QUICK FACTS

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?