Darkest And Coldest Before Dawn

This goes back to 2008, when together with a group of 5 friends, we attempted to scale Mt. Fansipan in northern Vietnam. Mt. Fansipan is nicknamed “the roof of IndoChina”, standing at 3,143 meters tall, it is highest peak for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. We bought a 3 day 2 night package for our climb […]

What you need to know about Rat Urine Disease (Leptospirosis)

Leptospirosis, also known as rat urine disease, is a infection caused by bacteria called Leptospira which stays in the blood. Humans get infected through contact with contaminated sources. The bacteria invades human tissues and organs, particularly affecting the livers and kidney. Hiking and outdoor activities are considered high risk of exposure to leptospirosis. One may […]

Chafing Prevention

According to Wikipedia: “Chafing refers to the irritation of skin caused by repetitive friction, usually generated through skin to skin contact of multiple body parts.”   Similarly to blisters, chafing is a painful experience and one to avoid. The common place where chafing occurs while hiking is at the inner thighs. The main culprit? Cotton […]

Blister Prevention

Dealing with a blister on your foot while hiking is an agonising affair. Understanding how blisters occur and taking steps of early prevention will save you pain and misery. “Blister – a small bubble on the skin filled with serum and caused by friction, burning, or other damage.”   Causes Of Blister In short, blisters are […]

3 Reasons To Choose Hiking As A Weekend Getaway

About a week ago, I crossed the causeway into Malaysia and headed to Endau Rompin National Park over the weekend (Sat-Sun) for a short getaway from the city life.  And it was truly what was needed for a recharge. A break from the mundane routine of working hard during the weekdays and trying to get as much rest as possible over the […]

Hiking and Teamwork

Unless you are Bear Grylls on a solo survival mission trip, chances are, when you go hiking, there are many opportunities to learn about team work. There is no need to hire facilitators to conduct team building workshops. A hiking expedition by itself forces you to rely on one another. The environment you are in while hiking, naturally […]

It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves

This is a situation which i find myself in many times.  While hiking, one will inevitably feel exhausted at times. You are breathing heavily, shirt drenched in sweat and legs feeling like jelly. You feel like putting down your backpack and quitting the climb. You wish you are at home right now, resting in the comfort of your bed. You begin questioning […]

Alpine Butterfly

It may seem controversial that the next knot i introduce after Bowline and Round Turn Two Half Hitches is Alpine Butterfly.  The reason so is to be as practical as possible. I want to be sharing the knots which i commonly use while camping. Not by the order of a book. And the Alpine Butterfly is one which […]