You would be pleasantly surprised at the warmth of Malaysians for deeply entrenched within each of the different races is the engaging charm and traditional hospitality for which Malaysia is renowned.
It would be difficult to overstate the attraction of Malaysia for anyone who appreciates the natural world. Its primal forests, ranging from shoreline mangrove to mountaintop oak, are of the sort that most of the world now knows only in myth. Although Malaysia's size is similar to that of Norway, natural trees and forests cover almost three quarters of the land, an area equivalent to almost the entire United Kingdom. One can walk for hundreds of miles in Malaysia under a continuous canopy of green, marvelling at an abundance of plant and animal species equalled by no other location in the entire world. A single half-kilometre plot of land in Borneo's lowland dipterocarp forest, for example, may well contain more than eight hundred different species of trees alone, a stunning degree of variety that pales, however, in comparison to the profusion and diversity of flowers, birds, ferns, and insects.
Sabah (Malaysian Borneo) sits north on the island of Borneo, which is the third largest island in the world. This is the home to thousands of species of trees, flowers and plants, wild animals, some of which are rare and others found only in Sabah. Most diving areas are in the north-eastern state of Sabah, a largely mountainous state with lush tropical rainforests, a long coastline dotted with powdery white beaches and some of the most spectacular coral reefs and marine life in the world. It was named 'The Land Below the Wind' by the maritime traders of old as it lies below the typhoon belt, making diving possible all year round.
The peoples of Sabah are a melting pot of not less than 32 ethnic communities, making up a culturally diverse population of about 2.3 million. The multi-racial Sabahans who speak their many dialects and still maintain their ethnic traditions, give the place a most enchanting character.
The dive resort are all island based and offer a comfortable but relatively basic facilities. It is only in Kota Kinabalu that we can arrange a true 5 star luxury hotel.
Borneo enjoys a sunny tropical climate year-round with temperatures generally between 75° and 85°. The rainy season is November to February, but is somewhat unpredictable as tropical showers rarely last for any length of time. Light clothing is advisable as the climate is generally warm and humid. Women are asked to dress modestly inland in keeping with the local customs.
The coolest time is September to March - average 27 degrees Celsius. The warmest is April to August - average 29 degrees Celsius. The wettest is November to March.
Borneo can be dived whole year round. Heavier rains can be felt only during typhoons around the region but diving conditions are still acceptable.
Borneo's offshore islands are of legendary beauty. Remote dive Island resorts such as Pulau Sipadan, a small oceanic island off the eastern shore of Borneo, which rises in a sheer column more than six hundred metres from the seabed. Completely encircled by sheer drop-offs and walls, Sipadan is one of the world's foremost dive sites.
In many places, you can get 100 + feet of visibility. Also, the country has become increasingly aware of the biological and economic importance of its marine heritage, and each year brings better access to and protection for the unique marine life. Because of the hundreds of islands, there are many dive options.
One of the main attractions of Borneo, aside from the world class diving, is the host of adventurous tours on offer.
At the very least we recommend a visit to the Oran Utan sanctuary at Sepilok. Other fantastic trips include rainforest trekking, white water rafting, mountain trekking and river canoe safaris. A paradise for naturalists, botanists, bird watchers, divers, mountaineers or just about anyone who wants to be close to nature.
Nightlife is very low key except for the main city of Kota Kinabalu where there are excellent bars, restaurants and evening entertainment for all tastes.
A passport is required and must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure date. Most nationalities (including British Citizens) do not require visas for social or business visits. For further information, please check with your nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or Tourism Malaysia office.
No cholera or smallpox vaccination is required for travellers entering Malaysia. Visitors arriving from Yellow Fever Endemic Zones and affected areas are required to present International Health Certificates showing Yellow Fever vaccination. Water and food are generally safe. Visitors may want to drink bottled water, especially in outlying areas.
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