Tips for a Better Experience in the Jungle
The jungle is a vast and diverse ecosystem, home to a wide variety of plants and animals. It can be a challenging environment for humans to navigate, but with a methodical and well-planned approach, it is possible to survive and even thrive in the jungle. That said, here are some key things to keep in mind when attempting to survive in the jungle:
1. Acclimatise
Some of the primary dangers in the jungle include heatstroke and heat exhaustion. It is important to allow your body time to adjust to the tropical weather, including the heat and humidity, as well as any jet lag you may be experiencing. This process of acclimatization can be just as important as adjusting to cold temperatures or high altitudes. To give your body the best chance to adapt, consider arriving in the country a few days before your jungle expedition. This will give you time to acclimatize and help ensure a more enjoyable and successful trip.
2. Get Fit Before Travel
It is important to be physically fit before embarking on a jungle expedition. Your cardiovascular endurance and strength will be essential for carrying a heavy pack and navigating challenging terrain. To prepare, you may want to consider starting a training regimen that focuses on building endurance and strength. This can include activities such as hiking, running, and carrying a weighted pack. In the jungle, you may be required to carry your belongings for several days and wade through deep water, which can add extra weight to your pack. Additionally, you will likely encounter uneven, muddy, rocky, and steep terrain, so it is helpful to be accustomed to this type of physical exertion.
3. Pack Light
A heavy bag will require more energy to carry and can increase your body heat, leading to increased fatigue and discomfort. When packing, focus on bringing only the essential items such as a hammock, tarp, boots, and rucksack. The quality of these items can significantly impact your comfort and overall well-being. Make sure to carefully review the packing list and leave any unnecessary items behind at your base camp or in the hotel storage.
4. Look Up, Down and Around
Visiting Danum Valley is often of the top things to do when visiting Borneo. Danum Valley Conservation Area has been recognised as one of the world’s most complex ecosystems and has been classified as a Class I protected rainforest. It is bowl-shaped, generally hilly but not mountainous.
Remember that staying aware of your surroundings is critical for survival in that area. To reduce the chances of injury, here are some simple yet effective tips to follow:
Look up: When setting up camp for the night, check for dead branches or hanging vines that could fall on your hammock. If you are under a thick canopy of trees, try to set up camp near safe, sturdy trees to minimize the risk of falling debris.
Look down: Check the ground around you for insects or other critters. Sweep away any leaf litter to create a clear area around your feet, as most small animals and insects avoid the open ground.
Look around: Remain vigilant and never put any part of your body in a place where you can’t see it. This includes checking your clothes and boots before putting them on.
5. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial for survival in the jungle, especially during sustained physical activity. When you first arrive in a hot and humid environment, your body will be adjusting to the climate and will sweat more heavily. During this time, your sweat will have a higher concentration of electrolytes. As your body becomes accustomed to the environment, you will sweat less and your sweat will have a lower concentration of electrolytes. Regardless of your body’s adaptation, it is important to be mindful of your fluid intake and make sure to replenish any fluids lost through sweat.
Conclusion
Chances are you will experience hot, humid conditions and be wet for much of the time while in the jungle. However, don’t let these conditions discourage you as there is always something to keep you busy and engaged in the jungle, whether it’s navigating dense vegetation, climbing steep ravines, rappelling down waterfalls, or taking a refreshing dip in a pool.