KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

BORNEO TRAVEL TIPS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Currency

In Borneo Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah) the currency is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). 1 Malaysian Ringgit is made up of 100sen and is often presented with the symbol RM. It is often unofficially referred to as the Malaysian dollar.

In Brunei, the currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND), which is made up of 100 cents. The Brunei dollar is linked and equal the Singapore Dollar (SGD) which is roughly the same as the Aussie dollar at the moment.

ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns. Credit cards are also widely accepted.

Power & Adaptors

Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei use UK style plugs with three large rectangular style pins. Many of the hotels have universal power points and adaptors are cheap and easy to purchase. However, purchasing one with a surge protector is a good idea. Power is 230/240V. If your electrical appliance uses 110/120 volts, you need to use a transformer/converter to step down the 230/240 volts Malaysian voltage to your 110/120 volt appliances.

Tax

In Malaysia, you will sometimes see a price for a meal advertised as Nett or ++. Nett means it is inclusive of all taxes (Government, services taxes etc) whilst ++ does not. Please double check before ordering or paying bills.

As of the 1st September 2017, there is a Tourism Tax of 10RM applied to all hotel rooms on a per night basis. This has been absorbed in the price of your tour.

Visa Requirements for Malaysia

Currently, Australian/ New Zealand/ U.K. and U.S.A Citizens do not need a visa to visit Malaysia provided:

a)    Passport is still valid for at least 6 months after arrival

b)    Visit is no longer than 3 months (90 days)

c)     Have a confirmed return or onward ticket

Please note this information is current as of January 2018. Please contact the Malaysian High Commission prior to travel if you have any questions or concerns. Non-Australian Citizens please check with your travel agent or visit http://www.malaysia.org.au/travel6.html

Visa Requirements for Brunei Darussalam

Australia/ New Zealand, U.K and U.S.A Citizens are permitted to obtain a transit visa on arrival. A transit visa (72 hours) will be obtained on arrival into Brunei. The visa fee must be paid in cash with Brunei Dollars or Singapore Dollars. There is a money changer in the arrival hall of the airport beyond the immigration control point, but no banking facilities.

a)     Passport is still valid for at least 6 months after arrival

b)     Have a confirmed return or onward ticket

Please note this information is current as of December 2017. Please contact the Brunei High Commission prior to travel if you have any questions or concerns or visit: http://www.brunei.org.au/consularservices.php

Vaccinations

All travellers should consult their medical GP for updated information at least 4 – 8 weeks prior to departure to Borneo.

Take precautions against mosquito bites including using insect repellent, wearing long, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.

Fitness

  • To get the most out of your Borneo tour you will need a good level of fitness, mobility and most importantly an open mind. Many of the sites can only be accessed on foot and on uneven ground. You must be able to climb stairs and be prepared to board small boats. Keeping in mind heat and humidity.
  • Passengers who are 70 and over will be required to obtain a doctor’s clearance before travelling. 
Travel Tips in Borneo
  • It is best to travel light as there is a 15kg maximum luggage limit for the domestic flights. Excess luggage will incur additional fees to the traveller.
  • A small to medium case is required for the 2 night stays in Batang Ai (Sarawak) and to Sukau (Sabah). For ease of travel, the main luggage will be left behind at the hotel.
Cultural Etiquette
  • Drugs are illegal in both Malaysia and Brunei and can result in the death penalty.
  • The possession of pornographic material is illegal.
  • Gambling is illegal.
  • It is rude to point with your index finger. If you must point use your thumb.
  • It is an offence to photograph-prohibited places, including government and military infrastructure and equipment, places used by security forces and communications and civil infrastructure, and areas in the vicinity of such places.
  • Persons carrying firearms and related items, such as ammunition, including empty cartridge shells, may be detained by local authorities and may face criminal prosecution.
  • The sale of alcohol in Brunei is prohibited and there are strict rules as to the amount allowed to be imported into the country for personal consumption as a tourist.
  • Be cautious when making comments about local issues, particularly those relating to the royal family. Such comments could cause offence and in some cases, could attract legal consequences.
Basic Phrases to help your travels in Borneo
  • Selamat Datang – Welcome, Hello
  • Selamat Pagi – Good morning
  • Selamat tengah hari – Good afternoon (12 – 2 pm)
  • Selamat Petang – Good evening (2 – 7 pm)
  • Selamat Malam – Goodnight
  • Apa Khabar? – How are you?
  • What is your name? – Siapa nama anda?
  • My name is…. – Nama say ….
  • Selamat Tingal – Goodbye (you are leaving)
  • Selamat Jalan – Goodbye (if you are staying and they are leaving)/ Good journey
  • Ja – Yes
  • No – Tidak
  • Ma’af – Sorry
  • Thank you – Terima kasih
  • Reply to thank you – sama-sama