travel to sabah need passport

• Getting to Sabah
• About Sabah
• Getting Here
• Quick Facts
• People & Culture
• Things To Do
• Moving Around Sabah
• Video About Sabah
• e-Guide Book
• Sabah Wikipedia
• Sabah Calendar
• Malaysia Public Holiday
• Living Cost in Sabah
• Food Directory
• Sabah Tours
• Sabah Hotels

GETTING TO SABAH

Starting 1 January 2024, all international travellers to Malaysia are required to fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days before arrival. For more information, CLICK HERE .

To register and submit the MDAC form, head over to the Immigration Department's website: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main

Sabah is well-connected domestically and internationally. The main gateway to Sabah is the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) situated about 20 minutes away from the city. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia provide daily direct flights to Sabah from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city.

Internationally, Sabah is accessible from Brunei Darussalam, China, Hong Kong, Taipei, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore and South Korea. The flights that operate here include Silk Air, Cathay Pacific, Royal Brunei Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, China Southern, Dragonair, Rayani Air, MASwings, FireFly, Indonesia AirAsia and Malindo Air. Visitors from Australia can also arrive in Sabah via Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia Airlines also has direct domestic flights to Kota Kinabalu from Johor Bahru, Kuching, Sibu, and Miri, with in-state service to Sandakan and other towns. AirAsia has direct domestic flights from Johor Bahru.

Click HERE to view Summary of Direct International Scheduled Flight Frequency & Seat Capacity into Sabah .

Visitors from Labuan, Indonesia and Philippines can arrive in Sabah by sea. Ferry terminals and immigration checkpoints are situated at Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau.

The Sutera Harbour Marina in Kota Kinabalu welcomes foreign guests who wish to berth their yachts in comfort and convenience. Vessels are required to do port clearance before their crew is allowed ashore.

Overland travel between Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Brunei Darussalam is possible via the Trans Borneo Highway. However, visitors are advised to be prepared for long journeys. Those who are intending to self-drive should plan their routes and rest stops.

AIRLINK TO SABAH

Sabah has international air links to major destinations in East Asia and Australia. All international arrivals and departures are directed to Kota Kinabalu, the Capital City of Sabah. Most international air links from Europe and America can be connected through major cities in the South East Asia region such as Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan.

KOTA KINABALU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the gate way to Sabah. Located 7km from the city of Kota Kinabalu. The only mode of public transport from the Airport is by taxi. Journey from the airport to the city is controlled where only airport taxis are allowed to pick up passengers. Please don't forget to purchase your taxi coupons from the taxi counter outside arrival hall. Two licensed money changers are available outside the arrival hall to change your foreign currency or traveler's cheques. All airport trolleys are free of charge. Some hotels provide shuttle bus to pick up passengers from the air port. Please go to Transportation for more details.

KKIA located at the Kepayan area, it can be accessed via Jalan Kepayan, Jalan Lintas and Jalan Putatan. The airport is capable of handling 9 million passengers annually, compared to its previous capacity which is 2.5 million passengers annually. It also features duty-free shops, other shops, lounges, travel agents, restaurants and many others.

ENTRY TO MALAYSIA

A valid passport (and visa wherever applicable) is required for of everyone entering Malaysia. A passport is also necessary for travel between Peninsular Malaysia and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as interstate travel between Sabah and Sarawak. A social or Tourist Visit Pass does not permit the holder to take up employment, business of professional work in Malaysia. The Business Visit Pass allows foreign negotiations or inspection of business establishments. These passes, however cannot be used for employment purposes or for supervising the installation of new machinery of construction of a factory. No fee is charge for a Business Visit Pass issued for a period of up to three months. A fee of RM5.00 is imposed for each month thereafter.

All international arrivals must go through custom clearance. No duty free items are allowed from flights from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. However, visitors from Labuan are allowed to purchase duty free goods if they stay more than 24 hrs in Labuan Island. Please click here for more info. Please note that pornography, weapons and walkie talkies are prohibited. Items with triggers such as firearms, spear guns, air guns and etc are subject to licensing.

There are several popular airliners currently serving destinations to Sabah. From Europe, Australia one can take Brunei Airlines to reach Brunei and later opt reach Sabah by ferry (reaching Labuan) or by road. The National Airlines MAS serves international routes with transit via Kuala Lumper, the capital of Malaysia. Those from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan can choose Singapore Airlines or it's partner Tiger Airways. Airasia is the favourite domestic airlines, it's sister company AirAsia X offers international destinations as far as London and Sdyney.

IMMIGRATION

All visitors are required to complete an Arrival/Departure card, a Customs Declaration, and if required, a Travelers Declaration Form (TDF) and Quarantine Form. These are given out during all inbound Malaysia Airlines' flights. Travelers are no longer required to complete the TDF except under the following circumstances:

• Resident and non-resident travelers who carry Ringgit in excess of RM 1,000.00
• Resident travelers who take out foreign currency notes and/or travelers cheques exceeding the equivalent of RM 10,000.
• Non-resident travelers who bring into Malaysia more than US$2,500 equivalent.

The current practice of obtaining prior written approval from Bank Negara Malaysia remains unchanged for the following:

• Non-Resident travelers who take out foreign notes and traveler's cheques in excess of the amount brought in, provided 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.

Visa Requirement by Country

1. countries that require visa.

• Afghanistan (Visa with reference)
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo Democratic Republic
• Congo Republic
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Hong Kong (C/I or D/I)
• Myanmar (ordinary passport)
• Serbia & Montenegro
• Taiwan - 15 days without visa
• United Nations (Laissez Passer)
• Western Sahara

2. Commonwealth Countries that require Visa

3. countries that require visa for stays exceeding 3 months.

• Austria (Vienna)
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Kyrgyz Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom

4. Countries That Require Visa For Stays Exceeding 1 Month

• El Salvador
• Guinea Republic
• Hong Kong SAR
• North Korea
• North Yemen
• Sao Tome & Principe
• Upper Volta
• Vatican City

5. Countries That Require Visa For Stays Exceeding 14 Days

• Iran (90 days)
• Iraq (30 days)
• Macao (Travel Permit/Portugal CI)
• Palestine (30 days)
• Sierra Leone
• South Yemen
• Syria (30 days)
• Cote d'ivoire / ivory coast
• No visa is required for U.S.A. citizens visiting Malaysia for social, business or academic purposes (except for employment).
• No visa is required for stays of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries except Myanmar nationals. For a stay exceeding one month, a visa will be required, except for Brunei and Singapore nationals.
• For nationals of Israel, visas are required and permission must be granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.
• For nationals of Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro, visas are required without permission 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.

We hold no responsibilty in any inaccurate information stated above. We strongly advise that all travellers coming into Malaysia to check the latest entry requirments and visas from the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

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• Quick Facts about Sabah
• People and Culture
• Things to Do in Sabah
• About Malaysia
• Hotels & Resorts
• e-Guide Book (Free Download)
• Calendar of Events
• Malaysia Public Holidays
• Living Cost
• Flight Schedule Recommendations
• About Sarawak
• Getting to Sarawak
• Quick Facts about Sarawak
• Things to Do in Sarawak
• Moving Around Sarawak
• Sarawak Maps
• Sarawak Calendar of Events
• Beach Resorts
• Island Resorts
• Kota Kinabalu City Hotels
• Mount Kinabalu Huts
• Kinabalu Park Hotels
• Kundasang Ranau Hotels
• Sandakan Hotels & Kinabatangan Lodges
• Tawau & Semporna Hotels
• Lahad Datu Hotels
• Kudat Hotels
• Danum Valley - Borneo Rainforest
• Tabin Wildlife Resorts
• Papar Resorts
• Kuching Hotels
• Mulu Hotels
• Miri Hotels
• Daily One Day Tours
• Mount Kinabalu Packages
• Mount TrusMadi Packages
• Wildlife Adventure
• Borneo Cycling Tours
• Sea Adventure (Snorkeling & Diving)
• PADI Diving Courses
• Jungle Trekking Adventure
• Sipadan Diving
• Free and Easy Tours
• Family Packages
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• Education Tours
• Corporate Incentive Tours
• Adventure & Sports
• Relaxing Islands
• Cultural Experiences
• Full Package Tours (Multiple Days)
• North Borneo Dinner Cruises
• Kinabalu Park Packages
• Kinabatangan Packages
• Danum Valley Packages
• Most Popular
• Bako National Park
• Danum Valley
• Discover Sabah Multiple Days
• Kinabalu Park
• Kinabatangan (Sukau/Bilit)
• Kota Kinabalu City
• Kudat Tip of Borneo
• Maliau Basin
• Mount Kinabalu
• Mt Kinabalu Via Ferrata
• Mount Trusmadi
• Mulu Pinnacles & Caves + Miri
• Orou Sapulot
• Sipadan Island
• Tabin Wildlife Reserve
• Turtle Islands
• Sabah & Sarawak Dual States
• Transportation Services
• Mount Kinabalu Climb Packages
• Introduction to Mount Kinabalu
• Accommodation in Mount Kinabalu
• Via Ferrata
• Tips for Climbers
• Things to Bring
• Mount Kinabalu Video
• Maps and Trail
• Introduction
• Snorkeling Packages
• Diving Packages
• Diving Sites
• Diving Video
• General Information
• Meetings & Conventions
• Corporate Team Building
• Testimonial
• Mount Kinabalu Videos
• Video Gallery
• Why Travel With Us
• Life @ Amazing Borneo
• Awards & Recognition
• Sustainability
• Our Tour Guides
• How to Book
• Terms & Conditions
• Payment Options

Call us now: + (60) 88-448409 Email: [email protected]

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MySabah.com

Travel guides to Sabah, Malaysia Borneo

Honest Travel Guide to Sabah

Every year about 4 millions tourists visit Sabah because of her nature wonder, which is completed with islands & beaches, hills & mountains, pristine rainforest, abundant marine and Borneo wildlife, and colorful cultures, all suitable for a leisure vacation and softcore adventures. We have Sipadan Island , one of world’s top 5 dive sites, Danum Valley , a Borneo virgin rainforest older than Amazon and Mount Kinabalu , the highest mountain of Malaysia.

