Jungle Etiquette
-So You Think There Is No Etiquette In The Jungle?

In Malaysia, when we’re talking about the jungle or forest, it is indeed a deep, thick jungle. Never heard about jungle etiquette or never been to forest or jungle? Then it is almost a must for you to visit a rainforest as your holiday vacation is considered incomplete without a visit to these beautiful places.

What does etiquette have to do with the jungle?

Etiquette is not only about respecting people around you, but is also about respecting the beauty of nature and trying your best to keep it for future generations. It is necessary to know about jungle etiquette though I may not be Al Gore; however, I am concerned about my mother Earth. No place else can sustain life as we know it.

 

Let’s check some etiquette tips before you explore the jungle:

• Don’t leave rubbish behind. Put it inside your extra plastic bags. Your tour guide normally will collect any rubbish from you to ensure there is nothing left behind that shouldn’t be.

• Don’t simply eat jungle fruits or drink from any water sources, as you cannot be sure of safety of the fruits or if the water is safe to drink. Don’t risk it—the nearest hospital will take hours to reach.

• Enter the jungle with a sense of respect and humility. Be as quiet as possible to avoid alarming other beings. Remember, you are entering their home.

• Don’t talk big (brag) or say something bad about the forest. Whether you believe in spirits or not, respect the surroundings, as jungles have their own world or spirit, and you will never know with whom you are sharing it. Ever watch Twilight Zone, The Haunting or a movie from Stephen Spielberg? It is almost the same.

• Don’t do any damage or take something out of the jungle, especially if it is a protected jungle like Taman Negara.

• Don’t kill any animal that seems dangerous to you, i.e., snakes, tigers,crocodile etc. Always inform your guide if you see something that you feel could harm you.

• Don’t cut any trees or branches, or pick any flowers or anything along the trek or path.

• Do not smoke in the jungle. Not only is the jungle home to many species not accustomed to cigarette smoke, lighting a cigarette in the pristine jungle is disrespectful and not worth the risk. A million years of survival should not be jeopardized by smoke and fire.

• Follow your guide or whomever led you; they know the surroundings best. Try not to explore alone, as there is a possibility you could lose your way back to the path.

• When jungle trekking, plan and choose a trail that you can complete before dark. Do not stray off the trail. The rainforest is dense and you can easily lose your orientation.

• If you are allowed to cook at the designated area (i.e., BBQ), make certain you put out the fire completely.