Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Health
Travellers tend to worry about contracting infectious diseases, but infections are not nearly
as common in Borneo as you might think and rarely cause serious illness. Malaria does ex-
ist but is usually limited to isolated upland areas.
The following information should be used only as a general guide and should not replace
the advice of a doctor trained in travel medicine.
Before You Go
If you take any regular medication, bring double your needs in case of loss or theft, and
carry these supplies separately. You may be able to buy some medications over the counter
in Borneo without a prescription, but it can be difficult to find some newer drugs, particu-
larly the latest antidepressants, blood-pressure medications and contraceptive pills.
Insurance
Even if you're fit and healthy, don't travel without health insurance. Extra cover may be re-
quired for adventure activities, such as rock climbing, caving or scuba diving. If you're un-
insured, emergency evacuation can be expensive; bills of over US$100,000 are not uncom-
mon. Insurance is available online from
www.lonelyplanet.com
.
Vaccinations
Most vaccines don't produce immunity until at least two weeks after they're given, so visit
a doctor four to eight weeks before departure. Ask for an International Certificate of Vac-
cination (known as the 'yellow booklet'), which will list all the vaccinations you've re-
ceived.
Proof of vaccination against yellow fever will be required only if you have visited a
country in the yellow-fever zone (parts of Africa and South America) within six days prior
to entering Malaysia, Brunei or Indonesia. If you're coming from Africa or South America,
check to see if you require proof of vaccination.
