Irashaimase! いらっしゃいませ！
For Japanese nationals with intention of visiting our country, particularly Sabah, we must say “WE WELCOME YOU!” On this website, visitors can find useful information while staying in Sabah.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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 as well as airport charge a nominal fee for currency conversion. Wisma Merdeka and Centre Point shopping complexes has the most popular changer kiosks.
Major Credit and Charge Cards
VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club – credit and charge cards are accepted in almost all departmental stores , supermarkets, petrol stations and restaurants. Some stores do accept JCB credit cards.
Local Time
Standard Malaysian Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8), which same for Shanghai and Singapore.
Banking Hours
Monday through Friday from 9.30am to 3pm. Banks are mostly located near Gaya Street, within reach from Jesselton Point jetty.
Usual Office Hours
Monday to Friday from 8am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm; Saturday from 8am – 1pm. Most office’s will close on public holidays.
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 to 10 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. However bottled water are available in most premises upon request.
Communications
Mobile telecommunications cover many parts of Sabah with the exception of some remote areas. Public phones are scarcely available in most places. Mobile numbers can be purchased temporary with several options offered from Digi (+016) (+6014) and Celcom (+6013) (+6019) with Digi and Celcom being a major favorite among locals. Both of this prefixes mentioned also has better coverage ranges. The numbers are sold in as ‘SIM’ cards instead of phones like in Japan, you therefore must have a phone that supports GSM1800/900 bandwidth, cheap either old or refurbished phones are available at most phone outlets.
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.