Crossroads of the East
Multi-Cultural Malaysia
March 19 - 31, 2011

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements: Citizens of the U.S., Canada and EU countries only need a passport that is valid for at least six months after arrival in Malaysia. No visas are necessary.

Immunizations: None are required, but it is wise to update your tetanus booster.

Exit Requirements: A departure tax of 40 Malaysian Dollars (about $13.50) must be paid at the Kuala Lumpur airport prior to departure.

Suggested Viewing:

• Kuala Lumpur: Entrapment (1999) w/ Catherine Zeta-Jones & Sean Connery
• Jungles: Farewell to the King (1989) w/ Nick Nolte
• Port Towns: Lord Jim (1965) w/ Peter O’Toole

WHAT TO BRING

Malaysia’s weather is always steamy, so in March the temperatures will range from 75 to 90 degrees F. in KL, Taman Negara and on Pangkor Island. It will be much cooler in the Cameron Highlands, from 57 to 72 degrees F, so bring along a light sweater. In order to avoid having to lug around several huge pieces of heavy luggage, try to pack clothing which can be worn repeatedly or put together in mix-’n’-match fashion. Malaysia is a mix of many religions, but is predominantly Moslem, so it is best to dress modestly. Beachwear should be restricted to the beach. Away from the beach, “short” shorts and revealing tank tops are not acceptable. When visiting government offices and religious sites, long pants are required. Leave expensive jewelry at home.

Suggested Packing List:

____ Proof of citizenship (passport)

____ Sturdy walking shoes for hikes.

____ Polo shirts / T-shirts (6 - 8).

____ Shorts (2 pairs).

____ Lightweight long pants for sightseeing and dinners.

____ Cool sleepwear.

____ Sunscreen / lip balm.

____ Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on.

____ Windbreaker or light sweater.

____ Mosquito Repellent. A must-have!

____ Personal toiletries (Bring an anti-diarrheal remedy just in case!)

____ Swimsuit.

____ Camera / extra batteries / plenty of digital memory (or film)

____ Ziploc Bags (sandwich size for documents, gallon size for wet items or toiletries).

____ Electric converter for 220 – 240 V (3-pin square plug).

____ A good book for the long flights.

MONEY MATTERS

The currency unit in Malaysia is the Ringgit (RM) also known as the Malaysia dollar (M$). Notes come in denominations of M$500, 100, 50, 20, 5 and M$1. Coins include M$20, M$10, M$5, M$1, 100 sen, 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen, 5 sen, and 1 sen. Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards, and these may be used at many ATMs to exchange currency. Make sure your ATM card is linked to one of the worldwide networks (like Plus, Novus or Cirrus), and call your banks before departure to let them know you will be traveling abroad. Credit cards are fine at most hotels and restaurants, but you will need cash at local shops. As of May 24, 2010, the interbank rate of exchange was M$ 3.31 to the U.S. $1.00.

Taxes and Tipping: Tipping is not standard practice in Malaysia but is appreciated. Some hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge. Tip porters and hotel staff M$5. Budget about $35 U.S. (M$ 120) each day for out-of-pocket expenses (not-included meals, tips, shopping, etc.).

LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 8 participants. Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.
     We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in Malasia! You can apply online by following the link at the bottom of this page.

THE TOTO SPIRIT

Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:

•  fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
•  good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
•  undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
•  willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
•  eager to try new things & test limits;
•  punctual;
•  not whiners!

Come with us to see the highlights of Malaysia’s cities, jungles, highlands, and beaches. Traveling in Asia has never been better! If you have any questions, please call us toll-free at: 800-565-1241.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance with Travel Guard to cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow the link below or call us for more information.