At a Glance
Perched on the northern tip of the island of Borneo, the Malaysian state of Sabah is a tropical paradise of natural wonders, scenic beauty, rugged landscapes and cultural diversity. Sabah is famous for its unique blend of ancient traditions handed down through the millennia and modern evolution. In this fascinating cultural, natural and adventure tourism destination, you'll find the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, and exotic sights such as the Rafflesia (the largest flower in the world), Asian elephants, proboscis monkeys, and of course, the famous Orang Utan.

Visas
Citizens of the United States, Canada, and most Arab, Commonwealth and European countries do not need visas for visits of less than three months.

Currency
The Malaysian currency is the Ringgit, divided into 100 sen (cents). The currency is abbreviated both as RM and MYR. While credit cards are accepted in hotels and department stores, expect to pay in cash in rural areas, especially when visiting Sukau River Lodge.

Taxes
Hotels and restaurants add a government tax of 5% and a service charge of 10%.
Please note that Entry tax into Brunei is $5 (Brunei dollars) and for convenience, it is probably best to purchase this money at Brisbane International airport prior to your departure.

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Malaysia; however your guides/driver do appreciate a small gift as their hours of work are often very lengthy.

Business Hours
Bank Hours
9.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (ATMs open 24hrs)

Office Hours
Business: 9.30am to 5pm, until 1pm on Saturdays
Government: 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

Shop Hours
9am to 9pm

Public Health
Ensure that food is well cooked, and consume only bottled mineral water outside the hotel. Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organisation provides information for travellers and also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while travelling overseas. We also recommend visiting the Commonwealth Government website: www.smartraveller.gov.au

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive insurance cover that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Dress
Lightweight cotton clothing is ideal. A shirt, jacket and tie are normal business attire. However, shorts, miniskirts and sleeveless garments for women are not advisable, especially in rural areas.

Weather
Sabah has a typically tropical climate of warm, sunny weather throughout the year. Cool breezes along the coast makes for comfortable temperatures. Rain is most frequent from November to February, but can be expected in any month, especially during the afternoons. The Mount Kinabalu range shelters Kota Kinabalu from the harsh weather systems which are sometimes associated with the monsoon season.

Alcohol
Brisbane to Brunei and Kota Kinabalu
If you wish to have an alcoholic drink whilst travelling on your flight Brisbane to Brunei, you can purchase duty free once through Customs and Immigration and take this on board.  

Please be aware, however, that 100ml is suggested because any amount that you have not consumed on the flight will be confiscated once you are inside the airport. If you wish to carry a standard bottle from Brisbane to Kota Kinabalu, you can purchase duty free outside Customs and safely and securely pack into your check-in luggage.

Ex Kota Kinabalu into Brunei
You can take alcohol into Brunei as long as you sign a declaration form in customs on arrival (1 bottle of wine/spirits and 12 bottles of beer per person).  However, the 100ml rule applies to carry-on, so if your purchase is larger than this quantity, best to pack safely and securely into your check-in luggage.  Once again, if you wish to drink on the plane from Brunei to Brisbane, you are only allowed maximum 100ml carry-on, so if this is the case, a suggestion is that you could purchase a spare 100ml bottle and leave unopened until onboard.

Essential Items to Pack

• Insect Repellent
• Small torch
• Sunblock SPF 30
• Small umbrella (one that will fit in your suitcase)
• Raincoat – good quality, not a light plastic poncho-style
• Hand sanitizer (about 50 or 100 ml)
• Anti-bacterial wipes – useful at all times
• Sun hat