Borneo Visa, Passport & Money Advice

In preparation for your family trip to Malaysian Borneo it’s a good idea to get clued up on all things related to money, visas and passports. Below we’ve compiled all the information you’ll need.

There is a lot to think about when planning your Borneo adventure, and it’s important to take care of the essentials. This includes ensuring that your passport is up-to-date, with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended return date.

UK passport holders don’t need to apply for a visa in advance, and you’ll usually be granted a 90-day stay. On arrival, each member of your family will need to present a valid passport with at least one blank page, as well as evidence of onward travel (e.g. your return flight ticket).

The national currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM), sometimes referred to as the Malaysian Dollar. It’s a good idea to carry enough cash with you, as ATMs can occasionally be out of order, particularly in smaller towns and remote areas. ATMs are widely available in larger places such as Kuching, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu, while banks and hotels offer currency exchange. You may find better rates at smaller exchange desks in shopping centres.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at larger hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities such as diving schools, but cash is still useful for smaller shops, markets and local eateries. You can withdraw cash from ATMs operated by banks such as Maybank and HSBC. As always, take sensible precautions when using your cards and avoid using them in unfamiliar or unsecured places.

From 1st September 2017, the Federal Government of Malaysia has introduced a new mandatory “Tourism Tax” of MYR 10.00 (approx £2) per room, per night for all foreign passport holders. This tax will be collected by your accommodation on behalf of the government, upon check-in. We therefore recommend you carry some extra Ringgit in change to cover this.

Borneo has less of a tipping culture than some other parts of Asia, so there’s no need to worry about tipping every time you eat out or take a taxi. Restaurants often include a service charge, while our guides and drivers are fairly paid and don’t expect tips. That said, a tip is always appreciated for good service. As a rough guide, MYR60 (£10) for a full day with a guide and MYR30 for a private driver on a longer journey is a nice gesture.

Haggling is also less common, with most prices clearly marked and generally non-negotiable. You can try your luck in local markets and souvenir stalls, where prices may not be displayed, but keep it friendly and fair. Remember, a small difference to you can make a big difference to a local seller.