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| FAST FACTS ABOUT MALAYSIA | ||||
| THE FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA | TOP | |||
| Malaysia' is the name of the one-time British protectorates of Malaya, British North Borneo and Sarawak.The Federation of Malaysia consists of the States of West Malaysia (the main peninsula and the island of Penang) and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo). Independent since 1957, the Malaysian government is regulated by the Parliament - the King or Supreme Sovereign and two Houses (the House of Representatives and the Senate). The executive functions of the Government are carried out by the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister. The population is over 18 million, made up of the main racial groups of Malays, Chinese, Indians and the diverse indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak - including Iban, Murut, Melanau, Bidayuh, Kenyah, Kayan, Kelabit and Penan. Bahasa Melayu is the national language. English, a legacy of the British past, is widely spoken. Other main languages are Chinese and Tamil. Islam, brought to the peninsula by 12th century Arab traders, is Malaysia's major religious faith, though the country's multi-racial mix means there are also many Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. |  |
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| ADVENTURE
HOLIDAYS |
TOP | |||
| If you are planning an Adventure Holiday you should check your fitness level before attempting a new or unfamiliar activity, be it climbing Mount Kinabalu, scuba-diving off Sipadan, or even gentle rambles in the Taman Negara National Park. Malaysia's heat and humidity can rapidly drain energy levels of travellers from temperate regions. Clients with high blood pressure, asthma or a condition should consult their doctor prior to booking. |  |
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| BANKS | TOP | |||
| Both international and local banks
operate in Malaysia. A number of merchant bankers, finance companies
and offshore financial institutions are also established here. BANK HOURS: Most states: Mon – Fri: 9.30am – 4.00pm Sat: 9.30am – 11.30am (closed 1st & 3rd Sat of each month) Sun: closed. States of Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu: Sat – Wed: 9.30am – 4.00pm Thur: 9.30am - 11.30amFri: closed |
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| CLOTHING & WHAT TO BRING | TOP | |||
| Lightweight, washable, casual clothes are the order of the day in Malaysia - cotton or cotton-rich/synthetic mix (preferably the former) are recommended. A light sweater is a good idea for cooler evenings. Cheap clothes are sold everywhere - batik shirts are colourful and cool, and tee-shirts (including fake designer brands) are a good buy. Camping gear is often available for hire in national parks but is likely to be in great demand. There is generally little need to worry about leaving items behind when you come to Malaysia. Toiletries, medicines, photographic film, suntan lotion, insect repellents and sun hats are readily available in most towns. Electrical supply is on a 220v system. Most hotels can supply an adaptor for 110-220 volt appliances. In remote areas power cuts can occur and a torch is a valuable companion. In some locations you will not have the luxury of even a shaving point - but disposable razors are sold widely in towns and cities. | ||||
| CLIMATE | TOP | |||
| Close to the Equator, Malaysia occupies two distinct regions: Peninsular Malaysia, extending from the Thai frontier to the border of Singapore; and the States of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo's northern coast. At lower altitudes the weather is normally warm, humid and sunny year-round, with temperatures hovering around 32°C by day and 22°C at night. The seasons follow the monsoon winds. Rainfall comes at any time - in quick, heavy downpours, followed by sunshine within the hour. On the west coast of the Peninsula the main rainfall is generally from September to December. On the east coast and in Sabah/Sarawak the monsoon rains normally occur between October and February. Worldwide climate changes can and do now affect these traditional patterns. An umbrella is always useful! At higher levels (in hill-stations, for example) expect much cooler temperatures, with averages of 23°C by day and 10°C by night. The presence of insects in national park accommodation - and even occasionally in hotels - can be distracting but is a fact of life in the tropics (restaurants are also open-air or open-sided) and not a reflection on standards of hygiene. |  |
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| CULTURE & CUSTOMS | TOP | |||
| Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim and conservative country, and observance of local customs and behaviour is appreciated. Modesty of dress in public places is expected. For formal or semi-formal occasions men can opt for a long-sleeved batik shirt. Outside beach resorts women should not wear dresses or very short skirts or shorts. Topless sunbathing is not acceptable at the beach or poolside. Check the required dress code before entering any place of religious worship. If visiting a Malaysian home it is customary to remove footwear. When trekking please respect the wildlife and environment. The Malays are warm, friendly but often shy. Displays of anger or impatience are frowned upon by both Malays and Chinese. |  |
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| ENTRY REGULATIONS | TOP | |||
| British Passport holders entering Malaysia must possess a 10-year passport, valid for at least 6 months after the date of return from Malaysia. Entry into Sabah and Sarawak requires separate customs formalities, both on arrival from Peninsular Malaysia and between the two states. It is essential that the name on your passport and the name on your air tickets are identical - especially important for newly-weds - you may not be able to travel if this is not the case. If you need a new passport contact Golden Days or your travel agent for information on processing times - or call the Passport Office on 0990 210410. Visas are not required by British Passport holders for entry into Malaysia. It is your personal responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport and any visas needed to enter or transit any countries en route. Golden Days in Malaysia can accept no responsibility for holidays cancelled or postponed because of an invalid passport or rejected visa application. All information given here is correct at the time of printing but is subject to change. Please note that Possession of narcotics and other illegal drugs in Malaysia carries the death sentence. |
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| CUSTOMS |
TOP | |||
| The following are admitted duty-free
into Malaysia: Tobacco 225 grammes of tobacco or cigars or 200 cigarettes.
Liquor 1 litre of wine or 1 litre of spirits. Goods to the value of
RM200 (except goods from Langkawi and Labuan, up to a value of RM500).
Tourists are free to bring in any amount of foreign currency or travelers cheques. However, tourists would need to seek approval if the amount of foreign currency to be carried out exceeds the amount brought into Malaysia and if the amount to be taken out is more than the equivalent of USD2500. Tourists must also obtain permission and declare ringgit exceeding RM1000 being brought into or out of Malaysia. Pornography and weapons are strictly prohibited. Possession of narcotics and other illegal drugs carries the death sentence. Firearms are subject to licensing |
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| CURRENCY | TOP | |||
| Malaysia Ringgit (RM) 100 sen = RM1.00. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be converted to Malaysian Ringgits at banks, most hotels and licensed money changers. International credit cards are acceptable in most hotels, restaurants and many shops. Most hotels request an imprint of your credit card when you register, to cover any personal expenses. All airports in Malaysia and our other destinations impose domestic and international departure taxes. Do keep local currency or (where appropriate) US$ available, as these taxes are not included in your holiday prices. | ||||
| MONEY
MATTERS |
TOP | |||
| Malaysia's currency is the Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Each Ringgit is divided into one hundred sen. Non-residents are permitted to bring into Malaysia ringgit notes not exceeding RM 1,000 per person, and to take out foreign currency notes including traveller's cheques not exceeding the amount brought in. Tourists would need to seek approval if the amount of foreign currency to be carried out exceeds the amount brought into Malaysia or if the amount to be taken out is more than the equivalent of USD 2500. Banks exchange foreign currency, but do shop around, as money-changers may offer better rates. Passports must be presented when cashing traveller's cheques at banks (where a commission is also payable). When travelling to smaller towns, ensure that you carry enough cash. | ||||
| DESTINATIONS & TRAVEL ADVICE | ||||
| For full details of the countries
featured in our brochure you may care to contact the relevant Tourist
Office: Free Maps and Information of Malaysia are available at the London Malaysia Tourism Promotion Office Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board 57 Trafalgar Square London, London WC2N 5DU, United Kingdom Phone: +442 079 307 932 Fax: +442 079 309 015 Email: mtp.london@tourism.gov.my Indonesia 020 7499 7661 Singapore 020 7437 0033 India 020 7734 3677 For the latest advice on local conditions in regard to personal safety you can telephone the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London on 020 7238 4503/4. |
