The best time to visit Sabah, a state in Malaysia located on the island of Borneo, is generally between March and October. During these months, the weather is typically dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and exploring the rainforests.
The months of June to August are particularly popular for tourism in Sabah, as the weather is usually dry and warm, and it coincides with the school holidays in many countries.
However, it’s important to note that Sabah’s weather can be unpredictable and rain can occur year-round. The months of November to February are considered the monsoon season in Sabah, and there may be heavy rainfall and stronger winds during this time.
Yes, if you have an unlocked cellphone, your cellphone should work while in Sabah. Sabah has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, with mobile phone coverage available in most urban and rural areas. The major telecommunications companies in Malaysia such as Maxis, Celcom, Digi, and U Mobile all have coverage in Sabah.
However, it’s always a good idea to check with your mobile service provider to ensure that your phone is compatible with the local network frequencies and to inquire about any international roaming charges that may apply. You may also consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival, which can be found at many convenience stores, mobile phone shops, and at the airport.
Note that in more remote areas or on certain islands, mobile phone coverage may be limited or non-existent. In such cases, it’s best to check with local tourism information centers or your accommodation provider for information on the availability of communication services.
Sabah is generally a safe place to travel to, with a low crime rate and a welcoming and friendly local population. However, like any destination, it’s always important to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Here are some tips for staying safe while traveling in Sabah:
Stay aware of your surroundings: Be mindful of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas, and keep an eye on your belongings.
Avoid unlit and isolated areas: It’s best to avoid unlit and isolated areas, particularly at night.
Use reliable transportation: Use reliable and licensed transportation services, particularly when traveling alone or at night.
Respect local customs and traditions: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting religious or cultural sites.
Be prepared for outdoor activities: If you plan to engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking or diving, make sure to use reputable tour operators and follow safety guidelines.
Stay up to date on travel advisories: Check travel advisories from your home country and local authorities for any updates or alerts.
Sabah, has a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The climate in Sabah is generally divided into two seasons: the wet season and the dry season.
The wet season in Sabah usually lasts from November to February, during which the state experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity. The dry season, on the other hand, lasts from March to October and is characterized by drier and hotter weather.
The average temperature in Sabah is around 27-28 degrees Celsius (81-82 degrees Fahrenheit), with little variation throughout the year. However, temperatures can reach up to 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) during the hottest months, especially in coastal areas.
Overall, if you are traveling to Sabah, you should expect a tropical climate with high temperatures, humidity, and frequent rainfall, especially if you visit during the wet season.
The visa requirements for Malaysia depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
Citizens of some countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Malaysia for a limited period, while others may need to apply for a visa before traveling.
For example, citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Malaysia without a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
However, if you are planning to stay in Malaysia for longer than 90 days, or if you are traveling for purposes such as work, study, or permanent residency, you will need to apply for an appropriate visa.
It’s always best to check with the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date visa requirements and application procedures.
Sabah is a state of Malaysia, and the official currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
It is recommended that you exchange your US dollars for Malaysian Ringgit at banks, authorized money changers, or ATMs, which are widely available in Malaysia. Many international airports in Malaysia also have currency exchange counters where you can exchange your currency upon arrival.
Using local currency in Malaysia is generally more convenient and practical, as it is widely accepted in most places, including restaurants, shops, and public transportation.
Yes, there are many ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) available in Sabah, Malaysia. ATMs can be found in most cities, towns, and tourist areas, making it easy to withdraw money as needed.
Most ATMs in Sabah accept international debit and credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. However, it’s always best to check with your bank to ensure that your card will work in Malaysia and to find out about any additional fees or charges that may apply.
In some rural or remote areas, ATMs may be less common, so it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand when traveling to these areas. It’s also advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans before departing to ensure that your card will work overseas and to avoid any potential issues with fraud protection.
Credit and charge cards are generally accepted in Sabah, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while American Express and Diners Club may be accepted in some places, but not as widely as Visa and Mastercard.
However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, as some smaller businesses may not accept credit or charge cards. In addition, it’s a good idea to inform your credit card company of your travel plans to avoid any issues with fraud protection.
It’s also worth noting that some merchants in Malaysia may charge an additional fee for credit card transactions, usually between 2-3% of the total transaction amount. It’s a good idea to check with the merchant before making a purchase to find out if there are any additional fees.
Overall, while credit and charge cards are generally accepted in Sabah, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and to check with your credit card company about any fees or limitations that may apply to international transactions
It is possible that your trip or tour may be affected by public holidays in Sabah. During these times, there may be an increase in the number of tourists and locals traveling, which could lead to crowded attractions and traffic congestion.
To avoid any potential issues, it’s important to plan ahead and check the holiday schedule in Sabah. You may want to consider adjusting your itinerary or booking your activities and accommodations in advance to ensure availability.
In Sabah, the electrical outlets are Type G, which are the same as the ones used in the United Kingdom. Therefore, if you are traveling from a country that uses a different type of plug, you will need to bring a Type G adapter.
The Type G adapter has three rectangular prongs and can handle electrical devices with a voltage range of 220-240V. You can purchase a Type G adapter before your trip or look for one at a local electronics store in Sabah.
It’s important to note that while the voltage in Sabah is similar to the UK, the frequency is different. Sabah uses a frequency of 50Hz, while the UK uses a frequency of 60Hz. This shouldn’t affect most electronics, but you should double-check your devices’ specifications to ensure they are compatible with the frequency in Sabah.
