Labuan, Federal territory on Borneo island, Malaysia.
Labuan is a federal territory spread across seven islands off the northwest coast of Borneo in the South China Sea, with Victoria serving as its capital. The largest island covers roughly 35 square miles (92 square kilometers) and connects to the mainland through regular ferry services.
The British Crown acquired the territory from the Sultan of Brunei in 1846 to establish a naval base for controlling sea routes. During World War II, Japanese forces occupied the islands and left behind several sunken vessels in the surrounding waters.
The name comes from Malay and means "anchorage," reflecting centuries of use by trading vessels seeking shelter. Today the waterfront remains active with fishing boats and ferries crossing between the islands.
Most visitors reach the territory by ferry from the mainland or by flight to the small airport on the main island. Diving trips to the shipwrecks require advanced certification, as they rest in deeper waters.
Four World War II shipwrecks rest in the surrounding waters at depths between 100 and 130 feet (30 to 40 meters). Divers find visible remains of engines, cannons, and cargo holds now inhabited by tropical fish.
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