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Other locations available :
Janda
Baik, Gopeng, Sungai Chiling Kuala Kubu Bahru, Sedim
Recreation Park, Lagenda Park, Tangkak Johore, Lata Kijang Waterfalls, Ulu Yam,
Sungai Lembing |
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You are lost and the worst thing you
can do is to continue walking and drain yourself. Access
your condition. Ask yourself: What do I need to do today,
right now, to survive? How long can the food you packed
last? Prioritising and do the most important chores first
can help save your life.
The looming nightfall and darkness is lost trekkers worst
enemy. It’s also the time when 90% of wildlife come out to
hunt and find food - that’s you, if you’re not careful. If
nightfall is drawing near, looking out for a safe shelter to
spend the night should be your priority.
Go with the flow
Chances are, you fair better getting lost in the rainforest
than anywhere else. Our forest is mostly damp and most
plants are soaked in dew in the mornings. Collect dew and
rain water with large leafs. Small stream in the jungle is
mostly pristine and is safe to drink. Also remember, the
smallest tickle always strings itself to a bigger waterway.
Go with the flow and you’d usually end up near a river – and
human settlement.
Au naturel
Although it’s not easy to find natural resources dry enough
to start a fire in the damp forest, some resins, like the
keruing tree’s, and bark strips are good fire starters. Look
out for natural shelters.
Mousedeer trap
Young Leonard Hendrik and Milos Johed
who got lost in 2005 in Bau, Sarawak made a cave their home
for two nights before being found. Note what wildlife eats
in the forest; monkeys are the best indicators. If it’s
edible to them, it is most probably to you too.
Draw attention
Break off branches at eye-level, 5 feet above the ground,
along the path to help rescue team track you. One can also
leave heaps of stones, piles of branches or leafs for the
same purpose. A whistle never fails to draw attention and
its piercing shrill can echo far.
When making a smoke signal, you get more smoke by adding
leaves than wood to the bonfire. Understand that from the
air you’ll be a tiny dot. Find an open spot where the plume
can rise beyond the forest canopy.
Caveat - take care not to start a forest fire and jeopardize
yourself.
Getting along with
wildlife
Walking around the rainforest is not like walking through
the carnivorous exhibit’s cage in the zoo wearing a sheep’s
skin. Carnivorous animals like to mark their territory and
leave plenty of clues.
Survival Kit –
Comprehensive list of essential items
- Water purification tablets (iodine)
- Knife (sturdy fixed-blade knife with a 4” to 6” blade)
- Fire-starters
- Butane or similar lighter (in a waterproof container even
if it's just a zip-top plastic bag)
- Metal match (magnesium fire stick)
- Waterproof matches (in waterproof container)
- Kindling (Vaseline coated cotton balls, pre-charred cotton
material, natural materials)
- A smaller knife for more delicate work (folding
multi-tool, but be selective. Most tools are useless for
survival situation)
- A small fine-grade knife sharpener. I dull knife is
dangerous.
There are plenty of small
sharpeners.
- Snare wire
- Parachute cord (small-diameter nylon rope)
- Signaling mirror
- Compass
- Fish hooks and line
- Small LED flashlight
- Small alcohol wipe packets
- Tetracycline tablets for diarrhea or infection
- Immodium (diarrhea is extremely bad in the tropics as
staying hydrated is your #1 priority)
- Antibiotic ointment packets or small tube (Neosporin or
Bacitracin)
- Surgical blade
- Butterfly sutures
- Insect repellent packets (small rubs are better than
lotion and can often be reused)
- Sleeping bags
- Needles and thread
- An epipen if you’re allergic to insect stings
- Life-sustaining personal medication
- Pen and notepad
When you should
carry a survival kit?
Basically, anytime you venture off into the great outdoors,
you should have the fundamental essential: fire-making
tools, a knife, a few water purification tablets, and if
you’re going to be around water, some fishing line, sinkers,
hooks and line. If you’ve got room for a compass, take one.
Please click on the
individual photos below for a bigger image
Scenes of Endau Rompin jungles
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HEALTH & FITNESS |
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We recommend
that would-be-adventurers take regular exercise a few weeks’ before the
said activity.
If you suffer regularly from severe stomach, muscular,
chest, heart or bronchial disorders,
are a severe asthmatic or have high blood pressure,
epileptic fits and pregnant, you are
strongly advised AGAINST participating.
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SURVIVAL TIPS |
Here are some tips on what
to do if you are in such a situation - lost in the jungle.
To be lost simply means
you are all alone
and you cannot see or
hear your friends anywhere. Your first reaction is do not panic.
Apply the S.T.O.P approach
— Stop, Think, Observe and Plan.
STOP – Take a deep breath,
sit down if possible, calm yourself and recognise that whatever
has happened to get you here cannot be undone. You are now in a
survival situation and that requires you to:
THINK – Your most important
asset is your brain. Use it! Don’t panic! Move with deliberate
care. Take no action, even a step forward, until you have
thought it through.
OBSERVE – Take a look
around you. Assess your situation and options. Take stock of
your supplies, equipment and surroundings.
PLAN – Prioritize your
immediate needs and develop a plan to systematically deal with
the emergency. Make a plan and keep to it. Adjust your plan only
as necessary to deal with changing circumstances.
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GENERAL TREKKING TIPS |
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When
choosing a trail, be sure that you have enough time to
complete the entire route before darkness falls. Do not
stray off the path to chase after animals.
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Use good
judgment regarding the fitness level required for the
trek and know your physical limits.
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Always
inform the park officials or let someone know of your
plans and destination for the day, especially if going
alone.
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Take
plenty of water and pack a few easy to eat snacks to
keep energy level up. Unless trekking with a local
guide, it is not advisable to eat jungle fruit or drink
from rivers and streams.
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In the
highlands try to trek on the ridge tops to save energy
traversing the steep slopes and catch a cool breeze.
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Be as
quiet as possible to avoid scaring any wildlife. Getting
an early start during the dawn provides the best chance
to sight animals seeking food and the warmth of the
early morning sun.
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Wear
thin, loose, preferably cotton clothing to remain
comfortable.
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Cover
arms and legs with long trousers and long - sleeved
shirts to ward off mosquitoes and to provide protection
against thorny plants.
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Wear
leech socks or long socks to prevent leeches from
finding an entry way.
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Choose
sturdy footwear with proper ankle support and good
traction.
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Be
prepared for sudden rain showers by carrying a poncho
that wraps over both body and your carrying pack to keep
everything dry.
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A wide
brimmed hat helps to shade a trekker from the heat of
the tropical sun.
Endau Rompin Survival - Trekking in the jungle
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