The best time to visit
As the monsoon season typically peaks from November to February, most resorts on Sibu do not operate during these months, though some will reopen for New Years eve and Chinese New Year. Enquire with the resort of your choice for details.
Sibu is a popular destination for weekends, long weekends and Singaporean and Malaysian public and school holidays so be sure to book well in advance.

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 islands and light cotton clothing, t-shirts and shorts would be suitable. In some villages and rural areas on the mainland, modest clothing is more appropriate.

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 Mersing, Kota Tinggi and Johor Bahru on the mainland.
• 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. These are available on the mainland at Mersing, Kota Tinggi or in Johor Bahru.
• VISA and Mastercard are accepted at most resorts. Some resorts also accept Singapore dollars.

Customs
All prices at resorts and restaurants are subject to 5% government tax unless otherwise stated. Please note that there is no duty-free exemption for cigarettes and alcohol carried over the Malaysia-Singapore border into Singapore. When crossing from Malaysia to Singapore, you are required to carry your luggage through the customs checkpoint for inspection.

Shopping
All resorts have a small boutique offering souvenirs, t-shirts, sunscreen, insect repellent, batteries and some other essential items.

Telephone and Internet
Most resorts have telephone facilities, including facilities for international phone calls. The access code for making international calls from Malaysia is 00. For more information, dial 103. Internet access is very limited and typically not available for guest use. Mobile phone signals are intermittent, with better reception on the northern side of the island.

Water
Tap water is safe for drinking in Malaysia, provided that it is boiled first. On Sibu Island, resorts make use of underground sources and the water is treated and safe for drinking. Although there are no restrictions for use, visitors are requested to use water sparingly. Ample bottled water is also available for purchase.
Dive centres have freshwater bins 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
The only vaccination requirements are yellow fever for those from infected areas. 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.
Resorts have basic first-aid services while the closest hospitals and clinics are on the mainland in Mersing or Kota Tinggi. Remember to advise your resort about pre-existing medical conditions and allergies.

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 on the island. There is a parking lot at Tanjung Leman jetty (around RM 8 per day) for those travelling by car.

Police stations
The closest police station is on the mainland in Mersing or Kota Tinggi.

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 and culture

• The official religion of Malaysia is Islam but there is freedom of worship. When entering mosques, women are required to cover their hair and no shorts or tank tops are allowed for either men or women
• There are no dress restrictions, but it is best to dress modestly when visiting villages or Muslim families. For the beach a normal bathing suit or bikini is perfectly acceptable, but topless sunbathing will not be well received.
• Shoes are usually removed before entering homes and also in some shops and restaurants.

Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is widely practised (RM2-RM5). Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge in all their bills.

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)

• Rimba Island Resort
• Sea Gypsy Village Resort
• Sibu Island Resort