LOCATION:
Borneo is geographically located East of Singapore and South of Hong Kong. With the South China Sea, the Java Sea and the Sulu and Celebes Sea's surrounding its shorelines. Take a look at the About Borneo section to discover more about the regions that make up the worlds third largest island.

CLIMATE:
Borneo enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Daytime temperatures averaging from 23 to 32 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in the highland regions are somewhat cooler. The main rainy season runs between November and February and brings heavy rainfall with cool evenings. Check The Current Weather Conditions In Borneo!

TIME ZONE:
The time zone for Borneo is GMT + 8 hours
Check Other Time Zones Around The World!

RELIGION:
The official religion for both Malaysia and Brunei is Sunni Islam. There are also Christians, Buddhists and followers of various traditional beliefs. Freedom of worship is respected and churches and temples for all major religions can be found in all towns and cities.

LANGUAGE:
Malay is the national language spoken in both Malaysia and Brunei, however, English is widely spoken throughout both countries.

BACKPACK ESSENTIALS:
Here's a list of items that we suggest that you bring on your trip! Comfortable hiking boots or shoes, sandals or thongs, socks, a light pair of gardening gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirts, T-shirts, shorts, swimwear, a light raincoat, sweater, a light sleeping bag, rubber mat, some strong plastic bags to keep things dry, water bottle, torchlight with spare bulbs and battery's,towel, toilet kit, insect repellent, camera with films and a small first aid kit containing: (band aids, antiseptic cream, bandages, painkillers, tissues cotton swabs, safety pins)

ELECTRICITY:
Voltage in Malaysia is 220/240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Standard UK type three pin plugs are used.

WATER:
It is generally considered safe to drink water straight from the tap;however, as no authority is absolutely clear on this matter. As a caution for visitors who are unused to the Malaysian way of life, we suggest that you drink bottled water, which is readily available.

MONEY MATTERS:

Malaysia:
Local Malaysian currency is the Ringgit (RM), largely known as the Malaysian Dollar. It is issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Ringgit notes. Coin denominations are 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1 sen (cents).

Credit Cards:
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants, department stores and major establishments.

Currency Exchange:
The best currency for exchange is the Pound Sterling, but US Dollars are widely accepted as are most major currencies. Currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, hotels, and licensed money changers.

Currency Restrictions:
All visitors need to fill in a Travellers Declaration Form (TDF) upon entry to Malaysia. The import of local currency (Ringgit Malaysia) is restricted to RM 1000.00 The export of local currency cannot exceed the amount that was declared upon entry. There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency.

Banking Hours:
0930-1500 Monday to Friday; 0930-1130 Saturday.
Banks in Sabah open at 0800 and usually break for lunch (1200-1400). Closed on the first Saturday of each month.
Check Today's Exchange Rates For The Malaysian Ringgit!

Brunei:
The local Brunei currency is the Brunei Dollar (Br$) notes are issued in denominations of Br$ 1000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents. The Brunei Dollar is officially equal to the Singapore Dollar.

Credit Cards:
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants, department stores and major establishments.

Currency Exchange:
The best currency for exchange is the Pound Sterling, but US Dollars are widely accepted as are most major currencies. Currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, hotels, and licensed money changers.

Banking hours:
0900-1500 Monday to Friday; 0900-1100 Saturday.
Check Today's Exchange Rates for The Brunei Dollar!

IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS:

Malaysia *SEE NOTE!
Visitors must be in possession of a current passport or other internationally recognised travel document. They must be endorsed for travelling to Malaysia and have a period of validity of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia. No visas are required for citizens of British Commonwealth countries (except India), British Protected persons, and citizens of the Republic of Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, San Marino, Switzerland and the United States (for social, business or academic purposes only). No visas are required for stays not exceeding three months for citizens of: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Tunisia, USA , France and Germany (except for local employment).

Brunei: *SEE NOTE!
Visitors must be in possession of a current passport or other internationally recognised travel document. They must be endorsed for travelling to Brunei and have a period of validity of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Brunei.
Malaysian, Singaporean and British nationals with the right of abode in the UK are exempted from the requirement to obtain a visa for visits not exceeding 30 days.
Visas are also waived for visits of 14 days for nationals of Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippines, Japan, France, Switzerland, Republic of Korea, Canada, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, Federal Republic of Germany, Sweden and Republic of Maldives.
American nationals are not required to obtain entry visa for a stay of 90 days or less for tourist and business purpose.
All other nationals entering Brunei Darussalam must have a valid visa.

*NOTE:
This information is offered as a guide only, Please check with your travel agent for the latest immigration requirements prior to travel.

MEDICAL ADVICE:
Some of the treks and adventure tours require a fair bit fitness and endurance, if you are in any doubt over your health please seek the advise of your doctor.

Tropical diseases are remarkably rare in Sarawak, Sabah & Brunei! However, we do advise you to consult your local health facility who are better informed on this matter. They will be able to advise you on any precautionary vaccinations necessary.

Medical facilities in Sarawak, Sabah & Brunei are of a high standard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:
We advise all travellers to ensure that they are covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy against: illness, injury, death, medical expenses, loss of baggage and personal effects, cancellation or curtailment.

Please ask your local travel agent for holiday insurance details!