Malaysia comprises of 11 states in the peninsular, 2 States in Borneo Island (Sabah & Sarawak) and three federal territories. Its capital is Kuala Lumpur.

The weather in Malaysia is tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures here ranging from 21°C to 32°C and the annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm. The time in Malaysia is eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time.

Malaysia is a multiracial country mainly consisting of the Malays, Chinese and Indians. In Sabah, formerly known as North Borneo, other races include Kadazan, Dusun, Murut among others. The official religion here is Islam but other religions are practiced without restraint. Its national language is Bahasa Melayu (Malay) but English is widely spoken here.

The Malaysian currency is referred to as Ringgit Malaysia (RM).  The RM comes in the value of RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100 while the coins are denoted as sen which include 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen.

Malaysia's main gateway is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) located approximately 50km south of Kuala Lumpur .  Other major international airports are Langkawi, Penang , Kota Kinabalu ( Sabah ) and Kuching ( Sarawak ). 

FACILITIES

Just like most of South East Asian countries, Malaysia is still developing to be a fully developed country by the year 2020.

Electricity, water and telephones are available in most of the urban areas and tourist attractions. Internet facilities, some with broadband are provided in major cities and towns - subject to subscription.

Telephones
You have variety of choices when it comes to keep in touch by calling your loved ones.
• Public phones:
  Normally installed at important places and populated areas around the country. Callers can use coins or phone card (sold in major outlets), subject to type of phone available. However, the public phones are normally in bad shape.
• Mobile Phone:
  You can register in the mobile phone stores and buy the reload coupon from airports, petrol stations, 7-eleven or in the phone stores lining up on the streets. The value of the cards ranges from RM5 up to RM50. The major mobile phone operators are Celcom, Maxis and Digi.
• Fax service:
  Available in Business Centres of major hotels nationwide. Chargeable according to the rate introduced by respective hotels

Food and beverage



Malaysian cooking is a fusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine with a few local specialties (generally well-seasoned with Chili).

Malaysia is a Muslim country. You will not be served pork in most restaurants or hotels – but pork is widely served in most food courts and Chinese “Coffee Shops”.

Although local water is pretty safe, you are recommended to be cautious in an unfamiliar part of the world and stick to bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Bottled mineral or purified water are sold with affordable price and are available in most shops, hotels, restaurants and lodges.

Borneo offers a wide variety of local and international fruit juices. Some local specialties include Kit Chi (served hot or cold), Air Bandung , fresh crushed sugar cane juice. Fresh coconut drinks are available in some hawker stalls and in shopping complexes. There are also numerous brands of packed beverages sold almost everywhere.

Alcohol is available in many coffee shops, with Anchor, Tiger and Carlsberg being the most common beer brands. Other types of liqueurs are sold in pubs, 5-star restaurants and hotels.

Vegetarian restaurants are available in most cities. Vegetarian meals are also available upon request at some tourists' destinations or when you buy our tour package.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Range from basic to luxurious and comfortable 5-star hotels and resorts. Other popular accommodation is “homestay”, usually arranged through a travel agent and is an ideal option to observe the local people and their customs. Backpacker lodges are growing up in numbers especially in the cities and they cater visitors with low budgets - Borneo Backpackers. In the middle of the rainforest, there are jungle lodges - Sukau Rainforest Lodge for visitors to stay overnight and to observe elusive wildlife.

Hostels with dorm beds are available in popular destinations such as Kinabalu Park and Poring Hotspring. Chalets are normally available in hilly areas such as Kinabalu Park and Manukan Island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park . For those who prefer authentic experience with culture and history, a stay in the long houses (Skrang in Sarawak or Bavanggazo in Kudat is a must - Iban Longhouse Safari and North Borneo Cultural Safari.

Camping is possible in certain areas. Please refer to your Tour Consultant to find out where are the areas prohibited for camping.

CAR RENTAL

Driving is on the left lane. During the monsoon season, you need to pay a little more attention because the roads are sometimes closed and traffics get a little more intense. Petrol stations are mostly open 24hrs a day, with reasonably low fuel costs, are operated along the roadside. Major fuel companies are Shell, Esso and Petronas. You need a license, insurance, be over 23 years of age and have driven for at least a year.

