oceanic island, was described by the famous oceanographer, Jacques-Yves Cousteau as 'a piece of untouched art'. Few islands in the world offer such prolific marine and coral life as Sipadan. Other world-renowned diving desrination are Langkawi's Pulau Payar, Terengganu's Redang and Pahang's Tioman, to name a few.

Due to its strategic location, a vast assortment of marine life can be found in the waters of Malaysia. Some of it's islands possess an enviably diverse underwater ecosystem, with several rare, exotic and endangered species. Coral gardens in a riot of colors can be found in abundance in the waters of Terengganu and Sabah, particularly around Redang and Sipadan, while short-finned pilot whales have been sighted in the waters of Layang-Layang in Sabah.

Wreck Sites

Malaysia is home to some of the best wreck sites in the world - some of which date back to the World War II. Labuan in the best destination in the country for the wreck-diving with four wreck sites. Johor's Aur and Sabah's Mantanani, Layang-Layang and Lankayan also have wreck sites that are worth exploring. Discover a wide variety of marine species that make the wreck sites either their home or their playground.

Muck Diving & Macro Diving

The island of Sabah, particularly the ones off Semporna, are the best destination for muck diving and underwater macro photography. Mabul is a prime destination for this with its wealth of macro life. Nearby Sipadan and Kapalai are also popular muck and macro diving destinations with its extensive variety of nudibranchs, frog fishes, leaf fishes and pigmy seahorses, just to name a few.

Diving Facilities & Courses

Most resort operators, particularly on the more popular island, also have their own dive centres which provide complete diving facilities. Dive equipment can be rented here, but the amount available could limited, especially during peak seasons, so it would be wise to book in advance. Some of these centres even offer diving courses, where visitors can learn how to dive and even get certificate at the end of it.

Best Time to Dive

The best times to dive differ from one place to another. For dive sites along the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the best times would be from December to May, while for the ones along the East Coast would be from March to October. The islands around Sabah and Sarawak are reasonably well-protected and safe for diving anytime. Water visibility, however, is at its best from April to August.