Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Malaysian flag has 14 horizontal red-and-white stripes (one more than the United States flag) representing
the country's 13 states and either its federal government or, collectively, its three federal districts (the 14th stripe
originally represented Singapore, which left the federation in 1965). In the upper left-hand corner is a field whose
dark blue, taken from the Union Jack, was once seen as representing the Commonwealth but is now interpreted as
signifying national unity. The crescent (representing Islam) and the 14-point star (representing the unity of the
federation) are both yellow, the traditional royal colour.
Volunteering
Pay-to-volunteer programs are available in Sabah at the Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilita-
tion Centre (see
www.travellersworldwide.com
)
, and in Sarawak at the Matang Wildlife
Centre (
www.orangutanproject.com
)
and through Talang-Satang National Park's Sea
Turtle Volunteer Programme (contact the National Park Booking Office in Kuching).
Women Travellers
» Borneo is a relatively easy and pleasant place for women travellers. Things are consider-
ably more laid back and liberal in Borneo, including Kalimantan, than, say, in northeast-
ern Peninsular Malaysia or Java. Brunei is more conservative than Sabah or Sarawak.
» Although local women (especially ethnic Chinese) wear shorts and tank tops in the cit-
ies, it's a good idea to dress fairly conservatively in Muslim areas and to cover up when
visiting a mosque (robes and headscarves are sometimes provided).
» As with anywhere else, use common sense and caution. Do not get lulled into a false
sense of security just because everyone seems so easygoing. Do not walk alone at night if
possible and lock the door to your hotel room.
