Explore The Hidden Treasures of Malaysia

Currency : Ringgit Malaysia (RM) is the official currency. Notes in RM 2, RM 5, RM 10, RM 50, RM 100 and coins in 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen

Credit Cards & Charge Cards : All major credit cards & charge cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Diners Club widelyaccepted.

Banking : Maybank, RHB Bank, HSBC Bank, Bank Islam, Bank Muamalat, Affin Bank, Southern Bank, Bumiputera Commerce Bank, Alliance Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, EON Bank, United Overseas Bank, Public Bank

Dress Code : Visitors are reminded to respect the local culture and to be properly attired when in public. Visitors are requested to avoid walking in public (town/village) in swimsuit or sunbathe topless or nude.

Fast Fact : Kota Kinabalu, the state capital, is the modern gateway to the rest of Sabah. Direct flights between KK (the name by which Kota Kinabalu is fondly called) and the regional capitals of Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokya, Seoul, Taipei, Kaoshiung, Hong Kong, Brunei, Manila and Cebu make Sabah easyly accessible to travellers everywhere.

Entry Requirement : 1. A valid passport (and visa whereverapplicable) 2. A Social or Tourist Visit Pass does not permit the holder to take up employment, bussiness or professional work in Malaysia 3. The Business Visit Pass allows foreign visitor to enter the country for business negotiations or inspection of business permises. The passes however, cannot be used for employment purposes or supervising the instalation of new machinery or the construction of a factory

The largest ethnic group, the Kadazans / Dusuns, make up about a third of the population. These are the prosperous agricultural rice producers of Sabah, although in recent times, many have found success in modern professions. They are well known for their unique customs that feature female priestesses called 'bobohizan' presiding over still practised ancisnt rituals.

The Bajaus are skilled fishermen as well as good rice cultivators. They are also experts in rearing ponies and water buffoloes. Dubbed 'The Cowboy of the East', they are renowed for their horsemanship. Catch them every Sunday andon festive occasions at the picturesquare Kota Belud 'Tamu' when they deck up in their resplendent traditional costumes riding brightly decorated ponies.

The Muruts reside mainly in the hinterland where many still live in traditional communal longhouse. Once feared for their head hunting, the Muruts are great hunters with spears, blowpipes and poisoned darts. It is a rare treat to join one of their weddings, famous throughout the land for their eloborate displays of bridewealth, dancing and feasting.

Sabah presents the travellers with the highest challenge in Borneo-Mount Kinabalu, rising majesticalley into the sky at 4,095 m (13,432.26 ft). With its granite massif dominating the surrounding landscape at the pea, often shrouded in mists and clouds, Mount Kinabalu has an awesome mystique all its own. No wonder that, long ago, the Kadazans / Dusuns named it 'Aki Nabalu' or 'home of the spirit dead'.

Good thing is, no climbing experience is required to conquer the peak of Borneo, if you take the main route to the summit. Watching sunrise at the top has been described by travellers everywhere as a life-enriching experience.

Mount Kinabalu is the main attractioan in Kinabalu Park, which is less than 2 hours' drive from Kota Kinabalu. The road cuts and winds through lush vountryside dotted with traditional village houses to give you an unforgottable scenic journey. Once in the Park, rejuvenate your body and mind at the Poring Hot Spring, a natural helath spa where you can relax in open-air Japanese-style baths amidst a tropical rainforest setting.

The rain forest in Sabah are some of the oldest in the world. Exotic flora and fauna abound. Wild orchids of every imaginable hue. Pitcher plants that gulp down insects and flies. And of course, there's the rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. Jungle trekking here is an opportunity of a lifetime to marvel at rare flora and fauna.

Take a river boat ride and catch the unique Proboscis monkey with its long pendulous red nose calling out to its mates. But the star of the rainforest here is undoubtedly the 'orang utan', also known as 'the wild man of Borneo'. You will find them swinging through the forest in Sepilok, the world's largest 'orang utan' sanctuary.

In this sanctuary, 'orang utans' that have beenabandoned by their mothers, or were formerly in captivity, are rehabilitated untul fit enaough to be returned to the wild. Watching these charming and entertaining mammals during feeding time is to sheer delight.

You can take a boat ride to The Turtle Islands Park where you marvel at rare turtles laying their eggs. You can even stay in comfort in modern chalets at these islands if you yearn to explore the further.

For those who like to swim, snorkel or laze all the day on quiet, uncrowded beach of pure white sand under bright blue tropical skies, the five outlying islands of Kota Kinabalu await to capture your heart completely. These off-shore islands have crystal-clear waters, sunny beaches and beutiful corals. If you go island hopping, you will find the beach of your dreams in one of them.

For the diving enthusiast, the island of Sipadan, located off the east coast of Sabah, needs no introduction. Praised by the internationally renowed diver and film maker Jasques Cousteau as one of the best diving spots in the world, Sipadan is the only oceanic island (meaning not connected to the continental shelf) in Malaysia rising 2,000 ft (600 m) on a limestone pinnacle that 'mushrooms' out near the surface. The abundant and stunning marine life will thrill and amaze you no end.

Another divers' paradise, The Layang Layang Atoll, whis is ovashaped and blessed with clear blue waters, you can also windsurf, sail catamaran, dive, snorkel, fish to tour heart's content, then climb back on land and watch the thousands of migratory birds nesting there in this nature lover's paradise.

Other islands that have equally enchanted the diving fraternity are Mabul Island, known as home to the world's best 'muck diving', a discovery that is gaining in popularity, and Langkayang Island, for its colourful world of macro marine life in over 20 dive sites that never cease to fascinate all visitors.

You have a special interest in mind? Whether it be jungle trekking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, cave exploration, mountain climbing, deep sea diving and fishing, Sabah will more than satisfy the adventurer in you.

For the sports oriented, there are tennis and golf on land, and if you are into watersports, you can windsurf, waterski or go yachting in the vast South China Sea.

Culture buffs will have a fine time venturing into the interior where you can visit traditional longhouses, join in the centuries-old festive celebrations, or experience the 'tamu' (local market place).

These are jus a few suggestions out of limitless possibilities in your pursuit of pleasure in the eco-treasures of Sabah, where you can throw all your cares to the wind and indulge in your every whim and fancy.