Where is Sabah?

Sabah is one of the 13 states of Malaysia, a country in the centre of South East Asia. Sabah is at the northern part of Borneo, the third largest island in the world, shared by three countries, namely, Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Brunei, and Indonesia (Kalimantan). Sabah is the second largest state of Malaysia, and also a mountainous state with 59% of her land covered by forest.

The capital of Sabah State is Kota Kinabalu city (KK in short). With a population of over 244,000, KK is located in west coast and the 13th largest city in Malaysia. Most tourists who visit Sabah will land in KK by air. KK is voted as one of the best cities for retirement in the world .

Sabah is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8), same time zone as Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai.

Current local time in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Malaysia is a tropical country with warm and humid climate (Humidity: 85-95%) throughout the year, so is Sabah, the temperatures are fairly constant, ranging from 32°C (90°F) in lowland to 21°C (70°F) in highland . Temperature can reach near freezing point in higher altitude of Mt. Kinabalu. The wettest months of Sabah are from December to January , with heavy rain from Northeast Monsoon. The dry months are from March to September. The most comfortable clothing are lightweight and quick-dry T-shirt, shorts and sandal. Only in highland such as Kundasang, Ranau, Tenom and Tambunan you would need more clothing like jacket to stay warm. To locals, our weather only has 3 modes: sunny, cloudy or rainy.

Natural Disasters

Sabah is also known as The Land below the Wind because we are just below Typhoon belt of Philippines and not hit by typhoon. However, the tail of typhoon would brings rainstorm (happens occasionally between Apr and Nov), strong wind and rough waves that affect outdoor activities. During heavy rain season, flood and landslide occurs in some areas. It’s advisable not to visit Kinabalu Park on the same day you leave Sabah, just in case the way home is blocked by landslide.

No Tsunami (tidal wave) threat presents in Sabah. There was a magnitude 6.0 earthquake in 2015, but no life-threatening earthquake thereafter. Week-long haze may or may not occur between Jun and Sep, the time neighbouring Kalimantan clear the land by open burning.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Sabah?

Actually anytime is fine. Due to global warming, the weather is not so predictable.

• Dry Months : March to September (ideal for outdoor activities)
• Diving : April to June (best visibility and calmest waters), February to March (whale shark season)
• Turtle Nesting: July to August
• Stargazing: April to September

Worst Months to visit:

• Chinese New Year (between late Jan and mid-Feb) and Puasa (Muslim fasting month), the time when many shops / restaurants are closed.
• Wet Months : Nov-Jan (Northeast Monsoon)
• Peak Season (Travel): Nov-Jan and Jun-Aug. Book flight and hotel earlier if you will visit Sabah in these months.

Events & Festivals

You won’t regret to add the following grand cultural events into your itinerary.

• 30 & 31 May: Kaamatan Celebration (Harvest Festival)
• April: Lepa-Lepa Water Festival *
• October: Tamu Besar *

*date is subject to change

Electricity

Electricity is on the 240 Volts AC/ 50-Cycle system. Malaysia uses standard British three-pin rectangular blade plug (Type G) and sockets. You can buy the travel universal plug in our shopping malls.

Units of Measurement

British Imperial System. We use Kilometre (KM), Metre (M) and Centimetre (CM) to measure distance and length, Kilogram (Kg) and Gram (G) for weight measurement.

Money and Payment

The international currency code of Malaysian Ringgit is MYR. But you see Ringgit is more commonly labelled as RM on price tags here. Both MYR and RM are the same thing (e.g. RM20 = MYR20). Banknotes are divided into the following denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.

Cash is King , so always have at least one or two hundred Ringgit cash with you, though e-Wallet such as Boost is getting very popular. Small eatery, bus and national parks usually expect you to use cash. Credit Cards such as MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Some shops may require you to spend a minimum amount of money like MYR30 or MYR50 to allow payment by credit card.

Currency Exchange

Kota Kinabalu International Airport has a few money changers where you can exchange your currency to Ringgit. You may exchange a small amount of money, then convert the rest with Licensed Money Changers in the shopping malls, which offers better rate. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion. You can use the form below to check the latest exchange rate of your currency to Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

There are a lot of licensed money changers in shopping malls of city. Make sure your notes are in near-perfect condition as notes with any torn or stains would not be accepted by money changers. Commonly accepted currencies are US Dollar, Australian Dollar, British Pound, China RMB, Indonesia Rupiah, Philippines PESO, Thailand Baht, etc. You may convert your money to one of these currencies above in your country first to bring to Sabah. Be vigilant of people around you when you leave the counter with your money.

Internet WiFi & Phone

Sabah has 4G coverage in populated area. You can get a local SIM card and register a prepaid phone line (with Internet data plan) at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, if you arrive in normal working hours. Our big 3 cellphone service providers are Celcom , Maxis (HotLink), and Digi .

Maxis has great Internet speed in city and suburban areas. Celcom has the widest coverage but fairly slow line. Digi is somewhere in between. You and your travel mates can use different providers to backup each other. You can browse the Traveller SIM Cards by Celcom , Maxis , and Digi .

There are many phone shops in city that can help you to register a line or reload credit. By law you need a passport to register. The country code of Malaysia is 60. If you get a mobile phone number like 012-3456789. Your overseas friends and relatives can call you at +60 123456789. Anyway, you can use Whatsapp and Facetime. Set your phone to airplane mode when you are in remote places that have no connection, or the busy network search would drain your battery.

WiFi service is available in most hotels (some may charge a fee). Many restaurants and cafes in town also have free WiFi access. Kota Kinabalu City centre has free WiFi but the connection is quite patchy (no every street is in the range).

Travellers can buy almost every necessities in Sabah, so you can cut the weight of you check-in luggage. Shopping malls generally open daily from 10am to 9:30pm. They are air-conditioned and good place for grocery shopping, phone service, local food, money changers, clothing, and movie time. Toilet inside shopping mall collects an entry fee of MYR0.20 to MYR0.50. Besides shopping malls, you can find drug store / pharmacy, supermarkets, and 24×7 convenience stores around town area.

Things to Buy

Sabah Tea, Tenom Coffee, White Coffee, Orangutan / Proboscis Monkey plush toy, handicraft (bead necklace / bracelet, baskets), hand woven tapestries, colourful serdang box, Sabah batik, durian chocolate, mango candy, dried seafood, frozen seafood, scarf with Sabah motif, and sting-less bee honey are popular buy, besides the ordinary keychain, fridge magnet and I♥Sabah T-shirt. You may check out my guide on 10 best souvenirs to buy in Sabah .

Good places to shop and bargain for these souvenirs are Gaya Street shoplot and its Sunday Market (7am-12pm) in KK City Centre. Filipino Market next to KK Central Market is also a good spot. KadaiKu has the best line of authentic Sabah products (higher prices).

Popular Tours

Most tourists travel in Sabah for 5 days and majority of them visit or do the following:

• Climbing Mount Kinabalu *: the highest mountain of Malaysia
• Kinabalu Park : staycation in the cooling highland and tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Geopark
• Kinabatangan River ( Corridor of Life ): river cruise to see Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey and Pygmy Elephant
• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Orphanage and “school” of baby orangutan
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Park : beautiful islands (e.g. Sapi , Manukan ) 15 minutes away from KK
• Mantanani : Mermaid Island
• Mari-Mari Cultural Village : experience lifestyle of 5 native tribes
• River Cruise at Klias , Weston , Kawa-Kawa : Wetland, Sunset and Proboscis Monkey
• Poring Hot Springs : natural hot springs, tree canopy walk, rafflesia flower
• Tip of Borneo : scenic beach and seascape
• Islands of Semporna (part of Coral Triangle): Sipadan *, Mataking Island , Mabul Island , Bohey Dulang Island
• Padas / Kiulu River Rafting
• Danum Valley : 130-million-year old primary rainforest
• Turtle Islands Park (Selingan) *: turtle nesting and hatchery

*Need to book 6 months in advance as they are always fully booked, even in non-peak seasons.

Sabah has many more wonderful attractions, please explore them in this travel blog MySabah.com (shameless self-promotion). Not all destination accepts walk-in tourist, some requires you to go by tour.

People and Culture

There are 42 ethnic groups living in harmony in Sabah. In Sabah population of over 3.5 millions, Kadazandusun people are the largest indigenous group and occupy 30% of population, followed by Bajau (21%), Malay (20%) and Murut (5%). 12% of Sabah population is Chinese and most of them live in cities. Interracial marriage is very common, so don’t be surprised if a native can speak Chinese.

Generally, Sabah people are gentle, friendly and more tolerant. Though we are Malaysians, we like to call ourselves as Sabahans . Sabahans are very laid back, we might look like slow loris to those from fast-paced modern cities LOL.

Interesting Facts

• The iconic dance of Sabah is Sumazau of Kadazandusun people, which mimic the movement of bird in flight.
• Murut was once the headhunter of Borneo. Their bamboo dance (named Magunatip ) is to welcome the return of headhunters.
• Bajau is the Cowboys of the East because of their excellent horse-riding skill.
• Sea Bajau in East Coast is also known as Sea Gypsies , sea nomads who spend their lives (cooking, giving birth, sleeping) on the boat.
• Most Sabah Chinese are the descendants of Chinese labours immigrated from China in 19th century. Hakka, Hokkien and Cantonese are the most common Chinese dialects.

