Labuan, Malaysia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Labuan, Malaysia? If you're planning to go to Labuan, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Labuan
- Important essentials for Labuan
- Activities for Labuan
- Labuan in January: weather and what to pack
- Labuan in February: weather and what to pack
- Labuan in March: weather and what to pack
- Labuan in April: weather and what to pack
- Labuan in May: weather and what to pack
- Labuan in June: weather and what to pack
- Labuan in July: weather and what to pack
- Labuan in August: weather and what to pack
- Labuan in September: weather and what to pack
- Labuan in October: weather and what to pack
- Labuan in November: weather and what to pack
- Labuan in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Labuan, Malaysia
Based on the climate and weather in Labuan, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Labuan, Malaysia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Labuan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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For families with young children
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one should work in most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Labuan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Labuan, Malaysia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Labuan can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
February
If you are traveling to Labuan in February, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
March
If you are traveling to Labuan in March, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
April
April is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
May
If you vacation in Labuan during May, you are likely to find that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
June
If you visit Labuan during June, you may see that it is constantly hot and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
July
In July, Labuan is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Labuan, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
August
August can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
September
If you go to Labuan in September, you will notice that it is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
October
If you are traveling to Labuan in October, you will notice that it is constantly hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
November
November in Labuan can be sweltering and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
December
If you visit Labuan during December, you will probably notice that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
Activities for Labuan, Malaysia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Labuan.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Jamek An-Nur Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Labuan tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
If you see the Labuan Marine Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
Check out our guides for these other locations: Blind River, Ontario, Canada, Caribou, Maine, United States of America, Sheringham, England, United Kingdom, Southern Highlands, New South Wales, Australia, Swakopmund, Namibia, Kohoku, Japan, Puerto Ocopa, Peru, Gorey, Ireland, Glowe, Germany, West Point Island, Falkland Islands, and Xcalak, Quintana Roo, Mexico.