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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
Lowlands (Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau) – 32 degrees Centigrade
Highlands (Ranau, Kundasang, Tambunan) – 21 degrees Centigrade
Bear in mind though, that Mount Kinabalu has its own climate. Temperatures can drop to freezing level above 3500 meters.
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.
Major Credit and Charge Cards
VISA, MasterCrad, American Express, Diners Club—credit and charge cards are accepted in almost all departmental stores , supermarkets, petrol stations and restaurants.
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 centers, 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 Sabah, 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 a way of introducing oneself.
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES AND NUMBER
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTERS
Sabah Tourism Board
51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia.
Tel: +6088 212121 Fax: +6088 212075
Email: info@sabahtourism.com
Open: 08:00 – 05:00 pm (Mon – Fri)
08:00 – 04:00 pm (Weekend & PH)
Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd
Lot 4, Ground Floor, Block L, Sinsuran Complex,
88000, Kota Kinabalu
Tel: +6088 232121 Fax: +6088 265540
Email: info@sabahtourism.com
Open: 08:00 – 05:00 pm (Mon – Fri)
08:00 – 04:00 pm (Weekend & PH)
Tourism Malaysia (Sabah)
Lot 1-0-7, Ground Floor Block 1,
Lorong Api Api 1,88000, Kota Kinabalu
Tel: +6088 248698 / 211732
Email: enquiries@tourism.gov.my
Open: 08:00 – 05:00 pm (Mon – Fri)
Closed on weekends & PH
USEFUL NUMBER
| Ambulance/Police | 999 |
| Fire Department | 994 |
| Tourist Police | +6088 450 402/222 |
| Police Hotline HQ Sabah | +6088 253 555 |
| Police Hotline KK | +6088 221 191 |
| Queen Elizabeth Hospital | +6088 218 166 |
| Damai Specialist Hospital | +6088 222 922 |
| Sabah Medical Centre | +6088 211 333 |
| Ranau Hospital | +6088 875 266 |
| KK Airport Terminal 1 | +6088 325 555 |
| KK Airport Terminal 2 | +6088 447 049 |
| Information Services | +6088 280 600/280 641 |
| Telephone Directory Assistance | 108 |
| Department of Immigration | +603 8880 1000 |
SANDAKAN
| Hospital | +6089 212 111 |
| Airport | +6089 660 405 |
| Immigrations | +6089 668 308 |
TAWAU
| Hospital | +6089 773 533 |
| Airport | +6089 950 013 |
| Immigrations | +6089 773 343 |
LABUAN
| Hospital | +6087 413 333 |
| Airport | +6087 415 015 |
| Immigrations | +6087 412 298 |
USEFUL PHRASES IN BAHASA MELAYU
- 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?