Pulau Papan, Labuan

When my fellow media friends and I visited Labuan, we did our fair share of island hopping! As you are aware, the main Labuan Island is encompassed by six smaller ones. One of them is Pulau Papan, which we had the chance to explore one morning.

Pulau Papan (or Papan Island) with a land size of 10.52 hectares was used for a lighthouse from 1895 to around 2004, when the 12-metre tall lighthouse was upgraded to another one that was 18 metres, taller and brighter.

After World War II, the Allied forces used Papan Island as a temporary detention camp for Japanese prisoners of war. It was only in 1994 that the Ministry of Agriculture Malaysia developed the island into a mini agricultural park, to boost tourism in the area.

These days, Papan Island is a camping site and weekend getaway destination for mainly Malaysians. Don’t be surprised that Chinese tourists will flood Pulau Papan soon. They know all the best spots!

When my friends and I were there, we participated in various water activities, from banana boat to sofa boat, wind sailing, swimming, snorkerlling and sunbathing. As a corporate team building was on, the island became crowded.

Oh, by the way, holidaymakers who wish to spend a longer time on the island may do so by renting one of the chalets. Enclosed in this post are photos of one of the chalets. It’s so homey, don’t you think so?

There are many tour agents in Labuan town that offer holiday packages to Pulau Papan. Just sign up with an authorised agent, as private trips are not possible.

Look at my photos, do you think you want to visit Pulau Papan any time soon?

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