So I got back from my trip to SE Asia about 3 months ago, but have yet to post hardly any pictures or recaps of what went down.
To start off, I will share my experience with overloading my backpack with unneccessary garbage.
Here is a list of things I didn`t use at all…not even once!
- Poncho -> Even if it did rain, it was warm at would only last 30-60 minutes max.
- Mosquito net -> I havent seen 1 mosquito there (FACT!) and the nets were almost everywhere.
- Army knife -> I didn`t go trekking or go hang out in the jungle, so I kept it closed all the time.
- 2 out of 3 towels -> They have towels everywhere and weird as it may seem, they changed them regularly.
- 95% of my meds, but I don`t mind hauling half a pound of pills just in case. Same goes for the First aid kit.
- Flashlight -> Again, there was no trekking involved so street lights worked just fine.
- Jeans! -> Arguably the heaviest and space consuming piece I didn`t need. It was too freaking hot all the freaking time!
- 1 book -> Althought I had 3, they are a bit ackward to carry around. Thank god for soft cover books. A Kindle would be much better.
Thats about it, as far as the things from the video I took and didn`t need. Allthough my backpack weighed 14 kgs alltogether, I believe I could get it down to around 10.
14 kgs isn`t all that much, but when you are constantly going on and off ferries,busses and “taxis” with freakin 99% humidity…its a pest!
I would however still reccomend you use a large backpack, because the way the Thai people (ferrys, buses etc.) handle the luggage…Buddha help you!
Never leave anything breakable in the main backpack and always carry a smaller (but not too small) backpack, for personal stuff. I was lucky enough to have the zipper on my mini backpack (detachable from the big one) break before I ever left the ground! But have no fear, cause backpacks in Thailand go for as little as 5€ onwards.
I wouldn`t add anything to my packing list, except maybe a few more locks, cause every freaking thing needs a lock (from bungallows,lockers and the backpack itself). I had to break 2 of my locks (with the help of some saws and helpfull staff).
It was funny however when I locked “myself” out of my locker in Kuala lumpur (Malaysia) that the staff member couldn`t destroy the lock “his own way” and politely asked :
Staff member : “Did you buy this lock in Malaysia?” …
Me: “Nop, in Thailand” …
Staff member: “Oooooh Thailand..I have some keys for those.”
Me: “Excuse me!?! You have keys???”
And yes, he had a set of keys which all fit, but couldnt open it. It did however help with the breaking of the lock with the first blow of the hammer right after it.
Note to all: If you are going to Malaysia, don`t use locks from Thailand. However stupid it may sound 
Thats it from me, regarding the packing issues with the do`s and the don`ts. Hopefully it will save you some unwanted hastle and make your trip safer.
Sincerely, Igor Buyseech
Hello, Mr. Igor Buyseech,
You should schedule a visit to the Philippines. Come to our archipelago on months when waters are calmer than the rest of the year – calm waters would be February to April. I’m cautious myself and would prefer those months to ride bancas or motorized boats.
and, don’t forget to Tweet us your Filipino followers in advance. Thank you for your nice articles.
Hi Desiree,
glad to hear I have new followers on Twitter and Facebook.
Will surely keep you all posted on whats going on in the world of Buyseech.
There are no current plans for the Phillipines, but surely a drop in, will be needed in the future. I hear nothing but good things about your country.
Sincerely, Buyseech