Packing for a trip can sometimes feel like a headache, but with the right tips, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you're planning a chill beach holiday in Langkawi, a hiking adventure up Mount Kinabalu, or a quick city escape to Penang or Melaka, Trip.com has got your back to make sure you’re fully prepared. Our ultimate packing guide includes everything you need—from important travel essentials to handy tips—so you won’t leave anything behind. Best part? With Trip.com’s easy booking for flights, hotels, and activities across Malaysia and beyond, planning your trip is just as smooth as zipping up your luggage. Jom, let’s get packing for your next unforgettable journey!
🏨 Have You Booked Your Hotel?
It’s a common situation—many of us only realise we haven’t booked our hotel the night before our trip! Sometimes it's because we've been too busy with work, or we assumed a friend had handled the booking, only to find out there was a misunderstanding. To avoid any last-minute panic, always double-check your hotel reservation before you travel. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of stress!
💼 Packing Checklist for Your Trip
Source: The Belle Voyage
Making sure you’ve packed everything you need is essential for a smooth journey. To help you stay organised, we’ve put together a comprehensive packing checklist that includes both must-have items and optional extras. Whether it’s your carry-on or checked luggage, this guide will help you figure out what to pack and where to pack it.
Checked Luggage Guidelines:
Most airlines allow one piece of checked baggage for Economy Class passengers, usually up to 23 kg (50 lbs), with maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) of 158 cm (62 inches). If you're flying Business or First Class, you’re often allowed two pieces of checked baggage, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
Keep in mind: batteries, power banks, and other lithium-ion items are not allowed in checked luggage due to safety concerns. Items like laptops, cameras, and electronics should always be placed in your carry-on to prevent damage or theft. Also, be sure to check with your airline for specific baggage policies and any extra charges for overweight or additional bags.
| Item | Why You Should Pack It |
|---|---|
Clothes (for the whole trip) | Make sure you bring enough outfits for your entire stay—don’t forget to consider the weather! If you're heading to Cameron Highlands, pack something warm. Going to the beach? Don’t forget your swimwear. |
Shoes | A comfy pair of walking shoes is a must, especially if you plan to explore. You might also need sandals for the beach or proper shoes for hiking. |
Toiletries (liquids over 100ml) | Items like shampoo, body wash, and toothpaste can go in your checked-in bag if they’re more than 100ml. Just make sure the bottles are sealed properly. |
Electronics (larger items) | Bringing a laptop or camera? These bulkier items are better packed into your checked luggage if you’re not using them during the flight. |
Books, magazines, or journals | Long flights or layovers can get boring. Bring something to read or jot down your travel memories. Great way to kill time at KLIA or any transit airport. |
Travel pillow/blanket | For long-haul flights or overnight buses, a neck pillow or small blanket will make your journey way more comfortable. |
Medicine & health supplies | Don’t forget any prescription meds or personal health items—especially if you have allergies or special needs. Keep these in your carry-on just in case. |
Snacks and non-liquid food items | Malaysian snacks like murukku, kaya puff, or even some sambal in sealed containers can be lifesavers when the plane food isn’t your thing. |
Gifts or souvenirs | If you’re bringing balik kampung goodies or souvenirs for friends, your checked luggage is the best place to store them. Wrap fragile items properly! |
Additional toiletries (larger items) | Big bottles of lotion, perfume, or hair products should go into your checked baggage due to liquid restrictions in carry-ons. |
🧳 Hold Luggage Items (Checked Bag):
If you're flying from Malaysia, most full-service airlines allow you to check in one piece of luggage (up to 23kg) for Economy and Premium Economy passengers. Business and First Class passengers usually get two pieces, also up to 23kg each. For low-cost airlines like AirAsia or Scoot, checked baggage often needs to be added as an extra during booking—so don’t forget to check your ticket details!
