Lesson Learned Management System (LLMS), Department of Management and Technology, Faculty of Technology Management, Business and Entrepreneurship, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Johor

Based on my limited experience, I would like to share some tips on what to wear should you need to enter into a thick jungle.  The risks involved when you jungle track are bodily injuries, or, encountering uninvited presence by leeches.  There are 2 types of leeches that are most common in Malaysian jungles. One, from the ground, and another, from the tree leaves.  The latter gives the most itch.  In order to feel safe and  protected, the basics are as follows:-

Shoes

Prepare a hiking boot that would cost you around RM300 above.  

If you don't have that budget, I would advice you to wear a pair of rubber shoes usually worn by rubber tappers. It will cost you only RM8.00 per pair.  At this rate, you need to feel comfortable. You do not need to create other problems like blisters and what not.

If you decide not to buy any, while thinking to wear the sports shoes available at home, please ensure that the shoe soles are not flat, sturdy and safe.

Proper attire

Choose only long pants and long sleeved t-shirt. Preferable material for t-shirt is dry-fit. Tuck-in your long pants/tights into 2 pairs of socks.

Wear 2 pairs of socks at one go. One pair should cover half your calves and onother, up to your knees. My friends would prefer to use a pair of tennis socks and football socks.

Carry a disposable rain coat, just in case.

Others

Consult your nature guide on the duration of the journey to and fro. You might want to carry a small bottle of drinking water with you.

If you are allergic to anything, for instance insect bites, have a small pouch with you and place all the medicines in there.

Smother tobacco around your shoes to deter leeches from climbing onto you shoes.

Another trick is to walk non-stop. Once you stop, there are tendencies to find leeches on your shoes. If you find one, do not panic and scream, but, using a piece of dry leave, pull the leech away from your shoes.

I hope you would find the above tips useful. For those who have not been into a jungle, you should experience it at least once in your life time. For all you know, it is one of the most unforgettable moments ever.