Feature Destinations

Pulau Tiga Marine Park

Pulau Tiga is the largest of the three islands that make up Pulau Tiga Park. Its beautiful landscape and unspoilt natural environment has attracted CBS TV Network of the USA to use this island as the main location for the popular ‘Survivor’ Programme, dubbing it the ‘Survivor Island’.

This island was formed through the eruption of several mud volcanoes. The last explosion happened in 1941 and since then the volcanoes have remained relatively passive. Several small mud volcanoes spewing cool, mineral-rich mud can still be found near the summit of the island. The notion that this mineral rich mud is good for your skin makes mud-bathing a must-do activity on this island.

The island’s lush green jungle serves as a soothing backdrop, while the fine, white sand beaches and the clear unpolluted water are a wonder for nature lovers. The coral reefs encircling the island are home to many species of fish and other marine life. Among the activities that await you here are diving, non-motorised water sports, trekking, bird watching and mud bathing.

The Park Headquarters is situated on the southern side of the island, not far from Pulau Tiga Resort, the only resort facility available on the island.

Key Tips
Pulau Tiga and Pulau Kalampunian offer great snorkelling just a short distance from the beach.

How to get there

By Road
From Kota Kinabalu, drive 140km south to Kuala Penyu at the Klias Peninsula, then board a boat to the islands.

By Sea
The islands are 18km away and about 45 minutes by boat. Some tour agents also organise tours and ferry services to the islands.

Who to contact
For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732



Sipadan Island

The late Jacques Cousteau, the world-renowned oceanographer, described Sipadan Island as ‘an untouched piece of art’, while divers around the world voted it as one of the top five dive sites in the world.

Malaysia’s only oceanic island, it is very small – only 12ha. in size. A 25-minute walk is all that is required to circle the island on foot. As an oceanic island, it rises about 700 metres from the sea floor, attracting diverse marine life from the blackness of the open sea. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, this crown jewel is a treasure trove of some of the most amazing marine animals.

Declared a bird sanctuary in 1933 by the Colonial Government of North Borneo and re-gazetted in 1963 by the Malaysian Government, the dense vegetation on Sipadan Island supports a large variety of tropical birds which include sea eagles, kingfishers, sunbirds, starlings and wood pigeons. Exotic crustaceans including the amazing coconut crab roam the beaches and scurry among the undergrowth.

When diving here, encounters with turtles, resident schools of jacks, bumphead parrotfish and barracudas are almost assured around the tiny coral island.

Key Tips
Try to be part of an early-morning dive to Sipadan at the famous Barracuda Point. In the early hours of the morning, you are most likely to swim amongst big schools of swirling barracuda...

How to get there

By Air
The jump off point to Sipadan Island is Kota Kinabalu or Tawau.
By Car
Continue the journey by a 1-hour drive to Semporna town.
By Sea
A 30-minute speedboat will take you to Mabul, which is the jump off point for Sipadan Island explorations.

Who to contact
For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732


Mabul Island

Mabul Island is reputed to be one of the best places for underwater macro-photography in the world. Located in the clear waters of the Celebes Sea off the mainland of Sabah, it is surrounded by gentle sloping reefs two to 40m deep.

Covering some 21 ha., it is considerably larger than the nearby Sipadan Island and is home to the Bajau Laut tribe, one of many ethnic groups in Sabah.

Diving is the main activity on this island, and it can be done all year round. Marine life that can be seen here includes sea horses, exotic starfish, fire gobies, crocodile fish, pipefish and snake eels. There are over eight popular dive spots, each with its own speciality.

Three resorts cater to scuba divers -- two are on the island itself while one is on a converted oil rig platform about 500m offshore. All of the resorts provide day trips for their guests to the nearby Sipadan and Kapalai Islands.

Key Tips
There's no airport in Semporna, so book your flight to Tawau instead and organise a pick-up from your tour operator for the hour-long drive to the jetty at Semporna.

