TRAVEL TIPS

Climate
Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.

Medical Services
There is a hospital as well as various private clinics in and around Georgetown on Penang Island.

Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the official language but English is widely spoken and understood.

Time
Malaysia is eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.

Driving
Visitors will need an international driving licence. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road and it is advisable to observe the speed limits, which are generally 50km/h in the city or residential areas and 80km/h or 110km/h on the highway and expressway. There are no roads for driving on Jerejak, but the jetty on Penang can be reached by car and there is a parking lot.

Police
Police stations are located in Georgetown.

Anti-drug law
Visitors to Malaysia are advised that the trafficking of drugs in the country is an offence punishable by the death penalty.

Religion
The official religion of Malaysia is Islam but there is freedom of worship.

Telephone
The resort has telephones with International Direct Dialling. The access code for making international calls from Malaysia is 00. For more information, dial 103.

Internet
There is limited Internet access on the island, but numerous Internet café’s can be found in Georgetown on Penang Island.

Photography
There is a small gift shop on the island that sells film. Other equipment can be purchased at the Queensbay Mall close to the jetty on Penang Island. 

Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is widely practised. RM2-RM5.

Tourist Information Centers
Please contact Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board for tourist information. (http://tourism.gov.my)

Water
Tap water is safe for drinking in Malaysia, provided that it is boiled first. Hotels usually provide bottled water for guests in their rooms.

Working week
The working week is from Monday to Friday.

Banks
Money can be changed in Georgetown on the Island of Penang. Major credit cards are accepted at Jerejak Island Resort.

Currency
The Malaysian currency unit is Ringgit (RM) and sen, where 100 sen equals one Ringgit. Most establishments accept major travellers' cheques and credit cards. US$ 1 is roughly RM 3.20 (Check www.oanda.com for up to date exchange rates). Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers.
Visitors are not permitted to take more than RM 1000 in Malaysian currency out of the country and no more in foreign currency than was brought in.

Electricity
Malaysian electricity voltage is on a 240 volt 50-cycle system and uses a UK-style three-pin plug. European two-pin plugs can be used with a simple plastic adaptor, freely available. 

Health
The only vaccination requirements are yellow fever for those from infected areas. Cholera, smallpox and malaria have largely been eliminated.

Immigration
Citizens from the following countries are required to have a visa to visit Malaysia : North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam and the People's Republic of China. Nationals other than those stated will receive a visa upon arrival or are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month. However, it is recommended that visa enquiries are made at the Malaysian embassy or Malaysian consulate closest to you, as regulations are subject to change. Also check http://www.imi.gov.my/ for updated information.