To hire a car in Borneo is also possible, but be aware of the road conditions in certain areas, especially in rural areas. If you are not used to the roads there, you might choose to go to your destinations with public buses (including minivan) or cabs.

WARNING ON DRUGS

Malaysia has a mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking. Possession will result in a long jail sentence. Do not bring illegal drugs in to Malaysia , and if you need to bring medication with you, it is safest to bring a doctors certificate or prescription for it.

SABAH

Population : 2.4 million

Major cities : Kota Kinabalu (State capital), Sandakan and Tawau.

Popular shopping spots : There are many modern shopping centers in Kota Kinabalu, which offer some latest brands and myriad options of shoes, jewels, electronic goods, camping gear, designer clothes and fresh food. Centre point, Wisma Merdeka, Asia City Complex, KK Plaza, Wawasan Plaza, Warisan Square and City Mall are the most preferred shopping malls. Another popular place to hunt for locally made products is the local handicraft market and Sunday Market in Gaya Street .

In other major cities like Sandakan and Tawau, you would find mostly basic necessities and the malls usually cater to the local people.

People : Kadazan, Chinese, Bajau, Murut, Rungus and other minority ethnics. However, they are large influx of labors from the Philippines and Indonesia .

Economy : Palm oil is the main resource for the state's economy. Other important commodities include cocoa and rubber. Tourism is the second largest contributor to the economy of Sabah .

Major airports : Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), Sandakan Airport , Tawau Airport , Lahad Datu Airport and Kudat Airport .

International flights : Kota Kinabalu is linked by several international airlines such as Malaysian Airlines (MAS), Royal Brunei Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Silk Air and Dragon Air

Domestic flights : Malaysia Airline System (MAS). Air Asia only links selected cities in Malaysia

Immunization & Medication

The only required immunization is for Yellow fever, and that is only if you are coming from an infected area ( Africa and South America ). However you should discus with your doctor the following immunizations: Hepatitis A, Japanese B Encephalitis, Polio, Rabies, Typhoid and Malaria medication. Please bring along antiseptic for any cut or wound.

Insurance

You should always consult your insurance company before proceeding with any travel. Make sure that you are insured for accidents, loss of baggage, sickness and etc. Always bring your medical record if you have special medical needs or allergic to specific drugs, foods and etc.

Money

Cash - The Malaysian currency is Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Always have some coins ready if you take local buses or if you need to make phone calls. Many places prefer that you use cash over credit cards, and some shops, such as small coffee shops, do not accept credit card.

Credit cards - All the major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are acceptable in shopping malls, hotels, resorts and when eating out at 5-star restaurants. However, always be ready with cash in case the stores or establishments do not accept credit cards as a mode of payment

Travellers Cheques – You can change the Travellers Cheques with local banks and money changers.

Licensed money changers - Available to serve you in major cities. Remember though that these financial institutions are not opened all the time, like the banks which are closed on weekends. So, always have some cash or a credit card for backup and emergency use. Do not rely on your hotel for a Bureau De Change.

Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) - You can withdraw money from ATM 24hrs a day in all the banks. ATM is also available at major shopping malls and airports.

Tipping - Most restaurants and hotels have already added a 10% service charge to the 5% government tax so tipping is not really necessary. You may tip your guide or captain for the delivery of their services at your discretion. As a guideline, tipping ranges from RM10 - RM20 per day depending on type of services

Opening hours: - Banks are open Monday – Friday from 10AM to 3PM .

Attire

When choosing clothes for your stay in Borneo , please have in mind these few pointers:

• Choose natural fibers or lightweight trekking fabrics designed for the tropical climate. The air is extremely humid and it is very likely to rain during your stay.
• Shoes should be as waterproof as possible.
• Make sure you bring some tee-shirts (see “LEECHES” below).
• Rain-poncho is very good to have since you will most likely experience rain during your stay. One that can go over everything can be useful, to avoid having to cover cameras and binoculars separately in bags and pockets.
• As a woman traveler, you should have in mind not to show too much skin to avoid uncomfortable looks and shouting from the local people.
• Warm waterproof outer clothing, gloves and a warm hat is important if you tend to climb Mt. Kinabalu since the temperature in the morning on the summit might drop below 0 degree centigrade. Add to that a headlamp, but if you do not own one, a torch will do just fine but make sure you bring spare batteries, as the cold temperature will dramatically shorten their life span.
• If you are going rafting, do NOT wear white. The river water will dye it brown.
• It is recommended that that you bring a money belt or pouch to store your money and valuable documents.

