Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
WELCOME TO ASIA
We are so happy to welcome you along for your Bunnik tour. Each tour is planned with great care, as if it were for
our own family. For us it’s about sharing the joy of travel and discovery.
You’ll gain real insight into every destination you visit with the support of our expert local guides and have a load
of fun travelling in the comfort of a small group.
In this Tour Information Dossier we’ve compiled some useful information on the countries you will visit on your
upcoming tour. We hope this informs you, excites you and enhances your holiday time in Asia.
Happy Travels!
Marion, Dennis & Sacha Bunnik
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
TOUR GUIDE
When you’re travelling, your guide will be an invaluable resource to you as they will be able to explain all the
different cultural norms and traditions as well as offering dining and sightseeing suggestions during your free
time. All Bunnik Tours’ guides have a great love for their country and culture and will be happy to share this with
you as well as answer any questions you may have.
TOUR ETIQUETTE
Travelling in a small group is half the fun of touring and we regularly receive feedback from our clients remarking
how well everyone got along on tour and lifelong friendships often develop.
However, sweeping statements and generalisations can be offensive to others. We would therefore like to remind
you that other people’s religious beliefs, political and sexual orientations may differ from your own, and we
respectfully ask you to be mindful of this while on tour.
Country
visited
Malaysia
(Borneo)
Brunei
Capital
Kuching
City
(Sarawak)
Kota
Kinabalu
(Sabah)
Bandar Seri
Begawan
Population
Language
Religion
Time Zone
Voltage
Dialling
code
3.135
million
Bahasa Malaysian,
English & Chinese
Islam &
Christianity
3 hours behind
AEST *
240 v
+60
436,000
Malaysian & English
Muslim
3 hours behind
AEST *
240v
+673
*Time differences depend on daylight savings.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS – AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY
Country
Address
Tel
Fax
Malaysia (Borneo)
Suite 10.1 Wisma Great Eastern, 65 Jalan Gaya
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Level 6, DAR Takaful IBB Utama, Jalan Pemancha
+60 88 267 151
+60 88 266 509
+673 222 9435
+673 222 1652
Brunei
Bandar Seri Begawan BS8711
If an emergency occurs while you are en route to your destination or while you are on tour, please refer to the
emergency contact details provided in your documentation wallet.
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
WEATHER
BORNEO
Borneo enjoys a sunny, tropical climate all year-round with temperatures generally between 23°C and 32°C.
Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with the wettest months (landas season) being from November to February.
Depending on the areas, rainfall averages between 2600mm and 4000mm a year.
For Sabah, the Northeast Monsoon occurs from November till January, bringing stormy weather and rainfall. From
February till April, the weather becomes relatively dry as a result of dry winds coming from the Pacific Ocean. The
annual typhoon season that sweeps towards the Philippines does not affect Sabah as it is directly below, giving it
the popular name as ‘Land Below the Wind’. Mount Kinabalu in Sabah has the coldest temperatures and is a
popular tourist destination.
Sarawak, on the other hand, lies on the north-western side of Borneo, and experiences a similar climate to Sabah,
with slightly less rainfall. Much of the weather is the same only that the drier or wetter months start one or two
months later. For example, June until August is when Sarawak has the least rainfall while December to March is
when it is most wet.
BRUNEI
Surrounded by Borneo to the north, east and south and the South China Sea to the west, Brunei shares a similar
climate to that of Borneo.
WHAT TO WEAR
Due to the region’s warm climate, light cotton clothing is recommended. During the monsoon season, rainwear is
essential. When visiting mosques and temples, long sleeves, loose pants or long skirts are required.
Always pack extra layers regardless of the season you’re travelling in, as the weather can be unpredictable and it’s
better to pack a few extra pieces just in case. A hat, sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses and most importantly,
comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially for sightseeing tours.
CURRENCY
The recommended currency to take to Borneo and Brunei is the AUD. Once there you will then be able to change
some into Malaysian Ringgits, and ensure you change small amounts into small denominations. Exchanging
money while on tour will be possible and not normally a problem however as the tour does spend some time in
remote locations it is important to plan ahead and have some cash on hand at all times in case credit card is not
accepted and/or ATMs are not available. Speak to your guide if you are unsure of how much and when you
should exchange currency.
Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it. Otherwise they may cancel your credit
card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact
number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or
stolen.
Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can
then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card.
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
We advise that you exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not
the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your
guide will be able to advise you on where the best places are to exchange money.
