Sarawak is a lovely place to visit and we are not saying this because we are Sarawakians.
We have a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gunung Mulu National Park.
Our capital city of Kuching is a member of UNESCO’s Creative CIties Network under the field of gastronomy.
Plus, the Niah Cave in Miri is the oldest recorded human settlement in East Malaysia dating back to more than 40,000 years ago.
If you are planning to visit, here is a comprehensive packing guide on what to bring when traveling to Sarawak:
1.Lightweight Clothing
Generally, bring clothing that is made of breathable fabrics.
Opt for cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking materials to stay cool and comfortable in the tropical weather.
If you are planning to swim, pack at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry one available.
You might want to bring a light jacket or something to stay warm in an air-conditioned place. Sarawak is generally hot and humid; why do you need to bring one?
Personally, we have seen a tourist pleading to a bus driver to increase the temperature when travelling from Bintulu to Kuching. She was freezing due to the air-conditioner. Beware, public transports such as ferry and bus can be unapologetically cold sometimes.
2.Sun Protection
Sunscreen is definitely a must in your packing list to Sarawak.
Bring a high SPF sunscreen, at least SPF 30.
Do not forget to reapply frequently especially if you’ll be in and out of water.
If you are not sure on what type of sunscreen to choose, watch this Youtube video from Doctorly.
It has all kinds of recommended sunscreens such as best mineral sunscreen, best chemical sunscreens and best Korean sunscreens.
For more protection against the sun, wear sunglasses and hat when you are out exploring.
3.Umbrella or raincoat
After preparing yourself against the sun, now you need to prepare against the rain.
A small, folded umbrella is good if you are sightseeing around town area.
However, a raincoat is a must if you are planning to do some jungle trekking.
Speaking of rain, you might want to bring a waterproof bag. There is no need to buy 5L bag, maybe just a small one to protect your important belongings such as phone and wallet.
4.Insect Repellent
Your visit to Sarawak incomplete without experiencing the beautiful nature of Borneo.
With that being said, pack up some mosquito repellent with DEET or another effective ingredient.
Take note that mosquito repellents from the local brands are mostly contained lemongrass.
While lemongrass was found not to be as effective compared to DEET, many people are too sensitive to this chemical to use it as a repellent.
Lemongrass on the other hand is a generally safe and natural ingredient. You just need to get used with the smell.
5.Practical Footwear
If you are keeping your packing list to the bare minimum, you only need two types of footwear.
First of all, a pair of sandals or flip-flops that are perfect for the beach and casual outings.
Secondly, a pair of comfortable walking Shoes for you to wear during sightseeing and even hiking.
Let say that for some reason that you do not have the right shoes to trek.
Just walk in the shoes of some locals (literally) and buy yourself a pair of adidas kampung.
They might not be that comfortable but they are cheap and practical.
6.Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated in this hot and humid climate of Sarawak by bringing along a reusable water bottle.
Yes, drinking and mineral bottles are very affordable here.
But do your part in reducing plastic waste by bringing your own bottle.
If you are wondering on where you can refill your water for free especially at shopping malls, KajoMag has a trick for you.
Look for a nursing or baby room as it usually comes with a water dispenser.
7.Medications
If you are on prescribed medication, bring enough for the duration of your trip in Sarawak.
However, it doesn’t hurt to bring a little extra.
Some basic first aid kit including band-aids and antiseptic cream do not take that much space in your luggage, you might consider to bring some.
Just in case of diarrhea or dehydration from the tropical heat, throw in some hydration salts.
Do take note that OTC medicines are affordable in Malaysia. However in order to save your time from walking around looking for pharmacy or convenient store, might as well bring your own nonprescription medicine from home.
8.Travel Adapter and other electronics
To ensure that you can charge your devices while in Sarawak, do not forget to bring a travel adaptor.
For Malaysia, the associated plug type is G. It is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.
Once your devices such as camera and phone are fully charged, now you are ready to capture the beautiful landscape of Sarawak.
9.Cash and card
Convert your cash into ringgits for small purchases.
As for credit card, Visa and Master are widely accepted by retailers and restaurants but not Amex.
Most cash registries will clearly state whether they can accept card or cash only.
When comes to paying using only phone, the most common app payment in Sarawak is S Pay Global.
If you are interested of using it, check out the terms and conditions here.
10.Toiletries and personal hygiene products
It is best to bring your own travel-sized toiletries with brands of your preference. This is because you might not find your usual brands of personal hygiene products.
Ladies, Malaysian women generally use menstrual pads instead of tampons. Hence, finding tampon here might not as easy as looking menstrual pads.
Overall, Sarawak is a pretty chill and relax place for foreigners to visit.
Even if you are a light packer, you can easily buy things that you need in the local stores.
By packing thoughtfully and preparing well for your trip, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy every moment of your adventure in Sarawak.
In the end of the day, you just need to let the laid-back vibes of Sarawak captivate you.
Enjoy your trip!
