General Information
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Like most countries, visas may be required for some countries. Please check with your travel agent in good time. For a few special countries, namely passport holders of Israel, Serbia/Montenegro, Afghanistan, we advise you to contact the Conference Secretariat immediately for us to make special arrangements in advance (email: secretariat -_at-_ incob2011 -dot- org). For more detailed information please see http://www.incob2011.org/visa-information.html
HEALTH REGULATIONS & SERVICES
Health Regulations:
No vaccination is required for cholera and smallpox.
Health Services:
In the event for medical care, there are private clinics in most towns. It is a good idea to take out a medical insurance before you travel as Malaysia does not have reciprocal health service agreements with other nations. For over-the-counter prescriptions, there are pharmacies around.
INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL TRAVEL
Malaysia has a few entry points into the country by air. The main entry points close to the conference venue are the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the Low Cost Carrier Terminal of KLIA (LCCT). Both are in Sepang, Selangor, and are served by major international airlines. In particular, Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia are the two major airlines in Malaysia that cater for both domestic and international travel.
Ground transport into Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is simple. The convenient airport limousines and taxis operate on a coupon system. Coupons can be purchased at a booth in the KLIA Main Terminal or the LCCT the moment you exit from Baggage Claim. Everyone speaks English. Depending on traffic conditions, it may take up to 1 hour to get into the conference location. The KLIA rail services at the KLIA Main Terminal are also available for travel to the conference venue or Kuala Lumpur city centre (exactly 28 minutes by KLIA Ekspres at regular frequencies). Those disembarking at the Putrajaya Central Station have to take a local taxi service to go to the conference venue and hotel. There is also a bus service that operates between KLIA and LCCT as well as from these terminals to Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
Speakers and participants are requested to make their own onward and return reservations. The conference helpers at the Conference Secretariat would be pleased to assist speakers and participants to sort urgent or unforeseen matters.
CURRENCY & BANKING
The Malaysian currency is the Ringgit (RM), which is divided into 100 sen. Ringgit notes are in denominations of RM100, RM50, RM10, RM5, and RM1. Coins are issued in denominations of 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen and 5 sen. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and money changers.
Banking hours in most states are: Monday to Friday: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Saturday & Sunday: Closed (Some banks and its branches are opened Saturdays). Kelantan & Terengganu: Sunday to Wednesday: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Thursday: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm. Friday/Saturday/Public holiday: Closed
TOURISM
Malaysia is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world today, with all of the world's major religions, as well as major Asian ethnic groups, represented. In this relatively tiny area, peace thrives as the various groups co-exist in harmony and tolerance; complementing one another to enrich the shared character, cultural mosaic and vision of the nation. The culture of Malaysia is arguably best experienced through its vast array of culinary delights for those with a passion for authentic Malaysian cuisine.
Malaysia has a wide range of tourist attractions. The sheer diversity of tourism destinations is astounding. These include the high-tech city of Kuala Lumpur, the magnificent administrative city of Putrajaya, tropical islands of Langkawi, Tioman, Sipadan and many more, colonial hill stations of Genting and Cameron Highlands as well as Frasers Hill and Mount Kinabalu, numerous pristine beaches, warm turquoise waters, spectacular seabed, abundant coral reefs and vibrant tropical marine life, National Parks and the world's oldest tropical rainforests.
WEATHER & DRESS
With a temperature that fluctuates little throughout the year, travel in Malaysia is a pleasure. Average temperatures are between 21°C and 32°C. Humidity is high. Rain tends to occur between November to February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western Sarawak, and north-eastern Sabah. On the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the rainy season is April to May and October to November.
Visitors are encouraged to wear light clothing to escape the heat and sweat. Shopping malls, stores and restaurants are mostly air-conditioned. It is advisable for ladies, when entering mosques and temples, to wear long sleeved attire and loose pants or long skirts.
TIME
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time.
ELECTRICITY & WATER
Voltage is 220-240 Volt AC at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and socket. Most hotels provide adapters for those using European, Australian or American standard plugs, or your can purchase them from ubiquitous convenience stores.
It is advisable not to drink water straight from the tap. Bottled mineral water, however, is easily available in convenience stores, shops and supermarkets.
RADIO, TELEVISION & NEWSPAPER
Radio services are in Bahasa Melayu, English, Chinese, and Tamil. There are government and private television networks. Most hotels provide cable TV to BBC, CNN, etc.
