labuan, borneo,
 

Has anyone been to Labuan recently, please?
I have been reading up on the Manikar Beach Resort - one traveller said it was dreadful the other said it was wonderful!! Can anyone help me please? I much prefer to stay near the sea than in a town.
Many thanks Pat

I'm suprised to see a posting on Labuan. I live in Labuan and my advise on Manikar Resort is, it's quite a distance from town,you have the beach all to yourself but facility wise a bit run down (you may request change of room) and they are understaff. If you are not looking for a 5 star service and just fancy a quiet and peaceful time at the beach, then go for it. Alternatively, stay at Waterfront hotel in town which is also facing the sea and is near to the seasport complex where you can have an evening stroll by the beach.

I am delighted to have a reply! Basically, I will be spending about 2 months in the Philippines mid-Dec - mid Feb. I propose to spend a few days in Brunei and then a week or so in Labuan on the way to Manilla. So, I would like a seaside hotel, please. I still do not like towns but I suppose it depends on the size, etc. of the town. I do not like to stay near a busy road or any other noises. However, I do like a clean hotel (bedroom mosquito-proof!) and a nice clean sea to swim in. (Impossible?).

I would also like to tour the island because I understand it is quite historical and not too expensive. I wonder if the sea is clean enough to swim in and also if you can get boat trips from the island.

Also any information about the island would be appreciated (I believe there is a Sheraton hotel there but it is in the town which I am not keen on). Re the other hotel I would be pleased to know if you can swim in the sea (and is it a clean sea).

Alternatively, I wonder if it would be possible to hire a car/driver for a day or so to look round the island.

Many thanks

Pat

Many thanks

Well, seeing you want to live by the seaside and mosquito free, I think Tiara Hotel would be a better option. Basically it is situated at a higher ground opposite the beach and you can easily walk over to the beach for a swim. It is near by the town (not in town centre) and the road leading to hotel is not busy. I would say a week is too long for Labuan but then if you are into diving, you can go for wreck diving. It is fairly easy to drive around Labuan as all main roads will lead you back to town and road signs are clear. Do check out www.labuantourism.com.my for tours information and hotel details. On car rental, check with the hotel and get their advice. I believe renting for a day is more than enough.

Since it's a public holiday today, I went out and about and snapped few photos for you of Tiara Hotel and its surrounding. I'm new to Fodor's. I don't think I can upload photos here. How may I share the photos with you?