The allure of nature’s wonders has always fascinated adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Hiking provides a fulfilling and transformative experience, allowing people to escape the busy modern life and enjoy the peace of the great outdoors.
However, hiking has its challenges and risks. Navigating rough terrains, understanding trail markers, and identifying plants and animals can be overwhelming, even for experienced hikers.
This is where a hiking guide becomes invaluable. They serve as a knowledgeable resource and a companion on the trail, enriching the hiking experience.
Whether you are an experienced adventurer or a beginner, a skilled guide can offer valuable information about the surroundings, historical sites, geological formations, and wildlife encountered along the way.
Moreover, a hiking guide plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of hikers, reducing the potential risks of venturing into the wilderness.
TRUSTING AND FOLLOWING YOUR GUIDE
Head Park Guide at Gunung Mulu National Park, Kenneth Nilong, said there are two important things that hikers must do regardless of which summits or peaks they want to conquer.
Kenneth, who has been a hiking, caving, and mountain guide for more than 20 years, said firstly, it is crucial for hikers to listen to their guide.
“Your guides are experienced and knowledgeable not just about the mountain or cave that they are taking you to, but they can identify and evaluate whether you are fit enough or otherwise,” he said.
Secondly, Kenneth said it is equally crucial for hikers to pay close attention during the briefing sessions conducted by their guides.
He said guides would usually inform hikers of the safety rules and measures that must be adhered to.
“I always stress the importance of listening to your guide because from the moment the briefing session is conducted, you are expected to follow all rules and regulations that you have been informed of.
“Usually, the need for search and rescue (SAR) operations stems from hikers’ negligent actions of not following these rules and measures. If they were to follow without any questions, there would be no such cases,” he said.
Kenneth, who is also part of the State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba Sarawak) Mountain and Cave Search and Rescue (MOCSAR) team, said for those interested in conquering the famous Pinnacles, there are certain checkpoints that they must pass.
He said the first and second checkpoints, along with the cut-off time, serve as a safety measure to identify whether hikers are fit enough or otherwise.
The Pinnacles is a high-risk activity considering its steep gradient of 2.4 km ascending to 1,200 metre above sea level.
Descending the Pinnacles is more challenging than ascending, and it takes a longer duration.
“Among hikers who share the same dream of seeing the Pinnacles in real life, not all will see it becoming a reality. While there are some who are insistent and push themselves past their limit, they will eventually give up.
“We usually set a 60-minute time limit for hikers to reach the Pinnacles. If the duration goes beyond that, we will not proceed and descend. This is one of the ways for us to handle hikers who are unfit,” he explained.
For those who have set their heart on conquering the Pinnacles or summit at Gunung Mulu, Kenneth advised them to increase their level of stamina and fitness.
Hikers are encouraged to start training themselves one to two months prior to their trip.
“Conquering the Pinnacles or summit is tough, so there must be preparations to improve your level of stamina and fitness. This can be done by either going to the gym, jogging, or hiking at any mountain near you,” he explained.
Kenneth said what he finds most rewarding about his job is the ability to meet new people from every corner of the world.
He said this enables knowledge and experience sharing, which he truly enjoys.
“There are many things such as ecology and biology that we must learn about as guides. I personally find these subjects interesting.
“At the same time, being a guide has allowed me to learn how to better manage and handle the different temperaments, traits, and behaviours that people have,” he added.
EMBRACING NATURE’S SPLENDOR, SHARING THE PASSION
Since 1999, Razie Amri has been passionate about hiking and sharing this passion with others.
“It all began when I brought my friends on an adventure through the forest to see Mount Ampungan in Serian,” he said.
“For 24 years, I have been exploring and hiking different places in Sarawak. It started off as an activity to spend some time with friends and eventually became something I do for a living.”
As a free-spirited climber, Razie was attracted to hiking because he wanted to appreciate God’s creation through Mother Nature.
“The captivating and breathtaking views that one gets to experience along the way and on top of a mountain are addictive,” he said.
“After the first hike, I became addicted to hiking. It is like a calling from the mountains for me to be in its serene ambiance and picturesque view.”
Razie explained that different locations provide hikers with different and unique experiences.
“I would usually assist a group of 10 to 20 hikers, depending on requests or inquiries. The largest group I have ever guided consists of 30 hikers.
“For hikers who are unable to continue hiking to the summit, I would advise them not to proceed and then bring them back to the base so they can rest. Of course, some of them find this frustrating, but I would inform them that they are more than welcome to come and try again next time around.”
Before a group begins their hiking journey, Razie will conduct a thorough check on their well-being by asking if they have had enough sleep, something to eat prior, and any underlying health conditions.
“Sometimes, the journey may take up to eight hours to reach the summit. Descending from the summit is another matter, so it is important for me to find out whether the hikers are fit enough to proceed.
“There is also a briefing session before the journey to inform and remind hikers of safety measures set by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) if it is at a national park or by the local community for private or village areas.”
Razie explained that hikers would be informed about the condition and level of difficulty for the trails so they have a rough idea of how the journey will be like.
They are also reminded of the importance of notifying the guide if there are any injuries or inability to proceed further.
“Once the briefing session is done, I would proceed to check whether they are wearing appropriate shoes in addition to making sure that they have brought enough water, snacks, and medicines,” he said.
Razie hoped to see hiking become a popular activity among locals and foreigners alike.
“It is an activity that is good for one’s physical, mental and health well-being as well as provides one with the opportunity to be closer to nature.
“I hope that the growing popularity of hiking will continue in the years to come, be it among the senior or young generation,” he said.
KNOWING YOUR LIMIT
Between 2018 and 2022, Bomba Sarawak has assisted in 22 Search and Rescue (SAR) cases to find hikers who have lost.
Bomba Sarawak director Datuk Khirudin Drahman said that it is important for hikers knowing their limits and understanding the areas they explore.
He also stressed that following safety measures is crucial for a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Khirudin said, “Firstly, they must plan their hike by researching the trail, weather conditions, and difficulty level. They should inform someone, be it a friend or family member, about their plans and expected return time. They must also be prepared by packing enough water, food, navigation tools, and a first aid kit, among other essentials.”
During the hike, Khirudin highlighted the importance of staying on marked trails and avoiding straying off the path to prevent getting lost.
He advised hikers to choose trails that match their fitness and experience levels and not to attempt trails beyond their capabilities.
Whenever possible, hiking with a companion or a group is recommended for enhanced safety and assistance during emergencies.
Khirudin stressed that being cautious while exploring hiking spots is crucial for personal safety, emergency response, and conservation efforts.
He added, “While challenging hiking spots can be rewarding, prioritising your safety, being well-prepared, and respecting Mother Nature will ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.”
The final part of this series will cover the initiatives and efforts by the state government and other agencies to preserve and protect various hiking destinations in Sarawak.