Islam is the official religion of Malaysia and 65% of Sabah people are Muslim, followed by Catholics, Christians and Buddhists. Many destinations have Surau room for Muslim to pray. In hotel room, look for the Qibla compass on the ceiling that points to Makkah. Malaysia is rated as a top Muslim-friendly holiday destination , in terms of Islam-compliant on food, services, prayer facilities and accommodation.

About 80 languages are spoken in Sabah. Malay is the national language, English is our second language and widely spoken, especially in urban and business environment. English is used in shop signage and even food menu. Chinese is also common in cities. Tourists have very little language barrier in Sabah. Most Sabahans are multilingual and can converse in 2 or more languages such as Malay, English, Chinese (Mandarin), Hakka and Cantonese.

Yes we know English but… it’s not our mother tongue. If we have problem to understand you, you may need to speak slowly and clearly using simple words. Avoid using slang from your region.

Useful Phrases

Sabahans do understand basic English phrases such as “How are you?” and “Thank you.” You can travel comfortably in Sabah without learning any local words. The only reason you learn is for ice-breaking with your cute pronunciation. If you really want to impress the locals, say “ Boleh Bah Kalau Kau ” (meaning: Can / Sure if this is for you / Of Course!) or Bah (meaning OK or Yes).

Anyway, here are some useful words for you to read local signage: Tandas (Toilet), Lelaki (Male), Perempuan (Female), Tutup (Closed), Jalan / Jln. (Road / Street), Kampung / Kg. (Village), Taman (Park), Masuk (Entrance), Keluar (Exit), Kedai (Shop), Bas (Bus), Teksi (Taxi), Air (Water).

Local Etiquette

Sabahans are really diversified. Even if one group accepts certain interaction, the same thing can be awkward to others. Don’t worry. Sabahans are highly-tolerant. But good to be respectful and sensitive.

• Take off your shoes before entering house, mosque and (some) temple.
• Don’t handshake with left hand. A handshake should only be initiated by ladies.
• In places of worship, visitors are required to dress modestly. Lady is required to wear scarf and long skirt to cover their hair and exposed skin in mosque.
• Muslim takes no pork & liquor, do not offer them.
• Pointing at people with index finger is rude, you may use your thumb to point at something (still better not pointing at any person).
• No nude / topless sunbathing on beach (I have no complaint but many think boobs are evil).
• Holding hand and hugging with your spouse in public is romantic. Long wet kiss is probably too much here.
• Guys, don’t touch the shoulder of female.

Just to list a few examples of misbehaved tourists: going nude on Mount Kinabalu and Sibuan , walking in city with bikini , hot dance at mosque . Sabah is not Miami.

Food and Dining

The staple food of Sabahans are rice, noodles and bread. As a multicultural and food loving society, we have many options to spoil you. The most common place locals going for a meal is Kopitiam or Kedai Kopi (Coffee Shop), an open air shop which sells common food items such as mixed rice ( nasi campur ), chicken rice and fried noodles. A proper meal costs about MYR6 to MYR8 (without drink) in city. Japanese food, Western food and fast food are common as well in city. Fun Fact: All small towns have KFC Fried Chicken.

Recommended Food

Tuaran Mee (Tuaran Fried Noodle), Ngiu Chap (Beef Noodle), Sang Yuk Mee (Pork Noodle), Tamparuli Mee , Fish Noodles , Seafood , Kon Lou Mee (Dry Noodle), Nasi Lemak, Bak Kut Teh , Satay, Laksa, Rojak, Soto (Malay Noodle Soup), and Hinava (Local Fish Salad).

Dining Guide

If this is your first time visit Sabah, below are some guidelines:

• No smoking in any eatery.
• Some restaurants say they “Serve No Pork” but that doesn’t mean they are certified halal. Look for halal logo when in doubt.
• Most Sabah hotels are compliant with Halal.
• Malay and Indian Kopitiams serve Halal (Muslim) food. Non-Muslims are also welcome to eat there.
• You may see a small pot on table of Malay Kopitiam, the water is for washing hands. Don’t drink it.
• Some kopitiam are self-service. You need to get your utensils and condiment at one corner.
• Food spoils fairly quick in warm temperature of Malaysia. Don’t eat wet food that is left overnight in room temperature. You would suffer food poisoning.
• Although Malaysia is an Islamic country, Beer & liquor are sold in many shops but at higher price (due to tax). Or you can try our Tapai or Lihing (local rice wine)
• KFC and McDonald in Malaysia serve halal food. Don’t ask for pork burger.
• Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. If you see 10% service charges on your bill, you have contributed some.

Feel free to order drink like a local with the following names:

• Kopi-O (Hot Coffee)
• Kopi-C (Hot Milk Coffee)
• Teh-C (Hot Milk Tea)
• Teh-O Ping (Ice Milk Tea)
• Kit Chai Ping (Iced Kasturi Juice)
• Teh Tarik (Pulled Tea)

(Kopi = Coffee, Teh = Tea, O = No Milk, C = Milk, Ping = Cold) So Ice Milk Tea is “Teh-C Ping”.

Entering Sabah

Malaysian citizens from Peninsular Malaysia can enter Sabah with MyKad (passport not required). Foreigner need a passport or Visa to visit Sabah. Your Passport must have a validity of at least 6 months upon entry. Visa is not required for some countries such as Australia, USA, UK and Japan. You can check if your nationality is Visa-free online .

If your country is eligible (e.g. China, India) to apply Visa (eVISA) online, you may submit your application here . You can request your travel agent to do it for you.

Goods Exempted

Individual may bring these items into Malaysia without paying customs duty:

• Wine / spirit / malt / liquor not exceeding 1 Liter in all;
• Tobacco not exceeding 225 Grams (equal to 200 sticks of cigarettes).
• Wearing apparels not exceeding 3 pieces and footwear not exceeding one pair.
• Portable electrical or battery operated appliances for personal care and hygiene not exceeding 1 unit each.
• See the complete list in Royal Malaysian Customs Department website

WARNING: Smuggling illicit drugs such as Marijuana, Cocaine and Heroin is a VERY SERIOUS offense in Malaysia and can result in DEATH penalty. Pornography materials and firearm (even the fake one like BB Gun) are prohibited items to bring in.

Fly to Sabah

Sabah has many direct international flight connection to major cities of East Asia and Australia. You can use Google Flights to look for direct flight and bargain tickets to fly to Sabah. If no direct flight to KK, you can fly to other cities (e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Brunei, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Manila) which have direct flight to Sabah . To move around major towns / cities of Sabah, book a domestic flight with Air Asia or MASwings

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA)

KKIA is the second busiest airport in Malaysia and 7.5 KM away from Kota Kinabalu city. Most international flights to Sabah will land there. Locals and tourists also mainly rely on domestic flight to travel between east and west coast of Sabah.

Once you arrive Sabah, there are a few things you can do in KKIA:

• Get a airport taxi / bus, or call a Grab driver to pick you up
• Exchange a small amount of Malaysian currency.
• Register a local mobile phone line, which includes Internet data plan.
• Visit Tourism Malaysia information booth to get more information about your trip.
• You can even book tour package and accommodation, or rent a car there.

Note: Most businesses there open during normal working hours and some open until 10pm. McDonald’s McCafe in KKIA opens 24×7.

Public Transport

Our public transportation system is a joke. It is inconvenient to move around Sabah without a car. You can get a taxi or (e-Hailing Services) Grab driver easily in city, hotels, shopping malls and popular tourist spots. Though the taxi has the label that says “Teksi Bermeter” (Meter Taxi), they seldom use the meter. Haggle for the price before getting into the taxi. Mobile apps such as Waze, Google Map and Grab will help you a lot.

Renting a Car

Car rental is available in cities of Sabah. You can even book a car online, then collect it at the airport upon your arrival. You need a Malaysia or International Driver License to rent a car. A good place to rent car in Kota Kinabalu is Wisma Sabah.

The rental fee starts from MYR40/day for Motorbike, MYR150/day for Sedan, MYR500/day for 4-wheel Drive and MYR400/day for a Van. In Malaysia we drive at left side of the road (driver seat is at the right). The car should remain on left lane if not overtaking. Driver and passengers must fasten their seat belt or get fined heavily.

Boat Transfer

If you want to visit the islands ( Sapi , Manukan , Mamutik , Sepanggar , Mengalum ) off Kota Kinabalu city, you can depart from Jesselton Point, Sutera Harbour or Star Marina, which operates between 7am to 4:30pm. Please read my guide about these 3 boat terminals .

To visit islands of Semporna, you can book with travel agent. Most of them sells island-hopping day trip. Island resorts will provide boat transfer if you will stay on their islands. It’s NOT safe to use the unlicensed boat service, they usually wander nearby the terminal (e.g. KK fish market, Wisma Merdeka) and offer you cheaper deals.

Long Distance Bus

There are two long-distance bus terminals in Kota Kinabalu that connects to major cities / towns (e.g. Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kudat) of Sabah regularly. The long distance bus is known as Bas Ekpress (Express Bus). Route to one location is usually operated by a few companies and depart in different time from 6:30am to 8:30pm.

• Inanam Bus Terminal (North) ( see Location Map ): (from KK) to Kundasang / Kinabalu Park (92 KM), Sandakan (332 KM), Semporna (530 KM), Lahad Datu (403 KM), Kunak, Tenom, etc. ( Online Ticketing available)
• Padang Merdeka Field ( see Location Map ): KK to Kota Belud (68 KM), Kudat (179 KM), Kundasang, Ranau, Tambunan, Keningau, Tenom
• KK Sentral (South) ( see Location Map ): KK to Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Brunei, Sipitang, Bongawan, Membakut

To save time, you should consider domestic flight over buses. For example, travel from KK to Tawau by bus takes 10 hours but only 45 minutes by flight.

