An experienced hikes gives tips to Aznim Ruhana Md Yusup 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 top 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’s too dangerous to continue and they were on a ridge, which was 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 have 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.
CALCULATED RISK
The jungles of Malaysia are enchanting and hiking is a great to way to exercise but it should not be taken lightly.
Amidst reports of recreational hikers needing rescue from the jungle, I’m reminded of what a Mount Kinabalu guide once told my group prior to 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.
“For a hiker, you need to want to do it. 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 where you learn in advance and through experience.
One studies the routes from books and websites or ask experienced hikers. But one won’t really know what it’s like until one gets there.
“Say you 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.”
TAKE IT OUTSIDE
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 that 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.
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 abour 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 a 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 this with oral rehydration salt 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 you may not know this in advance.
“You can see people’s true colours during long trips,” says Zainuddin with a chuckle.
“When they are tired and mentally spent, you can see if they’re truly patient and will look after someone else or if they only care about themselves.”
GET REGISTERED
Many popular hiking spots these days require visitors to register, sometimes for a small fee.
These places are designed for day trips so the register keeps track of people coming in and going out, ensuring that no one is left behind at the end of the day.
Jurisdiction may differ depending on the area. The Chiling waterfall near Kuala Kubu Baru is under Selangor’s Fisheries Department because it’s a fish sanctuary. Gunung Datuk in Negri Sembilan falls under the state’s Forestry Department. Bukit Gasing in Petaling Jaya is maintained by the local council.
Otherwise, if it’s a less visited site, you will need to inform the nearest police station of your hiking plans.
Understand that it’s not just a safety issue — it may also be illegal to venture into these forests without permission.
Caught the hiking bug? You can join hiking groups or hire your own guide from the Malaysian Mountain Guides Association for more adventurous treks.
“When I started, we went to Orang Asli villages and asked if anyone would take us,” Zainuddin remembers.
If you sign up for a hiking trip, understand that there will (or should) be guides and experienced group leaders.
It will be their responsibility to request for permission to enter the jungle and inform the police. They’re in charge of looking after you, but you must also follow their instructions.
When you are on your hike, don’t forget to soak in the atmosphere. Listen to the birdsongs and chirping insects, or the sound of running water. Go offline. Take comfort in the fact that you have prepared as well as you can and enjoy yourself.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Weather
It is not advisable to hike when it’s raining as tracks will be muddy and slippery. If you’re heading to a river or waterfall, beware of flash floods and the ‘kepala air’ (water column) phenomenon.
“The Forestry Departments in many states close access to mountains between November and January because of the monsoon,” says Zainuddin.
“Hopefully this will reduce the number of accidents and people needing rescue,” he adds.
Your group
In the film Wild, which is based on a true story, the character played by Reese Witherspoon hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) alone.
Don’t do this in Malaysia, warns Zainuddin.
The tracks and facilities here are nowhere as established as the PCT and it’s not safe to hike alone. The rainforest is dense and it’s not easy to discern where you are under the canopy. It also gets dark quickly under the trees once the sun goes down.
“Some hiking areas have multiple junctions and tracks, especially if you’re near Orang Asli villages and it’s easy to get confused. When you go in a group, know who’s the leader, who’s in charge in the middle and who’s the sweeper at the back. Practise the buddy system and look after each other.” he adds.
Food and water
In this curent heatwave, you need to bring extra water to avoid dehydration but water is heavy and will weigh you down.
Some hiking routes or camping sites have a water source which you can utilise but the risk of leptospirosis makes it unsafe to drink without boiling.
With regards to food, carry only what you can bring in and out. It is incredibly irresponsible (and wrong) to assume you can lighten your load by leaving your rubbish behind.
“In the jungle, no one is going to pick up after you,” says Zainuddin. “Even worse, things like candy wrappers will attract animals who consume but can’t digest them. The trash you leave behind can kill wild animals long after you’re gone.”
Equipment
Some hikers swear by rubber shoes, the so-called “Adidas kampung” footwear. Others use running shoes or purpose-built hiking boots or sandals.
A high-cut boot will reduce the risk of ankle injury while hiking sandals will be kinder on the toes on the way down.
Your preference will come with knowledge and experience.
It’s easy to find cheap hiking equipment from sporting goods outlet nowadays but Zainuddin isn’t impressed with the quality.
So while these may be good enough to start with, consider upgrading if you want to get serious about hiking.
Zainuddin also recommends bringing a headlamp, even for a day trip. Gadgets such as a GPS device and fitness trackers can be useful but don’t rely too much on your phone for any reason. The signal may not be reliable and the battery will not last.
Insurance
Companies such as MSIG offer specialised insurance for sporting activities including hiking and some trip organisers will include insurance in their price.
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