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Quick Facts

Get up to speed about the region

Perched on the northern tip of the island of Borneo, the Malaysian state of Sabah is a tropical paradise of natural wonders, scenic beauty and cultural diversity.

Sabah is famous for its unique blend of ancient traditions handed down through the millennia. In this fascinating cultural and adventure tourism destination, you'll find such exotic sights as the Rafflesia (the largest flower in the world), Asian elephants, proboscis monkeys, and of course, the famous Orang Utan.

Visas

Depending on nationality, visitors may be required to apply for a visa in advance to enter Malaysia at the Malaysian Embassy or representative at their country of origin.

Visa On Arrival can also be given to visitors who qualify and is issued at certain international airports in Malaysia. To view entry requirements by country of origin, click on the link below.

View visa information from The Government of Malaysia's Official Portal

Currency

The Malaysian currency is known as Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) or (RM). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu accepts payment via China UnionPay.

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu will no longer be accepting travellers cheques. Only payments via cash or credit card will be accepted.

Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.

MYR 1.00 equals:

Exchange Rates Currency
0.33 Australian Dollar (AUD)
0.22 Euro (EUR)
0.19 British Pound (GBP)
1.78 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
17.75 Indian Rupee (INR)
30.72 Japanese Yen (JPY)
0.36 New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
1.52 Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB)
0.31 Singapore Dollar (SGD)
0.23 US Dollar (USD)
Taxes

All rates quoted are subject to 10% service charge and 6% government tax (SST).

Tipping

Many mid-range and high-end restaurants include their own service charge that varies. Officially, tipping is accepted when appropriate.

Business Hours

Bank Hours
9am - 4.30pm, Monday through Friday
9am - 12pm, Saturday

Office Hours
9am - 5.30pm, Monday through Friday
9am - 12pm, Saturday

Shop Hours
9am - 6:30pm or later throughout the week
Department stores are open 10am to 10pm every day.

Public Health

Malaysia has excellent healthcare facilities and services. Public hospitals and private clinics are available in every state and small towns. Specialist centres are found in major cities. Government/public hospitals and many private hospitals are open 24 hours.

Dress

Dress is generally informal in Kota Kinabalu except on social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate for the non-Muslims. Light clothing is appropriate as Kota Kinabalu only has one season which is summer.

Shorts, miniskirts and sleeveless garments for women are not advisable, especially in rural areas. 

Weather

Kota Kinabalu is almost always warm and humid. Temperatures do not vary much from 74°F to 85°F or 23°C to 30°C.

Local Climate
Month High Low
Jan 30ºC 24ºC
Feb 31ºC 24ºC
Mar 32ºC 24ºC
Apr 32ºC 25ºC
May 32ºC 25ºC
Jun 32ºC 24ºC
Jul 32ºC 24ºC
Aug 32ºC 24ºC
Sep 32ºC 24ºC
Oct 31ºC 24ºC
Nov 31ºC 24ºC
Dec 31ºC 24ºC
Facts

Population
463,000

Language
English, Malay, Mandarin & Cantonese & Hakka Dialect

Time Zone
GMT + 8 hours

Measures
Metric System

Voltage
220 / 240 volts

Plug Type
 

Mobile Phones
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900