Accommodation

Sabah has over 500 hotels, and with range of choices from 5-star hotels to budget hostels. Nowadays you can book accommodation at attractive rate with feature-rich online booking site like Booking.com and Agoda . You can check the location with interactive map, photo gallery and reviews. AirBnB also offers you some decent choices. Most of them offers pick-up at airport.

However, if you ask for my advice, the following hotels and resorts are my personal recommendation based on reviews by tourists. Please note the prices can vary considerably depend on the (sea) view, room size, package, length of stay, etc. The fee would be higher during peak season such as Chinese New Year. Foreign tourist (non-Malaysian) needs to pay Tourism Tax (or TTx) of MYR10 per room per night for staying in hotels or registered private accommodations.

Recommended Accommodations

5-star hotels.

Price Range: MYR500-MYR1,870

• Kota Kinabalu: Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa (STAR) , The Magellan Sutera Resort , Hyatt Regency Kinabalu *, Hotel Le Meridien *, Hilton Kota Kinabalu *, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu *
• Tuaran: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

4-Star Hotels

Price Range: MYR250-MYR560

• Kota Kinabalu: Hotel Grandis *, Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre *, Horizon Hotel *, Promenade Hotel *

3-Star Hotels

Price Range: MYR125-MYR350

• Kota Kinabalu: Hotel Sixty3 *, Gaya Centre Hotel *, The Jesselton Hotel* , Dreamtel *

*located in City Centre of Kota Kinabalu

Island Resorts

Price Range: MYR950-MYR3,700

• Kota Kinabalu: Gaya Island Resort , Gayana Marine Resort , Bunga Raya Island Resort , Manukan Island
• Semporna: Sipadan Water Village Resort , Sipadan Mabul Resort (SMART) , Kapalai Dive Resort , Mataking Island Resort
• Sandakan: Lankayan Resort

If you want something different, go for our homestay or camping . Here are some special accommodation:

• Rungus Longhouse
• Misompuru Homestay
• Glamping on Libaran Island
• Seaventures (Dive Resort)
• Camping at Tegudon Tourism Village
• Farmstay: Kiulu Farmstay , Sabah Tea Garden

Health and Hygiene

• Government hospitals, clinics and pharmacies are available in most towns / cities.
• Treated pipe water is available in most urban and sub-urban areas. Tap water must be boiled before drinking.
• Due to hot weather, you need to prevent dehydration, sunburn, and heat stroke , by applying sunscreen and drink a lot of water.
• You will sweat a lot. Bath every day or you will stink.
• Mosquito is most active during dusk and dawn. Have an insect repellent next to you.
• Sandfly is present near mangrove swamp in evening. Its bite is itchy. Don’t scratch or it will get worse.
• Beware of jellyfish. The sting of box jellyfish can be fatal to child.
• Bacteria that cause food poisoning multiply fast in our warm weather. Eat the food while it is still hot / fresh.
• You always can find Pharmacy / Drug Store such as Watson and Guardian nearby.
• Most public toilet are wet and smelly but bearable. Bring toilet seat wipes if you want extra clean.
• Toilet paper is not provided in most toilet (except your hotels). Bring your own or you can experiment the water “bum gun”.

Things to Bring

• Clothing (for tropical climate): shirts, shorts, jean, pants, skirt, underwear, socks, pajamas, etc.
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandal
• Visa (if required)
• Credit card
• Sunscreen lotion / spray
• Sunglasses, Contact Lenses
• Phone, cable, charger & power bank
• Camera, battery and charger
• Travel plug adapter
• Toiletries: toilet paper, tooth brush & paste, soap / body wash, shampoo & conditioner, face wash, hairbrush / comb, razor & shaving cream, dental floss, mouthwash, cotton buds
• Backpack (best if come with rain cover)
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal Medicine & Supplement
• Raincoat / Poncho
• For lady: makeup, lip balm with SPF, moisturiser, facial mask, body lotion, perfume, hair ties and clips, makeup remover, cotton pads, sanitary items
• Optional items for outdoor activities: hiking shoes, insect repellent, swimwear, bikini, rash guard, hat, dry bag, beach towel, walking stick, flashlight, anti-leech socks
• International / Malaysia Driver License (if you rent a car)
• Books? Really?

You don’t need to bring any snorkeling and diving gears, which are available for rent here.

Safety & Advice

• Always book your tour with a licensed travel agent / operator. To check if a tour company is legitimate, you can refer to the member list by MATTA (Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents) .
• Be vigilant for flash floods when playing near rivers or waterfalls. Flash floods can occur even on sunny days. Leave the water immediately if you notice it rising rapidly and changing to a darker color.
• Practice COMMON SENSE to avoid becoming an easy target of petty crime such as pickpocket and snatch thief.
• NEVER, EVER leave your bag unattended on car seat.
• Don’t flash your money in public.
• While dining in public places, don’t leave valuable belonging such as phone and handbag on the desk.
• Though some countries issue advisory against travelling in east coast of Sabah, security is good after more garrison are deployed to islands.
• While crossing road, watch out for motorbikes speeding between cars.
• Never trust pedestrian / zebra crossing. Keep an eye on approaching car.
• Only book your tour with licensed travel agents. Illegal tour agents don’t care about your safety and you are not insured.
• Any headhunter? No. Borneo is used to be the land of headhunters, but it’s history.
• Photocopy your National Identity Card, Passport (Photo ID page) and Credit Card, and store them separately
• Look up the contact of your embassy in KK and save it on your phone.
• Drone is forbidden in some islands and restricted zones. Ask before you fly one, and study our regulations .

(Boring) History in Brief

Sabah was part of Brunei in the 16th century. In year 1658, Brunei Sultan (King) ceded the northern and eastern part of Borneo to the Sultan of Sulu (Philippines). By 1881, Sabah was granted to British government and administered by British North Borneo Chartered Company . Sabah became a protectorate of the United Kingdom in 1888 and named as North Borneo (Kota Kinabalu was called Jesselton during that period). Except 1942-1945 under the hand of Japanese during World War II, Sabah was controlled by British until Sabah (North Borneo) gains total independence and form Malaysia with Sarawak, Malaya and Singapore on 16 September 1963.

Useful Apps

• Grab : e-hailing service, similar to Uber
• WhatsApp : almost every person and company in Sabah use this messaging apps
• Google Maps : to get around and look for restaurants and accommodation
• Waze : very useful navigation apps if you drive on your own. Also work offline.
• Foodpanda : food delivery to deliver local food to you without walking out of your room
• Boost and Alipay: e-Wallet

Useful Numbers & Contact

• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA): +6088325555
• Tourist Information Center (Sabah Tourism Board) : +60 88-212121 (E-mail: [email protected] )
• Police / Ambulance: 999
• Custom Department (Sabah): +60 88-348100
• Immigration Department (Sabah): +60 88-413657
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital I: +60 88-517555
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital II: +60 88-324600
• List of Consulates / Embassy in Kota Kinabalu City

Thanks for reading this far. Please e-mail me if you find anything incorrect (even a typo) or incomplete. Please note this is not a sponsored page . No company pays me to get recommended here.

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Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Malaysia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Exercise Increased Caution in:

• The eastern area of Sabah State due to kidnapping .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Malaysia.

If you decide to travel to Malaysia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Malaysia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist . 

Eastern Area of Sabah State – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

There is a threat of kidnappings-for-ransom from both terrorist and criminal groups. These groups may attack with little to no warning, targeting coastal resorts, island resorts, and boats ferrying tourists to resort islands.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern Sabah as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to parts of eastern Sabah.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months beyond date of arrival

At least one blank page required for entry stamp

Not normally required for stays of less than 90 days.

$10,000 or equivalent

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur

376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Telephone: +(60) (3) 2168-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(60) (3) 2168-5000 (press 0 at the recording) Fax: +(60) (3) 2148-5801 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

To enter Malaysia, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Malaysia.  You must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.  Permission to enter and remain in Malaysia is under the authority of the Malaysian Immigration Department.  Visit the websites of the Embassy of Malaysia in Washington D.C . and the  Malaysian Immigration Department for more information.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Malaysian Immigration Department requires all travelers to complete the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) .  Permanent residents of Malaysia, long term-pass holders, and diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt from this requirement.  

For the latest information, travelers should review the Malaysian Immigration website .  You can submit an online inquiry form or contact the Malaysian Government call center (MyGCC) at +60 3-8000-8000.  If you are outside of Malaysia, you should contact the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate if you have questions about Malaysian entry and exit requirements. 

If you are planning onward travel after departing Malaysia, please note that many other countries in the region require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter.

You do not need a visa if you are coming for business or tourism for 90 days or less.

Immigration officials will place an entry stamp, known as a social visit pass (visa), in your passport authorizing a stay of up to 90 days.  Travelers may apply to the Malaysian Immigration Department for extensions, which may or may not be granted.  You must exit Malaysia using the same passport that you used to enter.  If this passport is replaced for any reason before you depart Malaysia, you must apply with Immigration to obtain a “special pass” (exit permit) in your new passport prior to departing. 

Neither the U.S. Government nor the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur can intervene on your behalf when you apply for a Malaysian visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into Malaysia if you are denied entry.

Travel Document : Persons traveling on a USCIS-issued Refugee Travel Document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must apply for a visa prior to traveling to Malaysia.

Border Crossings:  Follow all entry instructions, present your passports only to immigration officials, and be sure immigration officials stamp your passport with the correct date upon entering and exiting Malaysia.  Lack of correct documentation or proof of entry into Malaysia may result in high fines and/or detention.

Sabah and Sarawak:  The eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak (on the island of Borneo) maintain semi-autonomous immigration controls and may have additional have special entry requirements.  You must have your passport to enter or exit Sabah or Sarawak, even when arriving from peninsular Malaysia on domestic flights. 

