I've just started packing, and came to realise there are a few items which you may find useful to bring over/nice to have with you over in the UK if you haven't reached the 20 or 30 kg luggage limit already.
- batik/kurung/traditional dress for cultural occasions
- something for formal occasions (suit/dress) if you intend to attend conferences, etc
- misc malaysian souvenirs to give away/show friends (eg postcards)
- you can buy indomie and maggi for about 50p a packet (or less if you buy a whole box) in chinatown in London
- your favourite random spice mixes – eg. adabi chicken curry, rendang, sambal belacan, tom yam, etc. most are available in london’s Chinatown, but you’ll spend about 60p-1+ quid for a small packet. might as well chuck a few small packets into your luggage
- milo can also be bought there. expensive though. i'm bringing over a box of chinese tea leaves.
- kaya! – haven’t come across shops which sell kaya. Fresh kaya normally lasts about 1 month +. If you’re a big fan (like me), it’d help to bring along 1-2 packets.
- Moisturizer? (I didn’t find it too necessary)
- Lip gloss (absolutely necessary)
Computer paraphernalia:
- External hard disk (rm 200 for 80gb. abt 40-50 quid in the UK. useful for backing up your files)
- Usb thumb drive (rm36 for a 1 gb thumb drive. 6-10 quid in UK)
- Usb port extension (if you're like me and find that the 2/3 ports on your pc isn't enough)
- Microphone and earphones (if you intend to skype back home. if you don't have a pc, you can also skype from the computer labs, so these items will be useful anyhow)
All electronic items here are cheaper. Value Added Tax is at 17.5% in the UK. So if you were thinking of getting a digital camera and mp3 player, it’ll be cheaper here.
If you're thinking of getting warm clothing, my advise would be to bring over 1 or 2 sweaters/jackets at most and go shopping for something warmer when you arrive in the UK. It'll be about 12-20 degrees when you arrive, still not too cold. cameron highlands is at 15-24 degrees celsius, if you need a point of reference.
Feel free to add to the list, and all the best packing!
