By Ng Ai Fern
Asians have always packed their own “essentials” when studying, working, or living overseas. They aren’t modern travel essentials like gadgets or accessories, but old-school traditional remedies many instinctively bring along whenever they travel.
Even today, with globalisation and online shopping, some things are still worth bringing from home.
Not because they are unavailable, but because they cost much more, are harder to find, or simply don’t feel the same.
Here are three everyday items that are cheap at home, but cost an arm and a leg abroad.
- The ‘atas’ little jar with global claws: Tiger Balm
Tiger Balm is a brand from Singapore, one of Asia’s four “tigers”. Its roots trace back to the Qing dynasty, and over time, it became one of the world’s most recognisable pain-relief formulas, including Sarawak. From muscle aches to insect bites and even blocked noses – one jar does it all.
In Australia, Tiger Balm is sold at Chemist Warehouse, priced around AUD10–15 for small jars. In France, it is available at Decathlon and some major pharmacies, ranging from €10 for 20g to €15 for 30g.
In some countries, it is only found at Asian grocery stores or online platforms like Amazon where it is usually priced at 10–15 units in local currency.
In Singapore, Tiger Balm is like a heritage souvenir. Pharmacies and tourist shops sell it for about SGD6.50 per jar, or at cheaper rates when bought in bulk.
In Sarawak, a 20g jar costs around RM9–10.
YES – now you know why that little jar still goes into the luggage.
2. The universal “essential oil” of Asia: Axe Brand Oil
Another trusted remedy from Singapore is Axe Oil, better known as Minyak Angin or Cap Kapak. For many Sarawakians, it is a must-have travel companion.
Headache. Dizziness. Nausea. Stomach discomfort. Insect bites. Some start using it the moment they board the plane to ease motion sickness, calm nerves, or simply feel at home. Whether physical or psychological, its effect feels magical. That’s why it often travels in hand luggage, like a small insurance policy. It comes in various sizes, from small 3ml bottles to 56ml bottles. Dozen-packs are available in Singapore as souvenirs.
Overseas, it is harder to find and far more expensive, if available at all. In Europe, especially France, it is almost impossible to buy. Some Asian stores sell it at premium prices, around AUD17.99 (RM49) in Australia or EUR16.90 (RM80) in France for a medium bottle.
Many similar oils exist from Thailand or Indonesia. But for Sarawakians, nothing quite replaces the familiar scent of Axe Oil.
- Salonpas: The pain patch that became ‘premium’ abroad
Choosing a third item is tricky. Everyone has their own must-pack item – Po Chai Pills, Yoko Yoko, herbal tablets, Pei Pa Koa, or traditional remedies for aches and skin issues.
For something practical, lightweight and travel-friendly, Salonpas stands out.
Originally from Japan, Salonpas is a household staple across Southeast Asia, including Sarawak. It comes in handy after sleeping on unfamiliar beds, carrying heavy luggage, long shopping hours, or days of walking while travelling. Stick one on. Carry on.
It is widely available in Malaysian pharmacies and supermarkets.
In Europe and Australia, it is usually found only in Asian grocery stores or herbal online stores. Many travellers end up settling for unfamiliar alternatives available in local pharmacies that simply don’t work the same.
These old-school remedies aren’t rare, and not luxurious. But they carry familiarity, memory and comfort, and overseas, they suddenly become ‘premium’.
That’s why, even today, many Sarawakians still pack these little essentials before flying out. Cheaper at home. Harder to buy abroad. And always comforting to have in your bag.
