Sarawak Travel Guide
Described as Asia's best kept secret, Sarawak is the largest, richest and most varied state in Malaysia. It's situated on the island of Borneo and, along with Sabah, makes up East Malaysia. The South China Sea separates it from Peninsula Malaysia.
Like Sabah, Sarawak is celebrated for its natural beauty and diversity. It also has a rich cultural heritage that includes the ongoing presence of traditional lifestyles. That is, Sarawak's many Dayak tribes still live in longhouses, with whole village populations residing in one structure, and separate rooms opening on to a communal veranda. This communal spirit is extended to visitors who are invited to stay overnight.
Sarawak's natural wonders can best be experienced in its cave systems, national parks, wildlife centres, untouched coral reefs, and ancient rainforests. The clear waters off the coast offer one of the world's most exceptional diving experiences. Trails wind through the mangrove swamp, rocky headlands and tropical rainforest of Bako National Park, and are a must for hikers. Visitors will see protected species of Hornbill and proboscis monkey, along with other plant and animal life. Permits are required and can be obtained in advance from the Sarawak Tourism Board office. The Niah National Park and Niah Caves are another favourite attraction.
Kuching is Sarawak's capital and a good base from which to explore the national parks. Its rich history can be seen in a variety of museums, including the Sarawak Museum, or at the Sarawak Cultural Village. The resort city of Miri is the gateway to the northeast, and is fast becoming the state's most popular tourist destination. Renowned as an adventure city, it offers a wide range of accommodation options, good beaches, and a lively nightlife, and is within reach of several national parks and natural attractions. Visitors will find some of the best diving in Borneo.
Things to do in Sarawak
Malaysia travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plugs are used.
Language
Bahasa Melayu is the national language, but English is widely spoken and is the language of business. Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien and Hakka are spoken by the Malaysian Chinese population and Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi among the Indian population.
Money
The official currency is the Malaysian ringit (MYR), also referred to as the Malaysian dollar, which is divided into 100 sen. Money changers are generally quicker to deal with than banks and do not charge commission; their rates however are variable. British pounds or US dollars are the easiest to exchange. All major credit cards are accepted at upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants. ATMs are widely available.
Tipping
Although tipping is not customary in Malaysia, the more expensive hotels and restaurants add a 10 percent service charge to their bills and further gratuity is unnecessary. All hotel rooms are subject to a six percent government tax, though many cheaper hotels quote a price inclusive of this tax.
Health
Some tropical illnesses are prevalent in Malaysia and travellers should seek medical advice regarding any recommended vaccinations before travelling. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are common, as is dengue fever.
Malaria risks are isolated to the inland regions; the exception is Sabah, where there is a year-round risk. Travellers who are arriving from or have transited through infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Visitors may also be advised to get vaccinations for rabies, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis, depending on their travel itineraries in Malaysia. It's best to drink bottled water and avoid uncooked meat, fish and vegetables, unpeeled fruit, ice and salads.
A further health hazard in Malaysia is smoke haze and air pollution, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, which has some of the poorest air quality in Asia. The very high Benzene pollution levels could aggravate cardiac or respiratory problems. Hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and other major Malaysian cities are of a high standard but medical facilities may be lacking in rural areas. Comprehensive medical insurance is recommended.
Safety
Malaysia is a generally safe travel destination, but visitors should nevertheless take normal precautions against crime. They should stay alert and avoid displaying conspicuous wealth, and should also be wary of petty crimes such as bag-snatching and pick-pocketing. Tourists should use hotel safes and duplicate travel documents. Remote parts of eastern and northern Sabah carry some threat of kidnappings by militant Filipino groups.
Local customs
Malaysia is largely Muslim and so Islamic customs should be respected, especially during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking in public should be avoided, as it is forbidden by Islamic law. Dress, particularly for women, should be conservative, and arms and legs should be covered when visiting places of worship. It is customary to remove shoes before entering homes and places of worship. When eating or exchanging money, the right hand is used. Homosexuality is illegal.
Doing business
Those looking to do business in Malaysia are strongly urged to research some of the cultural complexities of the country, which is home to different ethnic groups. Although the Malaysian business world has largely succeeded in establishing a unified ethos for itself, it is important to understand that visitors might deal with people from different ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese and Indian being the most common), and that their expectations and conduct might need to adjust accordingly. The defining characteristic of business culture in Malaysia is respect for, and deference to authority. Authority figures are identified more by skills, wisdom and temperament, than by powerful positions and strict hierarchy.
The Malaysian style of management, it follows, is less goal-driven, and more holistic, than in some Western cultures, with managers taking a personal interest in the well-being of their employees. Business etiquette in Malaysia is marked by sensitivity and diplomacy. The golden rule is never to cause another to 'lose face' in professional company; the wilful, or even careless, humiliation of even a subordinate, is considered anathema in the Malaysian business world. Business meetings in Malaysia usually convene punctually, but can be subject to a lot of 'small talk' and personal digressions. Attendees shouldn't get impatient, as this is seen as an important function of meetings in Malaysia, where the agenda is not always as important as the relationships between people that meetings serve to develop.
Business cards are usually exchanged upon meeting new associates. People give and receive cards with their right hand, supported by the left, and never fold or put away a card without looking at it first. Details are printed in Chinese on the reverse side of cards. The dress code for business is typically Western, with smart, formal clothes being worn. Men generally wear white shirts and ties (jackets to be worn to meetings); while women, since Malaysia has a large Muslim population, should dress more conservatively than they might be used to doing at home. English is widely spoken in Malaysia, and commonly used in most businesses. Business hours are generally Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
Duty free
Travellers to Malaysia do not have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 225g tobacco; 1 litre wine, spirits or malt liquor; cosmetic products to the value of RM 200; up to three new items of clothing and one pair of footwear; one portable electrical or battery-operated appliance for personal hygiene; food preparations to the value of RM 75; other goods to the value of RM 400 (with the exception of goods from Langkawi and Labuan, to the value of RM 500). Prohibited items include goods from Haiti, counterfeit money and illegal drugs.
Communications
The international access code for Malaysia is +60. International Direct Dial is available throughout the country, but the service can be erratic. Hotels can add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills; it is best to check before making international calls. Cafes, hotels and restaurants offer free WiFi in most tourist areas. Buying a local SIM card is a cheaper alternative to using international roaming; travellers can use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks.
Passport & Visa
Foreign passengers to Malaysia are required to hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Malaysia if travellers are arriving from or have transited through an infected area. It is highly recommended that visitors' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC business travel card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Malaysia.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC business travel card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Malaysia.
Useful contacts
Malaysian Tourist Website: www.tourism.gov.my
999Embassies / consulates in other countries
Malaysian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 572 9700.
Malaysian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7235 8033.
Malaysian High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 241 5182.
Malaysian High commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 61 200 300.
Malaysian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 342 5990.
Malaysian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 667 7280.
Malaysian High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 385 2439.
Embassies / consulates in Malaysia
United States Embassy, Kuala Lumpur: +60 3 2168 5000.
British High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 3 2170 2200.
Canadian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 3 2718 3333.
Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 3 2146 5555.
South African High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 3 2170 2400.
Irish Embassy, Kuala Lumpur: +60 3 2167 8200.
New Zealand High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 3 2078 2533.