Packing Essentials for Malaysia

I spent three months traveling in Southeast Asia and frequently wore the same outfits every day, namely athletic shorts, grubby t-shirts and flip flops.

But on my most recent trip to Malaysia, I wanted to pack differently. I knew I’d be visiting mosques, as the country is primarily Muslim, and wanted to be respectful.

I have a handful of things that I’m definitely glad I packed.

Modest Clothing

In much of Southeast Asia, you can get away with wearing tank tops, shorts and flip flops unless you’re in a temple. This is where Malaysia differs, as it’s a majority Muslim country.

In cities like Kuala Lumpur, the standards aren’t as strict, but further out, you may get stares if you wear the typical Southeast Asia backpacker uniform. Be sure to pack a few items that cover your shoulders and always bring a scarf for when you want to check out a mosque or go to the Batu Caves to keep you from having to buy or borrow a robe or sarong.

Breathable Fabrics

The humidity can be oppressive in Malaysia, so the more breathable fabrics you wear, the better. This can be tricky when you’re trying to cover up, but stick to materials that wick sweat. This will be especially beneficial if you’re going jungle trekking.

I ended up packing a lot of ExOfficio gear for this trip, particularly their Dryflylite shirts and the Go-To dress.

Sandals

Apart from jungle trekking and other activities, sandals are best, especially for walking around shorter distances. They can be slipped on and off easily while entering holy sites and dressed up to go to one of Kuala Lumpur’s rooftop bars.

I got a pair made in Vietnam, pictured above, that I bring everywhere. Many travelers swear by active sandals like Chacos or Keen Whispers.

Zoom Lens

Malaysia has so many amazing animal encounters that it’s a shame to have blurry pictures. If you’re going to be spending any time at animal habitats, specifically the orangutans or Proboscis monkeys, invest in a quality lens for your camera with high zoom ability so that you can snap them even if you’re not up close.

Carry On Bag

If you’re exploring Malaysia extensively, you’ll likely be taking a regional flight between the peninsula and the island of Borneo. Packing light is the best way to avoid costly fees on budget carriers like AirAsia. You can also throw away unnecessary clothing or under pack to buy more when you get there.

If you find that you don’t have the right bag for the trip, I recommend browsing in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown for cheap luggage and bags.

Rain Gear

If you’re traveling during November and the rest of Northern Hemisphere fall and winter, prepare yourself for the rainy season. Heavy storms come out of nowhere and you don’t want to be caught in one. Equip yourself with either a rain jacket, cheap poncho or umbrella and bring it with you even when it doesn’t look cloudy.

What are some Malaysia packing essentials you’d stress packing?

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