The National Parks are the best places to go jungle trekking inSarawak. Most parks have a system of well-marked jungle trailsoffering a variety of treks. There are gentle rainforest walks,half-day and full-day jungle hikes and some tougher options suchas week long camping trips, combined trekking and river expeditionsand demanding mountain climbs. The easier treks follow plankwalksor paths leading through the rainforest, so guides are not reallynecessary. The trees at the side of the paths are generally markedwith paint so it is very difficult to get lost. Maps are usuallyavailable from the park headquarters and show the systems of trailsand the colours of each trail. For some of the more difficulttreks it is necessary to hire a guide.
The clothing and equipment required for jungle trekking variesdepending on the type and length of the trek. However a few thingsare always worth considering. For a start it is best to wear lightclothes (loosely fitting cotton trousers and long sleeved shirtsto protect from the sun and scratches) and comfortable walkingshoes or hiking boots. Other items worth bringing along are asmall rucksack, sunglasses, insect repellent, sun hat, cameraand binoculars. Always take drinking water.
After heavy rain, leeches may be a problem in some parks. Leechsocks generally do the trick, otherwise soak socks in insect repellentand periodically check for leeches. Some people prefer to wearshorts so that they can spot leeches straight away, whilst othersprefer to wear long sleeves and long trousers to try to keep themaway.
Although the parks, with their many attractions, offer Sarawak'smost accessible jungle trekking, it is possible to go trekkingelsewhere. The important thing is to have a guide who knows thearea. In upriver areas there are often paths and trails leadingfrom longhouse to longhouse, and these routes make for interestinghiking journeys. The wildlife selection may not be as good asin the national parks, but you are sure to bump into some interestingcharacters along the way. The Kelabit Highlands is an excellentplace for this type of trekking.