ON a sunny day in June last year, a family decided to go trekking in the jungle near Fraser’s Hill. Four boys lost their way and were finally found after two days in the 8,000 sq m jungle with the help of police force and the special Senoi Praaq trekkers.

People getting lost in the forest make the headlines most of the time. Getting lost in the Malaysian jungle is unlike anywhere else because the rainforest is dominated by one family of trees – the Dipterocarpaceae which can reach heights of up to 40 metres with their crowns supported by large skyward trunks. These trees shut the forest floor – and lost trekkers – from sunlight and directions.


To complicate things further, everything in the jungle looks similar. There are usually no markers or distinctive landscapes. No matter how often you go in and out of the jungle, preparing yourself with some survival skills and knowledge is the best defence in case you get lost.

Here are some tips.

BE REALISTIC

You are lost. The worst thing you can do is to wander around and tire yourself. Assess your situation. Ask yourself what you need to do today, right now, to survive and how long the food you have will last. Prioritising and doing the most important chores first will save you. If night is falling, looking for shelter immediately would be your priority.

GO WITH THE FLOW

Chances of survival in the rainforest is better than anywhere else. Our forest is mostly damp and plants are soaked with dew in the mornings. Collect dew and rainwater with large leaves. Water from small streams are usually safe to drink. Also remember, the smallest trickle always strings itself to a bigger waterway. Go with the flow and you’d usually end up near a river – and human settlement.

PACK SMART, NOT MORE

When packing, always give some thought to “what if I’m lost” essentials. Keep survival items in a waist pouch and never leave camp without it. Below are must-haves in your survival kit. Collectively they should not weigh more than 1kg.

1. Carry at least three fire starters – Vaseline soaked cotton balls, magnifying glass and cigarette lighter.
2. A small bottle of iodine to disinfect water. Use one small drop for every litre.
3. A few zip-lock bags for holding water.
4. Dental floss (100m). It’s a light, tough string with many uses.
5. Mini flashlight.
6. Heavy duty garbage bag. It makes a great raincoat and waterproof shelter. You can also use it to collect rainwater.
7. All purpose knife made of carbon-steel that can throw sparks when struck on granite.
8. A bottle of antibiotic ointment.
9. Some energy bars.
10. A whistle to draw attention.

GO AU NATURAL

Although it’s not easy to find natural resources dry enough to start a fire in the damp forest, some resins, like the keruing trees, and bark strips are good fire starters. Look out for natural shelters. Young Leonard Hendrik and Milos Johed, who got lost in 2005 in Bau, Sarawak, made a cave their home for two nights before they were found. Observe what animals, especially monkeys, in the forest eat. Whatever they can eat is most probably good for you too.

DRAW ATTENTION

Break off branches at eye-level, five feet above the ground along the path to help rescue team track you down. You can also leave heaps of stones, piles of branches or leaves 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 to the fire. 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 thus put yourself in danger.

GET ALONG WITH THE WILDLIFE

Walking around the rainforest is not like walking through the carnivorous exhibit’s cage in the zoo. So if you’re worried about stumbling on a hungry beast, it won’t happen. Firstly, the jungle is too dense for you to see anything. A camouflaged flying fox can fly pass you in a blink. Secondly, your human scent is alien and will make them run away before you see them. If they don’t, they’re probably females defending babies or their nest. So do give way to a nursing mum.

KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOUR

Staying positive is everything.

	Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 05-10-2008 23:24
	The jungle can be a problem if you allow it to be. Besides the great tips above check out Nature Escapes KL Report