Travel and visas

You should make sure you have checked all visa and entry requirements before you travel. 

Travel to the centre

The Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the main airport in Sabah. A number of domestic and international flights operate from this airport. It takes between 6-8 hours to travel between Kota Kinabalu and the Danau Girang Field Centre. You might consider staying at a hotel in Kota Kinabalu for the night before travelling to the field centre.

You can also choose to fly directly to Sandakan from Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysian Airlines or Air Asia.

Please contact us for full information about travel between the airport and Danau Girang and to inform us of your arrival details. 

Return flight

Malaysia has a return-ticket policy for tourists, and visitors should have a flight out of Malaysia booked prior to departing their home country.

What to carry with you

Travel light. You should be able to carry your luggage easily. Watch your luggage at all times and never let go of your travel documents and money. Carry a photocopy of all your important documents: 

• passport
• visa
• tickets
• itinerary
• emergency contacts. 

It is also a good idea to leave a copy of these documents with someone at home.

Visas, passports and licences

You should ensure that your passport will be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from Malaysia.

A visa may be necessary for visitors from some countries. Please visit the Malaysian Embassy for further information. 

Scientists who wish to carry out research in Sabah must apply for an access licence from the Sabah Biodiversity Centre. 

Contact us

For more information on research permits and rules and regulations or with questions about travel, please contact: