Borneo Excursions

Travel info

Climate
Equatorial/Tropical - the climate is generally hot and sunny all year round; visitors need to wear comfortable cotton clothing to avoid heatstroke. We also have scattered unpredictable rains, therefore, it's advisable to always bring an umbrella or a disposable raincoat in case it rains.

Average Temperature

Average temperature     21 C to 32 C (lowlands)

                                    15 C to 25 C (highlands)

Average rainfall             2,000mm to 2,400mm

Average humidity          70 per cent to 90 per cent

Best time to visit       

Borneo’s and Malaysia’s weather is moderate, making the country good to visit year-round. But do take note of rainy season. Borneo generally receives more rain from November to January while the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia has heavy rainfall in December and January.

Electricity

240V AC/50 Hz, standard three pin square plugs and sockets.

Local Time
Standard Malaysian Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8)

Banking Hours
Monday through Friday from 9.30am to 3pm.  ATMs are available daily 24 hours a day

Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (RM)
Travellers’ cheques and foreign currencies can be changed for Malaysian Ringgit at banks and hotels. However, there are also money changer kiosks available at major shopping complexes and the airport. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion.

Major Credit and Charge Cards
VISA and MasterCard are generally accepted in major hotels and almost all departmental stores, supermarkets, petrol stations and restaurants. American Express and Diners Club are accepted in major hotels, department stores and restaurants.

Languages
Bahasa Malaysia (Malay Language) and English are widely spoken, along with Mandarin and some Chinese and native dialects.

Communications
Mobile telecommunications cover most parts of Sabah with the exception of some remote areas. If you turn on the roaming services on your mobile phone, you will be able to use the mobile telecommunication services. Ensure you check with your service provider on your roaming charges as it can be very expensive.

Medical
Government hospitals, clinics and dispensaries are available in all towns. Specialists and private hospitals are only available in major cities. Those with specific medical needs are advised to have a good supply of medications.

Water Facilities
Treated pipe water is available in most urban and sub-urban areas, except remote areas.  We do not recommend drinking straight from the tap. Water must be boiled first before drinking. Bottled water is readily available for purchase. Most accommodation provides 2 bottle of water in the room replenished on daily basis.

Tipping policy :

Tipping is not obligatory but is welcome if the service warrants it. Some establishments include a service tax. Otherwise, tip about 10 per cent of the bill if the service warrants it.

Shopping
Shopping centres, supermarkets, restaurants and mini markets are generally open daily from 10am to 10pm

Some places has night market that opens from 6pm to 11pm

Common Customs
In Borneo and Malaysia, we greet people by saying "Selamat Datang" (Welcome) and "Terima Kasih" (Thank You) with a smile. Due to religious reasons, some may prefer not to have physical contact with others. However, a handshake is generally acceptable as a way of introducing oneself.

It's customary to remove shoes before entering homes and mosques. In places of worship, visitors are required to dress modestly. Avoid pointing your index finger at others, as this is considered rude in the local custom.

What to wear
Light cotton shirts with shorts or long pants or summer dresses are recommended the hot and humid weather of the tropics. Casual wear is acceptable for most occasions and eating places except hotel restaurants with dresscodes.

When visiting religious places, it is recommended to wear skirts or shorts below the knee and shirts with sleeves.

For full day excursions, a good walking shoe (very important as it is very difficult to buy large size shoes in Asia), disposable raincoat, hat, sunblock, insect repellent, tissues and water bottle will come in handy.

For overnight excursions, remember to bring a towel, toiletries, flashlight (with extra batteries) and slippers. Check out the "sarong," a batik cloth that can be used as a night wear and useful as a make-shift changing room.

Those trekking should pack gloves for good grip and protection against sharp surfaces, a light sleeping bag / sheet, backpack for all your essentials, basic First Aid kit (plasters, antiseptic cream, tissues, painkillers, bandages, cotton swabs).

Visa requirements

No visa is required for stays of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries except Myanmar nationals. For a stay exceeding one month, a visa will be required, except for Brunei and Singapore nationals.

No visa is required for U.S.A. citizens visiting Malaysia for social, business or academic purposes (except for employment).

1. Countries that require Visa to enter Malaysia

2. Commonwealth Countries that Require Visa to enter Malaysia
Bangladesh
Cameroon
Ghana
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Sri Lanka

3. Countries That Require Visa For Stays Exceeding 3 Months

4. Countries That Require Visa For Stays Exceeding 1 Month

5. Countries That Require Visa For Stays Exceeding 14 Days

Iran (90 days)
Iraq (30 days)
Libya
Macao (Travel Permit/Portugal CI)
Palestine (30 days)
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Yemen
Syria (30 days)
Cote d'ivoire / ivory coast

For nationals of Israel, visas are required and permission must be granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.

For nationals of Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro, visas are required without permission granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.

Nationals of countries other than those stated above (with the exception of Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.

Last Updated on Thursday, 10 November 2011 10:27

For more details, visit www.imi.gov.my