Chimney Information Center’s building is located on the historical site of the Chimney Historical Museum in Tanjung Kubong, known during the British occupational period as Cool Point. It functions as a site museum which will exhibit and inform of the history of Tanjung Kubong, especially the history of coal mining which began in 1847 through 1911. Located nearby is the Chimney tower which is of no less importance in the history of the nation.
In all, seven galleries have been created in the Chimney Information Center, including a discovery room. Also displayed is the history of worldwide coal-mining, the scatter of coal mine locations all over Malaysia, process and methods of coal mining, mineral strata and coal specimens. There is also a gallery related to the Chimney tower which is thought of as mysterious by the locals as its real function is still unknown to this day. The history and conservational works on this tower is also displayed. The Chimney tower is a rectangular structure 32 meters in height and wholly built from raw red bricks. This tower is well over a century old and is one of the leftovers of mining coal mining activities in Labuan. It is a historical symbol of pride to the people of Labuan because of its uniqueness and strong foundation, not to mention its as yet unsolved mystery.
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.
source : www.malaysiaguide.com
