Risk of Malaria in Borneo

Travellers to areas where there is a Risk of Malaria should get advice regarding Malaria Medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition. Further reduce the risk of by practicing mosquito Bite Avoidance by using Insect Repellant such as DEET 50% and covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.

Yellow Fever Risk and Certification Requirements for Borneo

Under International Health Regulations (2005), travellers who have been to an Area affected by Yellow Fever, or who have travelled via an airport of a country affected, are required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) before they are allowed to enter Borneo.

Further Travel Health Advice for Borneo

Borneo is often referred to as the world’s largest natural playground, and what with jungles to explore, coral reefs with untold species of fish, more than 1000 species of orchids, the world’s oldest rainforest, and the spectacular tree top walkway in Gunung Mulu National Park, it’s easy to see why adventurers from the world over put Borneo at the top of their wish list. Visit the Niah caves in Sarawak, and take get close up with the jungle by taking a longboat cruise.

If you’re looking for a taste of something more modern, visit stylish Kuching, and learn more about Borneo’s kaleidoscope of cultures, colonial relics, and cuisines. Your first stop on your way to Bali should be a visit to our Travel Health Clinic, four to eight weeks before departure, so that you will be completely safe and up-to-date with the Vaccinations you need for Borneo.

Heat and Humidity
Borneo has a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity and temperatures on the coast as high as 30, and almost daily sunshine. Wear clothing to protect exposed skin while trekking through the jungle, and when engaging in water sports or lounging at the beach, take care to use a good sun block lotion with SPF 20 or higher. Apply liberally and often. When on tour, remember to wear light clothing and bring lots of water with you.

Drinking Water
It is best to ensure that your holiday in beautiful Borneo is not ruined by tummy upset, or worse. Stay healthy and drink bottled mineral water, or water which has been purified by boiling.These can be found anywhere you go. Remember to drink often and whether it be water or fruit juices, replenish fluids throughout the day. Avoid ice cubes, salads and uncooked vegetables. Eat only fruit that can be peeled.

Food and Drink
The cuisine in Borneo reflects influences of its indigenous people, its rich abundance of natural produce and the bounty from the sea. Mainly, the food combines flavours and colours of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cooking, and you will encounter traditional favourites such as Tandoori with Naan bread, and Chinese standards, featuring seafood, or chicken with rice and noodles, plus some very good dim sum or the occasional Hainan specialty. Malay dishes tend to be more rich and creamy, due to the use of coconut milk, and indulge in a spicy Malay curry, spiced with a myriad of flavours, such as chilli, ginger, tumeric, lemongrass, coriander, cloves, and cinnamon. Soft drinks and juices are widely available, and there are Malay brewed name brand beers such as Guinness and Tiger beer.

Seeking Treatment Abroad
Should you require health care in Borneo, you will find that the standards in clinics and hospitals are quite high. There is an excellent general hospital in Sarawak, with advanced facilities and procedures, and it is interesting to note that most Doctors practicing in Borneo are U.K. trained and speak perfect English. However, in the case of most private facilities, it will be necessary to arrange in advance to have enough money with you to pay for any health care you might need, since cash payment is often required. Some of these facilities honour foreign travel insurance policies, so do check with the clinic beforehand.

Travel and Health Insurance
Protect yourself, and your family, with comprehensive travel health insurance which will cover your intended itinerary and any potentially risky activities, such as hiking along the treetop walkway or scuba diving.

Personal Safety
Aside from observing the normal precautions, visitors are very safe in Borneo. When on tour, and especially in urban areas, protect yourself against insect bites by using insecticide and wearing long sleeves and long trousers to cover exposed skin, since Malaria is a concern in Borneo.