SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2000
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2000
Tips for Temburong trekkers
By Francesca Eldridge
Temburong is well known as 'The Green Jewel of Brunei', due to her abundant primary rainforest, which hosts a plethora of wildlife. The most popular way to experience the pristine jungle district is by taking a day trip to the Ulu Temburong National Park. However, for those who desire a close encounter with the rainforest, jungle trekking in Temburong is definitely possible.
Sungai Belalong, gateway to the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre and the Ulu Temburong National Park. Photos: Francesca Eldridge
A tranquil site, Labu, Temburong.
It is understandable that many people feel nervous at the very mention of jungle trekking.
If you have spent most of your life in a city, or in a country that has no rainforest, the idea of traipsing through jungle can be quite intimidating. Images of enormous venomous snakes and spiders spring to mind. Getting lost, sustaining an injury, or running out of food and water, are potential risks. As I recently discovered, jungle trekking is an enjoyable, even relaxing, experience. It does require forethought, knowledge and preparation, as do most outdoor activities. When approached with the right equipment, and a knowledge of the do's and don'ts, jungle trekking is a rewarding experience.
Essential items to take trekking
The following equipment is recommended as the minimum:
*Hammock and mosquito net (available from outdoor/camping stores), small blanket.
*Clothes pegs to close mosquito net, small length of strong rope.
*Solid, comfortable footwear, long trousers, clothing that dries quickly, a warm sweater, raincoat and umbrella.
*Torch, spare batteries, compass.
*Mosquito coils and lighter.
*First Aid Kit - plasters, bandages, small scissors, tweezers, thermometer, antiseptic cream, insect bite ointment, Gly-Coramin (glucose 'sweets'), Aspirin, fluid replacement powder (such as Gastrolyte), muscle cream.
*Mineral and vitamin tablets, salt tablets, water purification tablets.
*Sun block, insect repellant, soap, toilet paper.
*Large rubbish sack to cover pack at night, spare small plastic bags.
*Suitable food - oranges and rambutans are great refreshers and keep for days. Rice, bread, tinned tuna, crackers, biscuits, instant noodles, nuts, and muesli bars are non-perishable and easy to carry.
Figure out how much water you will need to carry at first. If you are going to be trekking along a river, start out with three litres, then fill empty bottles as soon as possible. Water purification tablets take about three hours to work. If you won't be reaching a river for a day or two, six litres would be a good amount to start with. Water is extremely heavy to carry, so the sooner you get to a river, the
better.
Always take an up to date map. Tell at least two people where you are going and when you expect to return. If you carry a hand phone for emergencies, make sure all trekkers know the phone's pin number.
The camp site
Before you set up the hammocks, look up. Are there large branches directly above you? What about bird's nest ferns?
Heavy rain can cause branches to snap, and a sodden bird's nest fern weighs more than you would think, especially when falling from a great height! Ideally, branches above you should provide some shelter from the rain, but not be large enough to cause damage if they fall.
Try to avoid camping on ridges, as you are more exposed to the wind and rain here.
It's pleasant to camp by a river. You have easy access to drinking water, and can have a wash or a swim. It's also more scenic! However, don't camp right next to the water, especially if the terrain is hilly. Heavy rain could cause the river to swell.
If there are fish in the river, it's a good sign that the water is clean, though you will still need to use purification tablets. Once you decide on a camp site, light a few mosquito coils and keep them burning through the night.
Fruit skins are the only 'rubbish' you can leave in the rainforest. However, never leave these kinds of food scraps around your camp. You will attract ants, which are probably the most pesky inhabitants of the jungle. You don't want these guys in your hammock, clothes, or pack, as some species of ant can give a very painful bite.
Non-biodegradable rubbish should be collected in plastic bags and hung on trees at the outskirts of your camp site. If ants get into these bags, just leave them until you are ready to pack up the camp. Then, tie the top of the bag and immerse it in the river. Put the wet bag inside another plastic bag.
Crossing rivers
If you have to cross a river, first stop and remove your shoes. You will grip better with bare feet. Check that everything in your pack is securely wrapped in plastic bags, especially food, camera, torch, batteries etc. If you can find a heavy stick on the river bank, it will be useful for balance, and checking the depth as you go.
All trekkers should be linked together by winding a section of the rope around one hand, but not too tightly. Cross further up from the point you want to reach, as the current will push you downstream. River rocks can be very slippery, so if you feel yourself starting to fall, bend at the knees. You should be able to regain your balance this way.
As long as the river is fast flowing and clear, you don't need to worry about crocodiles! There is no need to hurry, so just take it slowly, making sure that everyone is ok.
Dangerous creatures
A general knowledge of insects and wildlife will help you to feel more confident. If you know which creatures are dangerous/poisonous, you won't panic if you discover a large, but harmless, insect on your pack. Poisonous creatures you could meet in the Brunei jungle are:
The King Cobra - aggressive. Beware!
Waglers Pit Viper - unpredictable.
Krait Snake - normally flees from people.
The Black Widow spider - non-aggressive.
The king cobra is especially aggressive when its eggs are hatching.
Snakes generally like wet swampy areas. If you find yourself in such an area, (especially if plants make it difficult to see the ground), use a large stick to 'beat' the ground as you walk. The noise and vibration will scare off any lurking snakes.
Sometimes wasps will buzz about you out of curiosity. As long as there are only one or two, don't panic or make sudden movements. They will leave you alone soon enough. Always keep an eye out for wasps' and bees' nests and keep well away from them!
Useful information
*Drink at least three litres of water a day, and have regular doses of salt tablets and vitamin and mineral tablets.
*If biting ants (fire ants) get into your shoes while you are walking, leave the area quickly. Then remove your shoes and apply cream to the bites.
*Keep an eye out for thorns on the plants you are touching.
*The weather can change suddenly. If you've set up camp, but rain seems imminent, pack up as much gear as possible and cover your pack with the rubbish sack. Put on your raincoat and find a comfortable place to sit. Two people can share one umbrella if necessary.
*Once set up, keep your mosquito net tucked up. You don't want to share your hammock with the insects.
*When you get up in the morning, always check your shoes carefully before use. Some creatures like to hide in shoes.
*If you hang clothes up to dry, check for ants before putting them back on.
*Many people believe it is a good idea to take a parang into the jungle. However, a parang is only useful if you are really familiar with it. Using a parang can be dangerous, unless you know exactly how to cut. Otherwise it is just an extra weight to carry.
*Try to avoid walking during the hottest part of the day - between 12 and 2 pm. You will use a lot of energy if you walk during this time and will drink a lot of water.
*Walking at night, when it's cool, is a good way to cover distance. However, this is only recommended if you have a clear path to follow.
*If you feel you may be lost, immediately mark your walking direction on the ground, then stop. Think carefully, then return to the last place you feel is on the trail. Never hurry!
*Don't push yourself - if you need to rest, stop. Remove your pack and have a drink and some fruit.
*Show respect for the environment, and to any people you encounter. Don't be afraid to ask for help or directions. Local people may be able to tell you more than a map can. Then again, not always! It can be culturally unacceptable to say "I don't know". People may guess and give you information just to keep face.
Enjoy the peace and beauty of the rainforest!
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