⚠️ Important Tip:
Batteries (especially lithium ones), power banks, laptops, cameras, and medical equipment like urine bag chargers must go in your carry-on, not your checked bag, for safety reasons.
| Item | Why You Should Pack It |
|---|---|
Clothing | Bring enough outfits for the entire trip—include your underwear, socks, and sleepwear. Pack light if you plan to do laundry during your stay. |
Shoes | Comfortable shoes for walking, sandals if you're heading to the beach, or formal shoes for special events like weddings or dinners. |
Toiletries (Full Size) | Store your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other personal care items here since you can bring larger sizes. Make sure they’re leak-proof! |
Extra Toiletries | Items like a hairbrush, deodorant, shaver, sunscreen, and sanitary products. Best to have spares on longer trips. |
Jewellery & Accessories | If you're packing jewellery, keep it in a small pouch or case. For pricier items, consider hand-carrying instead. |
Chargers | If you’ve got extra chargers, pack them here—just remember to carry at least one with you in your hand luggage. |
Swimwear | Heading to Langkawi, Redang, or even a hotel pool? Don’t forget your swimsuit! |
Electronics | Laptops and cameras should actually go in your carry-on, but if you need to pack any bulkier accessories, store them safely in your check-in. |
Souvenirs & Gifts | Any goodies or oleh-oleh you buy—like dodol, keychains, or fridge magnets—can be packed safely in your check-in bag. |
Snacks | Pack local snacks or larger food items that you don’t plan to eat on the plane—like keropok, serunding, or kuih raya. |
Books, Magazines, or Travel Guides | If they’re heavy and you don’t need them during transit, better to put them in your checked bag. |
Laundry Bag | Bring a plastic or fabric bag to separate your dirty clothes from clean ones. Saves time when you get home! |
First Aid Kit | A basic kit with plasters, painkillers, minyak cap kapak, or anything else you regularly use. |
Heavy or Bulky Items | Jackets, coats, or anything that takes up too much space in your carry-on—especially useful if you're heading somewhere cold like Genting or overseas. |
❄️ Essential Packing List for Your Winter Ski Holiday
Planning a ski trip to Japan, Korea, Europe, or New Zealand? Kalau ini first time you’re heading to the snow, jangan risau—we’ve got your back! Packing for a ski holiday is a bit different than your usual beach trip, so here’s a handy checklist to make sure you stay warm, dry, and ready to hit the slopes like a pro.
🧥 Clothing Essentials
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
Ski Jacket & Pants | These are not your normal jackets—make sure they’re waterproof and insulated to keep you dry and toasty on the mountain. |
Base Layers | Think of them as your inner layer—thermal tops and leggings made of fleece or merino wool are best. They help trap heat and wick away sweat. |
Mid Layers | Fleece jumpers or lightweight down jackets for extra warmth when it’s really cold. Layering is key! |
Ski Socks | Bring a few pairs of thick, warm socks designed for snow sports—normal socks won’t cut it. |
Gloves or Mittens | Get insulated and waterproof ones. Trust us, cold fingers will ruin your day real quick. |
Hat or Beanie | For keeping warm when you're off the slopes—especially useful during your jalan-jalan lepas main ski. |
Neck Warmer or Buff | Windy days on the mountain? A neck warmer or buff can protect your face and neck from the icy chill. |
Ski Goggles | Must-have for visibility on snowy days and to shield your eyes from glare. |
Ski Helmet | Safety first—don’t take risks, especially if you're new to skiing or snowboarding. Most ski resorts provide rentals, but you can bring your own. |
🎿 Ski Gear
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
Skis/Snowboard & Poles | If you’ve got your own gear, great—if not, most people rent them at the resort. Just make sure to book early! |
Ski/Snowboard Boots | Comfortable and properly fitted boots are super important. Poor fit = pain all day. |
Ski Lock | If you’re bringing your own gear, pack a lock so it doesn’t “disappear” while you’re having lunch. |
🎒 Accessories & Extras
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
Sunscreen & Lip Balm | Snow reflects sunlight strongly, so yes—you can get sunburnt. Don’t skip this! |
Water Bottle or Thermos | Easy to forget, but staying hydrated is important, especially at higher altitudes. |
Backpack | Useful for carrying snacks, water, or even an extra layer. Choose one that’s lightweight and comfortable. |
Hand Warmers | These little guys are lifesavers on super cold days—just pop them into your gloves or pockets. |
Camera or GoPro | You’ll definitely want to capture your first ski fall (and hopefully some cool moves too). |
👢 Après-Ski Clothing (Post-Ski Chill Time)
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
Comfortable Shoes or Boots | After a whole day in ski boots, your feet will thank you for something soft and warm. |
Casual Clothing | Bring comfy pants, sweaters, or hoodies for lounging around the hotel, exploring town, or heading to the onsen or spa. |
Pro Tip:
If you don’t own winter wear, no worries—many places in KL or online platforms offer rental services for ski jackets, pants, gloves, and even helmets. That way, you don’t have to invest in expensive gear for a one-time trip! Would you like me to turn this list into a printable version or help you find rental shops in Malaysia for winter wear?
