Travel Tips in Malaysia

Population
Malaysia's population is a fusion of many ethnic and indigenous groups. The Malays, Chinese, and Indians form the main ethnic group in Malaysia although in Sarawak the populace is made up of mainly the Malays, Chinese, Iban and Dayaks as well as other indigenous tribes.

Religion
Islam is the official religion. However, there is freedom of worship, one that is enshrined in the country's constitution.

Government
Malaysia enjoys a parliamentary democracy. The supreme head is Yang Di Pertuan Agung (The King). The head of government is the Prime Minister who is the leader of the party that commands the majority seats in parliament.
In Sarawak, the Head of State is His Excellency the Tuan Yang Terutama whilst the head of government is the Chief Minister.

Weather
Tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 22c° to 32c° (72f° to 90f°). Humidity is high all year round. The coastal parts of Sarawak experience wet season during the months of December to March with the driest months being June and July.

Language
Expect to find Malay and a variety of native tongues spoken in the marketplace. However, English is widely understood and used in the commercial world. You will also Chinese and Indian dialects.

Travel Documents
A visitor must present his/her PASSPORT together with the duly completed ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE CARD to the Immigration officer on duty and he/she must ensure that the passport or travel document is endorsed with the appropriate pass before leaving the immigration counter. With the Abolishment of Visa, the Social Visit Pass is required. Every foreign visitor entering Malaysia must obtain a social visit pass for social visits including purposes of tourism, attending meetings, seminars, etc. This is issued at points of entry on arrival.

Visa
Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at the Malaysian Representative Office before entering the country. A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognised travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted. Visa that has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.

Vaccination Requirements in Malaysia
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate shall be required from all Malaysians and visitors coming from/through Yellow Fever endemic areas/countries. The period of validity of an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever is 10 years, beginning 10 days after vaccination.
Travellers without a valid certificate shall be quarantined upon arrival in Malaysia. Among the African countries are Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Return Travel Ticket and Sufficient Funds
A visitor is also required to present proof of his financial ability to finance his/her stay in Malaysia together with a confirmed return ticket to another destination.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend tourist to travel with insurance cover.

Time
Malaysia has a single time zone and is 8 hours ahead of GMT . This means it is 8 hours ahead of London (GMT) and 7 hours ahead during daylight saving time in the spring and summer. It is 13 hours ahead of New York (Eastern Standard time) and 12 hours during daylight saving time in the summer.

Sarawak Immigration Requirements
All international visitors are required to fill in an immigration form upon arrival. Malaysia has strict anti-drug trafficking laws and those caught smuggling illegal drugs will be given mandatory death penalty.

Communications
Mobile telecommunications cover many parts of Sarawak except for the most remote area. Public phones are available sporadically in many places.
Medical: Government hospitals, clinics and dispensaries are located in all towns and larger villages. Private medical practitioners and pharmacies are listed in the local phone directory. However, those who need specific medication are advised to bring along adequate supplies.

Medicine and toiletries
Apart from personal toiletries, it is recommended to include insect repellent and basic first-aid kit that contains band-aids, mild antiseptic cream, bandages, cotton swabs, tissues and painkillers. Sun block and lotion is also recommended.

Electricity
The electricity supply is 220/240 volts at 50 hertz . The electrical plugs and sockets used are similar to those used in Britain. North Americans will have to use adaptors which are readily available from the major hotels.
Disabled friendly facilities: Facilities are limited. Please check with your accommodation of choice.

Clothing
Shoes must be removed before entering homes, longhouses or mosques. Long sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts are appropriate for visiting places of worship. Nude sunbathing or swimming is unacceptable. Do bring your swimsuit. Light, casual and a good pair of walking or trekking shoes would suffice for day activities. Mosquito repellent is advisable; you may also purchase them from pharmacies here.

Working Hours
Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Offices usually operate from 9am-5pm, Mondays to Fridays, while shopping centres are open from 10am-10pm every day.

Banking and Currency
The Malaysian currency, the Ringgit (RM) is presently to the US dollar at RM3.30 to 1 USD (please check current rate). The Malaysian Ringgit notes are available in denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100 , and coins from 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen.

Most outlets take the major credit cards and ATM machines are readily available. However, do note that most but not all of these machines have a 24 hour operation. And most convenient stores and coffee shops only accept notes.

Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping
Service charges are included in billings for food, beverages and accommodation. Tipping is not customary.

Souvenirs for home
Sarawak is the region's most famous pepper producer - be sure to bring some back for your friends. Many visitors from other parts of Malaysia take with them frozen seafood and caviar of a local fish. Local food such as shrimp paste, fruit preserves and pickles allow you to share a taste of Sarawak with your friends. Kain songket, batik, beaded jewellery, weaved mats and rattan baskets are reminders of the native's ingenious use of natural products. The musically inclined may wish to bring a sape back to share its haunting melody with others.

Leave behind
Your footprints and everything you see in the Natural Parks and wilderness. Sarawak has a tough wildlife law. All animals and plants are protected under such law. Enjoy the beauty of this paradise and allow others after you to enjoy it too.