Dual Nationality:  Malaysia does not recognize or permit dual nationality.  If Malaysian authorities learn that you are a U.S.-Malaysian dual national, they may require you to immediately forfeit your U.S. passport or your Malaysian citizenship.  U.S.-Malaysian dual nationals should consider this issue seriously before traveling to Malaysia.  See our  dual nationality page  for more information.

U.S.-Israeli Dual Nationals:  The Malaysian government does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, and Immigration officials have denied entry to U.S.-Israeli dual nationals who have presented their Israeli passports to show exit stamps from their last destination point of departure.  U.S.-Israeli dual nationals should use their U.S. passports to depart the last country on their itinerary prior to arriving in Malaysia.

Visa Overstays:  Malaysian immigration authorities have exit controls at all official ports of departure and routinely fine and detain foreigners who overstay their social visit passes (visas).  If you overstay your visa, you will not be allowed to exit Malaysia until you resolve the overstay with the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Carry your passport (containing the Malaysian entry stamp) with you at all times in case authorities question your immigration status.  Several U.S. citizens have been arrested during immigration sweeps based on inability to establish nationality and legal status in Malaysia.  Detentions may last from a few hours to several weeks.  Check your visa status periodically while in Malaysia and strictly follow immigration laws and regulations. 

Visit the Embassy of Malaysia website for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Malaysia.

Find information on  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) 

Malaysia remains a transit point and, to a lesser extent, a destination country for members of terrorist groups including ISIS, Abu Sayyaf Group, al-Qa’ida, and Jemaah Islamiyah.  Information from credible sources suggests that there is a continued risk of armed terrorist and criminal groups operating and planning attacks against foreigners, including U.S. citizens, in the East Asian and Pacific region, including Malaysia.  Since 2013, Malaysian authorities have arrested more than 500 supporters of ISIS, including many individuals who planned to fight in Syria and Iraq.

Use caution in eastern Sabah because of the threat of kidnappings-for-ransom and violence from both terrorist and criminal groups, including the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf Group (see the  Philippines Travel Advisory for more information ).  In addition to targeting coastal or resort islands themselves, criminal or terrorist groups may attempt to intercept boats ferrying tourists from the mainland to resort islands. 

Due to safety concerns, U.S. government employees traveling for both personal and official travel to Sabah east of the north-south line drawn from the cities of Kudat to Tawau, including all islands, must obtain official written permission from the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.  The exceptions are the cities of Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Tawau, the Sepiloolik Nature Reserve, and the Kinabatangan River areas, which require U.S. government employees to officially notify the Embassy prior to travel.

Malaysian law enforcement officials have enacted land and water-based curfews in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah.  Check local media or ask local police for the most recent curfew information if traveling to eastern Sabah.

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.  

Crime:   Petty theft and violent crime in Kuala Lumpur continue to be concerns. Purse snatchings, pickpocketing, smash-and-grab thefts from vehicles, and residential burglaries are the most common crimes committed against both locals and foreigners.  Avoid wrapping purse straps around arms or shoulders to avoid injury.  Violent and more serious crimes are less common; however, in October 2022, following local media reports of an increase in violent crime in the area of 430-440 Jalan Tun Razak, which houses multiple bars, clubs, and restaurants, the Embassy has advised U.S. government employees visiting establishments in this general vicinity to depart the neighborhood no later than 9:00 pm.

Taxi drivers in central Kuala Lumpur have perpetrated violent crimes against foreign tourists and local residents.  Use e-hailing services or book taxis in downtown shopping areas by phone or online, rather than hailing a taxi on the street, particularly after dark.

Criminals also target motorists stuck in traffic or stopped at a light with smash and grab robberies.  Keep valuables out of sight while driving or remove them from the car (including from the trunk) when parked.  GPS devices should not be left on the windshield or dashboard.

Demonstrations occur frequently.   They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Local law pertaining to peaceful assembly  prohibits  non-Malaysians from participating in public protests.

International Financial Scams:   See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information. 

Sophisticated internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Malaysia.  Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or, less frequently, by unsolicited emails, letters, text messages, and messages on social media.  Scammers frequently pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.  Common scams include:   

• Romance/Online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Lucrative sales 
• Gold purchase 
• Contracts with promises of large commissions 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits/job offers 
• Bank overpayments

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  Report crimes to the local police via the emergency line at 999 (landline) or 112 (cell/mobile).  Alternatively, call the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) Operations Center in Kuala Lumpur, 03-2115-9999 or 03-2266-2222 for advice on how to make a non-emergency police report.  Contact the U.S. Embassy at +(60) (3) 2168-5000 for assistance.  A police report is necessary for the Embassy to help victims follow up on incidents of crime.  In some tourist areas, the police have established small "Tourist Police” stations manned by personnel familiar with helping visitors to Malaysia.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting a crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care  
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys  
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy at +(60) (3) 2168-5000 for assistance.  Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse may receive comprehensive care at the One Stop Crisis Centers (OSCC) located in all government hospitals.  The OSCC provide survivors medical care, temporary shelter, legal aid, and counseling.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance, and first responder capabilities may vary.  When participating in trekking or other activities in extremely remote areas, particularly in the eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, it may be difficult for first responders to reach patients quickly.  

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Penalties for using, possessing, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Malaysia are more severe than those in the United States, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines, or death.   

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings such as military facilities, government buildings and offices, and Ministry of Health facilities including public hospitals and clinics.

Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

Certain white-collar crimes are punishable by caning.

If you purchase or collect local plants or wildlife without authorization from the Malaysian government, you may be prosecuted and sentenced to heavy fines, expulsion and/or imprisonment.

It is illegal to distribute religious literature of another faith to Malaysian Muslims.  Special religious authorities and local police occasionally conduct raids on popular nightspots and hotels to deter activities among local Muslims that contravene religious customs, including drinking alcohol and adultery.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws.  You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States.  See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Currency:  Currency exchange and Western Union money transfers are readily available.  Credit cards are accepted throughout the country, but you should be aware of the risk of fraud.  If possible, ensure your credit card remains in your presence during every transaction.  ATMs can be a safer means of obtaining Malaysian Ringgit.  PINs in Malaysia are six digits long, and some travelers have reported having difficulty retrieving cash from ATMs using four-digit PINs.

Faith-Based Travelers:   See the following webpages for details:

Faith-Based Travel Information

International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports

Human Rights Report  – see country reports

Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers  

Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Malaysia’s penal code criminalizes homosexual acts, termed “carnal intercourse against the order of nature,” leading to punishment of up to 20 years in prison and/or whipping, and police periodically raid LGBTQI+ frequented nightclubs and events.  Foreign same-sex marriages or civil unions are not recognized as legally valid.  Several states in Malaysia have instated Islamic Sharia laws, applying to male and female Muslims, criminalizing same-sex activity with up to three years imprisonment and whipping.  Transgender individuals have been arrested and charged with "indecent behavior,” and received fines and prison sentences of up to three months.  Transgender individuals may also be denied entry to Malaysia at the discretion of the Malaysian immigration authorities.  LGBTQI+ individuals may face discrimination or even violence, especially in more conservative rural areas. See  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers With Disabilities:  The law in Malaysia prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, but the law is not regularly enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.  The most common types of accessibility may include accessible government facilities, information, and communication/access to services.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, older lodging, and older public infrastructure, and common in newer lodging, communication/information, and newer public infrastructure.  Accessibility is more limited in rural areas.

Malaysia has an active civil society and NGO community focused on disability welfare and protection. They are usually able to provide information and assistance in employment services, assistive devices and equipment, chore services, companion-based services, day services, and support network for parents.

See our Travelers with Disabilities page. 

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .  

Women Travelers:  In cases of sexual assault, victims should go directly to the nearest major public hospital which will offer “one-stop” response including medical care and testing, forensic testing, access to the police to make a criminal report, legal assistance, counseling, and temporary shelter.  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers . 

For emergency services in Malaysia, dial 999 (landline) or 112 (cell/mobile).  Callers to 999 emergency number are directed to whichever government hospital the dispatcher chooses.

Ambulance services are:

• Widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.  
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance (45+min).  

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.  Malaysian hospitals will not bill your insurance directly.  You must provide payment and seek reimbursement.

Medical Insurance:   Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See  our webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.  Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental MEDEVAC insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the  Royal Malaysian Customs Department  to ensure the medication is legal in Malaysia.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)  

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons.  It is typically at its worst in the dry season from July to October due to large agricultural fires in the region.  People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 

• Infants, children, and teens 
• People over 65 years of age 
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema; 
• People with heart disease or diabetes 
• People who work or are active outdoors 

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical Facilities and Services:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment before admitting a patient.  
• Medical staff in rural areas may speak little English. 
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care typically only available through government institutions.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Malaysia. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental MEDEVAC insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Malaysia.
• Although Malaysia has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely.  If you plan to undergo surgery in Malaysia, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.  

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls.  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Malaysia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
• Although surrogacy agencies/clinics claim surrogacy is legal in Malaysia, there is no legal framework for foreigners or same-sex couples to pursue surrogacy in Malaysia.  As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign or same-sex intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Malaysia courts. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Malaysia via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s citizenship.  Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.

Water Quality

• In many areas, tap water is not potable.  Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

General Health Language

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Chikungunya
• Leptospirosis 
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.  Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Malaysia.   

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Road safety is a very serious safety concern.  Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia averagesd approximately 2219 traffic fatalities a day, placing it among the top 1020 most dangerous countries in which to operate a vehicle worldwide.  Undisciplined motorcycle and motor scooter operators are the principal cause of traffic accidents and constitute nearly two-thirds of all traffic fatalities.  Motorcyclists tend not to obey traffic laws and often travel without regard for their safety or that of other motorists.  As such, use turn signals well in advance of turning to alert motorcycles. 

