In a previous post, we explored some fun in the sun places right here in the Klang Valley with the many public parks surrounding us.
In this post, and for those who feel so inclined, I thought of exploring the option of having your fun in the sun, this time on a jungle trail, as an alternative.
Valderi, Valdera
Malaysia is lush and green. Jungle trails are plentiful and peppered throughout the country. Living in the Klang Valley, I will concentrate on those found typically here.
Trail Blazing
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When I first started, it was so hard, I just about gave up on it. Jungle hiking is tough, no doubt about that. The jungle always presents challenges and that remains the same for me even now. Nevertheless, I persevered in spite of myself and here I am today. As they always say, the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
You may wonder why I even bothered persevering. After all, there are many other ways to keep fit.
Truth be told, I did not have a choice. I had gained a lot of weight by the time Baby No. 4 arrived and had wanted to shed off the excess pounds. It was both a personal choice and the doctor’s orders.
I tried going to the gym, but that did not work for me. I gave walking along the roads a shot but the high rate of snatch thefts put me off that in a hurry! In the end, fresh out of choices, I gave the jungle my last shot. That went home and the rest, as they say, is history.
Making that Commitment
To me, hiking is the perfect way to blend fitness with mindfulness. My best thinking and planning gets done there in spite of the obvious exertions. I figure that the challenges pique and push me to rise and rise again every day.
Downpours do not deter me, except when the winds blow strong and fast – not for lack of guts or gumption but simply because my head can’t take the hard knocks of falling branches. Ouch!
Also with strong rains jungle trails turn very quickly into streams. In other spots, the pooling water makes the ground sludgy and slippery. Visibility drops and paths can be inundated making walking tricky. You may not be able to see the crisscrossed roots, holes and the general surface of the ground beneath your feet.
But do not let that scare you away though. Yes, rainfall is a very common here but with a little planning and keeping a weather eye out, it is doable.
Choosing The Right Time
My preferred hiking time is in the morning, just as the dawn hits the cool earth. The jungle is its coolest then, especially after overnight rains. Furthermore, the lightening skies aids hiking without the need of a headlamp. You get the chance to see the sun breaking through the leaves as the whole jungle awakens to the new day. The breaking dawn is even more breathtakingly beautiful if the previous night saw rainfall, the heavier, the better.
Choosing the best time to venture in can only be determined after taking into account the rhythm and flow of your family’s schedules and needs. Planning around that makes your hike full of fun, frolic and adventure. For some, morning hikes are the best, others may prefer a late morning or even an evening hike.
My home is a stone’s throw away from the Hutan Pendidikan Bukit Gasing, colloquially known as Gasing Hill and it is a favourite haunt of hikers, all hours of the day. It contains a plethora of trails with different degrees of difficulty, separate entrances and best of all, no entrance fee. Since it is one of the more popular trails, be warned that parking can pose a problem during weekends and public holidays.
Another place of hiking interest is the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM). Since this is a Research Facility, they have opening hours and an entrance fee. FRIM also has picnic grounds and a lot of other things to do, besides jungle hiking. Before you plan your adventure there though, it is best to read up their Visitor’s Guide.
Other places of interest within the Klang Valley include the Bukit Kiara Trail, Broga Hills, Bukit Tabur, and Bukit Saga, just to name a few.
Decision Time
Jungle hiking is really fun, both individually and as a family. Unfortunately, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Before you start, there are a few things which need your consideration.
A Family That Hikes Together…..
Hiking goes a long way in creating and maintaining bonds. It is also an activity that everyone can do together, no matter the age. Hikers over at Gasing Hill range from 2 months to 80 years old. Because it is a flexible activity, each family can tailor their hike to suit their family’s ability.
Hiking is also a good way to exercise and burn off excess energy, especially for kids.
Hiking teaches us to admire, appreciate and treasure our environment. This is all the more timely if we are serious about battling climate change and its effects on our environment. As city folks much of our experience with the lush flora and fauna around us is through books or the TV. Along these trails, everything seen and experienced is upfront and personal.
Staying Focussed
Jungle hiking is a combination of effort.
You have both easy and hard bits on any trail you choose. Nothing is plain sailing but all challenges can be overcome together.
First things first, be focussed.
The jungle is so full of life and there is so much to take in all around, all at once that distractions happen. Walking without looking down at the ground can be dangerous. Quite simply, you could trip and fall, injuring yourself.
Additionally, life teems all around, even on your walking trail. It is a good idea to pay attention to where you place your feet so as not to squash the little critters.
Soaking up your Surrounds
Take the time to enjoy your hike with relish. Feast your eyes on its raw beauty and soak up the jungle song with your ears.
Malaysian jungles are full of flora and fauna from top to bottom.
Resident animals are shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. The trick to catch them in their element is to walk slowly and quietly. Do not provoke, disturb or touch anything as some flora are poisonous whilst some others are home to venomous creatures.
Gearing Up
Now that you have decided to give jungle hiking a try, what’s next?
You can walk the jungle using anything you want, there is no dress code. For instance, I have seen little ones hike in their pyjamas and slippers. That works for some families.
Some people hike barefoot. The uneven ground is a natural reflexologist.
But if you like to discover further options, here are some for your consideration.
Headwear
You sweat a lot in the jungle, even if you are just standing still. The hotter the day, the muggier it is, the muggier it is, the more you will sweat.
Using your hands to wipe off sweat is not only ineffective but can be unhygienic as well as your hands are probably dirty. Sweat which trickles into your eyes or your little ones eyes can sting. Plus if you wear contacts, it can wreak havoc on both your eyes and lenses. Using unclean hands to wipe away sweat at your eyes is not a good idea.
To counter that, I find using a cap helpful as the inner rim acts as a sweatband even as the visor shades your eyes against the sun’s glare. Alternatively, you could tie a scarf round your head or even use a sweatband. The same goes for the kids. If you are shopping for choices for the little ones, some can be found here.
You can also sling a towel around your shoulder or neck to wipe off excess sweat, as long as you secure it to your t-shirt. Towels easily slip unknowingly to the ground. Even if the ground you are walking on is hard packed, it always has a covering of fine sand which is notoriously difficult to brush off especially when you are slicked with sweat.
Outfits
Any comfortable clothing is good. But if you ask me, the best clothing for hiking is always dri fit sportswear. Some people like using track pants, others are happy with shorts. As long as you are comfortable, it is fine.
Since you can sweat a lot in the jungle, it is also a good idea to bring a fresh set of clothes to change into, especially for the kids.
Some people use hiking pants and jackets. While it might seem excessive to some, that gear goes a long way in keeping the mozzies and other stingers at bay.
Shoewear
Some go in slippers, some come in shoes. And as mentioned earlier, some go barefoot.
Hiking shoes or boots are the best choice and easily bought at any sporting goods store near you. Alternatively, you can use sneakers or even school shoes. Just make sure your shoes have good grip so you do not fall. Mums, be warned though, if your kiddos use their school shoes here, it is best they have a spare set for school the following day. After rains, trails get very muddy.
Personally, I find using heavier shoes better because they anchor you to the ground. Light-weighted shoes can cause falls, as personally experienced.
I would also highly recommend the use of socks, especially for little feet. They have the dual benefit of grip and sweat absorbency. Sweaty feet, especially little ones can slip even when using shoes as little feet do not grip as well as adult feet do.
Hiking Poles
If you are just trying hiking out to see if you like it, then you might want to hold on these.
However, if you are committed, then go for it. It is an investment you will never regret.
I never walk without my poles. They provide balance and act as an anchor in tricky places. Plus they can be used to safely wipe away creepy crawlies along the path.
There are many brands in the market to choose from and you can easily get them in sporting goods stores. If you do invest in them, get a pair for better anchoring and balance, instead of only buying one. Most poles are sold individually, so you will need to buy two of the same type.
Make sure though you buy hiking poles and not Nordic walking poles which are used for an entirely different type of walking. Hiking poles have pointed ends for grip.
Slap That On
Unless you are constantly moving fast, you will need mosquito repellent. While you are at it, there is no harm bringing a tube of soothing balms in case your little ones get bitten. Slapping on some sunscreen is also a good idea as some parts in the jungle are flooded with sunshine.
Gasing Hills has a small park within its confines, as does Bukit Kiara and also FRIM. Since you are out in the sun, you may as well protect yourself.
Hydrate, Hydrate Hydrate
You sweat buckets and you need that water loss replaced.
It is always a good idea to bring extra water. Thirsty people drink a lot. Just a note of caution though, if you are still walking the trails, it would be prudent to sip while you walk rather than guzzle down a bottle to prevent a painful stitch.
Also when we exert ourselves, we breathe through our nose and mouth to fill our deprived bodies of much needed oxygen. Breathing through the mouth dries up your throat which makes you thirsty. Sipping water moisturises your throat and keeps thirst and the painful stitch at bay.
Yummy In My Tummy
Hiking is hard work and before you know it, you will be famished. Feel free to bring along some food, not forgetting hand wipes and hand sanitizer. Just make sure you discard the wrappers responsibly.
On another note, avoid eating anywhere near monkeys.
Our hiking trails are usually home to two types of monkeys, the Long Tailed Macaque (see inset) and the Silvered Leaf Langur.
Of the two, the Macaques are the more aggressive simian and you would do well not to provoke or tempt them with food. They are opportunists with good eyesight and a sharp sense of smell. Give them a wide berth when you do encounter them.
Baby Carriers
Moms, if your little babies are tagging along to share in the fun, consider using a baby carrier. Hiking trails require a blend of balance, agility and strength. To keep your balance, you will need to use your arms. A baby carrier is perfect at keeping your arms free while you climb down or clamber up trails and help your other little ones navigate the terrain. It will also be easier for you to use your hiking poles if you have them.
Now that you are all geared up, it’s time to go hiking. Before that though, do not forget to take your phone as photo opportunities abound at every bend and turn.
See you on the trail!
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