Quick answer: For a beach picnic, bring a mat, an umbrella or shade tent, plenty of drinking water, sun protection and rubbish bags. Also choose food that copes with heat, such as retort pouch dishes, fruit and bread. Avoid the hot midday sun, and take all your rubbish home.
Sea breeze, sand and children running into the water. A day at the beach is a cheap weekend outing that many Malaysian families love. However, heat, sand and ants can spoil the day if you are not prepared.
This guide covers a checklist, suitable food, sun safety and how to clean up. If you plan to stay overnight, also read our camping checklist.
Beach picnic checklist
Pack the bags the night before so nothing gets left behind.
Shade and seating
- A waterproof mat or a tikar mengkuang.
- A beach umbrella or a small shade tent.
- Folding chairs for older family members.
- Pegs or sandbags to hold the umbrella down in the wind.
Food and drinks
- Lots of plain water, more than you think you need.
- A cooler box with ice if you bring perishable food.
- Containers with lids, plates, spoons and wet tissues.
- Rubbish bags, at least two.
Personal care
- A hat, sunglasses and a thin long-sleeved shirt.
- Sunscreen for adults and children.
- Towels, a change of clothes and clean water to rinse off sand.
- A small first aid kit.
Beach picnic food that survives heat and sand
Hot weather makes food spoil faster. According to FoodSafety.gov, you should never leave perishable food out of the fridge for more than 2 hours. Above 32 degrees Celsius, for example at a summer picnic, the limit drops to 1 hour.
So, choose food that does not depend on a fridge.
| Type of food | Suitable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retort pouch dishes | Yes | No fridge needed before opening |
| Whole fruit like bananas and oranges | Yes | Peel on the spot, less rubbish |
| Bread and biscuits | Yes | Keep in a container so they stay crisp |
| Sandwiches with mayonnaise or egg | Take care | Need a cooler box and should be eaten early |
| Nasi lemak packed in the morning | Take care | Eat it within a short time |
In addition, keep food in closed containers so sand and ants stay out. Also put the cooler box in the shade, not in the sun.
Sun safety at a beach picnic
Malaysia sits close to the equator, so the midday sun is very strong. The WHO says that you need protection once the UV index reaches 3 or more. At 8 and above, it advises avoiding being outside during midday hours.
- Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Sit in the shade around midday.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses and clothes that cover your skin.
- Apply sunscreen and put more on after swimming.
- Drink water often, even before you feel thirsty.
Also watch for signs of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, nausea or heavy sweating. If they appear, move the person to the shade, give water and get medical help if they do not recover.
Weather, sea and the monsoon season
Check the MetMalaysia forecast before you go. For example, the east coast of the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak usually get heavy rain during the Northeast Monsoon. Berita RTM reports this season runs roughly from November to March. Waves can get big at this time.
At any beach, follow warning signs and instructions from the local authorities. Finally, keep an eye on children at the water’s edge at all times.
Public beaches for a beach picnic
Here are a few well-known public beaches. However, facilities such as toilets and parking vary, so check before you go.
- Pantai Morib, Selangor.
- Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
- Batu Feringghi, Penang.
- Teluk Cempedak, Kuantan, Pahang.
- Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, Kedah.
Tips for bringing small children
Children get tired and hungry quickly at the beach. With a little planning, though, the day stays calm.
- Dress them in long-sleeved swimwear for better skin cover.
- Bring sand toys such as a bucket and spade.
- Pack small snacks and a water bottle for each child.
- Take turns so one adult always watches the children in the water.
- Pick a spot you can easily see from the water’s edge.
Then plan to leave before the children get too tired. As a result, the drive home is easier once they are rinsed and changed.
Ready-to-eat dishes to take to the beach
Retort pouch dishes make a picnic easier because they need no fridge before opening and last 1 to 2 years. You can eat straight from the pack, or soak the pouch in a flask of hot water for a few minutes for a warm meal.
For families, choose a mix. For example, Spaghetti Carbonara and White Rice suit children because they are not spicy, while Laksa Johor (fish and prawn) suits the adults. Prices start from RM12.90 a pack. For more outdoor menu ideas, read our guides on camping food ideas and long lasting food.
Clean up before you leave
A clean beach is everyone’s job. Pick up all rubbish, including empty pouches, tissues and cigarette butts, and take it home if there is no bin. Do not bury rubbish in the sand, because the waves will carry it out to sea. After your beach picnic, check around the mat once more before you leave.
FAQ about a beach picnic
What is the best time for a picnic at the beach?
Early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is less strong. Avoid midday without shade.
How long can food stay out in the heat?
FoodSafety.gov says no more than 2 hours for perishable food, or 1 hour above 32 degrees Celsius.
What food is best to bring?
Food that needs no fridge, such as retort pouch dishes, whole fruit, bread and biscuits.
Do I need a cooler box?
Yes, if you bring perishable food or cold drinks. Keep it in the shade.
Can we picnic during the monsoon season?
Check MetMalaysia warnings first. On the east coast, big waves and heavy rain are common from about November to March.
Still have questions?
WhatsApp the MakanHubb team at 012-540 0263. We reply during office hours, Monday to Friday.