 Free Maps and Information of Malaysia are available at the London Malaysia Tourism Promotion Office |
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| HOTEL HOME TRUTHS | TOP | |||
| Our hotels are selected to offer the highest standard of accommodation within their respective categories. We do advise you to discuss your specific requirements carefully with us at the time of enquiry. Different sizes or settings can make a significant difference to the characters of two ostensibly similar properties in the same location. Many hotels offer a choice of room categories, too - and upgrading to a superior-grade room, for example, can considerably enhance the pleasure of your stay. As the tourism industry is in a state of continuous local development, especially in the cities, building work can sometime affect the availability of facilities or cause noise. We will always endeavour to ensure that you are advised of any known building work scheduled at your hotel. Traffic noise in cities can also be irritating. In rural areas noise can also be generated by birds and other wildlife, by speedboats, calls to prayer and other local customs and lifestyles of the local community. Hotel rooms are not generally available until around 2pm on the day of check-in, and check-out time is normally between 11am and noon. If your incoming flight arrives early in the morning or your homeward departure is late in the evening it may be wise to pre-book your room for the night before arrival or after departure so as to allow uninterrupted occupancy throughout your stay. |  |
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| LOCAL TIME | TOP | |||
| The Standard Time in Malaysia is GMT + 8 hours. | ||||
| MEDICAL
MATTERS & VACCINATIONS |
TOP | |||
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Health standards in Malaysia are
ranked among the highest in Asia. When travelling in Malaysia it
is sensible to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (drink
bottled water) and to avoid iced water from roadside stalls) The
sun is deceptively strong and exposed skin can burn very quickly,
even in cloudy weather. Ration early sunbathing and use plenty of
high factor sun cream. Water-resistant cream is vital if you are
swimming or diving. Wear dark glasses and a sun hat. If you are
visiting jungle areas take anti-malaria tablets - your doctor will
know which type is suitable. Insect repellents, mosquito coils and
nets may be necessary at night. Treat open cuts and scratches immediately
as infection in humid climates can delay healing. Do not touch fish,
shells, snakes or other marine life near coral reefs as some can
be poisonous. Wear plastic shoes or flippers while exploring reefs. For those venturing outside cities and towns, further recommended vaccines are Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese B Encephalitis, Tuberculosis and Meningitis. For those visiting Sabah and Sarawak, Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. |
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| ELECTRICITY | TOP | |||
| Voltage is 220 – 240 volts AC
at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets. Most hotels can supply an adaptor for 110-220 volt appliances. |
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| POSTAL SERVICES | TOP | |||
| Most international hotels provide postal services at the front desk. Stamps and aerogrammes may be sold at small Indian sweet and tobacco stalls on the street corners. Local postal rates start at 30 sen. Postcards to Singapore and Brunei cost 30 sen; to other countries the cost is 50 sen, domestic postcard rate is 20 sen. Aerogrammes to any country cost 50 sen Telegram, telex and fax services are also available from the post office which is open from 8am to 6pm, most post offices are open from 8am to 5pm, while some post offices are open until 10pm. Call the General Post Office at 2741122 for further information. | ||||
| SELF-DRIVE IN MALAYSIA | TOP | |||
| Golden Days in Malaysia can pre-book a hire-car of your choice for all or part of your stay in Peninsular Malaysia. Self-drive combines great tour flexibility with the freedoms of the open road. In most cases hire with unlimited mileage is offered. Fuel costs are reasonable with many petrol stations open 24 hours. Driving is on the left, a welcome legacy from British days! Generally speaking traffic is relatively well-disciplined, although extra care is needed during the monsoon season. The Peninsula has an excellent road network, though expect to have to pay tolls if you use the North-South Expressway. International traffic signs are used. An international or full UK driving licence is required and Personal Accident Insurance must be taken. Generally the hirer and any additional driver must be over 23 years of age, with at least a year's driving experience. |