Bottlenecks are common in major cities because road building has not kept pace with the spread of motorized vehicles.  Multi-lane highways often merge into narrow two-lane roads in the center of town and cause congestion.  Many streets are narrow and winding.  Traffic is heavy during the morning and afternoon rush hours and slows down considerably when it rains.  Monsoonal rains can quickly flood roads located in low-lying areas.

Traffic Laws: Traffic in Malaysia moves on the left side of the road, and most vehicles are right-hand drive.  By law, you must use your front and back seat belts and must not use your cell phone while driving unless it is hands-free (e.g., Bluetooth).  Turning left at a red light is not legal unless otherwise marked.  Carry your passport or Malaysian identification card at all times when driving.

If you are involved in a traffic accident:

• Call the police immediately. Depending on the severity of the accident, you should call either the emergency number 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone) or the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Center in Kuala Lumpur, 03-2115-9999 or 03-2266-2222.
• Stay in your car and wait for the police to arrive before exchanging information with other parties involved in the accident.

Reports of road rage incidents, especially after midnight, are rising.  Avoid confrontational behavior if you are involved in an accident.  If you are threatened, stay in your car and lock the doors.  If able, lleave the scene and file a report with the local police within 24 hours.

Sobriety Checkpoints: Laws against drinking and driving are strictly enforced and carry serious penalties.  Police operate sobriety checkpoints in many entertainment districts frequented by expatriates.  At these checkpoints, all drivers must submit to alcohol breath tests.  If you fail a breath test, you will be arrested.

Driver’s License Requirements: International Driving Permits (IDP) may be used in conjunction with a valid U.S. license.  The IDP must be obtained outside of Malaysia.  If your IDP or U.S. license has expired, you will need to obtain a local driver’s license.  Some classifications of visa holders may also be eligible for driver’s license “conversion,” a quicker process to obtain a local license.  For additional information on this process, please contact the Malaysian Ministry of Transportation directly.  The Ministry of Transportation recommends contacting a local driving school to arrange the paperwork.  In order to obtain a local license, you will also need a valid long-term visa or work permit.

Many car rental agencies in Malaysia are willing to rent vehicles for a short term to U.S. citizens with valid U.S. driver’s licenses.  Nevertheless, if you plan to drive in Malaysia, obtain an IDP before leaving the United States. More information on how to obtain an IDP is available on the  Driving Abroad  section of the Department of State website.

Public Transportation: There have been fatal and other serious accidents involving long-distance tour buses in Malaysia, particularly at night or in adverse weather conditions.  If you plan to travel by bus, choose a reputable company, and avoid overnight routes.

Taxis are metered, but many drivers refuse to use the meter and instead charge a much higher rate, particularly during peak hours, when it is raining or when the passenger’s destination is to or through a heavily congested area.  By regulation, metered fares increase by 50 percent between midnight and 6:00 a.m.; meters are programmed to display the higher fee automatically during these hours.  Many individuals prefer to book taxi and car services through widely-used smart phone apps both for convenience and fare transparency.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Malaysia’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Malaysia’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Malaysia should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .   Information may also be posted to the   U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

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• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Malaysia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Malaysia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Malaysian High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travellers entering Malaysia.  

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Malaysia. Make sure your passport is undamaged, with no pages missing.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

Malaysia does not recognise dual nationality. You can be refused entry if you’re found with a Malaysian passport and one of a different nationality. If you have dual nationality (not including Malaysian), enter and exit on the same passport.

Visa requirements

British nationals do not need a visa to visit Malaysia. You will normally be allowed to stay for 90 days on arrival. For any longer, or for a non-tourist visit, you will need a visa.

The Malaysian authorities do not tolerate illegal immigration. Do not overstay your visa or violate the terms of entry. Even if you overstay for just a few days, you can be:

• deported to the UK at your own cost
• blacklisted for future visits to Malaysia

If you are detained, you will find facilities can be poor with limited healthcare services. The British High Commission is unable to help you to remain in Malaysia or issue any document to support your overstay.

Keep a copy of your passport and visa safe in case your passport is lost. It may take time to get a replacement visa. If you cannot show your original visa or entry stamp on exit you may be treated as an overstayer, fined and blacklisted.

Applying for a visa

If you want to stay for longer than 90 days or visit for non-tourist purposes, you must apply for a visa from the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission before you travel.

Entry to East Malaysia

If you’re travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (sometimes known as Malaysian Borneo, made up of the states of Sabah and Sarawak) you will need to carry your passport. You will pass through immigration control when entering and exiting East Malaysia from and to Peninsular Malaysia, and must obtain an entry and exit stamp.

Declaration form

You must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card to enter Malaysia. You should complete this before you travel as it may be requested at check-in. You do not need to complete the arrival form if you are not passing through immigration. See the Malaysian Immigration website for further information, including exemption details.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Malaysia guide .

Drug screening

You could be asked to take a urine test on arrival in Malaysia if you are suspected of having used drugs before your visit. If you’re found with drugs in your bloodstream, you could be detained, or deported and blacklisted from any further visits to Malaysia. You can be charged with drug consumption even if the drugs were consumed overseas, including if they were consumed  in a country where the use of that particular drug is legal.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Malaysia . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

If you are in any doubt about the legality of any items, including medications, you should declare them on entry.

Importing firearms

It’s illegal to import unlicensed firearms and ammunition into Malaysia. This includes spent ammunition and souvenirs from war museums. Do not take any weapons or replica weapons into Malaysia. You may be detained and charged if you do. If you’re convicted of dealing in illegal firearms you can be given the death penalty.

Taking money into Malaysia

You can import or export up to the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars in Malaysian ringgit without prior approval.

On entry to or exit from Malaysia, declare any cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more. If you do not declare it, customs officials can seize your money, and you may get a fine of up to 3 million ringgit and up to 5 years’ imprisonment. Further information can be found on the Royal Malaysian Customs Department website.

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Checklist Prior To Travel To Sabah Especially During The Post Pandemic

No doubt that Sabah is the home to many hidden gems and wonders of the world especially its beautiful rainforest  rich with fauna and flora and one of the oldest rainforests in the world. There are nearly 400 islands in Sabah with blessed  phenomenal beaches, crystal clear blue sea,  and abundant coral reefs  which make them an ideal paradise on Earth. 

To-Do Lists Before Travel To Sabah

1. The Best Time To Visit Sabah

The best time to visit Sabah is from March to September which is during the dry season but you can also plan for your trip from October to February , just that it will be wetter compared to the other months.

Furthermore, Sabah is usually spared from the region’s extreme weather such as the monsoons or typhoons. This is the main reason why Sabah is known as “ The Land Below The Wind ” as it is just below the monsoon belt. 

2. Consume Vitamin C and Supplement Always!

It is always advised to take vitamin C and other supplements to strengthen our immune systems, especially at this time of pandemic. Before engaging in outdoor activities, I also take a vitamin C supplement because it works well to prevent UV damage in addition to boosting our immune systems.

3. Do Bring Some Medicines With You As Well

Do you easily feel uneasy or sick especially when travelling? Well, there are a lot of factors that can contribute to this situation such as the crowded airports or stations in an enclosed space, the weather changes, the foods and drinks, and many more that our body’s need to adapt to.

To avoid unnecessary travel disturbance, it is always recommended to bring basic medication with you in case of emergency needs. The common items that I always brought with me are cold fever capsules, Gaviscon, Chi-Kit Tech Aun and medicated oil. 

4. Personal Care Products

Sunscreen is also one of the essential items that everyone needs to apply everywhere you go! It is a must to wear to protect your skin from direct sunlight if you are doing outdoor activities for a longer period of time. This is to protect you from sunburn too. In addition to sunscreen, remember to apply moisturizer as well to keep our skin hydrated, well protected and cared for. 

If you are exploring the jungle or spending time at the beaches, remember to bring insect repellent with you as well to keep all insects away from you.

While we want to keep ourselves at the best, do always put extra attention too to look for environment-friendly products to help protect them for the generation to come.

5. Suitable And Proper Attires With Necessary Gears

Do study and plan ahead on the activities lined up for the trip so that you can bring the proper attire and be well-prepared such as swimming wear, snorkeling gears, hiking props, or even waterproof casing and many more!

These are the most important checklists to do since we are travelling in the COVID-19 period now.

6. COVID-19 Travel Requirement

Sabah has announced the inter-state movement will be allowed from 1st November 2021 and Sabah has entered the Phase 4 SOP of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) with immediate effect on the 8th November 2021.

During my last visit on the 14th November 2021 to Tawau, it is MANDATORY for all inter-state travellers to be fully vaccinated with the second dose received after 14 days (2 weeks) of Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Sinovac vaccine .

On top of that, it is a REQUIREMENT that travellers undergo a COVID-19 RT-PCR or RTK-Ag swab test within 3 days (72 hours) prior to travel. So, I did my COVID-19 test at Klinik Famili BTS Sdn. Bhd at the cost of RM 60 and received my result immediately on the same day with a physical report.

You will need to show this report during the check-in/boarding at/and upon arrival at the destination. The result will be updated in the MySejahtera app too!

Other alternatives available will be making an online appointment with an appointed clinic , then performing the COVID-19 test through Zoom Call and witnessed by the certified medical personnel or you can perform the COVID-19 test at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) at Counter Z too. The price will be RM 5 if you bring your own test kit else, it will be RM 25 only. 

However, starting from 1st December 2021, no swab test is required prior to entering the state of Sabah. But it is still RECOMMENDED for you and your travel partners to be tested before travelling for the peace of mind and the safety of others.

Be a responsible traveller especially during this period of recovery. Oh yes, I did it before and after my trip!