MALAYSIA (BORNEO)
The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is the official currency of Malaysia. Notes come in denominations of 1,000, 500, 100,
50, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
BRUNEI
The Brunei Dollar (BND) is the official currency of Brunei. Notes come in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5,
2 and 1.
GETTING AROUND
BORNEO
The best way to travel around the small cities and towns in Borneo is by taxi. These small vehicles are abundant
and it should never be a problem to be able to jump into one. There are taxis for short distances (used for getting
around towns and cities) and long distance taxis, mainly used for traveling between towns and cities. Set your
price before accepting the ride and always have small change on you to ensure you are not over-charged.
Kuching is a very compact city and one can easily stroll through the bustling narrow streets and along the
beautiful waterfront.
BRUNEI
The good thing about Brunei is that many of the attractions in Bandar Seri Begawan are within walking distance of
each other and walking is a wonderful way to get a great feel for Brunei. Taxis are available (due to a limited
number of taxis, they may be hard to find) however there are no metered taxis and fares should be negotiated
before getting in.
When catching taxis, have small change on you and ask your guide or hotel staff the names of reputable taxi
companies.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
• For specific vaccination and health issues/alerts please contact the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical &
Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 or online at www.traveldoctor.com.au.
• We recommend taking your usual cold and flu medication as well as diarrhoea and vomiting medication. It can
be tricky finding the equivalent to what you’re used to taking when you’re overseas.
• If you do become ill while away please seek medical treatment as soon as possible so that you can get back to
enjoying your holiday and to prevent the spread of infection amongst the group. We recommend using hand
sanitising gel before meals and upon entering the bus.
• For general health and wellbeing on the tour please ensure you wash your hands frequently, especially before
eating. Carry insect repellent and sunscreen and a supply of disinfecting wipes or cleansing gel.
• Travel sickness can be an issue for some people. In this instance we recommend travel sickness pills.
• Keep well hydrated by making sure you purchase enough water to drink and for brushing teeth etc.
STAYING SAFE
• Keep your passport safe at all times. We recommend using the safe in your hotel room – and always remember
to clear the safe before checking out of the hotel.
• Write down a list of emergency numbers and email addresses eg. bank details, relatives/friends, doctor. This way
if you lose your phone you’ll still be able to contact people if you need to.
• Take twice the amount of medication than you’ll need and divide it in two and store them in separate bags –
one of those being your hand luggage.
• When exploring on your own please take a business card from the hotel so that you can always find your way
back and only take the necessities with you – leave your valuables in your hotel room safe.
• It never hurts to tell your fellow travellers of your plans!
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
POWER POINTS
Type G
We recommend purchasing a universal plug adaptor which can be used to fit all electrical sockets.
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
BORNEO
Borneo is home to some of the world’s most remote jungles, exotic scenery, fresh seafood, friendly people and
festivals such as those of the indigenous Orang Asli and the tribes of Sabah and Sarawak.
Borneo’s less populated East Malaysian provinces of Sabah and Sarawak are separated from mainland Malaysia by
the South China Sea. The dense jungles of Sabah and Sarawak support abundant plant and wildlife and Mt
Kinabalu in Sabah stakes its claim as the highest peak in South East Asia.
A major draw card to Borneo is that it is summer all year round, with warm weather, warm seas and of course,
warm hospitality.
FAST FACTS
• Borneo’s highest point is Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, at 4,095m above sea level.
• It is also the world’s third largest island – behind Greenland and New Guinea.
• Borneo is the only island in the world that is administered by three countries – Malaysia to the north, Indonesia
to the south and the independent country of Brunei. Although England, Scotland and Wales are three countries
on one island, they are administered as one entity, the United Kingdom.
• Most of the indigenous people in Borneo live in communal structures known as longhouses. A longhouse can
be up to 275 meters in length and house many individual families who live in separate apartments. It has a
corridor which can be used as a gallery for hanging various artefacts.
• The word ‘orangutan’ translates as ‘man of the forest’.
• Borneo covers an area of approximately 287,000 sq km, roughly twice the size of Germany.
• Sabah is also known as “Land Below the Wind.”
• Sarawak is also known as “Land of the Hornbill.”
• The longest river in Borneo is Kinabatangan in Sabah, running 560km
from the mountains of south-western Sabah to the Sulu Sea.
LOCAL ETIQUETTE AND HELPFUL TIPS
• Remove your shoes when entering someone's home and never take
a gift of alcohol.
