Packing List for Penang
Everything you need for tropical heat, temple visits, beach days, and legendary food tours
Essentials
- Passport (6+ months validity for most nationalities)
- Travel insurance documents
- Cash in MYR (RM) — hawker centres are cash only
- Grab app installed (ride-hailing)
- Power adapter (UK 3-pin, Type G)
- Portable phone charger
Clothing
- Light, breathable clothes (cotton/linen)
- Comfortable walking shoes (George Town is walkable)
- Flip flops/sandals for beach and casual use
- Modest clothing for temple visits (cover shoulders and knees)
- Light rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Swimwear (for beach/pool)
- Light cardigan (shopping malls and restaurants blast AC)
Health & Sun Protection
- High SPF sunscreen (50+ recommended)
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes are common)
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
- Basic first aid: plasters, antihistamines, Imodium
- Hand sanitizer (useful at hawker centres)
- Sunglasses and hat
Food Tour Essentials
- Wet wipes / tissues (some hawker stalls have minimal napkins)
- Loose-fitting clothes (you will eat a lot)
- Empty stomach and adventurous attitude
- Small denominations of cash (RM 1, RM 5, RM 10)
- Google Translate app (some menus are in Chinese/Malay only)
Tech & Navigation
- Local SIM card or eSIM (available at airport — Digi, Celcom, Maxis)
- Offline maps downloaded (Google Maps works well)
- Camera (George Town street art is very photogenic)
- Waterproof phone case (for beach/rain)