Hiking Tips in Tropical Rainforest: Things To Bring For A Long/Tough Hike and Potential Hazard

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Written by Shirley T

Tuesday, 27 May 2008 05:42

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Direction to Penang Hill Just about 15 minutes after I had embarked on the jungle trekking of Penang Longest Trail, the left side of my shoes decided to disintegrate after crossing the first stream. Oh no! The outsole was detached from the insole. Lightning never strikes twice in the same place but it did happen to me that day.

As soon as I had succeeded the second stream, the outsole of my right side also burst and left me with nothing to spare. I have been wishing to walk on this trail since several years ago, so turning back was not my option at all. God sent us rain, God also sent us friends.

Before I could even thinking of what to do next, a friend offered me some rubber bands to tie my disintegrated shoes. He even brought along a needle and thread as an emergency measure to fix the shoes or whatever that could be broken. As I walked through the rest of the journey on a pair of rubber-banded soles, this hike reminds me to prepare for the worst, and pray for the best.

Experience is our best teacher which taught us what to bring along for a tough long hike. The following items listed serves as reminder to me and hope to give you some pointers if you are preparing for a tough rainforest trekking like Penang Longest Trail:

1. A pair of comfortable hiking shoes with good grip & last on wet ground
2. Drinking water of 2-3 litres (worth to consider/bring isotonic drink e.g.100 Plus)
3. Hiking Pole
4. Salt/Ginger (home remedy that may help to prevent muscle cramp)
5. Consider wearing breathable long pants/long sleeve t-shirt and bring towel
6. Gloves
7. Knee guard and ankle guard
8. Raincoat/Umbrella/Hat
9. Food (minus biscuits)/Energy bars (to avoid low sugar level)
10. Environmental friendly insect repellent
11. Torch light and Whistle (for safety/seek attention in case of lost)
12. Rubber Band/Thread/Needle (could be used to fix the walking shoes etc.)
13. A set of change e.g. socks/clothes (you mostly will be drenched in sweat!)
14. Basic first aid kits e.g. hand plaster/topical analgesic/anti-histamine
15. Good to have walkie-talkie for communication
16. Camera – an optional item to capture the moments and beautiful flora/fauna!
17. Packed in a comfortable knapsack
18. Stay in group

Hazard Sign

Potential hazard to watch out during jungle trekking (recall from recent encounter along Penang Longest Trail):
1. Thorns from plants e.g. palm tree
2. Roots e.g. rattan
3. Poisonous mushroom/ferns/plants
4. Leeches
5. Bee hives
6. Patches of wet leaves (never know what's underneath)
7. Loose rocks/mossy stones/dead woods
8. An army of ants sometimes big ants
9. Cliff/Steep ascending/descending trail
10. Cramp/Spasm - a sudden painful muscle contraction

Have a safe adventure and enjoy the journey!
"Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes." ~ Zig Ziglar

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Comments (2) add comment

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written by Kuen Hoong , May 28, 2008

wow.. that pair of shoes seems have been with two of you for very long time.. time to get a pair of good hiking shoes / boot.

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