|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
|
|
Geodata
Sarawak, the largest State in Malaysia, comprises 124,000
square kilometers of which 70% is forested.
Kuching is the capital city and main entry point
(population 452,000). Climate is typical equatorial,
with daily temperatures between 23oC and 32oC
throughout the year in the lowlands.
Best time to visit?
Sarawak can be visited and enjoyed all year round. November
to February brings the north-east monsoon, with heavy rain
occasionally. Annual rainfall varies depending on area -
from 260 cm and 400 cm.
Entry Requirements
Visa-free entry to Malaysia for holiday purposes
(14 days to 3 months) is given to most nationalities.
Passport must have at least 6 months validity.
|
Iban women adorn themselves in elaborate silver jewellery, a symbol of wealth.
|
Getting to The Regency Pelagus Resort
There are a number of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur
to Kuching and from Kuala Lumpur to Sibu.
Malaysian Airlines System (MAS),
the national carrier, flies daily from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching and
Kuching to Sibu. For more details on MAS daily flights schedule, please log on to
www.bookonline-malaysiaairlines.com.my.
(NOTE: All flight times and dates are subject to
change, so you may wish to contact your tour or
travel agent for current information).
Kuching to Sibu
One-way fare is RM77.00. The flight from Kuching to Sibu
takes 40 minutes. MAS office can be contacted at the following:
MAS Kuching MAS Sibu
Tel: (082) 246622 Tel: (082) 326166
Fax: (082) 460681
|
|
In addition, there is also a budget (non-frill) flight by Air Asia
that flies daily to Kuching. For more details, log on to: www.airasia.com.my.
|  |
One may also travel by public express bus from Kuching
to Sibu and Sibu to Kuching. The following bus schedules
are correct at time of printing.
Daily Express Bus Schedule:
|
|
Departing Kuching daily at:
0630, 0830, 1230, 1630, 2045 hrs
|
Departing Sibu daily at:
0230, 0700, 1030, 1330, 2000, 2200 hrs
|
Express Bus station telephone contact no:
Kuching
(082) 461227, (084) 332873
Sibu
(082) 456261, (084) 327075, (084) 334521
From Sibu, you can take the express boat to Kapit.
For a non-stop journey, we suggest the Husqvarna Express.
The journey normally takes about 2½ hours one way.
|
A traditional Iban Warrior dance |
|
Daily Express Boat Schedule: |
|
Departing Sibu
0730, 0930, 1240, 1400 hrs |
Departing Kapit
0730, 0930, 1230, 1430 hrs |
Fare
Business Class: RM 20.00
Economy Class: RM 15.00 |
For more info please call:
Sibu : (086) 327777 (Husqvarna)
Kapit : (084) 796714 (Husqvarna)
|
Language
Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the official language.
English is widely spoken. Other languages include
Chinese dialects, Iban and several other indigenous
language and dialects.
Dress code and Clothing
Casual dress is the norm; light cotton clothing
is recommended.
Currency
Currency used is the Malaysian Ringgit
(RM): US$1.00 = RM3.80 (approximately).
Traveller's cheques and major credit cards
are widely accepted.
Shopping
Items such as films, batteries, torch lights, raincoats,
slippers, etc. are available in all the towns.
Indigenous handicrafts, textiles, pottery and antiques
are great bargains.
Water
Safe to drink from taps in towns. Hotel and restaurants
provide bottled water. Bottled mineral water is widely available.
Safety
Sarawak is probably one of the safest places on earth.
The crime rate is low and there are few dangerous
animals in the jungles. General health is good;
there are no earthquakes, volcanoes or cyclones. The country
enjoys political stability, racial harmony, and no
terrorism or internal strife.
Health Regulations
No vaccinations are required unless you are coming
from South America or Africa (where yellow fever is known).
Most tropical diseases have been eradicated,
with malaria cases being very rare in Sarawak.
Electric Current
220v/50 cycles. Three pin plugs (British type) are used.
Jungle & Trekking Practicalities
No matter how short the excursion, always be prepared.
Useful if not essential, are the following items:
| torch light | long trousers | insects repellent |
| a first-aid kit | a clean dry change of underwear and T-shirt (keep in plastic) |
a good pair of boots (make sure they are already well broken in!) preferably laced up |
| batteries | a hat, cap or other protective headgear | one windbreaker or poncho |
| lighter or matchsticks | loose fitting cotton clothing | sun block |
Leeches pretty much come with the jungle trekking territory, but their
bites are not harmful. However, do not remove leeches by
pulling the off the skin (ouch!), rather flick them off with
your finger (or burn them off with the lit end of cigarette).
Recommended Reading
We strongly recommend advance reading in order to gain
the most from your visit. Malcolm MacDonald's Borneo People
is a good place to start.
|
|