The information/facts is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication. For the latest update on travel requirements, please refer to http://www.sabahtourism.com/alert/ .

7.  Sufficient Face Mask and Hand Sanitizer

Face masks and hand sanitiser are the most essential items in our daily life for almost 2 years now since the outbreak. Make sure that you bring a sufficient amount of face mask with you . My personal rule of thumb, I will have at least 5 face masks or extra with me for a day as it is advised to change it every four to five hours if you are in the public. Do not wear it for too long for hygiene and effectiveness purposes.

Be reminded that some of the travel destinations might not have the supply, so do prepare it in advance to avoid any inconvenience caused. 

Do always sanitize your hands with hand sanitisers if soap and water are not readily available especially after touching  common surface s as it can help to reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. Washing hands with soap is still the best way to keep our hands’ germs free .

Other than that, remember to plan well  on your finances during your trip as some of the places might not have access to credit card usage and there might be limited access to the ATM machine too!

If you are travelling from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak, you will be issued with an entry slip at your arrival destination during the Immigration clearance, except for Sarawakian and Sabahan. Do keep this slip properly as misplacing will require you to lodge a police report prior to departure .

Now, we are good to go! Allow me to share a brief itinerary on how I spent my 4 Days 3 Nights at Semporna, Sabah .

• Arrival at Tawau Airport
• Lunch at Restoran Maskur 3
• Check-in at Seafest Hotel, Semporna
• Evening walk exploring Semporna
• Dinner at Anjung Lepa
• Boat transfer to Lato-Lato Mun
• Island Hopping at Bohey Dulang, Pulau Mantabuan, Pulau Sibuan
• Back to Lato-Lato Mun And Sunset
• Dinner at Lato-Lato Mun
• Free and Easy
• Boat transfer to Semporna
• Travel to Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort 
• Safety briefing and Lunch + Check-In
• Snorkeling + Sunset Walk
• Dinner + Free and Easy
• Boat transfer back to Semporna
• Lunch at Semporna 
• Departure to Tawau Airport

Since we are still in the midst of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the attractions have changed their operating hours, so it is important for you to check ahead or if booking can be made , always make the booking before your arrival to avoid any disappointment s.

So, these are the checklists and brief itinerary that I had for myself during my last trip to Sabah and hopefully, this can be helpful for you to plan your trip ahead. Stay safe and let us together help to revive the economy to make Malaysia a great place to visit again in near future. 

Special thanks to Sabah Tourism ( https://www.sabahtourism.com/ ) for arranging and making this trip happen.

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Getting To Sabah

Autonomy is practised by Sabah on its migration rules, mostly to ensure that non-Sabahans can’t immigrate freely and fill the state. A certain grade of immigration control apply to the Malaysians from neighbouring Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. This includes showing of identity cards and a restricted stay of 3 months maximum at a stretch. A valid passport is needed for foreigners planning to enter Sabah.

Sabah enjoys international air connections to destinations in Australia and East Asia too. All international departures and arrivals are directed straight to Sabah’s capital city, Kota Kinabalu. Visitors coming from America and Europe has to transit at the major cities of South East Asia like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bandar Seri Begawan, from where they can fly to Kota Kinabalu.

The airport is located 7 kilometres away from Kota Kinabalu. From the airport, taxi is the only form of transport. This journey from airport to Kota Kinabalu is a controlled one with airport taxis being permitted only to pick up the passengers. Taxi coupons need to purchase from the taxi counters positioned outside the arrival hall. Here, you will find two money-changers where you can change your traveller’s cheques or foreign currency. The airport trolleys is provided free of charge. There are also shuttle buses offered by certain hotels to pick up their customers from the airport.

The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is KKIA’s main terminal situated at Kepayan area. This terminal can be reached via Jalan Putatan, Jalan Lintas and Jalan Kepayan. This terminal is undergoing a big renovation and expansion process. Upon completion, it is equipped enough to handle 9 million passengers every year compare to its earlier capacity of 2.5 million. It also features lounges, restaurants, duty-free shops, travel agents, etc.

Terminal 2 used to be the airport’s original terminal building. This terminal is accessed via Tanjung Aru’s Jalan Mat Salleh and is located just opposite of terminal 1’s runway. Terminal 2 is mainly used by charters and low cost carriers. It might have been modernized to serve the needs of low cost carriers such as AirAsia but it is not at all a LCCT (low cost carrier terminal), with the terminal being used by full service airlines as well. Check-in counters numbers at 26 for international and domestic flights, along with 6 parking bays, 7 x- ray machines (luggage), 13 immigration counters and a VIP room. Annually, this terminal is capable enough to handle almost 3 million passengers.

Officially, you can’t just walk across to Indonesia however there are some unoffical tracks from Sabah’s interior which are used by the locals to gain access to East Kalimantan.

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Planning a trip to Sabah

Visa and entry requirements

Embassies and consulates

Health and safety

Money and budgeting.

What to read

Visas and entry requirements

To enter Malaysia, you need a valid passport or visa. A disembarkation card has to be filled out and handed to Immigration officials on arrival. Even though Sabah and Sarawak are in the federation of Malaysia, you need a passport to visit these East Malaysian States.

Visa requirements. British, Irish and most Commonwealth citizens do not need a visa. Holders of US passports, for example, can enter Malaysia for three months without a visa.

Malaysian diplomatic missions overseas

Australia 7 Perth Avenue, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Canberra; tel: +61 (0) 2 6120 0300.

Canada 160 Boteler Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8Y7; tel: +1 613 241 5182.

New Zealand  10 Washington Avenue, Brookyn, Wellington PO Box 9422; tel: +64 (0)4 385 2439.

UK  45-46 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QT; tel: +44 (0) 20 7235 8033.

US 3516 International Court, NW, Washington DC 20008; tel: +1 202 572 9700.

Getting to Malaysia

Flying is the most common means of getting to Malaysia, and KLIA is the major gateway; you will sometimes find cheaper fares to ­Singapore or Bangkok, and from either of these gateways you can get to Malaysia by train or plane. The national airline, Malaysia Airlines, flies from numerous destinations around the world. Many airlines like KLM, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific all fly to KLIA. Budget airline AirAsia also connects to the region. Fares are best booked online. Check with the closest Tourism Malaysia ­Office or travel agent for more specific information. Many people travel to Malaysia quite economically on packages or tours.

Getting around Malaysia

By car. Roads are generally good except in parts of Sabah and Sarawak. The North–South Expressway, which links Singapore to Thailand, is of international standard, though you have to pay a toll to use it. Rental car companies usually provide you with an emergency contact number should your car break down. Failing that, the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) has a prompt breakdown service for members (tel: 03-2161 0808). 

By train. The Malaysian Railway is based in KL Sentral and offers an efficient rail service with reasonable fares across the country and to Thailand and Singapore. A railway line links Gemas to Tumpat in the northeastern state of Kelantan. In Sabah, a railway line links Kota Kinabalu to Tenom. The Kuala Lumpur-to-Singapore service is often fully booked. There is also an electric train service connecting Ipoh to KL Sentral. MYrapid runs KL’s Light Rail Transit and the Monorail and riders pay by tokens for a single journey or pass cards for multiple travel.

By bus. Buses ply the main towns. There are several companies, and tickets can be purchased at the generally very busy bus stations or online. It is best to book a day ahead. Mini-bus services are also available between popular destinations, and the fares are quite reasonable (RM10–30). 

By plane. Malaysia Airlines, Berjaya Air, AirAsia and Firefly operate an extensive network of domestic flights to all major towns in Malaysia. MASwings services remote places in Sabah and Sarawak.  

By boat. Regular ferry services are still in operation; the below are some of the most frequent. Note that trips can be cancelled or delayed if the weather is bad. 

Local transport. Taxis, mostly air-conditioned, are readily available and fares are metered, though in some places, like Penang, cabbies do not use the meter. In such places, negotiate the fare before boarding. In cities, taxis can be found at taxi stands or flagged down anywhere. The blue-coloured premier taxis, although plusher inside, are double the rate of a budget taxi. Flag fall for the latter is RM3, and every 115m (377ft) is 10 sen while a premium taxi’s flag fall is RM4 and every 200m (656ft) is 20 sen. In Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu, George Town in Penang and Melaka, trishaws are a popular mode of transport for tourists and make for good photos. Rides within town limits range from RM3–30, depending on the distance. 

Medical care

Most major hotels and resorts provide some medical service for minor ailments. Every town has a government hospital and major towns and cities have private clinics and hospitals. Doctors, nurses and other medical staff mostly speak English, and chances are high that they will have obtained their qualifications from Western universities.

If you have a sensitive stomach, do be cautious when ordering food and drink from hawkers’ stalls. Though the tap water is chlorinated, drink boiled or bottled water. Lay off curries and spicy foods if you're not used to such fare.

Pharmacies, many of which are in department stores, close at 9.30pm. A licensed pharmacist is usually on duty weekdays from 10am–5pm.

Health regulations. A valid vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required from any traveller above one year of age who has visited a yellow fever-infected country up to six days prior to arrival in Malaysia.

If you plan to trek in the forest, take anti-malaria pills. It is also advisable to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B or at least to have a gamma-globulin injection prior to your trip.

Crime and safety

Malaysia is generally safe, but as in any other country, some basic rules apply. Petty theft occurs in tourist areas, and some consular warnings point to a high rate of credit card fraud and snatch thieves.

• Don’t accept drinks from strangers.

• Don’t carry too much money in your wallet.

• Don’t flaunt expensive jewellery.

• Don’t leave your bags or cameras lying around unattended.

• When visiting crowded places, beware of pickpockets.

• Dress in a sensible manner.

Malaysia uses ringgit and sen. RM1=100 sen. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 sen, and notes in RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100.

