From humble beginnings as a two-person home-office operation, Sticky Rice Travel has blossomed into one of Sabah’s most respected travel companies – with a passionate and energetic team, and an office located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu. Our travel consultants are with you from the start of your trip-planning to the last day of your adventure, and our highly experienced guides are some of the best in the business. Join us for meaningful adventures in Malaysian Borneo!
Get to Borneo via flights to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) or to Sandakan Airport. KKIA is the second busiest airport in Malaysia, and Sandakan Airport is located in the nature city of Sabah where nature and wildlife attractions are conveniently accessible. A number of direct flights are available to KKIA and Sandakan Airport otherwise other major hubs such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are convenient transit points.
If your itinerary includes an airport pick-up, you will find your guide holding a Sticky Rice Travel sign after you exit the arrival and immigration hall with your name on it. If you need any assistance upon arrival, your guide or driver will be happy to help.
The travel industry in Borneo is not as developed as some of its Southeast Asian counterparts. Although prices can be high it is important to realize that the level of infrastructure and service quality is not yet comparable to other more established tourist destinations in the region. We would like to ask you to travel with an open mind and consider that minor inconveniences are an integral part of your travel experience in Malaysian Borneo. We also provide our own ratings for accommodation, which we feel, are more in-line with international systems.
If your itinerary includes an airport pick-up, you will find your guide holding a Sticky Rice Travel sign after you exit the arrival and immigration hall with your name on it. If you need any assistance upon arrival, your guide or driver will be happy to help.
The travel industry in Borneo is not as developed as some of its Southeast Asian counterparts. Although prices can be high it is important to realize that the level of infrastructure and service quality is not yet comparable to other more established tourist destinations in the region. We would like to ask you to travel with an open mind and consider that minor inconveniences are an integral part of your travel experience in Malaysian Borneo. We also provide our own ratings for accommodation, which we feel, are more in-line with international systems.
If your itinerary includes an airport pick-up, you will find your guide holding a Sticky Rice Travel sign after you exit the arrival and immigration hall with your name on it. If you need any assistance upon arrival, your guide or driver will be happy to help.
The travel industry in Borneo is not as developed as some of its Southeast Asian counterparts. Although prices can be high it is important to realize that the level of infrastructure and service quality is not yet comparable to other more established tourist destinations in the region. We would like to ask you to travel with an open mind and consider that minor inconveniences are an integral part of your travel experience in Malaysian Borneo. We also provide our own ratings for accommodation, which we feel, are more in-line with international systems.
Malaysian Borneo is culturally diverse, with over one hundred ethnic groups between Sabah and Sarawak speaking a multitude of different languages. There are many languages and dialects spoken in Borneo, but the official language of Malaysia is Bahasa Malaysia, which is very similar to Bahasa Indonesia. For the majority of cases, especially in areas that receive a lot of tourists you will get by just fine speaking english as many people have good command of the language or will at least be able to provide basic conversation. Learning some Malay before and during your stay will be sure to impress the locals whilst enhancing your experience.
Whilst it is true that Borneo, at one point had a number of head hunting tribes, this tradition has long passed adopting a much more peaceful approach to ‘outsiders’. These days the remote communities of interior Borneo are more interested in opening the doors of their longhouses inviting their guests to share a meal and communally drink rice wine. The hospitality of rural communities in Malaysian Borneo is incredibly heartwarming and will leave you feeling overwhelmingly humbled.
The concept of face
The concept of face is one that embraces qualities such as good name, good character and being held in esteem by peers and extends to family, school, company and even the nation itself. The desire to maintain face encourages harmonious relationships amongst Malaysians who are often from a multitude of ethnicities, cultural backgrounds and belief systems. Face can be lost by openly criticising, insulting, or putting someone on the spot; showing anger at another person; or disagreeing with someone publicly. Conversely, face can be saved by remaining calm and courteous, especially in a public setting. Generally the people you interact with will treat you with respect and courtesy avoiding confrontational situations, we simply ask that you please do the same and act as a decent human being.
Religion and faith
Malaysia is officially a Muslim country as the dominant religion is Islam. You will however find many different religions from the different branches of Christianity, to Buddhism & Taoism, along with a number of Hindus and Sikhs from the Indian sector of the population. Each religion has the freedom to practice their beliefs freely in an atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance to maintain a general harmony amongst Malaysia’s citizens. As a result Malaysia now celebrates a very colourful heritage.
How to behave during your stay
Remember that you are traveling to a foreign country where you are the visitor and need to adapt to the culture and customs of the local people, not vice-versa. Although English is fast becoming the international language, it should not be assumed that everyone could understand or speak it, particularly in smaller hotels, restaurants, and villages. Should you have difficulty communicating with any of the locals, please ask your guide for assistance. It is also common for events to arise that place your own cultural beliefs in contrast with those of your hosts. On a short trip you will not learn all, or even most, of the cultural differences. It is possible, however, to learn enough to better understand these differences and to attune your behaviour to that of the people around you. A lot of the comforts you are accustomed to may not be available, and time flows at a different pace, you will soon learn the meaning of Sabah time. Patience and respect are the crucial ingredients for a successful trip and an enriching experience.
