Quick Facts

Climate

Equatorial/Tropical-the climate is generally hot and sunny all year round; visitors need to wear comfortable clothing to avoid heatstroke. We also have scattered unpredictable rains, therefore, it's advisable to always bring an umbrella in case it rains.

Average Temperature

Sarawak has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures generally between 27°C and 34°C. It's cooler up in the hills, especially in the Kelabit Highlands. The heaviest rainfall occurs with the northeast monsoon from November to February, though it rains throughout the year. There's an average annual rainfall of about 350mm to 450mm.

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (RM) - Travelers' cheques and foreign currencies can be changed for Malaysian Ringgit at banks and hotels. However, there are also money changer kiosks available at major shopping complexes and airport. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion.

Local Time

Standard Malaysian Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8)

Banking Hours

Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 3pm

Usual Office Hours

Monday to Friday from 8am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm; Saturday from 8am - 1pm

Shopping

Shopping centres, supermarkets, restaurants and mini markets are generally open daily from 10am to 10pm. As for tipping; food and beverages in exclusive restaurants, cafes and clubs as well as accommodations normally include 5 per cent service charges. Tipping is not obligatory in most places.

Electricity & Water Facilities

Electricity is on the 240 volts AC/50-Cycle system; treated pipe water is available in most areas.

Languages

Bahasa Malaysia (National Language) and English is widely spoken; Mandarin and some Chinese dialects are also widely spoken.

Communications

Mobile telecommunications cover many parts of Sabah with the exception of some remote areas. Public phones are scarcely available in most places.

Medical

Government hospitals, clinics and dispensaries are available in all towns. The list of private medical practitioners and pharmacies are available in the local phone directory. However, those with specific medical needs are advised to have a good supply of medications.

Common Customs

In Sarawak, we greet people by saying "selamat Datang" (welcome) and/or "terima kasih" (thank you) with a smile. Due to religious reasons, some may prefer not to have physical contact with others. However, a handshake is generally acceptable as way of introducing oneself.

Good morning – Selamat pagi
Good afternoon – Selamat tengah hari
Good evening – Selamat petang
Good night – Selamat malam
How are you? – Apa khabar?
Good – Bagus
I’m fine – Khabar baik
Thank you – Terima kasih
You are welcome – Sama-sama

What time? – Pukul Berapa?
Where? – Di mana?
Which? – Yang mana?
Who? – Siapa?
Why? – Mengapa?

I’m sorry/Excuse me – Minta maaf
Can you please help me? – Boleh anda membantu saya?
I’m looking for a place to eat – Saya sedang mencari tempat makan
How much is this? – Berapa harga?