Thursday, September 13, 2007

INTRODUCTION


Your Journey To The Warm Heart of Borneo Starts here...Sabah's population is heterogeneous and culturally diverse, with more than 30 different ethnic races and over 80 local dialects spoken. Traditions and customs have long been part of our daily lives. Most of it has survived for eons; others have barely endured, touched by other influences that have led others yet to be forgotten altogether.


Well known as the Land Below The Wind and also Land Of The Sacred Mountain, Sabah is a land of varied landscapes and natural wonders. One will normally ask what kinds of people live in this land of eco-treasures? Often by further understanding our spectrum of cultures, you will find the answer as all types, colours and creeds. All these ethnic groups live together harmoniously while at the same time preserving their own culture, traditions, festivals and customs to make Sabah a multiculturally exotic experience unlike any other that you might have already experienced.


Like the rest of the Southeast Asian archipelago, Sabah has been culturally affected by the powerful external, continental influences from mainland Asia. However the heterogeneous population often dramatically reveals its well-preserved wonderful customs and practices. Though the country modernizes, and certain rituals and special ceremonial occasions are less frequently performed, one can still experience and observe Sabah's rich tapestry of custom in the local population's daily life as well as their special local festivals.
This segment will take you through a virtual experience in getting to know Sabah through the understanding of our traditional musical instruments, costume and ethnic lifestyle. The interactive on-line video streaming featuring Sabah - Malaysian Borneo in general will give you an insight of our unique customs and a special section on the wonderful sounds of Borneo will captivate your heart and soul.


Come to Sabah and let us show you the way to indulge yourself in our most precious custom and shower you with endless affection in our very own unique Sabahan way.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SABAH, BORNEO.

1. Climate:
Equatorial / Tropical
2. Average Temperatures:
Lowlands - 32 degrees Centigrade
Highlands - 21 degrees Centigrade
3. Currency:
Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Travellers cheques and foreign currencies can be charged for Malaysian Ringgit at banks, hotels and at major shopping complexes.
Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion
4. Major Credit and Charge Cards:
VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club
5. Banking Hours:
Standard Malaysian Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT
6. Electricity:
240 volts AC/50-Cycle system
7. Language:
Bahasa Malaysia is the national language
However, English is widely spoken
8. Entry Requirements:
A valid passport (and visa wherever applicable) is required
A Social or Tourist Visit Pass does not permit the holder to take up employment, business or professional work in Malaysia
The Business Visit Pass allows foreign visitors to enter the country for business negotiations or inspection of business premises. These passes however, cannot be used for employment purposes or for supervising the installation of new machinery or the construction of a factory
No fee is charged for a Business Visit Pass issued for a period of up to three months. A fee of RM5 is imposed for each month thereafter




Borneo, Sabah enjoys good air-links with major cities in Asia-Pacific. Direct flights as well as transit flights via Bangkok, Brunei, Hong Kong, Taipeh, Kaoshiung, Manila, Cebu, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo offer frequent and easy access. Whether you are chartering your own plane or travelling on major airlines, you’ll find the logistics are easy to plan. There are currently 6 airlines flying directly in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city.
AirAsia – flies from
Kuala Lumpur
Clark Airport (just outside Manila), Philippines
Bangkok, Thailand
Asiana – flies from
Seoul – South Korea
Dragonair – flies from
Hong Kong
Malaysia Airlines - flies from
Kuala Lumpur,
Brunei,
Guangzhou & Shanghai – Mainland China
Hong Kong - Greater China
Taipei, Gaoxiung - Taiwan Region, Greater China
Tokyo & Osaka – Japan
Cebu & Manila – Philippines
Singapore
Seoul – South Korea
Flies from Australia via Kuala Lumpur
Silk Air – flies from
Singapore
Royal Brunei Airline – flies from
Brunei
Flies from Australia via Brunei
Korean Air – flies from
Seoul - South Korea

PLANET BORNEO