Location: Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia, situated at the north of Borneo Island. Sabah has a heavily indented coastline of approximately 800 to 900 miles and is washed by the South China Sea in the west and north, the Sulu Sea in the northeast and the Celebes Sea in the east. Mount Kinabalu is the feature of Sabah as the tallest mountain in South East Asia standing at 4095 meters.

People: Sabah is a unique land, a melting pot of many indigenous and immigrant groups. The population comprises over 30 different races and over 80 different dialects, each group having its own colourful culture, tradition, festival and customs. The indigenous group include the Kadazan/Dusun, Bajau,Murut, Rungus, Lotud, Brunei, Orang Sungei, Kadayan, Bisaya and many other subgroups. The Chinese form the largest non-indigenous group.

Population: 3.38 million.

Capital: Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah. Kota Kinabalu is also known as KK and is the gateway to the rest of Sabah. Kota Kinabalu city is relatively new as the original town was destroyed during World War II.

Language: Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism circles. Other languages include Chinese dialects, kadazan and several indigenous and dialects.

Religion: Malaysia's official religion is Sunni Islam, but freedom of worship is respected. In Sabah, major religions are Christianity (29%), Islam (26%) and Buddism-Taoism (17%).

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM), very stable and fully convertible, no restrictions on import or export. Best of exchange at licensed money changers or banks, traveler cheques and major credit cards widely accepted. USD 1.00 = RM 3.20 (Approx.)
Working Hours: Government: 08:00 a.m. to 04:15 p.m. (5 days a week), Private Sector: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, Saturday half day. All shops would be open between 10:30 a.m. and 05:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, but many open earlier and close later and are open on Sunday. Shopping complexes close at 10:00 p.m.

Entry Regulations: Visa free entry for holiday purposes (14 days to 3 months) is given to most nationalities. Best to check with Malaysian Diplomatic Missions for current situation. Passports must have 6 months validity.

Working Hours: Government: 08:00 a.m. to 04:15 p.m. (5 days a week), Private Sector: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, Saturday half day. All shops would be open between 10:30 a.m. and 05:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, but many open earlier and close later and are open on Sunday. Shopping complexes close at 10:00 p.m.
Entry Regulations: Visa free entry for holiday purposes (14 days to 3 months) is given to most nationalities. Best to check with Malaysian Diplomatic Missions for current situation. Passports must have 6 months validity.

 

Health Regulations: No vaccinations required, unless coming from Africa or South America (Yellow Fever). Most Tropical diseases eradicated, anti-malaria treatment not indispensable, malaria cases very rare in Borneo (most occur in logging camps and very remote areas).

Water: Safe to drink from the tap in towns however, it is not recommended. Hotels and restaurants provide boiled water. Bottled mineral and drinking water widely available.

Electric Current: 220 V/50 cycles , in areas not connected to the grid, generators are often used. Three pin plugs (not American plugs).

Dress Code & Clothing: Casual dress is the norm, light cotton clothing is recommended.

Shopping: Items such as films, batteries, torchlights, raincoats, slippers, etc. are available in all towns. Indigenour handicrafts and textiles, potteries, antiques, etc. are good bargains.

Safety: Borneo is probably one of the safest places on earth, crime rate is low, there are few dangerous animals in the jungles, general health is good, there are no earthquakes, volcanoes or cyclones and there is political stability, racial harmony and tolerance, no terrorism and no internal strife. Fortunately, Sabah does not experience any natural disasteror calamities. In fact it is under the typhoon belt (thus the name "Land Below The Wind") and is free from any climatic disturbances.