Top Tips: Selling Sabah

By Hannah Edensor

Sabah is one of two Malaysian states located on the island of Borneo.

It is rich with natural diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds.

It has the appeal of a tropical beach destination, adventurous landscapes and the cultural kick of Asia.

So what type of client would you sell to Sabah and what do you need to know to do it?

Who goes there?

Travellers to Sabah range from families to the intrepid solo traveller. This is because of its diverse tourism offering. There are beaches to flop and drop on, attracting couples who seek the romantic sunsets and luxurious resorts and families who want a simple holiday where everyone can enjoy the destination. For the adventurous traveller, Sabah offers jungles to explore, coral reefs to dive and mountains to climb. Travellers seeking culture can enjoy a rich history of culture past and present. Solo travellers can feel safe in knowing the destination is easy to navigate.

Getting there

The main airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport. There is a direct flight from Perth to Kota Kinabalu with Malaysian Airlines. There are also a number of airlines that offer fast connection through Asian ports. Royal Brunei Airlines departs Melbourne via Bandar Seri Begawan to Kota Kinabalu. Malaysia Airlines connects through via Kuala Lumpur from other Australian cities and Singapore Airlines via Singapore.

When to go

Sabah is Equatorial/Tropical, meaning the climate is generally hot and sunny all year round. It is affectionately named ‘the Land below the Wind’ due to its sheltered position south of the monsoon and typhoon belt. While it escapes the worst of the storms, there are certain times of the year that are better than others to visit the island paradise.

Sabah wet season falls roughly from October to March, although being covered largely by tropical rainforest and with an annual average of 2,000mm rainfall, the “dry” season is a relative term.

Generally, May to September is the best time to visit Sabah, and with trees fruiting at this time, orang-utans can be seen grazing closer to the ground.

However travellers looking for a cheap deal may look at these wetter months to travel as there is more likelihood of cheaper flights, accommodation and tours, lodges, parks and dive sites will be much quieter.

Do check for local holidays and festivals, as while it is a wonderful time to experience Sabah, be aware that you may need to book early to secure a room.

For divers, the rainy season brings murkier waters with lower visibility. It is recommended those travelling to dive head to Lankayan in April to May for the chance to see whale sharks, and to Sipadan in July to August to swim with turtles heading to the shore to nest.

Need to know

Currency

The currency used in Sabah is Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Foreign currencies can be exchanged for Malaysian Ringgit (RM) at a few 5-star hotels and foreign currency exchange counters located in major shopping complexes. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion.

Local Time

Standard Malaysian Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8)

Shopping

Shopping centers, supermarkets, restaurants and mini markets are generally open daily from 10am to 10pm

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory in any places in Malaysia (including exclusive restaurant, cafes and clubs).

Electricity & Water Facilities

Electricity is on the 240 Volts AC/ 50-Cycle system; treated pipe water is available in most urban and sub-urban areas.

Communications

Mobile telecommunications cover many parts of Sabah with the exception of some remote areas. Public phones are scarcely available in most places.

Medical

Government hospitals, clinics and dispensaries are available in all towns. The list of private medical practitioners and pharmacies are available in the local phone directory. However, those with specific medical needs are advised to have a good supply of medications.

Malaysian Goods & Services Tax (GST) for tourists

Read more on Malaysian Goods & Services Tax (GST) for tourists here

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