Hike but be wise
An experienced hiker gives tips to on how to stay safe on jungle trails and hikes
ZAINUDDIN Lot and his group of 10 had been hiking for 10 hours in hopes of reaching the peak of Mount Tama Abu (elevation: 2,113m) in Sarawak that day. But it was getting dark and the summit was estimated to be two kilometres away.
It was too dangerous to continue and they were on a ridge, which is not an ideal camping site, but they had little choice. No one had brought a camping stove, so they used wood to make a fire to cook dinner. They also had to search for more wood at 3am to keep the fire going because it was very cold.
They were trying out a new trail from the Penan village of Long Sabai, about four days by foot. The group, which included guides from the Penan community, had plenty of mountain climbing experience. Zainuddin himself had reached the summit of Mount Everest in 2013.
“The people with me had at least 15 years of serious hiking experience. So while things weren’t going as planned, the situation was manageable and we were in good spirits.”
They left camp at 7.30am the next day and reached the summit at 2.45pm. The path was dense with lots of big trees in the way. But imagine going through all that in the dark. It was right to stop for camp when they did. A path at Taman Eko Rimna in Kuala Lumpur, but note that most jungle tracks aren’t this established. File photo by Aswadi Alias.
People need to understand that jungle trekking or mountain hiking is dangerous and risky but it’s a calculated risk
Zainuddin Lot
an ascent: “Going up is optional but coming down is a must.”
“People need to understand that outdoor activities such as jungle-trekking or mountain hiking are dangerous and risky, but it’s a calculated risk,” says Zainuddin.
“If you’re interested, you will study the route and prepare yourself for what you’re about to embark on.”
He’s unhappy that some hikers nowadays are so easily taken in by photos on social media that they make their trip without proper research and preparation.
“They see a beautiful mountain peak or some pristine waterfall on Instagram and they want to go immediately. But social media doesn’t tell you the whole story. Just because someone else did it, it doesn’t automatically mean that you can do it too.”
Zainuddin adds that hiking is an activity you learn in advance and through experience. One studies the route from books and websites or asks experienced hikers. But one won’t really know what it’s like until one gets there.
“Say you have decided you want to climb Mount Nuang in Negri Sembilan. You read somewhere that it takes six hours to reach the peak. So you know you have to start working out to boost your stamina and endurance.”
Zainuddin adds: “Learn to control your breathing and water intake. You don’t want to finish your water supply halfway up your hike.”
It’s important to know your body and its physical limitations. It helps to remember that you’re taking a risk when you embark on a hike so it’s perfectly fine to start small and build your strength gradually.
The jungle is not a gym. It is not a controlled environment. You may need time to get used to the heat and humidity. The paths are uneven. There may be rivers to cross and sometimes you’re not even sure where to step next.
There are bugs and leeches, and some plants are thorny and itchy. But being comfortable in an outdoor environment goes a long way in making you feel confident about your hike.
“Fitness is one thing but mental preparation is also important. If you’ve mentally given up, then your body will soon follow,” says Zainuddin.
There’s also the matter of what to bring on trips. You obviously need water and sustenance but how much, and what else? It’s only after several hikes that you get a sense of what to bring and how to arrange them in your backpack.
“First aid is important too. You don’t want to be calling the Fire and Rescue Department because you have muscle cramps. This is not uncommon and you can relieve it with oral rehydration salts, so have these things with you,” he says.
It’s always advisable to hike in groups. Stay on the path and try to go with people with a similar fitness level so you will move at the same pace. It also helps to have people with the same temperament, although