One of the 13 states of Malaysia, Sabah is situated in the north of Borneo Island.

Covering an area of 74,500 sq km., Sabah is blessed by the elements, with South China Sea on the west and the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea on the east. Lying between 4 degree and 8 degree north of the equator, its climate is tropical and pleasant.  It is warm all year round with temperatures hovering around 25 degree Celsius and is cooler in the mountains.   Annual rainfall varies from 150 to 300 cm, and the wet season is generally between November and February.

Sabah’s population is as diverse as its terrain.  Apart from Malays, Chinese and Kadazan-Dusun, there are more than 30 ethnic communities in Sabah.  Making up one-third of the population, the Kadazan-Dusuns live in the interior plains, and were originally paddy farmers, although many have ventured into other trades.

The Muruts who live in the interior region near the border of Sarawak and Kalimantan, are agriculturists and hunters and were once dreaded head-hunters. Many still live in longhouses.

The Bajaus live mainly along the coast.  East coast Bajaus are sea nomads fishing for their living, while West coast Bajaus are farmers and these “Cowboy of the East” are famous for their skilled horsemanship.

Sabah is one of the world’s greatest treasure houses of wildlife.  Mount. Kinabalu towers over the rest of Southeast Asia.  Sipadan Island and Layang-Layang Island are dream destinations for avid divers.  Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and Tiga Park Island offer sun, sea, sand and underwater adventures.  Nature lovers can seek excitement shooting the rapids of following nature trails in search of wild orchids and rare Sumatran Rhinoceros in the Wetlands or forest parks.  In Sabah, there is a world of superlatives just waiting to be discovered.

Time:  GMT + 8

Climate: Equatorial/Tropical, with average temperature of 32 degrees Centigrade at lowlands and on the highlands 21 degree Centigrade throughout the year.

Airport:
Sabah - The Kota Kinabalu International Airport is located at Tanjung Aru, which is abut 20 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu town centre.

Customs:  There is no duty-free allowance for visitors arriving from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak or Singapore.  Weapons and walkie-talkies are prohibited, while possession of narcotics and other illegal drugs carries the death sentence.  Firearms are subject to licensing.

Visa:  Citizens from North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam and the People’s Republic of China are required to have a visa to visit Malaysia.  Nationals other than those stated are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.  However, it is recommended that visa enquiries are made at the Malaysian embassy or Malaysian consulate closest to you, as regulations are subject to change. 

Currency: Malaysian currency is in Ringgit (RM) and sen.

A resident/non-resident is permitted to carry into and out of Malaysia, ringgit notes not exceeding RM1, 000.  A resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency incuding travellers’s cheques not exceeding RM10, 000.  A non-resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency including travellers’s cheques not exceeding the amount brought in.  Should you need to carry currency in excess of the permitted limits, prior written permission must be obtained from The Director, Exchange Control Department, Bank Negara Malaysia.

Credit Cards: Hotel, department stores and other major establishments generally accept major credit and charge cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.

Language: Bahasa Malaysia is the national language but English is widely used. Mandarin and a number of other local dialects are also spoken.

Clothing: Light clothing is advisable, as the climate is generally warm and humid.

Religion:  Islam is the official religion but there is a freedom of worship

Electricity:  Malaysian electricity voltage is on a 240 volt 50 cycle system.

Health:  Yellow fever is the only vaccination requirements to those from infected areas.  Cholera, smallpox and malaria have largely been eliminated.  Those who are visiting the remote villages are advised to take malaria prophylactics, prior to their visit to Malaysia.