Backpacks & Gear 6 min read
Daypack essentials for city sightseeing
Daypack essentials for city sightseeing in Malaysia: what to carry for heat, rain, temples and trains in KL, Penang and Melaka, and what to leave behind.
All guides
Every Kate Blog guide in one place, newest first. Pick a topic to narrow it down.
Packing Guides 6 min read
What to Pack for an Island Trip
An island trip packing list for Malaysia: cash for marine park fees, dry bags, reef-friendly sun care, snorkel gear and what to leave behind on the ferry.
Travel Tips 8 min read
Staying Connected and Handling Money When You Travel
Tips on staying connected and handling money when you travel: eSIM vs local SIM, safe Wi-Fi, cards vs cash, ATM habits and the apps worth having.
Backpacks & Gear 7 min read
30L vs 40L vs 60L: Which Backpack Size Do You Need?
Backpack size guide: what fits in 30L, 40L and 60L packs, how each size works with budget airline cabin limits, and which one suits your kind of trip.
Backpacks & Gear 7 min read
Rain covers and dry bags: keeping gear dry in monsoon season
Rain covers and dry bags compared for Malaysia's monsoon season: what each one does, which sizes to pack, and how to keep your passport and phone dry.
Travel Tips 7 min read
Street Food and Hawker Guide for Backpackers
A street food and hawker guide for backpackers: dishes to try, how mamak, kopitiam and night markets work, how to order, etiquette and reading halal signs.
Travel Tips 7 min read
First-Time Backpacker’s Guide: How to Plan Your First Trip
A first-time backpacker guide to planning your first trip: route, budget, passport and arrival forms, insurance, safety, etiquette and health basics.
Packing Guides 6 min read
Tropical Weather Packing List: What to Pack for Heat, Humidity and Monsoon Rain
A practical Malaysia packing list for hot, humid days and monsoon rain: light clothes, rain gear, repellent, a Type G adaptor and tips for each season.
Packing Guides 7 min read
Jungle Trekking Packing List: What to Bring for Rainforest Hikes
A practical jungle trekking packing list for Taman Negara and Borneo: leech socks, quick-dry clothes, rain gear, park permits and what to leave behind.
Backpacks & Gear 6 min read
Travel gadgets worth bringing, and ones to leave behind
Which travel gadgets are worth packing? Plug adapters and voltage, general power bank rules for flights, and the electronics I would happily leave at home.
Accommodation Tips 8 min read
How to Spot a Good Budget Guesthouse
How to choose a budget guesthouse: read photos and reviews, check the location, spot red flags and ask about tourism tax and extra charges before you pay.
Travel Tips 7 min read
How Monsoon Seasons Affect Your Trip (and How to Plan Around Them)
How monsoon seasons affect your trip: what changes at sea and on land, how to read forecasts and operator notices, flexible booking and what to pack.