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| TELEPHONES |
TOP | |||
| Malaysia's telephone system is reasonably simple to use. Local calls from public phones whether coin or card operated cost 10 sen for three minutes. Coin phones permit calls within Malaysia only. Phone cards of RM5 RM10 RM20 and RM50 are easily available from airports, petrol kiosks, most 7-Eleven stores and Hop-ln outlets, and at Telecom offices within the city. There are also credit-card operated phones at most tourist spots - or you can use 'Home Country Direct' at selected Telecom service outlets (calls are charged to your home number). The Central Telegraph outlet at Bukit Mahkamah, Jalan Raja Chulan, provides 24-hour services for overseas calls. To make an IDD call, dial Malaysia's access code 00, followed by the country code, area code and telephone number. Most hotels are equipped with IDD service with a minimal service charge and facsimile services. |
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| TIPPING | TOP | |||
| Tipping is not customary in Malaysia and is not encouraged. However in international and large hotels bellboys, room service staff and porters do expect tips from 50 sen to RM2 depending on service rendered. A service charge of 10% and a 5% government tax are levied on food, drinks and accommodation. Some restaurants also levy these charges. | ||||
| TRANSFERS & REPRESENTATIVES | TOP | |||
| On arrival in Malaysia you will be met by our especially selected representative company - chosen for their experience, knowledge and readiness to provide guidance throughout your stay - who will transfer you by private vehicle to your selected resort/hotel. Similar local assistance and transfers will be provided for you as you travel through Malaysia. In more remote locations, where on-the-spot help is not practicable, our representative's head or regional office can be contacted in case of need. | ||||
| AND BEFORE YOU LEAVE | ||||
| FLIGHTS | TOP | |||
| In the interests of our clients' comfort and flight punctuality, Golden Days in Malaysia feature only the services of scheduled international airlines. On these your luggage allowance is usually 20kgs (on some internal flights the baggage allowance may be 10kgs) and one small piece of cabin baggage. Excess baggage may be carried at the airlines' discretion and on payment of the appropriate fee. We can also book cabn upgrades for you to Club/Business or First Class - giving added in-flight benefits like wider seats, superior cuisine and extra luggage allowances, as well as such extra little touches as special check-in desks, seat selection and comfortable airport lounges can combine to transform a routine or tiring journey into an enjoyable experience. |  |
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| INSURANCE | TOP | |||
| Comprehensive travel insurance must be pre-arranged before you travel as all costs for cancellation by the client, medical costs and other similar expenses have to be borne by the traveller. Your travel and health insurance, as well as documents concerning any allergies to certain drugs) should be taken with you on your holiday. | ||||
| PREGNANCY NOTE | TOP | |||
| Some airlines do not accept pregnant passengers who will be 28 or more weeks into pregnancy on the return date of travel unless they have a letter from their doctor, when they may fly up to 36 weeks into pregancy. Please always check with the relevant airline and as a precaution obtain clearance to fly from your doctor. | ||||
| TRAVEL DOCUMENTS | TOP | |||
| Always check the timings on your travel documents, as these can change after your original booking request is confirmed. We recommend checking-in at least 3 hours before take-off as airlines allocate seats on a first-come first-served basis. | ||||
| UK AIRPORT TRANSFERS & HOTELS | TOP | |||
| Golden Days in Malaysia can arrange a competitively-priced private chauffeur-driven car transfer from your home to your departure airport. And if your departure flight schedule means an early start, why not stay overnight near your departure airport? Some airport hotels offer complementary transport to the airport and have special car parking facilities. | ||||
| UNUSED SERVICES | TOP | |||
| We regret that we cannot obtain refunds on pre-booked meals and services not actually used, unless these are caused by delays to travel arrangements, when you should seek an alternative meal or arrangement in compensation. | ||||
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