Sarawak Travel Tips

Banks: 09:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday; 09:30 to 11:30, Saturdays
Post Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 22:00, daily
Museums: 10:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Most of the dangers in Sarawak come from the natural world. Poisonous snakes, insects and plants exist all over the rainforest jungles so care should be taken when trekking in these areas. Saltwater crocodiles are also very common in certain coastal parts of Sarawak and annually eat a handful of careless humans who venture into brackish water. The best bet is to hire a guide whenever venturing into remote parts of the national parks. At a minimum, make sure you are well-informed about the local hazards from someone who knows.

Fortunately, the days of headhunters and cannibals petered out about 30 years ago. The only human predators in Sarawak these days are the petty thieves lurking around Kuching and other tourist hotspots. These criminals are the exception rather than the rule, and simple common sense will keep you out trouble. Sarawak isn’t a prosperous state, so don’t tempt fate by leaving your bags unattended or flashing large sums of cash in public.

Police: 999

Electricity: 220V AC, 50Hz; all plugs are round European two-pin types.

The rainforests of Sarawak provide most of the health dangers for visitors, but a little precaution goes a long way in this wild part of the planet. Insect borne disease such as malaria and dengue fever are always a threat so bring along a good supply of insect repellent and always cover up around dusk.

The strong Borneo sun is another potential source of illness. If you spend a day on the beach or undergo long exposure to the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to avoid sunburn. The temperatures in Sarawak are reliably hot and humid, which can quickly cause dehydration. Drink plenty of bottled water throughout the day, even if you aren’t exerting yourself. Don’t drink the water from the tap; bottled water is readily available in every town.

An upset stomach from bad food is another potential problem for travellers. In general, the food in Sarawak is fine to eat, but particular attention should be paid to food bought from street vendors, where sanitation can be questionable. Seafood is a popular and delicious staple in Sarawak, just be sure it’s been thoroughly cooked.

Should you fall ill during your visit, there are government hospitals and small clinics in all of Sarawak’s towns and larger villages. The standard of healthcare varies widely, with Kuching being the best place to go if you experience a serious injury or illness. Pharmacies are adequate for common ailments like upset stomach, skin rash or a cold. Visitors should bring a good supply of any prescription medications with them. Buying travel insurance is highly suggested for visits to Sarawak. The minimal cost of insurance will cover any medical bills or other emergencies.

Ambulance: 999
Sarawak General Hospital (Kuching): +60 82 276695

As in the rest of Malaysia, Malay is the official language of government and business, but the majority of Sarawak’s residents are multilingual. The Iban language is the most widely spoken of the native tongues, and learning a few Iban phrases will really impress the locals. English and Chinese are also widely spoken throughout the state, especially in Kuching.

The currency in Malaysia is called the ringgit (RM). One ringgit is worth 100 sen. Banknotes come in denominations of RM1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100. Coins come in denominations of RM1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen.

Despite its remote nature, it’s easy to exchange and withdraw cash in the larger cities of Sarawak. Kuching provides the most banking services, with branches of major banks clustered along Tunku Abdul Rahman and Khoo Hun Yeang roads downtown. A branch of the Standard Chartered Bank can be found on Wisma Bukit Mata road in Kuching. All banks have currency exchange services and offer the best rates, but often hotels will do you the same service for a slightly lower rate.

Withdrawing cash from ATMs is becoming an increasingly popular way to maintain a daily supply of money. Visitors should check with their bank with regards to fees for each transaction. ATMs are not easy to find, but most banks have one. Credit cards shouldn’t be relied on in Sarawak. Most hotels and larger restaurants accept credit cards, but small shops don’t. Cash is best for daily purchases, eating and shopping.

Each visitor to Malaysia is allowed to take home 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 225 grams of tobacco; 1 litre of alcohol or wine; perfume and cosmetics with a value of RM200; souvenirs with a total value of RM500; and a maximum of three pieces of clothing and one pair of footwear. Visitors are often checked upon departure, so be prepared to pay duty tax if you buy more than the allowed quantities of goods.

As Sarawak is a predominantly Muslim state, a certain level of conservatism pervades urban society. When visiting cities such as Kuching, Sibu or Midi, social etiquette becomes an issue. Your choice of clothing is one way to blend in with the locals. It is considered rude to show too much skin in Sarawak, so try and wear long pants unless you’re on the beach. Women in particular need to be aware of their dress code.

If you visit a religious shrine in Sarawak, be sure to check about any special dress requirements before entering. Shoes must be taken off before entering any mosque, temple or someone’s home. Feet are considered the lowest part of the body, so try not to rest them on the table or show the soles of your feet to another person, as this is a major insult.

Public displays of affection don’t go down well in this conservative Muslim society. Even hand holding is somewhat taboo. If you do find yourself in a sticky situation after doing something rude or insulting, a sincere apology will quickly patch things up. Showing that you’ve taken the time to learn some basic social rules will greatly impress the locals.

Dining Etiquette
A service charge is commonly added to all food, beverage and accommodation so it’s not necessary to tip unless you especially enjoyed the service. Eating out in Sarawak is a casual affair, but there are a few quirky points to know about. In big towns like Kuching, you need to pay when you order food from smaller cafés and food stalls known as kopitiams. There aren’t any waiters at these kinds of places, so you need to take the initiative and ask for whatever food you want then pay for it.

Tourist visas for Malaysia are issued upon arrival and are free for citizens of most countries. Visitors can stay up to 30 days, and easily extend their tourist visa at the immigration office in Kuching. After a total of three months, however, you will need to leave the country for 24 hours before reentering. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your date of your entry into Malaysia.

The Sarawak Tourism Board has an excellent Visitor Information Centre in Kuching, situated opposite the Kuching Waterfront in the Sarawak Tourism Complex. This is the best place to plan your onward excursions around Sarawak.

Visitor Information Centre
Sarawak Tourism Complex in the Old Courthouse
Kuching
Phone: +60 82 410944
Website: www.sarawaktourism.com