Thing To do In Kuala Lumpur

Established in the mid-1800s, Kuala Lumpur is the youngest Southeast Asian capital. It's also one of the wealthiest and most appealing, a bustling blend of charming colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers. Home to the "Multimedia Super Corridor," this city is highly regarded as the most pro high-tech business center in Asia. One of the newest airports in Asia, the modern KLIA offers daily direct flights from all over the world, making it easy to do business here. The million-plus residents of KL are mostly Malays, Chinese and Indians. The ethnic mix is evident in the various dialects, unique cuisines and diverse cultural offerings. Attractions are equally varied. Check out Merdeka Square, the colonial center and site of Malaysian independence (1957); Chinatown, showcasing kitschy outdoor markets; the nearby Batu Caves, a shrine to Hindu deities; and the Golden Triangle, a busy commercial and shopping district; and the Petronas Towers, until recently the world's tallest buildings.

THE BEST NIGHLIFE IN KUALA LUMPUR.

1. Ruums Nightclub KLCC AREA.03-2638-0666
2. Bar SaVanh CHOW KIT.03-2697-1180
3. Zouk GOLDEN TRIANGLE.03-2171-1997
4. Hard Rock Café KLCC AREA.03-2715-5555
5. Telawi Street Bistro BANGSAR BARU.03-2284-3168
6. The Pub GOLDEN TRIANGLE.03-2032-2388
7. Village Bar GOLDEN TRIANGLE.03-232-2388
8. Legends KLCC AREA. 03-2166-6603
9. Finnegan's Irish Pub BANGSAR BARU.03-2284-0476
10. Modesto's KLCC AREA.03-2713-2333

THE BEST SHOPPING IN KUALA LUMPUR

1. Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex » GOLDEN TRIANGLE.03-2382-0158

2. Jim Thompson » GOLDEN TRIANGLE.03-2141-8689

3. Mumbai Sé » BANGSAR BARU.03-2287-0810

4. House of Suzie Wong » GOLDEN TRIANGLE.03-2143-3229

5. Central Market » CHINATOWN.03-2031-0339

6. Pucuk Rebung » KLCC AREA.03-2382-0769

7. British India » GOLDEN TRIANGLE.03-2142-2126

8. Royal Selangor Visitor Center & Pewter Showroom »
SETAPAK JAYA.03-4145-6122

9. Aseana » KLCC AREA.03-2382-9988

10. Islamic Arts Museum Shop » LAKE GARDENS.03-2270-5110

The 10 Best Hotels and Lodging in Kuala Lumpur

1. Holiday Inn Glenmarie » GLENMARIE.03-7803-1000

2. JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur » GOLDEN TRIANGLE.03-2715-9000

3. Palace of the Golden Horses » MINES RESORT CITY.03-9843-2333

4. Ritz Carlton » GOLDEN TRIANGLE.03-2142-8000

5. Carcosa Seri Negara » LAKE GARDENS.03-2295-0888

6. Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur » KLCC AREA.03-2711-8866

7. Hotel Fortuna » GOLDEN TRIANGLE.03-2141-9111

8. Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur » GOLDEN TRIANGLE.03-2141-9988

9. Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa » CYBERJAYA.03-8312-7000

10. Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur » KLCC AREA.03-2380-8888

Malaysia Visa Application

Every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid National Passport or Internationally recognized Travel Document valid for travel to Malaysia. Any person not in possession of a Passport or Travel Document which is recognized by Malaysian Government, must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport. Application for the Document in lieu of Passport can be made at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad. Holders of Travel Documents like a Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage or a Country's Certificate of Permanent Residence must ensure that their return to the country which issued the document or the country of residence is guaranteed. The documents shall be valid, for more than six (6) months from the date of entry into Malaysia.

Types of Visa

Three (3) types of visa are issued by the Malaysian Government to foreign national:

Single Entry Visa
Issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for a social or business visit. Normally valid for a single entry and for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue.