Carry a combination of cash and traveller’s cheques and/or a credit card. Cash is imperative in rural areas, but you can change traveller’s cheques and use credit cards in urban areas and established tourist areas.

Banking hours

In all states except Kelantan and Terengganu, banking hours are Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm. Some open on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, 9.30am to noon. In Kelantan and Terengganu, banks open Sunday to Thursday 9.30am to 4pm.

Changing money

Most currencies can be exchanged for ringgit, but the popular ones are US dollars, British sterling pounds, euros and Singapore dollars. Licensed money changers (open from early morning until late at night) offer better rates than banks, while hotels and shopping centres levy a service charge (usually 2–4 percent).

Local and international banks handle the gamut of transactions, and automated teller machines, from which you can use your credit card to withdraw cash, are widespread in cities, towns and transport hubs.

Credit cards

The most widely used credit cards are Visa and MasterCard. Diners Club and American Express are less welcome, but accepted. Note that some retailers add a 2–3 percent surcharge for the privilege of using plastic – so ask first before paying. As with everywhere in the world, be watchful of credit card fraud. Make sure you have enough cash before you leave a city.

Tipping is not encouraged, but some tourist drivers and guides may want a reward. At major restaurants and hotels, a 10 percent service charge (plus 6 percent government tax) is added.

Budgeting for your trip

Holders of the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) and Hostelling International receive discounts at selected attractions and hotels.

Flights: A flight from KL to Kuching in Sarawak or Kota Kinabalu in Sabah can cost RM300–600, depending on when you fly and how far in advance you purchase your ticket. From time to time Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Firefly have online promotions, offering seat prices under RM50 (before the add-ons) for domestic destinations but for specific dates of travel.

Accommodation. Prices generally start from RM30 a night in budget places (air-conditioning, with a shared bath) to RM130 for a mid-range en-suite double room and RM450 for high-end establishments. 

Meals. Food in Malaysia is relatively inexpensive, and, apart from high-end restaurants, you can eat well on a very modest budget. A three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant costs RM30–90. 

Museum/attraction entry fees. Nominal admission charges of under RM5 may apply for national and state museums. Private museums charge a higher fee of RM10–20. Entrance to most galleries is free. Zoos and bird parks have higher entry charges, ranging from RM20–45. 

Read more from the travel guide to Malaysia

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Do I need a visa to visit Malaysia?

Feb 19, 2022 • 5 min read

Entering the Federal Territory Mosque in Kuala Lumpur © Patrick Foto / Getty Images

Malaysia has a reputation as the easy country for travel in Southeast Asia, and that certainly applies to the visa situation. Citizens of many countries are granted visa-free entry on arrival, meaning there’s no complicated paperwork standing between you and Malaysia’s beaches, jungles and food markets. 

Even better, the relaxed visa situation makes for easy detours to neighboring Singapore , Indonesia , Brunei and Thailand , though you’ll need to check the latest Covid restrictions before you travel. Here’s everything you need to know about visas for Malaysia. 

Can I travel to Malaysia without a visa? 

In normal circumstances, nationals of most countries in Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan (and many other countries) can visit Malaysia without a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. This applies to entries by air, land and sea. 

In practice, 90-day stays are usually given as the default if you arrive in Malaysia by air, but if you enter by land or by sea, you may be given a 30-day entry stamp unless you specifically ask for a longer permit. It’s worth doing this, as extending your stay may not be possible once the stamp is issued. 

On arrival, your passport will be stamped and you’ll need to fill out an arrival/departure card; just make sure your passport is valid for six months from the date of entry. Technically, the authorities can ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay and a ticket for onward travel from Malaysia, but this is not usually requested. 

Some countries are granted a shorter stay in Malaysia

Citizens of Russia and many neighboring countries are granted a stay of one month on arrival, and similar rules apply to nationals of many countries in Africa and Central and South America. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a visa. 

Note that citizens of Israel can only enter Malaysia with written permission from Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs , which rules out easy overland trips from Thailand to Singapore.

What are the visa requirements for Malaysia? 

If your home country is not on the visa-free travel list, or you’re planning a long stay, you’ll need to apply for a visa. However, be aware that the only visas valid for more than 90 days are the multi-entry visas reserved for business travelers.

Different rules apply to different countries. Tourist E-Visas lasting up to 30 days are issued to citizens of Serbia & Montenegro, China, India, and many other nations in South Asia and Africa. See the Immigration Department of Malaysia website for details of how to apply and a full list of approved countries. 

Other nationals will need to apply for a visa the old-fashioned way at a Malaysian embassy or consulate in their home country. The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs has a full list of Malaysian missions overseas; contact your local embassy for advice on the application process. 

Business and transit visas for Malaysia

For business trips, it’s usually fine to enter the country as if you were a tourist, but you are not permitted to work for any Malaysian company. Business travelers can also apply for long-duration multiple-entry visas, but the application process is complex – Malaysian embassies can provide details. 

Transit visas are also available, but as so many people can enter Malaysia without a visa, they’re rarely needed.   

What are the rules for travel to East Malaysia? 

Sabah and Sarawak – the two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo – retain a certain degree of control over their borders. Even if you arrive from Peninsular Malaysia, you must go through passport control and have your passport stamped. This also applies when traveling between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei, and when traveling to the federal district of Pulau Labuan. 

When entering Sabah or Sarawak from another part of Malaysia, your new visa stamp will be valid only for the remainder of the period you were granted when you first entered Malaysia. If Malaysian Borneo is your first port of call in Malaysia, you’ll get the full, uninterrupted 30 or 90 days. 

Extending a Malaysia visa 

While the entry procedures for Malaysia can seem very relaxed, it’s important not to overstay your visa or the visa-free entry period. If you do, you can be detained, fined, deported, and blacklisted – it’s no laughing matter. 

In the past, it has been possible to extend a 30-day entry up to 90 days through the Immigration Department of Malaysia , but don’t rely on this being possible with the pandemic muddying the waters. Extending a 90-day stay is out of the question. 

The good news is that it is possible to prolong your stay in Malaysia by hopping across the border to a neighboring country. When you re-enter, you’ll be granted a new 30- or 90- day entry stamp on arrival. There’s rarely a problem if you do this once or twice, but the authorities may take a dim view if you repeat the so-called “visa run” too many times. 

On the peninsula, the easiest place to leave and re-enter Malaysia is Johor Bahru ; local buses buzz across the causeway to Singapore day and night. The other easy option is Pulau Langkawi , which has ferries to Satun (year-round) and Ko Lipe (November to May) in Thailand. 

Alternatively, consider crossing the Thai border by train at Padang Besar, or take the ferry to Sumatra in Indonesia from Melaka or Johor Bahru. In East Malaysia, you can cross by bus or boat into Kalimantan in Indonesia, or make the easy hop into Brunei by bus from either Miri or Kota Kinabalu , or by boat from Pulau Labuan. 

You may also like:  12 best things you have to do in Singapore The 15 best things to do in Malaysia: Mountains, marine life, and amazing apes 'Ghosts are a big part of life in Malaysia': healing one year after losing my parents to COVID

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Revive Sabah My Second Home (SM2H) programme, urges Yong amid Sabah-MM2H issue

• Sabah & Sarawak

Monday, 10 Jun 2024

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KOTA KINABALU: The state government should revive the Sabah My Second Home (SM2H) programme to allow non-Sabahan Malaysians to invest in properties in the state, says Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee.

The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president said since the SM2H programme, which he had proposed in August 2023, is targeted only at other Malaysians, it falls entirely under the Sabah government's immigration authority and hence does not require the Federal Government’s involvement.

"Transferring funds within Malaysia, from other states to Sabah, is straightforward for property purchases.

“This simple programme could have been initiated on Jan 1, 2024. Unlike the Sabah-MM2H, which is for non-Malaysians, this SM2H is specifically for Malaysians," Yong noted.

The former Sabah chief minister also suggested that once the Sabah authorities demonstrate efficient management of the SM2H programme, they can move forward with the Sabah-MM2H programme for foreign nationals later this year.

"Currently, even Sabah's business community is unclear about how the Sabah-MM2H programme works. My questions in the legislative assembly have gone unanswered."

He hopes that once the Sabah-M2H programme is operational, the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew will see the benefits and collaborate with the federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to advance the Sabah-MM2H initiative.

Discussing Sabah-MM2H, Yong highlighted that foreign applicants are typically business people who require confidence in their investment's security and residency privileges.

Yong, however, noted that the ongoing dispute between Liew and federal Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has undermined this confidence.

He also stressed the need for a clear and committed stance from both Sabah and the federal government to attract Sabah-MM2H participants.

While Sabah's autonomy over immigration is respected, foreign investors are aware they need federal immigration permits to enter Malaysia.

Yong cited a past policy misalignment between Sabah and the federal government during the Covid-19 era regarding dine-in services at eateries.

"While the federal National Safety Council had not allowed dine-in, Sabah permitted it, and there was no federal enforcement against this."

He stressed that the Sabah-MM2H programme is far more complex than the dine-in policies.

"The Sabah-MM2H involves foreign passport holders investing at least RM600,000 each in Sabah properties, which they cannot easily liquidate,” said Yong.

On May 27, Tiong issued a directive to suspend the operations of all licensed agents handling MM2H applications, including those in East Malaysia.

Liew, on Friday (June 7), said Sabah will proceed with the MM2H, with or without the ministry’s greenlight, adding that the programme will not contravene the law as they have sat with the police, Immigration Department and other relevant authorities to approve the applications under the programme.

Tiong later hit back at Liew through his Facebook post, claiming that the latter had not been attending meetings, nor sending any representative when matters regarding MM2H were discussed.

To date, Liew has not responded to Tiong’s allegations.

Tags / Keywords: Proposal , non-Sabahan Malaysians , Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home , Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president , Yong Teck Lee , Sabah My Second Home

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