Photography

Bring a spare battery or two, especially if it is not AA or AAA type batteries. While most camera batteries types are available in the large cities, they will not be available at more remote locations.

You should bring desiccating silica gel bags for both cameras and binoculars and take any opportunity to dry these out in the sunshine. It is mildew and mould, rather than water itself that is the enemy. You should clean your camera at least once a day to remove any mildew or mould that has started to grow.

Many of the interesting subjects will be under tree cover and the light can therefore be poor. If you have an SLR, bring ISO400 or 800 film. A lightweight tripod can also be invaluable. Otherwise use a sand bag to steady the camera while in boats and vehicles.

Some sites (eg. Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Gomantong caves) charge a Camera Fee in addition to the entrance fee, for which you will be responsible. Please note that there is also a higher video fee. It ranges from 10 to 30 Ringgits.

Insects

The insect life of Borneo is varied and colourful but surprisingly little of it has any interest in humans. While some sources suggest a 100% DEET repellent is advisable, we recommend the use of biodegradable products. Bring biodegradable insect repellent (Citronella).

Leeches

The reality is far less dramatic than the stories suggest. You will certainly see them, they will probably get on your clothes, and they may even bite you. None of these things is particularly disturbing once you get used to the idea. They are the size of a very small earthworm and anchor themselves on leaves from which they transfer themselves to passing warm-blooded creatures, including humans. The bite is painless, although you may feel the larger leeches beginning their meal. Some bites become mildly irritated for a day or two a few days later. Overall, mosquito bites are more unpleasant. If you do spot a leech, flick it off. If it does manage to bite you and you notice it, pull it off with your fingers or put salt or a lighted cigarette on it. If you do not notice it, it will fall off after half an hour or so. Having injected an anti-coagulant during its meal, the most troublesome thing about a leech-bite is that you may bleed fairly freely, after it detaches, for a couple of hours, and you may even find a little blood oozing six or seven hours later. The bite is comparatively harmless.

In the forest, however, wounds can become infected, so take antiseptic wipes and enhanced healing plasters just in case a leech makes it through your defences.

To avoid them, wear long trousers when walking. The kind that zip up in several sections are not ideal as the zips can provide an access point for persistent leeches. Wear tee-shirts, NOT button shirts. Tuck your shirt into your trousers. Wear special Leech Socks. These can be difficult to obtain, being only available at some specialist stores or by mail order from America on the internet at absurdly high prices. However, you can buy them in Borneo for 15 or 20 ringgits a pair – your guide can help you with this. They are light calico socks which you can wear over your normal socks, inside your boots, and they tie tightly at the top of the calf outside your trousers. The pale ones are best as marauding leeches show up clearly on them. It is uncommon to find leeches above waist height in the vegetation. Just check regularly as you walk and you should have no trouble.

Some sources suggest that spraying your clothes with 100% DEET can deter the leeches. Practical observation does not bear this out and anyway the product is so unpleasant that flicking off the occasional intruder is vastly preferable.

You should not be troubled by leeches on Mt. Kinabalu .

“LEECH SOCKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN BORNEO ECO TOURS AND SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE”

Drink and meals

Please check your itinerary to identify how many meals are included in the package. You have to bring along some money to buy food and beverages if meals are not included in the tour. You are recommended to bring your own drinking water or some light snacks during the tour. Please ensure your tour guide issues meal vouchers to you before tour commence if meals are included. Please be informed that the tour packages we sell DO NOT include drinks, so remember to bring your own drink.

