Ah the sarong, a staple piece of travel fashion in hot weather countries. It’s a piece of clothing I didn’t even know existed until my first backpacking trip to Southeast Asia so long ago.
Southeast Asia has been like a second home to me over the years. The people are amazing, the food is unbelievably delicious, and the weather is always great. Well maybe that last one’s a bit of an exaggeration, but in Southeast Asia, you are always a short trip away from beautiful weather!
I’ve taken 4 voyages to Southeast Asia since 2013 ranging in length from 1 month to almost a full year. It’s been a place that I’ve both backpacked and worked, have been infatuated with and infuriated with (at times), and it was the starting place of my first real backpacking journey. From traveling with a group of friends to going off on my own, the one constant, loyal, and trustworthy companion I’ve had…my sarong!
Yes, a sarong. You might be thinking WHAT? The thing that goes around your waist? That thing that looks like a scarf? Isn’t that just for women?
My answer to all of those is Yes, Yes, Yes, and NO.
I’m a man. I have a sarong and I’m not ashamed to say so. It’s the one thing in Southeast Asia I can’t go without (besides sandals of course)! Oh and did I mention they are only about $2 a piece?
So to honor my beloved cloth friend I decided to list out all of its different benefits and uses. Here we go…
For entry into temples
Most temples will ask you to cover up your knees when you enter. If you’re like me and don’t want to wear jeans in 35º C weather (95º F), then a sarong is your best alternative.
As a beach towel
For those times you don’t feel like bringing a bulky towel to the beach. Sitting on the hot sand can be a pain, oh and, those pesky granules love sticking to wet objects.
As a travel towel
It dries just as quickly as microfiber (especially in the sun) and doesn’t get that nasty smell after one use.
They can fold up to the size of a pair of socks
My sarong saved me so much room in my backpack! I’m all about sizing down when it comes to travel packs, so every little bit helps.
As a scarf
Yep, I’ve used it as a scarf. Have you ever experienced sand blowing in your mouth, or a nice sunburn on your neck? Which brings me to…
A sarong keeps the sun away
Forget your sunscreen at your guesthouse…use a sarong. It’s always pretty fun hanging it between some tree branches too. Treat it as a blanket fort of sorts against the brutal sunshine.
As a daypack
Put all your stuff in the middle, tie the four corners together, and voila! A makeshift daypack/purse/grocery bag. I’ve been saved on many grocery store runs by my sarong.
A Sarong as a sheet or blanket
Whenever I don’t trust the sheets in a hostel I just throw a sarong on top. It’s not necessarily the best alternative, but sometimes it’s your only alternative.
As a skirt or traditional dressing
Just look back at number 1 on this list guys, and you’ll realize that this isn’t such an unusual thing in the world. Or, just go to Scotland or an island country like Tonga or Samoa.
As a wall tapestry
Have a Sarong with an awesome design? Try hanging it up. When you’re living or volunteering in a country and want to add some life to your room, a sarong is sometimes your best option!
As a rope
When you need to tie and secure things to your backpack, it’s great to have in a pinch. Or, if you just want to spice up your love life!
As a sling
I hyperextended my elbow in Koh Tao in 2013 and this became very handy for the next few weeks.
I’m sure if I thought really hard I could come up with a few more, but I’m pretty happy I got to twelve! So if you ever find yourself at a market in Southeast Asia deciding whether or not to enter a bargaining war with the feisty sarong stall lady (or man), just remember you’re not getting a piece of material, you’re getting a very useful friend!
