Modern cities, tropical islands, jungle nature, and incredible food
Malaysia is easy to travel, diverse, and very comfortable — but good preparation makes your trip even smoother. From buzzing Kuala Lumpur to quiet islands and rainforests, this checklist helps you stay relaxed and organised.
🛂 Travel Documents & Essentials
📘 Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your return date
🛃 Visa-free entry or eVisa (depending on nationality)
✈️ Flight tickets and boarding passes (digital + printed)
🏨 Hotel, guesthouse or resort confirmations
🧾 Travel itinerary saved offline
📄 Copies of passport and documents (cloud + paper)
📑 Travel insurance including medical care
🚗 International driver’s license if renting a car or scooter
📱 Emergency contacts stored offline
💰 Money & Payments
💵 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
🏧 ATMs widely available in cities and towns
💳 Credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere
💸 Cash useful for street food, night markets, and small shops
📱 Mobile banking or travel card for convenience
🤝 Tipping not required but appreciated in some cases
📱 Electronics & Tech
🔌 Plug types G (UK-style)
🔋 Power bank for long days and island trips
📱 Local SIM card or eSIM (cheap and reliable)
🗺️ Offline maps (Google Maps / Maps.me)
📸 Camera or phone with enough storage
🎧 Headphones for flights and bus rides
🧳 Clothing & Packing
👕 Lightweight and breathable clothing
🧣 Modest clothing for mosques and rural areas
🩴 Sandals or flip-flops for daily use
🥾 Comfortable walking shoes
🧥 Light jacket for air-conditioned malls and transport
🧢 Hat and sunglasses
🧴 Sunscreen and after-sun
🦟 Insect repellent (important in jungle and islands)
🏥 Health & Safety
💊 Personal medication with prescription if needed
🩹 Small first-aid kit
🧴 Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
💧 Refillable water bottle
🌡️ Stay hydrated in hot and humid weather
🚑 Travel insurance with emergency coverage
🧠 Respect local customs and religious practices
🚕 Transport & Getting Around
🚆 Excellent trains and buses between major cities
✈️ Cheap domestic flights for long distances
🚕 Grab taxi app widely used and reliable
🚗 Car rental possible and affordable
🛵 Scooters available on islands (drive carefully)
🗺️ Offline navigation recommended
🕌 Culture & Etiquette
🙏 Shoes off when entering mosques and homes
👗 Dress modestly in religious areas
📸 Ask permission before photographing people
🤲 Right hand used for giving and receiving
🍽️ Halal food widely available
🌴 Nature & Experiences
🏝️ Island hopping depends on weather and season
🌧️ Rain showers can be short but intense
🐒 Wildlife present in jungles — keep distance
🌅 Sunsets are best near the coast
🌿 National parks often require permits or guides
