For those who love to hike, exploring new trails continues to thrill. Besides, it’s a great way to stay healthy as you exercise your heart and build your stamina when scaling steep slopes.
From Broga Hill and Penang Hill to Taman Negara’s rainforests, there are adventurous spots aplenty all across Malaysia to de-stress surrounded by nature.
So, what are you waiting for? Why not start planning for your next hike? But wait, there are some essentials that all good hikers swear by. Here are five…
1. Apply for a hiking permit
A permit is like a ‘passport’ to get into the jungle. And in some forest reserves, it is mandatory to fill in a form before taking off on your hike.
Permits also help park rangers locate missing hikers, should you or someone in your party get lost by accident. By providing an emergency contact in the form, the authorities can call your parents or guardians in the event something unfortunate happens.
Permits can be submitted online or physically at the counter. Permit fees are as low as RM5, depending on which state you are in. Remember, make the permit booking at least one week before your hike to allow sufficient time for approval.
2. Wear the right attire
Malaysia’s weather can be unpredictable, so expect the possibility of rainfall and pack a raincoat. Wear sports leggings particularly if you’re trekking through muddy areas to avoid leeches.
For footwear, a pair of hiking shoes with the right grip is important so that you don’t slip and fall while trying to scale steep boulders. Alternatively, a pair of made-in-Malaysia ‘Adidas kampung’ shoes are a steal considering the price and how lightweight they are.
Carry a lightweight backpack so your hands are free when scaling steep slopes or to keep your balance when crossing rivers. If you’re not used to carrying a heavy load on your back, pack only a bottle of water, some snacks, a towel, and a first-aid kit.
3. Fuel up on healthy snacks
Eat a hearty breakfast before your hike. However, should you feel faint from exhaustion an hour into your hike, rest and chomp on an energy bar right away.
A chocolate bar or even fresh fruits such as bananas are great to fuel up on energy. Isotonic drinks such as 100plus are great energy boosters too.
Additionally, if you’re planning on relaxing at the peak of a hill and having brunch or lunch, a packet of nasi lemak or even fried rice is a real treat.
If you’re an adventurous hiker, why not pack a mini stove so you can cook a simple meal of instant noodles or boil water for coffee while taking in the views?
4. Pack a basic first aid kit
What happens if you slip and scrape your knee after stepping on a fallen tree branch? Or what if you get sudden muscle cramps? Or experience a painful insect bite?
At times like these, a basic medical kit comes in handy. The kit should ideally contain bandage strips, plasters, and maybe a deep-heat ointment to ease the pain of injury.
You can either assemble a do-it-yourself kit with all the necessary items placed in your backpack or purchase a mini first aid kit from a pharmacy.
5. Round up some adventurous friends and have fun
Hiking is an enjoyable experience with the right people. They can help conquer your fear of heights or challenge you on more adventurous trails.
More importantly, hiking with family or friends can be a great boost to your mental health. It’s also a fun workout amidst the beauty of nature.
Don’t forget to share some Insta-worthy shots on social media so that more people know of these hidden gems in the country.
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