English Language newspapers are available, namely The New Straits Times, The Star, Business Times, Malay Mail, Daily Express, Sabah Daily News and Sarawak Tribune. International newspapers can be obtained at most bookshops and newsstands. Several dailies are in local languages, namelu Berita Harian, Sinar, Utusan Melayu, Nanyang Siang Pan, Sin Chew Jit Poh and Tamil Nesan.
MEASUREMENT & WEIGHT
Malaysia follows the metric system for measurement and weight, i.e. kilometres (1 km = 0.6 miles), kilograms (1 kg = 2.2 lbs), litres (1 l = 0.642 gallons).
INTERNET & TELEPHONE
Connecting to the Internet in Malaysia is easily accessible in most cities and towns. Malaysia's Internet Service Providers offer affordable unlimited broadband services throughout Malaysia. Broadband Internet is available in most hotels, internet cafes, and some restaurants. Wireless broadband (WiFi) is usually available in hot spots such as fast food restaurants & large shopping centres. Prepaid Internet cards are also available to access wireless broadband, in some cafes.
Malaysian landline telephone numbers have either seven or eight digits. The country code for Malaysia is 60. The country is also divided up into areas which have been assigned two or three digit area codes, which have to be dialled when calling from outside the area. For example the area code for Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor is 03 (ffor example, when dialing a number from outside Malaysia, i.e. +60-3-xxxxxxxx, you don't have to dial the 0 before the 3.)
Malaysia also has four mobile telephone service providers, Maxis, DiGi, Celcom and U Mobile which utilise codes 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018, 019. Network connection in Malaysia is excellent. Mobile number portability has been implemented in Malaysia, meaning a code like 012 that traditionally belonged to Maxis, can now be a DiGi subscriber. Mobile networks utilize the GSM 900 and 1800 systems. 3G (WCDMA), EDGE & HSPDA networks available in larger towns.
ETIQUETTE
Malaysia is a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious country, with predominantly Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnic groups. In religious terms, it is predominantly Muslim, but with strong Christian, Buddhist and Hindu communities.
Severe tips on etiquette include:
Like most countries, visas may be required for some countries. Please check with your travel agent in good time. For a few special countries, namely passport holders of Israel, Serbia/Montenegro, Afghanistan, we advise you to contact the Conference Secretariat immediately for us to make special arrangements in advance (email: secretariat -_at-_ incob2011 -dot- org). For more detailed information please see http://www.incob2011.org/visa-information.html
HEALTH REGULATIONS & SERVICES
Health Regulations:
No vaccination is required for cholera and smallpox.
Health Services:
In the event for medical care, there are private clinics in most towns. It is a good idea to take out a medical insurance before you travel as Malaysia does not have reciprocal health service agreements with other nations. For over-the-counter prescriptions, there are pharmacies around.
INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL TRAVEL
Malaysia has a few entry points into the country by air. The main entry points close to the conference venue are the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the Low Cost Carrier Terminal of KLIA (LCCT). Both are in Sepang, Selangor, and are served by major international airlines. In particular, Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia are the two major airlines in Malaysia that cater for both domestic and international travel.
Ground transport into Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is simple. The convenient airport limousines and taxis operate on a coupon system. Coupons can be purchased at a booth in the KLIA Main Terminal or the LCCT the moment you exit from Baggage Claim. Everyone speaks English. Depending on traffic conditions, it may take up to 1 hour to get into the conference location. The KLIA rail services at the KLIA Main Terminal are also available for travel to the conference venue or Kuala Lumpur city centre (exactly 28 minutes by KLIA Ekspres at regular frequencies). Those disembarking at the Putrajaya Central Station have to take a local taxi service to go to the conference venue and hotel. There is also a bus service that operates between KLIA and LCCT as well as from these terminals to Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
Speakers and participants are requested to make their own onward and return reservations. The conference helpers at the Conference Secretariat would be pleased to assist speakers and participants to sort urgent or unforeseen matters.
CURRENCY & BANKING
The Malaysian currency is the Ringgit (RM), which is divided into 100 sen. Ringgit notes are in denominations of RM100, RM50, RM10, RM5, and RM1. Coins are issued in denominations of 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen and 5 sen. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and money changers.
