FAQ Borneo

Your passport needs to be valid for six months after your planned departure from Borneo. You can find out more information on entry requirements on our Visa, Passport and Money Advice page.

If you’re a UK passport holder, you’ll be granted a 3 month visa on arrival, so there is nothing you need to do in advance.

In the heat and humidity of the rainforest, we recommend packing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Merino wool is a great option here as it has thermoregulating properties and is also sweat/odour resistant too. Alternatively, thin cotton works well. Don’t forget, your clothing will get wet (you’ll likely be in rainforest after all), so it’s worth packing clothes that are quick-drying. Brightly-coloured or dark clothing often attract unwanted mozzies, so we’d also suggest sticking to pale colours like khaki and beige.

As Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country we would advise you to dress respectfully, covering your knees and shoulders if you aren’t on the beach.

It is always best to get the advice of a GP or travel nurse before travelling overseas to check which vaccinations you might need or if any boosters are required. The Fit for Travel website provides a comprehensive guide on all the vaccinations you should consider.

We know heading off on holiday is always a little bit stressful, especially on the day you leave, so we would advise doing these things before you depart:

• Check you have all your necessary documentation, including your passport!
• Take a photo of your documents and email it to yourself and travelling partners. Having a copy on your phone always comes in handy too.
• Ensure you have all your chargers and converters for any phones, cameras, tablets you are taking. A portable battery pack is a handy item to have in your hand luggage.
• Take snacks and a big bottle of water for your flight.
• Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, we advise arriving 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
• Pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage and take a photo of your checked bag in case it goes missing en route.
• Sit back and relax knowing we have your holiday sorted!

Bahasa Malaysia is the primary language. Other languages spoken include Chinese, Tamil and English is widely spoken.

Here are some common phrases in Bahasa Malaysia that may be useful:

Hello: Selamat pagi (morning), Selamat tengah hari (midday), Selamat petang (afternoon/evening)
Thank you: Terima kasih
How much?: Berapa harganya?
Excuse me: Maafkan saya

Note that there are also many different indigenous languages spoken in Borneo, such as Iban and Kayan.

Borneo has an excellent range of exciting food, and different cities have their own specialities. Kuching has a large Chinese and Indian community so you will get a variety of different Chinese and Indian restaurants serving authentic food with a Malaysian twist. If you like a cheeky tipple, then buy a bottle or two in duty-free before you arrive as alcohol is expensive, especially in Sabah.

Food you can try during your travels:

Laksa – Sarawak’s signature dish is a delight for the senses. Comprising a spicy soup of chilli paste, coconut milk and thin (mee hoon) noodles topped with beansprouts, chicken and shrimp. Tone down its spicy kick with a squeeze of fresh lime.
Kolo Mee – A stir-fry dish of yellow egg noodles, barbequed pork and vegetables. This is a street-food staple.
Mee Sua – Made with wheat rice noodles, chicken and mushrooms as part of a large broth that’s laced with wine.
Lok-Lok – Delicious skewers of fish, meat or veg that are deep-fried or boiled and eaten with sweet and sour or satay sauce.

We suggest eating at busier local restaurants and hawkers stalls as the locals obviously like them and the high turnover means fresh food.

Malaysian Borneo is primarily a Muslim country, so it is respectful to cover your shoulders and wear trousers or a skirt below the knee. On the beaches, you can wear swimwear, but do be mindful of how others might feel and always cover up when going into beachside restaurants and cafes.

In certain areas, such as Batang Ai where there is a large Iban community, you will find that you can get away with shorter sleeves and shorts. It is also considered rude in most places in Borneo to show the soles of your feet so make sure you keep your feet on the ground or tucked underneath if sitting on the floor.

Borneo is considered a safe place to travel to, the welcoming people and well set up infrastructure make for an enjoyable travelling experience. As always, it pays to be cautious with your belongings and use the safe in your room if one is provided.

We are contactable in the UK during office hours and our local partners in destination are available 24/7 for any support or help you might need. They are in the best position as they will be on the same timezone, they should be your first contact in a case of emergency.

The national Malaysian currency is the ringgit (RM), also referred to as the Malaysian Dollar. All hotels and banks offer currency exchange services, however the best exchange rate can be found at smaller currency exchange desks in shopping malls.

Unlike other countries in Asia, it isn’t customary to tip in Borneo, and restaurants generally include a service charge. In areas visited more frequently by tourists however, tipping has become more common.