Tourism Tax is a tax levied on tourists who stay at accommodations in Malaysia. The tax was introduced on September 1, 2017, under the Tourism Tax Act 2017, and applies to all types of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, apartments, and homestays.
A flat rate of RM10 per room per night will be charge and it’s important to note that the Tourism Tax is separate from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Sales and Services Tax (SST), which may also apply to certain goods and services in Malaysia.
The Tourism Tax is collected by the accommodation provider during your arrival, which they then required to remit it to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. The tax revenue is used to promote and develop Malaysia’s tourism industry.
Yes. It is definitely safe to book with Gibbon Adventure Travel and Tour as we are listed in Sabah Tourism Board as licensed local operator. Please be aware that there are several reported fraud/bogus promising websites selling Mount Kinabalu & tour packages without licensing. They can be operated from other parts of the world. Many guests are left stranded in Kota Kinabalu without climbing permits/accommodation or tour as claimed. Do ensure you should receive proper invoice, confirmation & tour itinerary from legal local operators with indication of company address, contact numbers and vehicle type. Do not let these scammers spoil your vacations.
Absolutely. Our tours tend to attract a great mix of solo travelers, families, friends, etc. we can often match you up with another group traveling on the tours as long as it lines up with your dates and tour availability
A single supplement is an additional fee that solo travelers have to pay when booking a hotel room or a tour package, as they are occupying a room or a space that could be shared by two people.
Normally, hotel room rates and tour packages are based on double occupancy, which means the cost is shared between two people. When a solo traveler books a room or tour package, they will have to pay the single supplement fee to cover the cost of the unused space that could have been occupied by a second person.
Single supplements can vary in amount depending on the hotel or tour operator and the destination. The fee can be a fixed amount per night or a percentage of the total cost of the package.
It’s important to note that not all hotels and tour packages charge a single supplement, and some may offer lower rates for solo travelers, such as providing a smaller room or pairing solo travelers with a roommate. It’s always best to check with the hotel or tour operator before booking to see if they offer any solo traveler discounts or alternatives to the single supplement.
We do received a last minutes booking, however it is all subjects to tour/accommodation availability.
Pre-booking a tour can be beneficial if you’re traveling during peak season or if the tour is very popular and likely to sell out quickly. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that your tour is booked and confirmed, and you won’t have to worry about availability or last-minute cancellations.
You can contact us to get your tour arrangements done as we also offer fully customizable tour arrangements that are tailored to your specific needs and preferences. This can be done either via email or WhatsApp.
Just send WhatsApp chat or email with our tour consultant and they will be happy to help you.
This can be done. However, please take note of our terms and conditions as several conditions do apply shall amendment or postponement occur. This is because we have prearranged fees and payment in order to secure your reservation. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
As much as possible, we will try to control the group size so that it will not be too overcrowded. However, it is challenging especially during peak seasons.
Additionally, we have no control over the number of tourist visiting to the tourist attraction area, for example Sabah Parks, Selingan Island (Turtle Island), Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Gomantong cave etc. Nonetheless, the rangers and guides will always make sure that there is a rotation so that all guests will have the chance to see the animals, or egg laying process in turtle island.
All of our tours and services are quoted and charges in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR/RM).
You can contact us via several methods, as follow;
All major towns in Borneo have internet access. Coverage and speeds in rural areas are patchy. Restaurants, cafes and fast food joints often have Free Wi-Fi. There are some hotels in Borneo that still charge a fee for in-room internet access. However, internet access is often free in hotel lobbies and certain public areas
We will collect a general information of yourself such as your name, gender, age, date of birth, occupation, passport number and few other personal data that needed for tour booking purposes.
Your Personal Data will not be kept longer than necessary, which means that we will retain them until we have no more use for it.
If you do not provide us with the necessary personal information or data that we require, we will not be able to proceed to give you the services that you requested for. This in turn, will also affect the transaction process of your booking with us.
Your Personal Data will be stored in protected databases at addresses that are secure. This is to prevent unauthorized access, which are also protected by encryption mechanism, firewalls as well as passwords. However, data that is transmitted over the internet cannot be guaranteed to be fully secured. So please be very cautious when you transmit your Personal Data over the Internet.
Deposit: A 50% deposit of the total tour cost must be paid within 7 days of booking confirmation.
Full Payment: The remaining balance must be paid at least 45 days before the tour date.
Please note that your booking will only be considered confirmed once we have received the tour deposit in our bank account and you have received an email containing the invoice, detailed itinerary, and payment receipt.
Please contact your Tour Consultant as soon as possible if you wish to change or cancel your booking. Any cancellation requests must be submitted to us in writing via email. We regret that we are unable to issue a full refund for cancellations. Please refer to our Cancellations Policy to know more.
Standard Cancellation Policy
The following cancellation fees apply to all booking cancellations:
For tours or individual components provided by third-party suppliers—such as plane tickets and hotel/lodge bookings—the cancellation fees specified in the terms and conditions of the relevant third parties will apply.
If a participant needs to delay, reschedule, or cancel their trip due to health-related reasons, a medical note or letter from a doctor will be required. Gibbon Adventure Sdn Bhd will strive to accommodate their needs, but the terms and conditions of any applicable third-party suppliers will govern changes to the participant’s itinerary.
Please note that some tours, such as the Mt. Kinabalu Climbing package, diving packages, and certain others, have their own cancellation policies. These policies are outlined on the individual tour pages for your reference.