Useful Travel Tips

The climate here in Malaysia is tropical. Be sure to bring warm weather clothing.

Average temperatures are about 32° C in the lowlands and 21° C in the highlands.

The currency used here is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Travellers cheques and foreign currencies can be changed for Malaysian Ringgit at banks, hotels and registered money exchangers. Most hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion.

Major credit and charge cards include:

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Diners Club

Banking hours are from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm from Mondays to Fridays.

The Standard Malaysian Time (local time) here is +8 GMT.

Electrical outlet here is 220V AC with rectangular blades type outlets.

Bahasa Malaysia is the national language here. Hoever, English and Mandarin are also widely spoken.

Entry Requirements

To start your scuba diving vacation here, you will need the following for your entry requirements into Malaysia.

  • A valid passport (and visa wherever applicable) is required.
  • A Social or Tourist Visit Pass does not permit the holder to take up employment, business or professional work in Malaysia.
  • The Business Visit Pass allows foreign visitors to enter the country for business negotiations or inspection of business premises. These passes however, cannot be used for employment purposes or for supervising the installation of new machinary or the construction of a factory.
  • No fee is charged for a Business Visit Pass issued for a period of up to three months. A fee of RM5 is imposed for each month thereafter.

2006 National Public Holidays

Hari Raya Qurban (Jan 10th); Chinese New Year (Jan 29th & 30th); Awal Muharram (Jan 31st); Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Apr 11th); Labour Day (May 1st); Wesak Day (May 12th); Birthday of Sri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Jun 3rd); National Day (Aug 31st); Deepavali (Oct 21st); Hari Raya Puasa (Oct 24th & 25th); Christmas Day (Dec 25th); Hari Raya Qurban (Dec 31st).

2006 State of Sabah Holidays

New Year's Day (Jan 1st); Good Friday (Apr 14th); Harvest Festival (May 30th & 31st); Malaysia Day & Birthday of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah (Sep 16th).

Tourist Information Centre

Sabah Tourism Board
51 Gaya Street
Kota Kinabalu
Tel: +60 (88) 212 121
Fax: +60 (88) 212 075