Guide · Packing
What to pack
Most islands have no ATM, few shops and boats that get wet. Pack for that. Product links on this page are affiliate links; see the disclosure.
Money
- Cash for the whole stay. Redang, the Perhentians, Kapas, Lang Tengah and Pulau Aur have no ATM. Withdraw on the mainland before the jetty.
- Cards are taken at some resorts, often not at village stalls or boat taxis.
The boat
- Dry bag for your phone, passport and cash. Spray comes over the side on most crossings. See dry bags
- Motion-sickness tablets if you get seasick. Crossings can be rough, especially near the start and end of the monsoon. See motion-sickness tablets
- Water shoes or sandals. Many jetties are a step down into the shallows. See water shoes
In the water
- Your own mask and snorkel. Resorts rent sets, but fit and condition vary. See snorkel sets
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard. Much of the snorkelling is in marine parks. See reef-safe sunscreen
On the island
- Insect repellent. Sandflies on the beach are a common complaint. See insect repellent
- Basic medicines and a torch. Island shops are small, and many resorts run on generators that are switched off for a few hours a day. See torches
- Power bank. Mobile signal and Wi-Fi are patchy, and searching for signal drains a phone fast. See power banks