Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-cultural melting pot with a cosmopolitan population made up of Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous ethnic groups. Here, one can experience a wealth of cultural and racial diversity that is both colourful and unique.

Malaysia is rich in culture and a haven for food. It comes as no surprise that our country is well known for its variety of food. Diverse cuisine from gourmet to hawker food easily available at affordable prices.

Malaysia plays host to a wealth of exotic islands. Pulau Perhentian and Langkawi is the popular choice for sand and surf enthusiasts. The dense jungles of Sabah and Sarawak support abundant plant and wildlife and Mount Kinabalu in Sabah stakes its claim as the highest peak in South East Asia.

 

About Sarawak

Welcome to the land of the hornbills! Sarawak is located on the island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world, north of the Equator. With its beautiful blue skies and tropical breezes you can bathe in the sandy beaches and palm-fringed state of Sarawak. Tropical showers cool the land with heavier rainfalls during the monsoon months from November to March.

If adventure had a home, it would be the vast wilderness. Grand, green, awesome! Like no other place on earth. If adventure had a home, it would be filled with the friendliest people on earth. People of different races, religions and cultures. If adventure had a home, it would be here when one arrives as a guest and leaves as family. If adventure had a home, its home would be Sarawak, where adventure lives.

*Further information can also be obtained from the Sarawak Tourism's official portal, http://www.sarawaktourism.com/.

 

ABOUT KUCHING

Kuching (population: 580,000), popularly known as the Cat City, is the capital of Sarawak, Malaysia's largest state. Covering 124,450 sq km it is almost equivalent in size to Greece. A multicultural city, Kuching is fast establishing itself as a fresh meetings destination. The State Government has invested heavily in state of the art meetings infrastructure and also provides financial and in kind support for international conventions.

Kuching (population: 580,000), popularly known as the Cat City, is the capital of Sarawak, Malaysia's largest state. Covering 124,450 sq km it is almost equivalent in size to Greece. A multicultural city, Kuching is fast establishing itself as a fresh meetings destination. The State Government has invested heavily in state of the art meetings infrastructure and also provides financial and in kind support for international conventions.

 

GENERAL INFO

How to Get to Sarawak
Sarawak can be accessed via efficient air links with frequent flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bharu, Kota Kinabalu and Penang in Peninsular Malaysia as well as from Singapore, Brunei, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Perth and other European cities. Currently there is an average of 2,500 flight seats per day into Kuching from Kuala Lumpur as well as the regional hubs mentioned above.
The principal carriers servicing Kuching are:
• Malaysia Airlines (MAS)
• MAS Wings
• Royal Brunei Airlines
• Air Asia (regional low cost carrier)
• Silk Air
• Jetstar
• Tiger Airways and
• Batavia Air

BANK

The Ringgit, the Malaysian currency, is exchangeable at Money Changers and Banks. Travellers cheques may be cashed at any of the banks located in the city. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels and large shops, but beware of illegal surcharges. Banks will advance cash against major credit cards. With American Express, Visa and Master Card as well as Cirrus, Plus and Maestrobank (debit) cards, you can withdraw money from ATMs in big cities and many towns. Sterling and US dollar travellers cheques can be cashed at Malaysian banks, licensed money changers and some hotels.
Banking hours are generally Mon-Fri 09:30-16:00 and alternate Sat 09:30-12:0 (1st and 3rd).

 

Language

The official language of the Symposium will be English.

 

Visa Requirements

All delegates will require a valid passport to enter Malaysia and Sarawak. Citizens of Commonwealth and European Countries will be granted a visa upon arrival. Delegates are encouraged to contact their local Malaysian consulate to confirm visa requirements before departure.

 

Insurance

Participants are reminded that they should make sure they have appropriate insurance cover for themselves and their possessions before leaving their home country.

 

Time

Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of UK GMT, and 13 hours ahead of US EST.

 

Weather

Malaysia has a typically tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 27 degrees C and 35 degrees C year round and with humidity around the 90% level year round.

 

Electricity

The electricity supply in Malaysia is 220-240V AC at 50 cycles per second. Electrical sockets take UK style square three pin plugs.

 

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted at the venue. Most public places in Malaysia now ban smoking, except in very few designated areas.

 

Participants with special needs