Labuan Marine Park

Protected area

Labuan Marine Park covers the islets of Kuraman, Rusukan Kecil and Rusukan Besar. Its reefs, white sand beaches and sheltered coves suit scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, canoeing and jungle trekking.

At a glance

What the park covers

The park is made up of three islets, Kuraman, Rusukan Kecil and Rusukan Besar, together with the waters around them, including the four wreck dive sites Labuan is known for.

Park rules

Visitors must follow marine park regulations at all times. Anchoring, fishing, polluting and any other activity that breaks or damages coral and reef are prohibited.

These rules are enforced. Arrange boat trips through a licensed operator who knows the mooring restrictions.

Source: Tourism Malaysia, Labuan Map & Guide (updated December 2023).

Snorkelling in Labuan

The reefs, white sand beaches and sheltered coves of Labuan Marine Park are shallow enough in places to snorkel. Pulau Papan is the easiest starting point.

Where to snorkel

Snorkelling is one of the activities Labuan Marine Park is set up for, alongside scuba diving, sailing, canoeing and jungle trekking. The park covers the islets of Kuraman, Rusukan Kecil and Rusukan Besar, which have reefs, white sand beaches and quiet coves.

Outside the park, Pulau Papan is the most practical option for a first trip. It is about five minutes by boat from Labuan jetty and snorkelling in its clear water is one of the main things visitors do there.

Source: Marine park activities and Pulau Papan detail from Tourism Malaysia, Labuan Map & Guide (updated December 2023).

How to arrange it

Most snorkelling trips are arranged either through a dive operator running a boat that day, or through your hotel. Agree what is included before you leave the jetty: whether masks and fins are provided, how long you will be in the water, and what time the boat returns.

Rules that apply to you too

The marine park regulations apply to snorkellers, not only to divers. Do not stand on, hold or break coral, do not feed the fish, and take everything you brought back off the island with you.

Practical points

• Wear a rash guard or t-shirt in the water. Sunburn on your back is the most common way a snorkelling day goes wrong.
• Reef-safe sunscreen where you can get it, and apply it well before you enter the water.
• Conditions change with wind and swell. If an operator cancels or changes the site, that is a good sign, not a bad one.

If you want to go deeper

The same waters hold four wreck dive sites. If you find you want to see them properly, a certification course is the route.