John Forsyth and Aileen Collins welcome you to their world of unique travel ideas.

Borneo
"Handy Info"
Passport Validity
Every person entering Malaysia must posses a valid national passport or internationally recognised travel document valid for travel to Malaysia. Currently Australian citizens do not require a visa to visit Malaysia.

Departure Tax
The approximate departure tax for international flights is US$40, however departure tax for flights to Singapore and Brunei is only US$5.
Climate
Sabah has an equatorial climate. Temperatures rarely rise above 32 degrees Celsius except for on exceptionally hot days, and along the coastal areas rarely drop below 20 degrees Celsius at night. Although in the interior and at higher altitudes it can get quite cold at night. Relative humidity is usually 85-95 percent. Rainfall is common in Sabah throughout the year, however the wetter period (or rainy season) occurs from October to February, and the drier season from March to September.
Food/Water & Health
There is no need to wrap yourself up in cotton wool when travelling through Malaysia, however it is important to use some common sense to avoid any problems. Don't drink tap water, this includes brushing your teeth as well as ice in your drinks. Most hotel will provide you with bottled water. Be careful when eating uncooked food such as salads outside major restaurants or hotels, and be sure to only eat unpeeled fruit from the markets. The change in diet can play tricks on your tummy, so if your not used to Malay food, or in particular spicy food give you stomach time to adjust. It might be an idea to keep some medicated charcoal tablets or Imodium close by.
Clothes
Travelling in a tropical climate lightweight casual clothes are usually the most suitable. Due to local customs, revealing clothes are not advisable in public places. When visiting sites of religious significance, it is required that you cover up as much as possible, especially women. Not surprisingly topless sunbaking is not allowed at all.

Money
The local currency in Malaysia is Ringgit (RM), US$1 is approximately equal to RM 3.80. Most hotels and establishments accept credit cards such as VISA, American Express, Master Card and Dinners Club. Traveller's cheques may be cashed at major hotels and are accepted by all banks, hotels and major department stores.
Click here for a current estimate of exchange rates.
Inoculations/Anti Malarial
There are no official requirements for Malaysia, however the more important inoculations to consider having before heading to Malaysia are both Hepatitis A & B, and if you're staying longer than a month you should also consider having a Rabies vaccination. Anti malaria medication is a must, and additional preventative precautions should be taken against both malaria as well as dengue fever.
Customs allowance
Visitors entering Malaysia through the various entry points are required to declare all dutiable or prohibited goods in their possession. In the case of alcoholic beverages, spirits, tobacco and cigarettes, the rate of duty will be the prevailing rate at the time of travel.

Language
Bahasa Malay is the national language and understood throughout Sabah. English is also widely spoken and understood. Due to Malaysia's cultural diversity others languages spoken are Mandarin, Chinese, Hakka, Cantonis and Kadazan.
Religions and Festivals
The most practiced religion in Malaysia is Islam as 52% of the population are Muslim. However many alternative religions are also practiced and accepted throughout Malaysia. 17% of Malay's are Buddhist, 17% Taoist , 8% Christian, 8% Hindu and 2% still believe in their tribal religions. Some festivals to keep your eye open for are Hari Raya Puasa, is three days of celebrating which marks the end of Ramadan (Muslim month of fasting). Chinese New Year, in January or February, is welcomed in with dances, parades and much good cheer. An interesting festival that is unique to Sabah takes place in January and is the traditional 'midnight dip', where local Sabahans take a bath on the stroke of midnight in a symbolic way to cleanse themselves.