PREPARATION FOR SPECIFIC TYPE OF TOURS

Wildlife:
• Wear clothes with natural colors.
• Avoid wearing perfumes with a strong scent.
• Do not touch any animals you might encounter or handle bird eggs or baby birds.
• Be aware of that you are in the animals' kingdom. You are only a guest so behave according to the instructions from your guides. Don't make any high sounds, break branches or wreck the natural habitat of the wildlife.
• Never put yourself between a mother and her young. This will put you and the animal in danger.
• Do not disturb, harass or feed any animal.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended. Your belongings are usually very interesting for the animals and if taken, it will be hard to get it back.
• Be patient! The animals of our rainforest will show themselves when they want to, they are masters of disguise. Leave the wildlife plenty of room and you'll have a great experience.
• You need to bring your own drink during tour except in Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre whereby no food and drinks are allowed.
• Please bring along antiseptic in case of any cut or wound.

Trekking:
• Make sure you are in top physical form before trekking
• Listen to your guides. They are knowledgeable and familiar with the tour areas.
• Stay on the trail to minimize damages to the surrounding area.
• Use pre-existing campsites for camping where possible.
• Reflect on the biodiversity that surrounds you and compare it to where you are from.
• Be careful when climbing Mt. Kinabalu. Make sure you stay along the trail and close to your guide. The rocks can be slippery and ground is uneven.
• You need to bring your own drink. Drinks are not included in the tour. The trails are extremely long and hence, you must bring plenty drinking water
• Bring good trekking shoes. Preferably waterproof and sturdy.
• Socks. They will get sweaty and soaked from rain so to have a few pairs of socks is a right decision.
• Bring your own sleeping bag (especially if you go to Maliau Basin)
• Please bring along antiseptic in case of any cut or wound.

Diving and Snorkeling
• Use coastal and river boats that are not overcrowded (max 12 pax) and wear a life jacket.
• To be able to dive you need a PADI certificate. Courses can be taken at most dive resorts or at specific dive shops.
• Make sure that you are insured accordingly to be able to dive. You are always diving at your own risk
• Make sure that the dive instructor/company is licensed PADI instructors.
• Please use a lot of sunblock. When in the water you are more vulnerable to the sun and will easily burn. When snorkeling, it's recommended that you wear t-shirt.
• Do not touch the corals and do not stand on the reef. If you were cut by coral or reef, the wound will get infected. Please bring antiseptic with you.
• Do not take any corals with you from the water. It's against the law and you are not supposed to interfere with the natural marine life. A damaged reef will take years or even decades to regenerate.
• Just observe the fish, turtles, sea snakes, corals and other aquatic life but leave them alone.
• Make sure that you stay close with your group. Do not swim away on your own, since there might be strong currents that you don't know about.
• Remember; the distance you swim out – is also the distance back to the shore. Know your limits and act after them.

Island Excursion
• Use coastal and river boats that are not overcrowded (max 12 pax) and please put on life jacket.
• Keep pollutants out of the water. Do not dump any garbage on the side of the boat.
• Encourage drivers to turn off the engine while standing still.
• Beware of the time schedule. Don't be the one people have to wait for.
• Make sure you have your boat ticket at all times.
• Take everything with you that you brought to the island. All garbage needs to be put in the bins, not on the beach or water.
• Use a lot of sunblock. You are swimming and sweating so apply more frequently during the day.
• Drink lots and lots of water.

White Water Rafting
• Do not wear white clothes. The water is brown and will dye them into that color.
• Prepare yourself for a thrilling experience.
• Listen to your guide. He will instruct you on how to act when out on the rapids.
• Pay attention to your guide during the ride, what he does you will do too.
• You need to be insured. Borneo Eco tours will not be responsible for any accidents that may occur.
• Bring extra shoes, t-shirts, shorts etc. You will get wet!

Cultural Keep in mind that you are in another country with different customs and beliefs than you might be used to. Ask permission if you want to take a picture of a local. Respect the local customs. There will be dress codes to apply to including places of worship. Women travelers are recommend wearing pants covering their knees and shirts covering their shoulders. Take off your shoes when entering someone’s house. Respect the differences in culture. Opinions and beliefs are very different from the western world. Listen to the locals. They are the guidebook you will never find in the bookstore. From them you will learn what Borneo is really all about.