WELCOME TO PENANG, MALAYSIA

Malaysia has a population of over 25 million people who reside in the Peninsula and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo island. The country prides itself with the harmonious existence of various races as a nation: Malays, Chinese, Indians, lbans, Kadazandusuns, and other ethnic groups. The national language is Bahasa Malaysia, but English is widely spoken. The official religion of Malaysia is Islam, but the nation comprises Moslems, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and followers of other religions. The various ethnic groups, cultures and languages make Malaysia, Truly Asia. Malaysians are courteous and friendly. Nevertheless, please understand and respect the local customs.

ARRIVAL AT KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) on Transit to Penang

Oversea Participants traveling by air to Penang generally enter via Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), Singapore or Bangkok. Those traveling via KLIA generally disembark on Terminal C (Satellite wing of KLIA). They should following the sign and proceed to board an Aero train, which will bring them to the main terminal building (in 5 minutes time). After disembarking from the Aero train, do not go straight to the immigration check point on the same floor, if you are not disembarking in Kuala Lumpur (NOTE: if you luggage ends at KLIA, you must disembark here). INSTEAD, follow the transit sign which will bring you down one level of the main terminal, where you will go through the immigration check point. Please check with the transit counter after coming out of the immigration check point and then proceed to the gates on either Terminal B or A to board your plane to Penang.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A valid passport (and visa if applicable) is required for all persons entering Malaysia. Note: A passport is also necessary for travel between Peninsular Malaysia and the East Malaysian (states of Sabah and Sarawak in the Borneo Island), as well as between Sabah and Sarawak.

IMMIGRATION

All visitors are required to complete an Arrival / Departure Card, a Customs Declaration (and if required, a Travellers Declaration Form (TDF) and Quarantine Form). These are given out on all inbound Airlines' flights.

VISAS

· Visas are not needed for nationals of Commonwealth countries except for Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria.

· Nationals from Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein do not require visas.

· Visas are not required for stay not exceeding three months for nationals of Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Cuba, Bosnia Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kirgystan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, North Yemen, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, L.I.A.E., Uruguay and Yemen.

· Visas are not required for U.S.A. citizens visiting Malaysia for social, business or academic purposes (except for local employment).

· Visas are not required for a stay of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries, except Myanmar. For a stay exceeding one month, a visa will be required, except for nationals of Brunei and Singapore.

· Visas are not required for a stay not exceeding one month for nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Astonia, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lithuania, Latvia, Macau SAR, Macedonia, Malclova, Mexico, Moldivia, Monaco, Mongolia, Nicaragua, North Korea, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Russia, Sudan, Surinam, Togo, Tadjikistan, Timur Leste, Ukraine, Upper Volta, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Zaire and other countries.

· Visas are not required for a stay not exceeding 14 days for nationals of Iran (15 days), Iraq, Libya, Syria, Macau (travel permit), Portugal Alien Passport, Palestine, Sierra Lyon, Somali, Somalia and South Yemen.

· Nationals of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo Republic, Congo Democratic Republic, Cote D'Ivoire, Djibouti, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Guinea‑Bissau, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Western Sahara, Taiwan, Myanmar, Nepal, Colombia, Bhutan, People's Republic of China, all holders of Certificate of Identity (CI), Laisser Passer and Titre De Voyage, and Afghanistan (visa with reference) must obtain a visa before entering Malaysia.

· Nationals of Israel, Yugoslavia (Serbia & Montenegro) must obtain a visa before entering Malaysia. Nationals of Israel must obtain permission from the Ministry of Internal Security before the visa can be issued, while nationals of Yugoslavia (Serbia & Montenegro) must obtain permission the Ministry of Home Affairs before a visa can be issued.

· Nationals of countries other than those stated above are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.

· Regulations are subject to change.

For further information, please contact: Immigration Department Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia, Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri), Floor 1‑7 (Podium), Block 2G4, Precinct 2, Federal Government Administration Centre, 62550 Putrajaya. Contact no: +603‑8880 1555 / 8880 1556 E‑mail: visapass@imi.gov.my (Website: http://www.imi.gov.my/).

HEALTH REGULATIONS

Cholera vaccination is NOT required for travellers entering Malaysia. Visitors arriving from Yellow Fever Endemic Zones and other affected areas are required to present International Health Certificates showing Yellow Fever vaccination.

This regulation, however, does not apply to children below the age of one.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Hot and humid all year round, Malaysia enjoys an equatorial climate of temperatures ranging from 22 to 32 degrees Celcius in the lowlands. However, it is cooler in highland areas. The annual rainfall here averages 200250 cm. Dressing in clothing of breathable and light material is advised. Comfortable and warm garments need be worn only at hill resorts.

MONEY MATTERS

Money exchange facilities are available in all major towns. The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) comes in denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100, and coins from one sen (cents), 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen and RM1. All major credit cards are accepted in most establishments.

All commercial banks are authorised foreign exchange dealers and open from 9.30am to 4pm on weekdays, and 9.30am to 12 noon on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays, the first and third Saturdays of the month, and public holidays.

However, the banks in Kelantan and Terengganu close on Fridays. They are open from 9.30am to noon from Saturdays to Thursdays, except on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Other licensed moneychangers operate in key entry / exit points and shopping malls. Most hotels exchange foreign currency and accept travellers' cheques.

MOVING ABOUT

Most international airlines serve Kuala Lumpur and also Penang, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Local transport is efficient and cheap, and this includes air‑conditioned express buses and long distance taxi services. Peninsular Malaysia has road and rail links to Singapore and Thailand. Many car rental companies have counters at airports, some shopping complexes in the city and major towns in the country. Driving on the left side of the road is observed throughout the country.

COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone, facsimile, telegraph, telex, postal and e‑mail facilities are available for local and international communications. Cybercaf6s with Internet services can be easily found in urban centres.

TIME DIFFERENCE

The standard Malaysian time is eight (8) hours ahead of GMT