Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
goat. Campsites are put up with the clever use of sticks and machete, without any modern
gear except for a tarp. Cooking is done over an open fire.
All things considered, the experience hasn't changed much since George Muller first
crossed his namesake range in 1825. While that first trek ended with the locals cutting off
Muller's head, the primary risk today is breaking a leg or merely twisting an ankle so far
from outside help. To that end, heed all the precautions, and ensure that your tour com-
pany will as well, prior to departure.
The Muller Trek is a horizontal Everest. You tackle it for the same reasons you climb.
And when you succeed, it is both a lifetime memory and a noteworthy achievement. Very
few Westerners have crossed from one side of Borneo to the other. But with the proper
precautions in place, it is now entirely possible to do so.
MULLER TREK SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
» Choose a professional local tour company. Do not even think of organising this yourself.
» Wear proper shoes. When it rains in the forest, the trail changes dramatically. What was a walk across leaves on
solid ground becomes a slog across leaves on mud. In these conditions the locals wear a rubber version of a foot-
ball cleat, with six spikes. Real football cleats would do fine, although you will have to wear them wet, as you
cannot afford to take your shoes off and put them on again at every ford.
» Wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns.
» Wear proper leech protection. The only full solution here is a pair of spandex pants, such as cyclists wear. Other-
wise expect many leech bites.
» Be firm about setting the pace at which you walk. Local guides and porters are not always aware of the differen-
ce between their skill level and your own. It is also in their interest to get across and back as soon as possible. Be
sure to spread walking hours evenly among the days of the journey.
» Do not trek at night. Locals have no problem with this, but it greatly magnifies the risk, particularly if it is rain-
ing.
» Ensure that someone in your party has first-aid training and a first-aid kit.
» Bring 10 days' worth of food. If there is a problem midway, you'll need enough to last until someone walks to
the nearest village and returns with help.
