Sabah is located at the eastern part of the North Borneo and it is the second largest state in Malaysia with an area of 74,500 sq km. The capital city of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton with a population of nearly four million.
Also known as the “Land Below the Wind” as it lies beneath the typhoon belt. Sabah is a perfect getaway in the heart of Borneo with its majestic mountains, undersea wonders, lush rainforest, unique cultures and friendly people.
If you are planning your trip to Sabah, the following are some information that will assist you in getting around safely and easily.
General Information
Climate
Sabah is generally has a warm and fairly humid weather throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between 21 to 32 degrees centigrade in the lowlands. This can drop to as low as 21 degree centigrade in the highlands. Scattered unpredictable rains are common in Sabah and therefore difference in temperature is not extreme.
Weather Quick Facts
Average Humidity 70% - 80% Wet Season October – March Dry SeasonApril – September
Recommended Clothing
Light weight cottons and linens.
Time Zone
Standard Malaysian Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT + 8)
Currency
The unit currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Traveller’s cheque and foreign currencies can be exchanged for Malaysian Ringgit at commercial banks, hotels or at authorised moneychangers.
Electricity and Water Facilities
Electric current is on a 240 Volts AC 50Hz cycle system using a square 3 pin plug.
Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the national language. English is widely spoken whereas Mandarin and other dialects such as Cantonese, Hakka and Kadazan is common among the non-indigenous and ethnic people of Sabah.
Communications
Though coin and card-operated public phone booths are common, the prepaid mobile Sim Cards are popular among travellers and are widely available in most parts of Sabah with the exception of some remote areas. Internet cafes are also available in tourist areas. Malaysia country code is +60. There is direct dialing between Sabah and all international cities using the STD codes. Outgoing international code is +00.
Medical Services
Hospitals, clinics and dispensaries are available in all major towns. It is advisable to take anti-malaria medication recommended by the doctor if intended to visit remote areas. Medical insurance is also recommended.
Immigration & Customs / Visas
To enter Malaysia, a visitor must have a valid passport for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Malaysia. Visas are normally valid for 30 days on arrival. For more information, visit the website of the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.kln.gov.my) or the Malaysian Immigration Department (www.imi.gov.my)
Contacts
Tourism Malaysian Tourist Office, Kuala Lumpur: +603 2693 8188 or www.tourism.gov.my Sabah Tourism Board, Kota Kinabalu:+6088 212121 or www.sabahtourism.com
Malaysian Embassies
Malaysian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 572 9700 Malaysian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 8033 Malaysian High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 241 5182 Malaysian High Commission, ACT, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 1543 Malaysian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5990/3 Malaysian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 667 7280 Malaysian High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 385 2439
Foreign Embassies In Malaysia
United States Embassy, Kuala Lumpur: +603 2168 5000 British High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +603 2170 2200 Canadian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +603 2718 3333 Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +603 2146 5555 South African High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +603 2170 2400 Irish Embassy, Kuala Lumpur: +603 2161 2963 New Zealand High Commission, Kuala Lumpur:+603 2078 2533