• Wait until you're in Malaysia to convert most of your currency. A
special permit is needed to take large amounts of ringgit (Malaysia's
currency) into or out of the country. There are no restrictions for
foreign money.
• Speak softly and politely at all times. Malaysians are rarely noisy
(except when firecrackers are involved during celebrations). Don't
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
•
•
•
•
•
show anger or irritation in public, no matter how justified you feel it
is. To Malaysians, it is unseemly and embarrassing.
Pay careful attention to your attire if you're female. Wearing revealing
clothing on the islands where Malaysians are used to foreigners is
fine, but it may invite harassment elsewhere. At mainland beaches,
take a wraparound as well as a swimsuit so you won't feel
conspicuous; Malay women usually go swimming fully dressed and
some keep their scarves on. Although you wouldn't be expected to do
the same, it's best not to draw attention.
Don't touch the head of an adult.
Don't point the bottom of your feet at anyone.
Don't be surprised to see US television shows or movies in Malaysia,
and don't be surprised if a lewd joke or kissing scene is missing. Many
Malaysians are enamoured of Western films and television, but the
more conservative government censors all programs for any behavior
it deems inappropriate in relation to traditional Islamic values. Shows
like Sex and the City are banned in some parts of the country.
Don't try to ride or disturb sea turtles attempting to nest on beaches, and don't throw your rubbish in the water,
especially plastic bags – turtles can mistake them for tasty jellyfish and suffocate.
DINING
Borneo is blessed with a rich variety of traditional food created by its
many tribes and indigenous groups. They are able to turn wild plants,
herbs and fruits into culinary masterpieces that will tantalise your
senses. In addition, its sweeping coastlines and many large rivers
provide an abundance of seafood and freshwater fish for the dinner
table. Rice is a staple but in the far north, corn and tapioca are popular.
Some traditional dishes include jaruk (meat and rice rolled into a
bamboo tube), hinava (a form of sushi), Sayur Manis (a leafy vegetable),
salted terubok fish and Sarawak Laksa (a soup blend of rice vermicelli,
coconut milk and spices). Other Malaysian specialties include satays
(skewered meat, generally served with a spicy peanut sauce) and
rendang, a spicy, coconut curry, usually served with tender beef.
Borneo also offers a cornucopia of delicious tropical fruit, including
pineapples, mangosteen (probably the best-tasting tropical fruit) and
the infamous durian (undoubtedly the world’s smelliest). Coffee and beer (Anchor and Tiger brands) are quite
good. Be sure to order teh tarik in an Indian tea shop just to see the server pull the tea – that is, ceremoniously
pour the tea into your glass from several feet away (it’s not just drama – the practice cools the tea).
Note: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If
you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.
SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS
Borneo is famous for its wide range of handicrafts, traditional batiks, weaving and cultural souvenirs, unique to the
heritage of Borneo’s many tribes and cultures. However, there are also places to go shopping for modern goods
especially in city areas such as Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Assume that you can barter for anything you are
interested in unless the shop displays a sign saying the prices are fixed. Even then, if you are buying a number of
things, you might negotiate a better price.
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
PLACES WE VISIT IN BORNEO
Kuching
Kuching is the economic and political centre of Sarawak. ‘Kuching’ means cat in the Malay language. The world’s
one and only Cat Museum is found in Kuching City, featuring a huge collection of cats from all over the world,
including a mummified cat from Egypt. Well worth a visit is Sarawak the Cultural Village, often described as a
living museum. It is here you can sample the rich cultural diversities, the authentic Sarawakian way of life, the
customs and the architecture of many ethnic groups all in one single place.
Lubok Antu
Lubok Antu is a picturesque village on the shores of Hydro Lake and is used by visitors as a starting point to get
out onto the lake and surrounding river system.
Mulu
Located within Gunung Mulu National Park or otherwise known as the Gunung Mulu World Heritage Area, Mulu
sits proudly in the hills of northern Sarawak, in one of the most diverse and rich nature reserves in southeast Asia.
The nature park has a wide variety of natural attractions, such as rainforests and cave complexes to explore and is,
without a doubt, one of the most outstanding attractions of Sarawak.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah is a modern capital city and has a warm hospitality that you hardly find in
many places around the world, while just around the corner you have long sandy beaches, paradise islands, coral
reefs, tropical rain forests. The great Mount Kinabalu is only 90 minutes away.
Ranau
Ranau is a small village located on the road between Kota Kinabalu and
Sandakan. Here is a great place to catch up on some shopping or take
some time to relax by dangling your weary feet in a fish tank and
having the fish nibble/massage your feet, depending on how ticklish
you are!