Banking hours in most states are: Monday to Friday: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Saturday & Sunday: Closed (Some banks and its branches are opened Saturdays). Kelantan & Terengganu: Sunday to Wednesday: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Thursday: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm. Friday/Saturday/Public holiday: Closed
TOURISM
Malaysia is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world today, with all of the world's major religions, as well as major Asian ethnic groups, represented. In this relatively tiny area, peace thrives as the various groups co-exist in harmony and tolerance; complementing one another to enrich the shared character, cultural mosaic and vision of the nation. The culture of Malaysia is arguably best experienced through its vast array of culinary delights for those with a passion for authentic Malaysian cuisine.
Malaysia has a wide range of tourist attractions. The sheer diversity of tourism destinations is astounding. These include the high-tech city of Kuala Lumpur, the magnificent administrative city of Putrajaya, tropical islands of Langkawi, Tioman, Sipadan and many more, colonial hill stations of Genting and Cameron Highlands as well as Frasers Hill and Mount Kinabalu, numerous pristine beaches, warm turquoise waters, spectacular seabed, abundant coral reefs and vibrant tropical marine life, National Parks and the world's oldest tropical rainforests.
WEATHER & DRESS
With a temperature that fluctuates little throughout the year, travel in Malaysia is a pleasure. Average temperatures are between 21°C and 32°C. Humidity is high. Rain tends to occur between November to February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western Sarawak, and north-eastern Sabah. On the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the rainy season is April to May and October to November.
Visitors are encouraged to wear light clothing to escape the heat and sweat. Shopping malls, stores and restaurants are mostly air-conditioned. It is advisable for ladies, when entering mosques and temples, to wear long sleeved attire and loose pants or long skirts.
TIME
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time.
ELECTRICITY & WATER
Voltage is 220-240 Volt AC at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and socket. Most hotels provide adapters for those using European, Australian or American standard plugs, or your can purchase them from ubiquitous convenience stores.
It is advisable not to drink water straight from the tap. Bottled mineral water, however, is easily available in convenience stores, shops and supermarkets.
RADIO, TELEVISION & NEWSPAPER
Radio services are in Bahasa Melayu, English, Chinese, and Tamil. There are government and private television networks. Most hotels provide cable TV to BBC, CNN, etc.
English Language newspapers are available, namely The New Straits Times, The Star, Business Times, Malay Mail, Daily Express, Sabah Daily News and Sarawak Tribune. International newspapers can be obtained at most bookshops and newsstands. Several dailies are in local languages, namelu Berita Harian, Sinar, Utusan Melayu, Nanyang Siang Pan, Sin Chew Jit Poh and Tamil Nesan.
MEASUREMENT & WEIGHT
Malaysia follows the metric system for measurement and weight, i.e. kilometres (1 km = 0.6 miles), kilograms (1 kg = 2.2 lbs), litres (1 l = 0.642 gallons).
INTERNET & TELEPHONE
Connecting to the Internet in Malaysia is easily accessible in most cities and towns. Malaysia's Internet Service Providers offer affordable unlimited broadband services throughout Malaysia. Broadband Internet is available in most hotels, internet cafes, and some restaurants. Wireless broadband (WiFi) is usually available in hot spots such as fast food restaurants & large shopping centres. Prepaid Internet cards are also available to access wireless broadband, in some cafes.
Malaysian landline telephone numbers have either seven or eight digits. The country code for Malaysia is 60. The country is also divided up into areas which have been assigned two or three digit area codes, which have to be dialled when calling from outside the area. For example the area code for Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor is 03 (ffor example, when dialing a number from outside Malaysia, i.e. +60-3-xxxxxxxx, you don't have to dial the 0 before the 3.)
Malaysia also has four mobile telephone service providers, Maxis, DiGi, Celcom and U Mobile which utilise codes 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018, 019. Network connection in Malaysia is excellent. Mobile number portability has been implemented in Malaysia, meaning a code like 012 that traditionally belonged to Maxis, can now be a DiGi subscriber. Mobile networks utilize the GSM 900 and 1800 systems. 3G (WCDMA), EDGE & HSPDA networks available in larger towns.
ETIQUETTE
Malaysia is a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious country, with predominantly Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnic groups. In religious terms, it is predominantly Muslim, but with strong Christian, Buddhist and Hindu communities.
Severe tips on etiquette include:
- Remove shoes when entering private homes and places of worship.
- Dress decently in suitable attire which covers arms and legs when visiting places of worship.
- Handle food with your right hand.
- When giving or receiving gifts to/from a Malaysian, do so with your right hand.
