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About Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Sabah is richly blessed with natures diversity, including: large areas of pristine rainforest; unique cultures; beautiful beaches; superb world-class diving sites such as Sipadan and Lankayan. There also is the highest mountain of South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu and the worlds largest flower, the Rafflesia can be found. The endangered Orang Utan has its home there too, as does the strange looking Proboscis monkey. And for the adventuous gourmet, varied cuisines await adventurous taste buds in five star hotels to road side stalls and everything in between. All of this will be found together with the unique and traditional Sabahan hospitality in Sabah.

Location
Sabah is situated on the beautiful island of Borneo and is the second largest of the thirteen states of
Malaysia. It shares the island with Sarawak, Brunei and Indonesian Kalimantan. Indonesians refer to
the island of Borneo as �Kalimantan�.
Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of maritime South-East Asia
and surrounded by the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.

History
Once known as North Borneo or East Malaya, Sabah was under British rule from the late 19th century until Malaysia gained its independence from Britain in 1963.

Sabah is a state with a democratic political system with universal suffrage. Here, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Head of State of Sabah) heads the hierarchy, followed by the State Legislative Assembly and the State Cabinet. A General Election takes place every five years for both the State and the Federal level officials.

There are currently 32 officially recognised ethnic groups in Sabah with the largest non-indigenous ethnic group being the Chinese and the largest indigenous group being the Kadazan-Dusun people. Two other large ethnic groups in Sabah are the Bajau and Murut. Apart from the Sabahans� very own diverse mother tongues, Bahasa Malaysia (the Malaysian national language) and English are widely spoken; Mandarin and some Chinese dialects are also widely spoken.

Customs
In Sabah people are greeted by �selamat datang� meaning 'welcome', being said 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.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering a mosque as well as homes. In places of worship, visitors are required to dress modestly. Nude sunbathing is not allowed and is very frowned upon. Avoid pointing your index finger at others, as this is considered rude in the local custom.

It is advisable to obtain permission before photographs are taken of people.

Economy
Sabah�s economy was traditionally lumber dependent. However, with the increasing depletion of natural forests as well as ecological efforts to conserve the rainforest, palm oil has proven to be a more sustainable resource.
Other than that, Sabah�s economy is highly dependent on agricultural products such rubber and cocoa. Sabah also exports other produces such as vegetables and seafood. Tourism, particularly eco-tourism, is presently the second largest contributor to the economy.


Climate
Equatorial/Tropical�the climate is generally hot and sunny all year round and visitors need to wear comfortable lightweight clothing to avoid heatstroke. There are also scattered unpredictable rains, therefore, it is 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 metres.

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (RM)

Travellers� 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 airports. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion.
VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club credit and charge cards are accepted in almost all department stores, supermarkets, petrol stations and restaurants.

Local Time
      Standard Malaysian Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8)

Banking Hours
      Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3pm

Usual Office Hours
     Monday to Friday from 8am � 1pm and 2pm � 5pm; Saturday from 8am � 1pm

Shopping
     Shopping centres, 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 hotels 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 urban and sub-urban areas.

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