Travel Tips

Travel Essentials

Insect repellent
Sunscreen (reef-friendly only)
Passport
Epipen
Foreign money exchange (available at major shopping centres and across Kota Kinabalu City)
Weather: Sabah Borneo is located close to earth's Equator and temperatures are generally warm between 28–32℃
Official language(s): Malay or English
Driving side: left
Electricity voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM/ MYR)

Request for a copy of your tour itinerary on arrival.
Note departure times of tours and flights.
Use vehicles that are licensed to carry tourists (with Bas Persiaran permit printed on vehicle).
Encourage drivers to stop engines when vehicles and boats are parked.
Conserve electricity and water.
Carry your identity papers or a copy of these papers with you.
All tours must be guided by local Malaysian licensed guides who hold either a blue, green, pink or yellow badge.
Dress sensibly.
Drink plenty of liquids.
Use biodegradable products.
Bring biodegradable insect repellent (Citronella).
Take off shoes before entering a house.
Be careful not to introduce any plants or animals into the environment. Introduced species can destroy ecosystems.
Do not collect your own ‘souvenirs’ from the rainforest.
Abide by local regulations.
Support the local economy by buying locally made goods and foodstuff but do not buy items from endangered species.
Encourage or participate in the local conservation project such as tree planting to replace patches of trees illegally logged, or perhaps help a local charity.
Notify your guide if you are having a problem.
Provide your feedback upon completion of tour.
Share your experiences with your family, friends and community when you return home.

Use coastal and river boats that are not overloaded (below 12 passengers) and wear a life jacket.
Keep pollutants out of waterways. Do not dump any objects or waste over the side of a boat, even if you think that it is biodegradable.
Encourage drivers to stop engines when vehicles and boats are parked.
On wildlife river tours, follow the directions of the guide when you are being seated in the boat.
Respect the integrity of coral reefs. Do not touch, stand on, or break off pieces of coral. Damaged reefs can take years or even decades to regenerate.

Stay on the trail to minimize damage to the surrounding area.
Use pre-existing campsites for camping where possible.
Reflect on the biodiversity of your new surroundings and how they differ from what you are accustomed to.

Ask permission if you want to take photographs of local people.
Respect the sensitivities of local people. There are accepted dress codes at certain places including places of worship.
Appreciate and protect cultural heritage. Avoid touching rock or cave art, carvings, and monuments.
Respect differences in culture. It is important to recognize that while different, other thought patterns and ideas of time are equally valid as your own.
Take time to listen to people who are willing to share. Ask them questions and learn about their culture.

On wildlife river tours, follow the directions of the guide when you are being seated in the boat.
Do not disturb, harass or feed wildlife. Do not leave personal belongings unattended in locations with wildlife.
Avoid touching animals or handling bird eggs or baby birds.
Never come between a mother and her young. This will put both you and the animals in danger.
Reflect on the biodiversity of your new surroundings and how they differ from what you are accustomed to.
Wear attire in natural colours and avoid substances with perfumes
Be patient when viewing wildlife and give the animals plenty of space.