Sandakan
Razed to the ground during World War II, Sandakan is an interesting
mix of old and new, combining many different cultures to create the
fascinating place it is today. Unfortunately, it is known by many
Australians as the place of a large POW camp during World War II,
where captured soldiers were forced to march between Sandakan and
Ranau, resulting in the death of 2,345 Allied prisoners of war.
Sepilok Forest Reserve and Orang Utan Sanctuary
This vast rainforest is a captivating experience, which can be explored
through its many trails. The most interesting diversion from these trails
is provided by a trip to the Orangutan sanctuary. Here rescued Orangutans find temporary shelter before being
released into the forest.
Kinabatangan River
The Kinabatangan River flows for 560km deep into the interior of Borneo and is well known for it’s incredible
variety of wildlife and scenery along the riverbank, including limestone caves, forests, and both freshwater
swamps and salty, mangrove swamps closer to the coastline.
Sukau
Nestled on the Kinabatangan River, Sukau is a wonderful place to explore the surrounding waterway, rainforest,
flora and fauna, particularly the many unique species of the area.
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
BRUNEI
Tightly controlled Brunei Darussalam is, despite its tiny size, one of the wealthiest nations in the world and
therefore, one of the most fascinating to explore. Oil, gas and coal have ensured that Bruneians generally don’t
need to worry about money and a wonderful outcome of this is that many of the natural resources that would
ordinarily be used for industry have been left alone – rainforests, national parks and wildlife abound here.
Combine this with a clean and orderly city, spectacular mosques, a stunning royal palace and the quaint water
villages of yester year and you have an incredible country of contrasts.
FAST FACTS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Brunei’s official name is Brunei Darussalam (Nation of Brunei) and means ‘abode of peace’.
Oil, gas and coal have made Brunei one of the wealthiest nations in the world.
Brunei has only 161km of coastline along the South China Sea.
Bruneians do not pay personal income tax and also have access to free education and health care.
The current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (29th Sultan of Brunei) belongs to the same family that has ruled Brunei for
over 600 years.
Caning is still a method of punishment for some crimes in Brunei.
Due to the low cost of oil, Brunei has one of the highest car ownership rates in the world (approx. 1 car per 2
people).
Ulu Temburong National Park was the first national park to be established in Brunei in 1991.
Brunei first participated in the Olympic Games in 1988, where they had 1 official and no athletes.
The Sultan of Brunei is regarded as one of the richest individuals in the world in a country where the standard of
living is high.
LOCAL ETIQUETTE AND HELPFUL TIPS
• Pay careful attention to your attire if you're female. At the beaches, take a wraparound as well as a swimsuit so
you won't feel conspicuous; Muslim women usually go swimming fully dressed and some keep their scarves on.
Although you wouldn't be expected to do the same, it's best not to draw attention.
• You will be asked to remove your shoes if you are entering a mosque.
• If you need to point to something, you are best to use the thumb of your right hand, not your index finger.
Generally, the left hand is considered dirty.
• Do not pass in front of people in prayer.
• Be extremely cautious about making comments on local matters, particularly those pertaining to the royal
family.
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
• The sale of alcohol is illegal in Brunei.
• In 2014 Brunei revised its Penal Code, introducing Sharia Law. For example, death by stoning is the written law
for several offences. Drug trafficking or carrying drugs also carries the death penalty, as does homosexual acts.
DINING
Due to its small size and proximity to Malaysia and other Asian neighbours, Brunei’s cuisine is very similar, heavily
featuring rice and noodles with seafood, chicken or beef. Being an Islamic country, all the food is halal and pork is
avoided. Dishes are generally spicy such as beef rendang, nasi lemak and puteri nanas. One of the local dishes
particular to Brunei is ambuyat, a sticky ball of flavourless sago starch and dipped in a sour gravy. Nasi katok is a
traditional dish consisting of rice and chicken and a spicy sambal sauce. Ketupat is a delicious rice dumpling well
worth a try! Other curries and roti bread also feature in Bruneian cuisine. Coffee, tea and coconut milk are widely
consumed and alcohol is not served at all.
Important: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for
later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.
SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS
Brunei has a wide variety of handmade and culturally significant souvenirs made from organic materials or
precious metals. These include specially woven cloths, especially the gold and silver thread pieces, called Jong
Sarat, which are worn for weddings and other celebrations. Other handcrafted items include bronze, brass and
silverware, military style items such as replica cannons, the traditional dagger, called the kris (although you may
have difficulty bringing this through customs…!) and hand-woven baskets. Other, more commercial style
souvenirs can be bought at the night markets in Gadong.
