Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton, is the city capital of Sabah as well as the capital of the West Coast Division of Sabah. Situated in the north-west coast of Borneo Island, facing the South China Sea and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park on one side, and set against the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu; this beautiful ‘nature resort city’ stretches for miles along the coast and towards the inland. Affectionately known as KK by the locals, Kota Kinabalu is a major gateway into Sabah and Borneo Island.

Sandakan The historical city of Sandakan is the second largest city in Sabah. Located in the east coast of Borneo Island, it served as the capital of the British North Borneo during the British colonial time. Sandakan is now famous as the gateway for eco-tourism destinations in Sabah such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, the Turtle Islands Park, Sukau Proboscis Lodge, and the archaeological Gomantong Caves. It is also the notorious site of a World War II Japanese airfield which was built by the forced labour of Javanese civilians and Allied prisoners of war.

Lahad Datu A haven for naturalists, Lahad Datu is the gateway to Danum Valley Conservation Area, Tabin Wildlife Reserve and the Madai Caves. Lahad Datu is also the base for the Borneo Child Aid Society which provides education for more than 5,000 children of plantation workers as well as others who are without access to a basic education.

Tawau & Islands Nestled in the south-east coast of Sabah is Tawau – the third largest town after KKB and Sandakan. Love the sea, sun and sand? From here you can explore some of the best islands in Sabah. Dive enthusiasts will be amazed at the awe-inspiring underwater world of Kapalai and the legendary Sipadan Island in Borneo.



Borneo Rainforest Lodge The Danum Valley, a primary rainforest jungle, is far removed from human habitation. Renowned for its rich variety of both plants and wildlife, Borneo's mammals include such extremely rare and endangered species as the Sumatran rhino, benteng ele . . . More...

Lankayan Dive Island Resort A jewel like tiny island in the Sulu Sea, an hour and a half boat ride north of Sandakan; Lankayan has been declared part of an immense Marine Protected Area to adopt the eco-tourism concept. Un-populated and covered by thick tropical island vegeta . . . More...

Sipadan-Kapalai Resort A few minutes by boat from the islands of Sipadan and Mabul, Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort sits on sturdy stilts on the shallow sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs. A comfortable and sunny water village with no land in sight, it boasts a mile-long sandb . . . More...

Sepilok Nature Resort Hidden amongst a veritable treasure trove of tropical plants and grasses, trees and spectacular orchids in bloom, the quaint bungalows of the Sepilok Nature Resort are within walking distance of the world-famous Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, preci . . . More...

Selingan Turtle Island The Turtle Island Park lies north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea and consists of Selingan, Bakingan Kecil and Gulisan islands. The park is a safe haven for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles and gives you the rare opportunity to watch turtle . . . More...

Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort With inviting beaches, views of sparkling coral islands, and legendary attentive service, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa offers the serenity of a secluded tropical retreat just minutes away from the centre of Kota Kinabalu. . . . More...

Wildlife Mountain Lodge Wildlife Mountain Lodge is located 1 km from Kinabalu National Park and 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy superb mountain views as you travel to the Park at 1524 metres. All 16 twin rooms are basic with an attached bathroom, fan, mosquito proofin . . . More...

Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort comprises of 420 well-appointed guestrooms in the Garden Wing and the new Ocean Wing. . . . More...



Wildlife & Beaches from £2750pp   Borneo Tailor-Made Holidays  A wonderful 13 day tour of the Wildlife and Beaches of Sabah, including the dramatic scenery and wildlife of the Danum Valley rainforest jungle with its thrilling suspended walkway high above the jungle, the unique . . . More...

Highlights of Borneo from £2,395pp  Borneo Tailor-Made HolidaysA wonderful 14-day tour of the main highlights of Sabah, Borneo including the majesty of Mt. Kinabalu, a thrilling canopy walk high about the jungle, endangered turtles, unique Proboscis monkeys along the Kinabatangan Riv . . . More...

Useful Information for Borneo

Passports & Visas

Please ensure that your passport is valid for six months after your return date. Visas are not required by nationals of EU countries for stays of up to 3 months (except nationals of Ireland for stays of up to 2 months).

Arrival/Departure Card (Imm. 26)

A visitor is required to complete the Arrival/Departure Card (Imm.26) upon arrival at the gazetted entry points. This card is obtainable at any entry point.

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.

Country

The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsula Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
Capital of Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur
Capital of Sabah – Kota Kinabalu

People

Malays who make up about 57% of the population of Malaysia are the predominant group with Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups making up the rest. In Malaysia Borneo, the population is made up of over 32 ethnic groups with the main ethnic group – the Kadazandusun. Other ethnic group includes Bajau and Murut, The largest non-indigenous group are made up of the Chinese. Other population includes Malay and Indians

Language

Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Ethnic groups also have their own languages and dialects.

Religion

Islam is the country's official religion, but other religions such as Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism are widely practised.

Weather

Sabah has a tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures rarely rise above 32°C (90°F) except on exceptionally hot days, and along the coastal areas rarely drop below 20°C (68°F) at night. In the interior and at higher altitudes it can get quite cold at night. Relative humidity is usually 85-95 per cent.

Rainfall is common throughout the year, and varies from about 150 cm (60 inches) to over 450 cm (180 inches) per year. In most parts of Sabah the wetter period (or rainy season) occurs during the North East Monsoon from October to February and the drier season during the South West Monsoon from March to September, but often there is no really sharp division between the two. It is sufficient to say that on the whole, sunny blue skies are the norm but when it rains, the heavens open.

Currency

The Malaysian ringgit (RM) consists of 100 sen. Coins in use are one, five, 10, 20 and 50 sen, and RM1; notes come in RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100. The value is approximately USD1 = RM3.50. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and money exchange. Please note that you are permitted to carry into and out of Malaysia, ringgit notes not exceeding RM 1,000 per person. There is no limit to bring in foreign currency notes and traveller’s cheques to Malaysia. A non-resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia, foreign currency and traveller’s cheques not exceeding the amount declared when arriving into Malaysia.

Credit Cards

Most hotels and establishments accept credit or charge cards such as VISA, American Express, Master card and Diners Club. Travellers cheques may be encashed at major hotels and are accepted by all banks, hotels & major department stores.

Banking Hours

Monday - Friday: 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday : Closed (Some banks and their branches open on Saturdays).

Telecommunications

The country code for Malaysia is 60. Outgoing international code is 00. IDD is available. Sabah offers efficient modern telephone, telex, telegraph and airmail communications both internally and globally.

International cables or telegrams may be sent from any post office in Sabah. Telephone service is dependable and quick. Public phones are plentiful and easy to use. Telephone cards are widespread. There is direct dialing between Sabah and all international cities using the STD codes or wireless communications, Sabah has international roaming for most wireless GSM and PCN phone systems.

Visitors who wish to have access to a mobile phone in Sabah will need to bring along a dual band handphone that uses SIM card and you can purchase a prepaid card from any cellular phone outlet and stay in contact with your friends and family from home easily.

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