🔋 Power Bank Regulations for Air Travel – What Malaysian Travellers Need to Know
If you’re travelling soon, especially for long trips, chances are you’ll be bringing along a power bank to keep your devices charged. However, due to recent safety concerns, airlines around the world—including those flying to and from Malaysia—have updated their policies regarding how power banks should be carried and used during flights.
⚠️ General Power Bank Rules
- ✔️ Cabin luggage only – Power banks must be packed in your carry-on bag. They are not allowed in checked baggage due to fire hazards.
- ✔️ Up to 100Wh – Power banks rated 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less are typically allowed without any special approval.
- ⚠️ 101–160Wh – These are only allowed with airline approval and are usually limited to two units per passenger.
- ❌ Over 160Wh – Power banks exceeding 160Wh are strictly prohibited on all commercial passenger flights.
✅ Best Practices for Travelling with Power Banks
- Always pack your power bank in your carry-on luggage—never in checked bags.
- Check airline-specific rules before your flight, especially for international travel.
- Stop using your power bank if it overheats or appears damaged. Inform the cabin crew immediately.
- Avoid using power banks during take-off and landing, even if the airline permits them during the flight.
💡 Extra Tip:
When purchasing a new power bank—whether from Lazada, Shopee, or a physical store—make sure the capacity and watt-hour (Wh) rating are clearly stated. If airport security or airline staff cannot verify the specifications, your power bank may be confiscated.
Essential Holiday Packing Tips and Hacks
Packing for a trip doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you have the right tips and hacks to make the most of your luggage allowance and ensure you have everything you need. Over time, you’ll get better at figuring out what’s essential, what can be left behind, and how to fit both the must-haves and a few non-essentials into your bag.
One of the best packing hacks we’ve discovered is using packing cubes and vacuum bags. These tools help compress your clothes while keeping them organised and wrinkle-free. They’re especially useful for making the most of your luggage space. Vacuum bags are perfect for bulky items like sweaters or jackets, especially if you’re heading to cooler destinations. A bonus tip to avoid unexpected baggage fees is to wear your heaviest clothing on the plane!
As for toiletries, we rarely travel with full-sized bottles—especially for short trips or weekend getaways. Travel-sized toiletries make it easier to get through airport security (no need to worry about the 100ml liquid limit!) and they weigh a lot less, making your bag much easier to carry. If you can’t live without your favourite products, consider decanting them into smaller bottles to save even more space.
FAQ: Baggage Checklist
What should I pack in my carry-on bag?
Your carry-on bag should have all the essentials you may need during the flight or in case of delays. This includes your travel documents (passport, tickets), valuables (electronics, jewellery), personal items (toiletries under 100ml, medications), and a change of clothes. Don’t forget your charger, snacks, and something to keep you entertained, like a book or tablet.How can I save space in my checked luggage?
Packing cubes are a great way to organise and compress your clothes. Vacuum bags are perfect for bulky items like jackets or sweaters. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them reduces wrinkles and helps maximise space. Another tip: wear your heaviest clothes (like jackets and boots) on the plane to lighten your luggage.Can I bring full-sized toiletries in my checked baggage?
Yes, you can pack full-sized toiletries in your checked luggage. However, remember that liquids, gels, and aerosols over 100ml aren’t allowed in carry-on bags. To save space and weight in your carry-on, consider using travel-sized containers or decanting products into smaller bottles.How do I avoid exceeding my luggage weight limit?
Weigh your luggage at home to make sure you're within the airline's weight limit. Opt for lightweight clothing and packing materials. If you’re close to the limit, redistribute weight between your bags or wear bulkier items like jackets or shoes on the plane.What are some essential items I should never forget to pack?
Apart from your clothes and toiletries, make sure you pack your travel documents (passport, visa, tickets), necessary medications, chargers, and an emergency kit (first-aid supplies, hand sanitiser, masks). It's also a good idea to have a power bank, snacks, and a water bottle to keep comfortable during your journey.