Clothings

1. First time travellers to the region? Pick clothes suitable for the hot weather and remember an umbrella. Its summer all year round in Singapore and Malaysia - Hot in the daytime (temperature can soar to 30degC) and cooler at night (25deg.C). For informal wear, tee shirts are commonly worn by most Malaysians. You may need only a light cardigan and the coldest places are usually at some hotels!, and the highland areas. Temperature may fall to below 15deg.C on some highland areas. When it rains it pours! literally - rain can be very heavy, but usually lasts a short period. Malaysian will only carry an umbrella rather than wear a rain coat.

2. Malaysians are generally very casual dressers. Its OK to dress in your finest at posh restaurants but many Malaysians dress casually when dining, unless it is a special occasion or function.

3. Ladies should avoid wearing low cut tops or short skirts or shorts when travelling in the countryside or small towns. Sleeveless tops are frown upon when you visit government agencies. Ladies, if you like putting on shorts to walk around in town, its OK, but wear a Bermuda shorts that reaches up to your knee so as not to attract unwelcome attention. Jeans are commonly worn by all Malaysians - male and female.

4. Try not to put on a beach wear which exposes too much of your body, especially at public beaches, in Malaysia. Its OK to put on your bikini if you are swimming in hotel pools or secluded hotel beaches.

5. If you are Muslim women and need to cover your head with a scarf, you don't have to worry about going into any establishments. Many Malaysian Muslim women cover their heads and wear long sleeved attire. It is common to see young Muslim girls who cover their head also wear jeans with a long sleeved tee-shirt top.

6. Remember Malaysia is a Muslim country. Be more conservative in what you wear when you travel outside Kuala Lumpur, especially in the countryside and small towns. Ladies should avoid low cut tops and exposing too much of their bodies.

7. If you have business at a government department, it is better to dress formally - men in a shirt and pants; and ladies can wear a pants with a sleeved-top or a sleeved-dress that reaches to or below the knees.

Shoes

• Sandals or sports shoes are common for informal wear. Court shoes are good if you need to dress formally. Slippers are commonly worn and OK but may not allow you into some posh establishments or some government departments.
• Walking shoes or sports shoes are best if you are going outside the city, sightseeing or hiking.
• You are  expected to remove your shoes when entering most Malaysian homes, mosques and some temples (Buddhist/Hindu). So if you are visiting, wear a sandal or a shoe that is easy to remove and put on.

Bags

• Where to keep your money and important documents   A hidden pocket in your clothes may be the best option. However, if you carry a bag, it is safer to wear a pouch bag or carry a handbag that hangs in front of you. Though Malaysian carry all sorts of bags and gear, if you act and look like a tourist, you tend to draw attention. Snatch thieves and pickpockets are not uncommon in urban areas. Do not hang a sling bag loosely on your shoulders when walking in the streets. 
• For easy handling of luggage, a haversack or backpack is good if you can travel light. Big luggage bags need to have wheels if you want to move around airport, terminals or cart it to your hotel. It is easy to move heavy luggage in airports but be prepared to lug your bags around at bus, train or ferry terminals. There are no luggage handling services or even trolleys at these terminals (only at one or two ferry terminals).
• If you travel on your own by public transport, such as by express bus (intercity buses/coaches) or taxis, a haversack or a small luggage bag with wheels is appropriate, as there are storage compartment available.  All intercity coaches have compartments for luggages (not local buses). It is generally safe to store your big luggage bags in the storage compartment below the bus seats.