Getting Around In Borneo

TIME:      

GMT +8 hours, EDT + 13 hours

CLIMATE: Sunny with tropical showers throughout the year.
Temperature between 21 C (70F) to 32 C (90F)
Annual Rainfall 2000mm - 2500 mm

WHAT TO WEAR: Light, cotton shirts are great for the hot and humid weather of the equator. For formal function, you may wear a Batik shirt which is normally not tucked in. Casual wear is acceptable for most occasions.

When visiting religious places, it is recommended to wear skirts or shorts below the knee and shirts with sleeves.

For full day excursions, a good walking shoe (very important as it is very difficult to buy large size shoes) , raincoat, hat, sunblock, insect repellent, tissues and water bottle will come in handy.

For overnight excursions, remember to bring a towel, toiletries, torchlight(with extra batteries) and slippers. Don't forget to try out the "sarong," a batik cloth that can be used as a night wear and useful as a make-shift changing room.

Those trekking should pack gloves for good grip and protection against sharp surfaces, a light sleeping bag / sheet, backpack, basic First Aid kit (plasters, antiseptic cream, tissues, painkillers, bandages, cotton swabs). Those spending long periods of time in the jungle are recommended to eat anti-malarial pills (please consult your Doctor).

LANGUAGE: The official language is Malay, however, English is widely spoken. Chinese, Tamil and Indigenous dialects are spoken as well.

ELECTRICITY: 220-240V, 50 cycles.
Only the "British" three pins main switch is available.

WATER: Recommended to drink boiled water or bottled mineral water. Not recommended to drink directly from the tap.

CURRENCY: Malaysian Ringgit is the official currency in Malaysian Borneo. It is only possible to obtained Malaysian Ringgit locally due to the tight currency controls. Local markets and establishments outside the city only accepts Malaysian Ringgit CASH. Credit cards are only accepted in big shopping centers and resorts. Foreign currency can be changed the airport, hotel or money changer.

The currency in Brunei is the Brunei Dollars which is available in other countries.