10 Travel Essentials Every Malaysian Konfem Needs on Holiday

By Danial Martinus • 12 Jun 2025 in Features

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Whether you’re jalan-jalan in Europe, healing in Bali, or just escaping to Cameron Highlands for the weekend, there are some things only Malaysians would pack in their luggage.

Here are 10 essentials we confirm bring along, because let’s be honest—travelling as a Malaysian means travelling extremely prepared.

1. Power bank (at least 10,000 mAh)

This might come as a no-brainer to us Malaysians. But what you probably didn’t know is that Malaysia has one of the highest internet adoption rates in the world. That’s ’cause we’re always on our phones and tablets; perpetually online.

And because of that, power banks are a common sight. They’re even more important when travelling, since you don’t want to run out of juice just when you need to pay for something or look up directions. We recommend a power bank with a minimum capacity of 10,000 mAh so you’ll never be disconnected.

JUICE recommends: Anker A1654 MagGo

2. Digital luggage scale

If there’s one thing Malaysians do when they travel—whether domestic or international—it’s buying souvenirs and other trinkets to remember their vacations by. Sometimes, they’re not really souvenirs—just clothing that would otherwise be more expensive back home.

But with every purchase on vacation comes more weight added onto your luggage. Having a tiny digital luggage scale on hand is a pretty fuss-free way to make sure your baggage is never overweight, saving you money and stress at the airport check-in counter.

JUICE recommends: GS GoTravel Luggage Scale

3. Tiny bottle of minyak angin or balm

Motion sickness? Headache? Muscle cramps? Can’t sleep? A surprise visit from a hantu? There’s a balm or minyak angin for that.

Even if you don’t personally use it, there’s definitely someone in your travel group who will ask for it. And you, the hero that you are, will be ready.

JUICE recommends: Minyak Angin Cap Kapak or Tiger Balm

4. One “extra” bag that magically appears when you need it

It doesn’t matter if it’s just a foldable tote, an extra backpack, or one of those grocery bags you got at your local supermarket.

Malaysians are proven experts at suddenly needing one more bag on the last day of the trip—filled with souvenirs, laundry, or random stuff we swear we ‘didn’t buy’. Go for something portable so it doesn’t take up much space in your luggage. You’ll be glad you have it when the need arises—and it will come.

JUICE recommends: Literally any shopping bag. Come on, we know you already have them lying around somewhere.

5. Fast-charging travel adapters

Like a power bank, this one is a no-brainer because of how technologically connected and perpetually online Malaysians are.

But any old adapter isn’t enough for us Malaysians. No, we need something that can charge at least four different devices at once. Phone, smartwatch, camera, power bank, maybe even a mini fan…

Because taking turns to charge? Cannot lah. We need fast charging and many charging.

JUICE recommends: UGREEN Nexode Pro 65W USB-C Charger

6. Instant noodles in a cup

If the military has MREs (Meal, ready to eat), we normies have instant noodle cups. They might not be your first choice for a meal, but you’ll definitely appreciate them when you need to fill up in a pinch.

Or if you’re like me, you like them regardless of the situation you’re in. Plus, imagine sipping on some piping hot noodle broth by the window when you’re spending the day inside ’cause of inclement weather or something. That’s cosy as heck.

JUICE recommends: Your fav instant noodle brand. We have no allegiance.

7. Emergency jacket or hoodie

Living in Malaysia, we’re kind of restricted in terms of what we can wear with layers. It’s hot out, but every time we set foot indoors, we end up freezing our butts off. Having an outer layer on hand is nifty for these in and out situations.

Using that logic, it’d make a lot of sense to bring an emergency jacket or hoodie along on your travels, even if you’re going to be somewhere warm. I mean, the flight to your destination could be freezing already. Or what if it rains? Yeah, just use your Malaysian senses and you’ll be fine.

JUICE recommends: Uniqlo Sweat Pullover Hoodie

8. A tumbler or flask

While steel tumblers or flasks might not sound like a convenient item to bring along with you on your travels, they’re a good way to make sure you keep hydrated without having to stop by a convenience store to get some water.

If space is a concern, get a smaller bottle (between 250 and 500ml) and you should be all set. Plus, if you’ve got a double-walled bottle, you can enjoy a crisp, refreshingly cold drink when it’s hot, or something more cosy and warm when it’s chilly out.

Just remember to keep it empty before passing through security checkpoints (you might be asked to dump out all your water if it exceeds 100ml).

JUICE recommends: THERMOS Ultra Light Thermal Flask

9. Flip-flops

You can be going to Iceland for a winter trip and still (somehow) a pair of slippers get packed.

They’re perfect for the hotel, the beach, random quick walks downstairs, or just feeling less like a tourist (depending on your destination). Regardless of the situation, we’re pretty sure you’ll find at least one opportunity to wear these bad boys.

Bonus points if you get them for RM5 at the pasar malam.

JUICE recommends: You already know—unless you’re looking for something more fancy, like the Birkenstock Barbados.

10. A portable phone stand or tripod

If there’s one thing about being Malaysian, we love taking photos. More specifically, photos of ourselves. But on vacation, that can be a little difficult when everyone in your group wants to be in the photo.

Sure, asking a passerby to help might be enough for you, but for those who want to be completely independent, a trusty phone stand or tripod will do the trick. No, we’re not talking about those large selfie sticks either. A portable accessory you can plop onto the back of your phone via magnets.

They’re easily adjustable, and don’t take up much space in your backpack. In fact, some can just be left on your phone the entire time, depending on their design.

JUICE recommends: MOFT Snap Phone Tripod Wallet