Multiple Entry Visa
Issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for business or government to government matters. Normally valid for a period within three (3) to twelve (12) months from the date of issue.

Transit Visa
Issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia on transit to other countries. Foreign Nationals on transit without leaving the airport precincts and who continue their journey to the next destination with the same flight does not require a transit visa.

Visa Requirement :-
Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at Malaysian Representative Office before entering the country. A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognized travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted. Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country. Visa, which has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia.The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.

How To Apply For A Visa

Application for visas should be made at the nearest Malaysian Missions abroad. In countries where Malaysian Missions have not been established, application should be made to the British High Commission or Embassy. The applicant should present himself together with the following documents:

(a) Passport or Travel Document
(b) Form IM.47 (3 copies)
(c) Three (3) passport sized photographs
(d) Return or onward - journey traveling ticket
(e) Proof of sufficient funds

VISA REQUIREMENT

1. Nationals of the following countries DO NOT REQUIRE VISA for Social Visit. The duration of stay is 3 Months only. The countries are :

ALBANIA, ALGERIA, ARGENTINA, AUSTRALIA, AUSTRIA, BAHRAIN, BELGIUM, BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA, BRAZIL, CANADA, CROATIA, CUBA, CZECH REPUBLIC, DENMARK, EGYPT, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, HUNGARY, ICELAND, ITALY, JAPAN, JORDAN, KIRGYSTAN, KUWAIT, KYRGYZ REPUBLIC, LEBANON, LIECHTENSTEIN, LUXEMBOURG, MOROCCO, NETHERLAND, NEW ZEALAND, NORTH YEMEN, NORWAY, OMAN, PERU, POLAND, QATAR, ROMANIA, ST. MARINO, SAUDI ARABIA, SLOVAKIA, SOUTH AFRICA, SOUTH KOREA, SPAIN, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, TUNISIA, TURKMENISTAN, TURKEY, U.S.A, U.A.E, UNITED KINGDOM, URUGUAY.

2. Nationals of the following countries DO NOT require a visa to enter Malaysia For Social Visit and the duration of stay is 1 Month only. The countries are :

All ASEAN countries except: MYANMAR, ANTIGUA & BERMUDA, ARMENIA, AZERBAIJAN, BAHAMAS, BARBADOS, BELARUS, BELIZE, BENIN, BHUTAN, BOLIVIA, BOTSWANA, BULGARIA, CAMBODIA, CHILE, COLOMBIA, COSTA RICA, CYPRUS, DOMINICA, ECUADOR, EL SALVADOR, ESTONIA, FIJI, GABON, GAMBIA, GEORGIA, GHANA, GREECE, GRENADA, GUATEMALA, GUYANA, HAITI, HONDURAS, HONG KONG (SAR), IVORY COAST, JAMAICA, KAZAKHSTAN, KENYA, KIRIBATI, LATVIA, LESOTHO, LITHUANIA, MACAU (SAR), MACEDONIA, MALAWI, MALDIVES, MALDOVA, MALTA, MAURITIUS, MEXICO, MOLDAVIA, MONACO, MONGOLIA, NAMIBIA, NAURU, NICARAGUA, NORTH KOREA, PENAMA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, PARAGUAY, PORTUGAL, RUSSIA, SAO TOME & PRINCIPE, SLOVENIA, SOLOMAN ISLAND, ST. KITTS & NEVIS, ST. LUCIDA, ST. VINCENT, SUDAN, SURINAM, SWAZILAND, TAJIKISTAN, TANZANIA, TOGO, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO, TUVALU, UGANDA, UKRAINE, UPPER VOLTA, UZBEKISTAN, VANUATU, VATICAN CITY, VENEZUELA, WESTERN SAMOA, ZAIRE, ZAMBIA, AND ZIMBABWE.

