FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(I). Health Considerations
Do we need to take precautions against malaria?
Malaria is almost unheard of in Sabah and Sarawak. However the best advice is to follow the advice of your doctor. For a 2 week stay it should be no problem to take the pills. However unless recommended otherwise it is best to avoid the stronger prescriptions such as Larium which can cause unpleasant side effects. Chloroquin and Palludrine are still effective against any strain of Malaria in Malaysia.
How safe is the water?
All water is treated, but for most stomachs it may still take some getting used to. Therefore, best to avoid tap water. Boiled water is perfectly safe, and of course tap water for cleaning teeth is fine. All the ice served in drinks, even in the most basic coffee shops, is made from treated water and is safe.
(II). Communications
In most of the urban areas, the communications infrastructure is reliable and good postal and internet services are readily available.
Calling home?
Public telephones are available but can be a source of irritation as some of the telephone kiosks either take coins or prepaid telephone cards. Mobile phones are handy and many of the local telephone companies are affliliated with other GSM providers. IDD calls from hotels can be expensive. Buying a prepaid IDD call card from one of the many retailers in the shopping malls can produce substantial savings. Calls to some European countries are now less that RM1 per minute and rates are continually decreasing.
(III). What to bring list
Clothing :
The tropical days are hot and humid and we recommend light, comfortable cotton shirts . Casual wear is acceptable for most occasions in the city; on trips to the interior, shorts and T-shirts may be more appropriate. For most trips, bring swimming gear to slake off the tropical heat. Please remember, however, to respect local modesty . Light rain wear is a must as invariably, there will be encounters with rain. On trips to the longhouses don't forget thin towels and sun hats (to protect against the tropical sun). In the evenings, slip into a comfortable sarong. These items can be locally obtained easily and cheaply.
Footwear :
For trips to the interior that require a great deal of hiking through primary rainforest or rugged terrain, comfortable hiking or walking shoes that have no fear of jungle streams or muddy trails are recommended. For shorter trips that do not require a great deal of walking, a good pair of sneakers will do. A pair of flip-flop, slippers or tevas should be included.
Note: that locally, there may be difficulty in getting footwear in large sizes.
Equipment :
If you plan to scale the pinnacles in Mulu or conquer Mt Kinabalu, include a pair of light gardening gloves for good grip and protection against rough and sharp surfaces. For long treks in the jungle which require you to remain overnight in jungle shelters, it is essential that you bring along a light sleeping bag . A torch light (don't forget to bring extra bulbs and batteries!) is a must if you wish to go caving. As with other trips, a backpack and water bottle will come in handy. Bring along plastic bags to keep clothes and cameras dry in case of rain.
Medicine & Toiletries :
Apart from personal toiletries include in your pack, insect repellent. A basic first aid kit should include band aids, mild antiseptic cream for insect bites or light scratches, cotton swabs, tissues, bandages and painkillers .
(IV). Out on the town
How safe is it to go out at night?
Kuching has to be one of the safest cities in the world. Muggings and attacks on tourists are so rare that it makes the headlines if it happens. Kota Kinabalu requires some extra precautions in some areas, but is also generally quite safe. In both cases it is best to apply the standard principle of leaving your valuables in the hotel safe and not carry more cash than you really need.
Are the antiques authentic?
There are some great bargains to be had in both Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. The Main Bazaar in Kuching is known for its range of fine Borneo antiquities that can be snapped up at a fraction of the price to those to be found in the boutiques of London or New York. However, unless you are an expert the simple rule is to buy what you would enjoy and appreciate and not what you think might be the bargain of the century. As in any part of the world we have the odd salespeople that embellish the facts somewhat. So buy what you like for the price you think is fair. Then you should never be disappointed.
How much should I tip ?
Tipping is not a strong culture yet in this part of the world. Most hotels & restaurants include a 10% service charge on the bill. If you want to leave a small addition that is fine, but it is not always necessary. It is normal to leave a small amount for the housekeeping and bellboy of the hotel when checking out. Also your guide will appreciate a small gratuity if he has done a good job.
Can I rent a car and drive around?
Yes you can. Driving throughout Malaysia is easy for anyone with an International Driving Licence . Roads are all in good condition, perfectly safe, and car rental is a popular option, particularly in West Malaysia. In Sabah and Sarawak it is less common, but can be done. A number of car rental companies are available in both Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. However due to the size of the market, rental prices are very high, often prohibitively so. Often, there is no price advantage between hiring a car or taking a private transfer.