PLACES WE VISIT IN BRUNEI
Bandar Seri Begawan
Located some 12km upriver from Brunei Bay, Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital city of the tiny sultanate of
Brunei. Clean and orderly, the city is a wonderful expression of Islamic architecture, amazing food and shopping
opportunities. Well worth a visit is the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, visible from most points throughout the city;
the Jame’ Asri Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is another mosque, this time dedicated to the reigning Sultan; Istana Nurul
Iman, the spectacular palace of the ruling Sultan; the water villages of Kampong Ayer, where people have lived
and worked for a thousand years and the shopping district of Gadong.
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
USEFUL PHRASES
English
Malay
One
Satu
Two
Dua
Three
Tiga
Four
Empat
Five
Lima
Six
Enam
Seven
Tujuh
Eight
Lapan
Nine
Sembilan
Ten
Sepuluh
Hello
Selamat datang
Good morning
Selamat pagi
Good evening
Selamat petang
Goodbye
Selamat jalan
Please
Sila
Thank you
Terima kasih
Yes
Ya
No
Tiduk
Do you speak English?
Adakah anda fasih berbahasa Inggeris?
I don’t understand
Saya tiduk faham
Please write it down
Sila catatkan
How much does it cost?
Apakah harga barang ini?
Too expensive
Mahal sangat
Where is…?
Di mana…?
Telephone
Telephone
Toilet
Tandas
Tea
Teh
Coffee
Kopi
Wine
Arak
Beer
Beer
Bottled water
Air
Cheers!
Sorakan!
Peanuts
Kacang
Nuts
Nuts
Seafood
Ikan
Shellfish
Ketam
Meat
Daging
Gluten
Gluten
Wheat
Gandum
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
Eggs
Telur
Dairy
Tenusu
Pork
Daging babi
Lactose
Laktosa
Soy
Soya
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
Vegan
Vegan
Celiac
Seliak
Diabetic
Kencing manis
Please note that this information is indicative only and subject to change. Bunnik Tours does not accept any
liability for incorrect or incomplete information.
BEFORE YOU GO… ASIA
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Advise your Travel Agent of any dietary requirements and seat requests
Inform your credit card provider that you’ll be overseas
Have you had any required vaccinations? Contact your local Doctor or the Travel Doctor on 1300 658 844
/www.traveldoctor.com.au
Register your details with www.smartraveller.gov.au
Arrange for a spare copy of your itinerary to be left with a friend or relative
Check with your mobile phone network provider that your phone is compatible overseas
Exchange currency, arrange a cash passport/credit card or similar
If you haven’t already, have a read through all your tour documents as they will provide you with lots of
useful information
Arrange for Australia Post to hold onto your mail for the time you’re away
Cancel your newspaper delivery/Foxtel, etc.
Have a friend/relative water your plants
Scan a copy of your passport and important documentation and email to yourself
PACKING LIST SUGGESTIONS
Travel documents e.g. passport(s), travel insurance certificate and e-tickets
Day-pack to carry your personal belongings while out and about
Money belt and luggage padlocks
Local language phrase book
Ear plugs, eye mask and travel pillow
Travel kettle and tea/coffee as some hotels may not provide these
Snacks such as muesli bars, nuts and crackers which you can snack on throughout the day
First aid kit and personal medications (a doctor’s letter may be needed if carrying large amounts)
Sun protection e.g. hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and insect repellent
Antibacterial wipes or hand gel
Electricity conversion plugs, spare batteries and memory card
www.bunniktours.com.au
Discover Borneo & Brunei
Tour Information Dossier
Torch and alarm clock.
Comfortable walking shoes and a pair of evening shoes
Clothing to suit weather conditions (refer to our brochure or website - www.bunniktours.com.au for
weather charts). Also a light jumper, a waterproof jacket/poncho/umbrella for cooler weather or wet
conditions, thermal clothing is a good space saver and great for layering
Swimwear
Trousers, shorts/skirt that reach below the knee
Shawl or scarf to carry in your day-pack for added sun protection or those cooler nights (and they are also
handy for temple visits, etc.)
NOTE
The packing list has been compiled from suggestions by previous passengers and local staff – it is only a guide
and Bunnik Tours recommends that you check recent weather conditions before your departure.
www.bunniktours.com.au