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| The best time to visit Diving is possible throughout the year with visibility at 20m and above most of the time. The best time is from April to June, with visibility above 30m and up to 50m around Sipadan. From May to August, you may also be lucky enough to spot turtles laying their eggs on the beaches. Climate Equatorial with fairly uniform temperatures year-round, ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Humidity is high (85-95%). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm and most rain can be expected between November and February. Clothing Very casual. There are no dress restrictions on the island and light cotton clothing, t-shirts and shorts would be suitable. Currency and credit cards The Malaysian currency unit is Ringgit (RM) and sen, where 100 sen equals one Ringgit. 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 at the airport and in Semporna. 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. There are no banks or ATMs on the island. VISA and Mastercard are accepted. Shopping The resort has a small boutique offering t-shirts, sunscreen and postcards, batteries and some other essential items. Telephone and Internet The resort has telephone facilities, including facilities for international phone calls. The access code for making international calls from Malaysia is 00. For more information, dial 103. Broadband Internet and Wifi is available. Underwater photography Professional photography and videography services are available, for underwater as well as wedding photography. There are production facilities on the island, and you can also purchase a DVD of your own underwater experience. Underwater camera casings (for rent), various print- and slide films, digital camera storing media, digital Mini DV Video Tapes and others are available at the photo & video centre. Water Tap water is safe for drinking in Malaysia, provided that it is boiled first. The resort provides ample free drinking water for its guests. Freshwater bins are provided for rinsing cameras and dive gear. Electricity Available 24 hours a day. 220V, 50 cycles using a plug with three rectangular prongs similar to UK plugs. Adaptors for other plugs can be purchased at airports and some stores elsewhere. |
Health and medical services While still listed as a malaria-infected country, most literature states that malaria has been widely eradicated from most parts of Malaysia. Discuss your needs with an experienced travel doctor. Warning: divers should never take Lariam because of common side-effects including nausea and vertigo. Discuss alternatives with your doctor. The only vaccination requirements are yellow fever for those from infected areas. Resorts have basic first-aid services while the closest hospitals and clinics are in Semporna and Tawau on Malaysian Borneo. 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 in Malaysia 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. Police and the Law There is a police and army base on the island. Religion The official religion of Malaysia is Islam but there is freedom of worship. Tipping Tipping is not mandatory but is widely practised. RM2-RM5.
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