3. Nationals of the following countries DO NOT require a visa to enter Malaysia For Social Visit and the duration of stay is 14 days only. The countries are :

IRAQ, LIBYA, SYRIA, MACAU (TRAVEL PERMIT), PORTUGAL (ALIEN PASSPORT), PALESTINE, SIERRA LEONE, SOMALI, SOUTH YEMEN.

4. Nationals of the following countries DO NOT require a visa to enter Malaysia For Social Visit and the duration of stay is 15 days only. The country is : IRAN

5. Nationals of the following countries DO NOT require a visa to enter Malaysia For Any Purpose of Visit. The countries are :

All Commonwealth Countries except: INDIA, PAKISTAN, BANGLADESH, SRI LANKA AND NIGERIA.

6. Nationals of the following countries REQUIRE a visa to enter Malaysia For Any Purpose of Visit. The countries are :

Sub Continent Nationals: BANGLADESH, INDIA, PAKISTAN, SRI LANKA.

African Countries: ANGOLA, BURKINA FASO, BURUNDI, CAMEROON, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, CONGO REPUBLIC, CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC, COTE D'IVOIRE, DJIBOUTI, EQUATORIAL GUINEA, ERITREA, ETHIOPIA, GUINEA-BISSAU, GHANA, LIBERIA, MALI, MOZAMBIQUE, NIGER, NIGERIA, RWANDA, WESTERN SAHARA.

Other Countries: TAIWAN, MYANMAR, NEPAL, BHUTAN, PR CHINA.

All holders Certificate of Identity, All holders of Laisser Passer, All holders of Titre De Voyage, Afghanistan (Visa With Reference)

7. Nationals of the following countries DO NOT require a visa to enter Malaysia For Social Visit & Study. The countriy is : UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA)

VISA ON ARRIVAL

Visa-on-arrival will be given only to foreign nationals who already have a visa to enter Singapore or Thailand.

However, the following conditions apply:

1. The visa will be specifically for tourist purposes only and is valid for a duration period of 14 days. Extension of visa is NOT allowed.
2. Must have a confirmed return ticket AND
3. Point of entry is

a) The Kuala Lumpur International Airport OR
b) The Sultan Abu Bakar Complexs, Tanjung Kupang.

However, nationals from the following African countries are NOT entitled to apply for "visa on arrival" :

1. ANGOLA 12. ETHIOPIA
2. BURKINA FASO 13. GUINEA-BISSAU
3. BURUNDI 14. GHANA
4. CAMEROON 15. LIBERIA
5. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 16. MALI
6. CONGO REPUBLIC 17. MOZAMBIQUE
7. DEMOCRATIC CONGO REPUBLIC 18. NIGER
8. COTE D'IVORE 19. NIGERIA
9. DJIBOUTI 20. RWANDA
10. EQUATORIAL GUINEA 21. WESTERN SAHARA
11. ERITREA

CUSTOMS FORMALITIES

Dutiable and Non-Dutiable Goods
Certain goods such as the following, imported by visitors are liable to duty: carpets, garments, clothing accessories, jewellery, chocolates, handbags, spirits, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and cigarettes. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable on departure. The goods are to be presented at the time of departure at the point of exit together with the deposit receipts. Non-dutiable goods include cameras, watches, pens, lighters, perfumeries and cosmetics.

HEALTH REGULATIONS

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for all visitors coming from Yellow fever infected areas or endemic zones except for children under 1 year of age.

CURRENCY

General Information
Visitors may bring in or take out any amount of currency, except Malaysia Currency. When leaving Malaysia, a person must NOT have more money than the amount he brought in. If the person has more money, he must declare from where the extra money came from.

Ringgit Malaysia (RM)
One may bring in and out of Malaysia, only RM1000 and NOT more than that.

Foreign Currency
If the amount is more than US$2,500, one has to fill in form IMM26. This form IMM26 will then be endorsed by immigration officers and returned to the visitors to be kept in their passports.