Travel tips
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.
Anti-drug law
Visitors to Malaysia are advised that the trafficking
of drugs in the country is an offence punishable
by the death penalty.
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.
Tourist Information Centers
Please contact the Malaysian Tourism Promotion
Board for tourist information. (http://tourism.gov.my)
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