Tanjung Kubong Tunnel & The Chimney
The Tunnel was once a site
busy with coal mining
activities for more than half
a century from 1849 through
1911. This expansive network
of underground tunnels is one
of many important historical
landmarks in Labuan. Operated
by various British companies
for 64 years, it was during
the administration of the New
Central Borneo, that an 8-mile
long railway track was
installed from here to
Victoria Port to facilitate
the export of coal, resulting
in a flourishing coal mining
operation here. However, an
unfortunate string of mining
accidents led to the closure
of the mine in 1911.
Today, what still remains
in the area are pits and
tunnels dug long ago, old
bricks and pieces of rail
tracks and rusted cables
strewn on the ground. Visitors
may enter a low tunnel with
the help of a short rope and
emerge from the top, although
this should only be attempted
with great caution. Across the
road next to the Chimney, is a
vertical well that is 10 feet
wide, measuring some 100 feet
deep. Entrances to more
tunnels, which are yet to be
explored, can be found at the
bottom of this well.