I’ve just got back from an incredible two-week trip to Malaysia (think crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and the kind of sunsets that make you want to quit your job and move there forever). I had the absolute best time, and I wanted to share how rather than holding me back having a stoma actually made parts of the trip even easier!
Packing like a pro
Now, I am an over-packer by nature, so when it came to stoma supplies, I went all out. I’d rather have too much than be caught short! Since I was away for just over two weeks and planned on plenty of beach and water activities, I packed enough supplies to change my bag once a day.
To be extra safe, I split my supplies into three separate washbags:
- One in my hand luggage (so I always had access to it)
- One in my suitcase
- One in my partner’s suitcase (because you never know!)
Each washbag had 10 ModaVi bags, 10 eakin freeseal®, 1 bottle of adhesive remover, lavender wipes, black bags, and baby wipes. Safe to say, I was prepared for anything!
Tackling the flights
Door to door, my journey took around 24 hours with two flights. Before heading to the airport, I changed my bag to make sure everything was secure and comfy. For ultimate comfort, I wore joggers (perfect for a night flight because let’s be real, no one wants to feel constricted at 35,000 feet!).
Security? No issues whatsoever. No one batted an eyelid at my stoma. I emptied my bag before going through security, again before boarding, and three times on the 14-hour flight – every four hours or so. No leaks, no issues, which was amazing.
Staying hydrated in the heat
If you have a stoma, you’ll know that dehydration can be a real challenge, especially in a hot country. I came prepared with:
- SIS electrolyte tablets, I had one most mornings before heading out for the day.
- A stash of dehydration sachets, which are lifesavers if you’re feeling a bit drained!
This made a huge difference and kept me feeling good throughout my trip.
My ultimate travel hack: a dry bag backpack
One of my best purchases for this trip was a dry bag backpack. This thing was an absolute game-changer! It came with me on every boat trip, jet ski tour, and beach day. 100% waterproof, it kept my stoma supplies, a bottle of water, and my camera safe and dry. It gave me so much peace of mind knowing that if I ever needed to change my bag, my supplies would be in perfect condition.
The toilet situation in Malaysia
One thing I noticed when traveling around Malaysia – especially in more remote areas – is that running water isn’t always a given. Many public toilets are squat toilets (a.k.a a hole in the ground) with a bucket of water to flush.
One day, we took a boat tour to explore the mangroves and go snorkelling. When we arrived at the starting point, I saw those squat toilets and just thought, “well, thank god I have a stoma!” Seriously, it was a huge win. I didn’t have to worry about navigating those, and I didn’t even need to empty my bag until we got back to the hotel that evening.
I also saw a great tip from Rach (@gutsymum) on Instagram where she empties her bag into a black bag and disposes of it later. Which is pretty genius if you’re ever in a situation where proper facilities aren’t available!
Final thoughts
This trip was hands down one of the best experiences of my life, and my stoma didn’t hold me back for a second. In fact, there were moments where I was actually grateful for it!
So, if you’re ever wondering whether traveling with a stoma is doable — trust me, it absolutely is. Pack smart, stay hydrated, and get yourself a dry bag. Your stoma is not a barrier, it’s just part of the adventure!
