Going on a hike? Take note of these tips to avoid getting lost

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SINGAPORE – The thrill of treading a path away from Singapore’s concrete jungle has led many nature lovers here to hiking trails locally and around the world. But despite the availability of dedicated routes, some folks get lost during their journeys.

 

On Dec 29, 2024, two Singaporean men lost their way while attempting to summit Langkawi’s second-highest peak. The day before, two cyclists went missing for about four hours after venturing into Mandai Forest. Both pairs were later found by the local authorities.

 

To help others have a safer experience, three experienced hikers shared some tips with The Straits Times. They also listed the steps that nature lovers can take if they find themselves lost or in trouble.

 

What should you do before embarking on a hike? 

 

1. Do the research

 

First, research the trail that you intend to go on.

 

Mr Vijay Kumar, founder of outdoor travel agency SGTrek, told ST that hikers need to know the trail’s difficulty level and distance.

 

Apps like AllTrails, which has detailed information on trails frequented by hikers, and hiking forums can be helpful sources of information, he said.

 

Hikers should also ensure that they are familiar with the trail’s terrain – such as slippery slopes and muddy or rocky areas – and its entrance and exit points, said Mr David Lim, who founded TLC Adventure Tours.

 

2. Things to take along

 

Hikers should also have a physical map, indicating the route they will take, with them. The physical map will be helpful if they lose their internet connection.

 

“Mark out all the prominent buildings, structures and landmarks that you will encounter during your planned trail so that you can be assured that you are on the right path when you come across them,” said Mr Lim.

 

Mr Vijay said hikers should also pack a compass and a power bank – useful for when there is no internet connection – as well as a headlamp and a whistle.

 

A compass can help hikers navigate their way, while a power bank will keep phones sufficiently charged so that hikers can use offline Global Positioning System apps such as Gaia GPS and Maps.me.

 

A headlamp can improve visibility if it is late in the day, and if lost, a whistle can be used to signal an emergency. Three short blasts of the whistle is the standard distress call, said Mr Vijay.

 

3. Suitable weather

 

Next, ensure that the weather is suitable for a hike. Poor weather conditions like rain can make navigation difficult. Lightning can also pose a threat to hikers.

 

Mr Vijay recommended that people begin their hikes in the morning to ensure sufficient daylight and time to cover the distance.

 

Keep others informed of your hiking plans, he added, including not just the route but also the expected completion time, so that the alarm can be raised when you are not home by a certain time.

 

To be better equipped for a hike, beginners can attend hiking workshops, basic wilderness first-aid courses or navigation courses.

 

What should you do during a hike? 

 

1. Stay on the trail

 

Mr Jack Yam, a climbing instructor who has been hiking for close to eight years, told ST that hikers should follow designated trails.

 

“Don’t be gung-ho and start bashing your way into the forest, thinking you know a shortcut,” said Mr Yam.

 

It is also good practice to check your location against a map or GPS regularly to ensure that you are still on the route, he added.

 

While walking, mark out the landmarks that you pass. If you accidentally take the wrong path, said Mr Lim, it will be easier to backtrack and return to the right path.

 

2. Stay alert and visible

 

Be alert and stay in the line of sight of other hikers, said Mr Lim.

 

When at a fork in the trail, do not guess, he added. Instead, seek advice from nearby hikers or the hike leader, if travelling in a group, to be sure.

 

Mr Vijay said hikers should be aware of their surroundings. Looking back occasionally can help hikers familiarise themselves with the trail from a different perspective, allowing them to have a better idea of where they are.

 

They should also stick to their planned schedule to ensure that they are on time, said Mr Vijay. Rushing – especially in unfamiliar terrain – could cause hikers to panic, leading to poor decision-making and increasing the likelihood of an accident such as a fall or chances of getting lost.

 

Interested hikers can join organised hiking trips led by experienced guides.

 

Mr Vijay said SGTrek has encountered situations where their trips took on inexperienced and stray hikers who had no guides.

 

“(We assisted) many newbies who had ventured into Clementi (Forest)… while we were on our regular treks,” said Mr Vijay.

 

What if you are hiking overseas?

 

For overseas hikes, Mr Lim recommended that hikers hire licensed local guides familiar with the trails or join a tour company organising such hikes.

 

Hikers should also have the host country’s emergency help contact numbers saved on their mobile phones, in case they find themselves in need of assistance.

 

“Contact them immediately once you know you are lost or need help before your phone goes flat,” said Mr Lim.

 

He added that it is best to allocate more time than recommended by Google Maps, as the online map may not take into account potential challenges such as the trail’s elevation, rocky or slippery paths, and mud.

 

Before heading out, ensure that someone in that country – such as another person staying at the same accommodation – knows about your hike, and let them know that something might have happened to you if you are not back by nightfall, said Mr Lim.

 

What should you do if you are lost? 

 

If you think you have strayed from the hiking track, staying in one location increases your chances of being found.

 

Signal for help by using a whistle, a torch or reflective materials to attract attention, said Mr Vijay.

 

If it is safe to do so, carefully backtrack to the last known landmark. As you move along, use natural materials – such as rocks or sticks – to create visible markers for rescuers to track you.

 

Mr Vijay said that when searching for a path or an exit, hikers should follow water sources, listen for sounds of civilisation and look for higher ground.

 

Water sources like streams and rivers, as well as sounds like traffic noise, often lead to human settlements and roads. Getting to higher ground can also provide a good vantage point to look for trails, clearings or other signs of human activity.

 

Mr Lim suggested heading towards locations that might be visited by humans, such as any nearby roads, well-marked trails and village houses. Look out for these on your map.

 

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and direction when you see any locals, residents or other hikers along the trail,” he added.

 

 

Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission.
Photo: The Straits Times
Written By: Rhea Yasmine

 

 

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