Hostel, B&B accommodation in Borneo, Sarawak, Kuching

ABOUT SARAWAK

CUSTOMS

Malaysia has a population of over 25 million people who reside in the Peninsula and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo island. Sarawak is one of the most developed region of Borneo island. The capital of Sarawak of Kuching city.
The country prides itself with the harmonious existence of various races as a nation. While the majority are Malays; Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazandusuns, and other ethnic groups make up a colourful and vibrant society. Malaysia’s official language is Bahasa Malaysia, but English is widely spoken. The official religion of Malaysia is Islam, and the nation ethnic groups, cultures and languages make Malaysia, Truly Asia.

WEATHER CONDITIONS
Hot and humid all year round, Malaysia enjoys as equatorial climate of temperatures ranging from 22 to 32 degrees Celcius in the lowlands. However, it is cooler in highland areas. The annual rainfall here averages 200-250cm. Dressing in clothing of breathable and light material is advised. Comfortable and warm garments need be worn only at hill resorts.

MONEY MATTERS
Money exchange facilities are available in all major towns. He Malaysian Ringgit (RM) comes in denominations of RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100, and coins from one sen (cents0, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen. All major credit cards are accepted in most establishments.
All commercial banks are authorised foreign exchange dealers and open from 9.30am to 4.00pm, Mondays to Fridays. Bank are closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
However, banks in Kelantan and Terrengganu close on Fridays and Saturdays. They are open from 9.30am to 4.00pm from Sundays to Thursday. Other licensed moneychangers operate in key entry/exit points and shopping malls. Most hotels exchange foreign currency and accept travellers’ cheques.

MOVING ABOUT
Most international airlines serve Kuala Lumpur and also Penang, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Malaysia Airlines provide connections to all domestic destinations within the country. Peninsular Malaysia has road and rail links to Singapore and Thailand. Many car rental companies have counters at airports, some shopping complexes in the city and major towns in the country.
Local transport is efficient and cheap, and this includes air-conditioned express buses and long distance taxi services.
Driving on the left side of the road is observed throughout the country.

COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone, facsimile, telegraph, telex, postal and e-mail facilities are available for local and international communications.
Cybercafes with Internet services can be easily found in urban centres.

TIME DIFFERENCE
The standard Malaysian time is eight (8) hours ahead of GMT.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A valid passport (and visa if applicable) is required for all persons entering Malaysia.
A passport is also necessary for travel between Peninsular Malaysia and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as between Sabah and Sarawak.

IMMIGRATION
All visitors are required to complete and Arrival/Departure Card, a Customs Declaration, and , if required, a Travellers Declaration Form (TDF) and Quarantine Form. These are given out on all inbound Malaysia Airlines’ flights.
Travellers are no longer required to complete the TDF with the exception of the following circumstance:

Resident travellers who carry Ringgit in excess of RM1,000.
Resident travellers who take out foreign currency notes and / or travellers’ cheques exceeding the equivalent of RM10,000.

The above also applies to the current practice of obtaining prior written approval from Bank Negara Malaysia which remains unchanged. Additional requirement for written approval includes if:

Non-resident travellers take out foreign currency notes and travellers cheques if the amount taken out is more than the equivalent of US$2,500.

The TDF form should be handed to the immigration officer together with the disembarkation card and passport.

VISAS
Visas are not needed for nationals of Commonwealth countries except for Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria.

Nationals from Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein do not require visas.
Visas are not required for stay not exceeding three months for nationals of Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Cuba, Bosnia Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kirgystan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, North Yemen, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, U.A.E., Uruguay and Yemen.
Visas are not required for U.S.A. citizens visiting Malaysia for social businesses or academic purposes (except for local employment).
Visas are nor required for a stay of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries, except Myanmar.
For stay exceeding one month, a visa will be required, except for nationals of Brunei and Singapore.
Visas are not required for a stay not exceeding one month for nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Astonia, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lithuania, Latvia, Macau SAR, Mecedonia, Maldova, Mexico, Moldivia, Monaco, Mongolia, Nicaragua, North Korea, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Russia, Sao Tome& Principe, Slovenia, Sudan, Surinam, Togo, Tadjikistan, Timur Leste, Ukraine, Upper Volta, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Zaire and other countries.
Visas are not required for a stay not exceeding 14 days for nationals of Iran (15 days), Iraq, Libya, Syria, Macau (travel permit), Portugal Alien Passport, Palestine, Sierra Lyon, Somali, Somalia and South Yemen.
Nationals of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo Republic, Congo Democratic Republic, Cote D’lvoire, Djibouti, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Western Sahara, Taiwan, Myanmar, Nepal, Colombia, Bhutan, People’s Republic of China; all holders of Certificate of Identity (CI), Laisser Passer and Titre De Voyage, and Afghanistan (visa with reference) must obtain a visa before entering Malaysia.
Nationals of Israel, Yugoslavia (Serbia & Montenegro) must obtain a visa before entering Malaysia. For nationals of Israel, permission must granted from Ministry of Internal Security while Yugoslavia (Serbia & Montenegro), permission must be granted from Ministry of Home Affairs.
Nationals of countries other than those stated above (with the exception of Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.
Regulations are subject to change.

VISIT PASSES
A Social Visit Pass does not permit the holder to take up employment, business or professional work in Malaysia.
The Social Visit Pass allows foreign visitors to enter Malaysia for business negotiations or inspection of businesses.
However, these passes cannot be used for employment purposes of for supervising the installation of new machinery or the construction of a factory.
No fee is charged for a Social Visit Pass issued for a period of up to three months. A nominal fee is imposed for each month beyond this.
Additionally, a nominal fee is imposed for a stay exceeding three months.
For further information, please contact: Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (Kementerain Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri) Tingkat 1-7 (Podium), Blok 2G4, Precinct 2 Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan 62550 Putrajaya. Contact no:
603-8880 1555/ 8880 1556
Email: visapass@imi.gov.my

HEALTH REGULATIONS
Cholera vaccination is NOT required for travellers entering Malaysia. Visitors arriving from Yellow Fever Endemic Zones and other affected areas are required to present International Health Certificates showing Yellow Fever vaccination.
This regulation, however, does not apply to children below the age of one.