Penang Packing List
visitpenang.com/downloads/packing-list — Tropical climate checklist with local tips
Essentials
0/8Keep your passport and a copy in a separate bag. Penang is in Malaysia — no visa needed for most Western nationalities (30-90 days).
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Passport copy (separate from original)
- Travel insurance docs (printed + digital)
- Flight confirmations
- Hotel / accommodation confirmations
- Malaysian Ringgit cash (ATMs easy to find in George Town)
- Debit/credit card (Visa/Mastercard widely accepted)
- Malaysian SIM or travel eSIM
Clothing — Tropical Climate
0/10Penang is hot and humid year-round (28-35°C). Pack light, breathable fabrics. Modest dress (covered shoulders/knees) required for temples.
- Lightweight t-shirts / linen shirts (5-7)
- Shorts or lightweight trousers (3-4)
- Lightweight scarf or sarong (for temple visits)
- Smart-casual outfit (for AC restaurants)
- Underwear (5-7 pairs) — moisture-wicking preferred
- Socks (3-4 pairs — for AC buildings and shoes off temples)
- Swimwear (for Batu Ferringhi beach)
- Sandals or flip-flops (easy off/on for temples)
- Comfortable walking shoes (heritage walk cobblestones)
- Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho
Electronics
0/7Malaysia uses Type G (UK-style 3-pin) sockets. Voltage is 240V. Bring a UK adapter if coming from EU/US.
- Smartphone + charger
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh recommended)
- Type G (UK 3-pin) plug adapter
- Camera + memory cards + charger
- Earphones/headphones
- Laptop / tablet (if working remotely)
- E-reader or books for beach days
Health & Medical
0/9Pharmacies (Guardian, Watsons) are everywhere in Penang. Bring basic supplies but you can replace most things easily.
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Insect repellent (DEET-based)
- Antihistamines
- Paracetamol / ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrhoea medicine (Imodium)
- Oral rehydration sachets
- Prescription medications (with doctor letter)
- Small first aid kit: plasters, antiseptic wipes
- Hand sanitiser (pocket-size)
Food & Hawker Centre Essentials
0/5Most hawker centres provide disposable utensils but some only have chopsticks. Bringing your own is eco-friendly and practical.
- Reusable shopping/tote bag
- Reusable water bottle (insulated)
- Personal chopsticks (optional, eco choice)
- Familiar snacks from home (optional comfort)
- Allergy card in Malay/Chinese (if allergic to pork, shellfish, nuts etc.)
Documents & Apps
0/7Download offline maps before arriving. Google Maps offline for Penang island will save data and work without signal.
- Grab app installed + payment method added
- Google Maps offline map downloaded (Penang)
- Rapid Penang app (bus times)
- XE Currency app (check live MYR rates)
- Emergency numbers noted: Police 999, Ambulance 999, Tourist Police 04-261 5522
- Hotel address in Malay (for showing taxi/Grab driver)
- Travel insurance emergency hotline number
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