Covid-19
Updated 22nd Jan 2021
What is the current situation in Sabah?
From 12th Jan until 4th Feb 2021, Sabah along with most of the rest of Malaysia will be subject to a Movement Control Order to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Inter-district and inter-state travel are currently not permitted and both domestic and international tourism are currently suspended. We hope to resume our trips again soon and in the meantime please feel free to contact us for further information.
What should I expect when visiting Sabah under the "New norm"
The Malaysian government has implemented a series of Standard Operating Procedures covering all aspects of doing business and travelling in Malaysia, the common elements are very similar to what you will find in many countries throughout the world:
- Temperature checks are frequent and mandatory upon entering public buildings such as malls & offices.
- You will need to register your details when entering public buildings, this can be done quickly via the MySejahtera app (scan a QR code upon entry) or you can opt to write your details in a register instead. We advise bringing your own pen if you won't have internet or won't be able to access the MySejahtera app during your time here.
- Hand sanitiser is readily available at the entrances to all buildings including hotels, offices, tour agencies, national park registration counters etc.
- Wearing a mask is currently mandatory in public buildings such as malls, supermarkets, hotel or national park reception counters as well as on all forms of public transport. The official guideline is that if you cannot socially distance, even in an outside environment, then you must wear a mask, failure to do so may result in a fine. Most Malaysians wear a mask at all times whilst in public, except for during exercise or when eating & drinking.
- The number of visitors in most areas has been reduced to assist with social distancing. Mount Kinabalu is currently limited to 50% of previous climber numbers and the capacity of dormitory accommodation on the mountain has been halved.
I'm coming from overseas, when can I plan to visit Sabah?
The simple answer is that we don't know. At this time, Malaysia's borders are closed to overseas visitors until 31st March 2021, a further update should be available by this date. The Malaysian government is currently working on establishing travel corridors with neighbouring areas such as Singapore & Hong Kong but has not provided a timeline for borders re-opening. In view of this, we are working to make our booking terms as flexible as possible, in the event that borders haven't reopened in time for your planned holiday, we will be happy to assist you to postpone until such time as you are able to visit. We are also offering deposit-free bookings for a number of our tours, please just contact us to find out more or view our flexible booking policy here.
