Kota Kinabalu (Borneo), Malaysia-travel-tips

November 8, 2024

Kota Kinabalu, Borneo: Essential Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips

Dress modestly: Avoid revealing clothing, especially when visiting mosques or attending cultural events.
Remove your shoes: When entering homes, temples, or mosques, remove your shoes as a sign of respect.

Learn basic Malay phrases: Greet locals with “Selamat pagi” (good morning), “Selamat siang” (good afternoon), and “Selamat malam” (good evening).
Use both hands when giving or receiving: It’s considered impolite to use only one hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.
Avoid public displays of affection: Malaysians are generally conservative, so it’s best to avoid kissing, hugging, or holding hands in public.

Use your right hand when eating: The left hand is considered unclean, so use your right hand to eat with your fingers or utensils.
Try local fruits and dishes: Be adventurous and try popular fruits like durian and rambutan, as well as dishes like nasi lemak (coconut milk rice) and hinava (raw fish salad).
Avoid eating in front of others who are fasting: During Ramadan, avoid eating in public places or in front of locals who may be fasting.

Respect the environment: Keep beaches and natural areas clean, and avoid touching or damaging coral reefs.
Be mindful of wildlife: Don’t touch or feed wild animals, including monkeys and proboscis monkeys.
Support local communities: Choose tour operators and accommodations that support local communities and sustainable tourism practices.

Take necessary precautions against mosquitoes: Kota Kinabalu is a dengue fever-prone area, so apply insect repellent and wear protective clothing.
Be aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets and bus stations.
Follow local advice: Pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings from locals about potential flooding or other hazards.

Learn some basic Malay phrases: It will show respect for the culture and help you navigate everyday situations.
Carry small change: Many vendors and taxi drivers may not have change for larger bills.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially when exploring outdoors in Kota Kinabalu’s tropical climate.

By following these travel and cultural etiquette tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a respectful and enjoyable trip to Kota Kinabalu, Borneo!