1. Plan ahead and prepare

Brandon’s main advice to travellers is to plan ahead and prepare by considering your environment, physical abilities, and needs. 

You might need to find out the difficulty level, how high and steep the path goes, whether it crosses through difficult terrain (e.g. rivers, scrambling on rocks). For all of your activities, consider whether you have the correct attire and equipment especially for any change in weather and temperature. By knowing where the trail goes, you are less likely to go off on new paths and get lost!

Brandon hiking in Maliau Basin Conservation Area. Notice the whistle to use
in the event of an emergency to signal for help, wearing appropriate attire
for the conditions (in this case, leech socks, good quality shoes and headcover,
walking stick for slippery terrain). Photo by Brandon Chee. 

2. Travel and camp at durable surfaces 

Whilst it is tempting to go off the beaten track, this damages trails in the long run and you may alter areas that have previously been untouched. Where possible, choose to follow the existing trails, rocks and slabs (be careful in wet weather) or grassy paths (depending on the season). 

Brandon suggests we can even do a little light trail restoration as we go along. Normally when we see areas that are muddy or have pools of water, we tend to walk around them on the edges of the trail, which causes more damage to the vegetation. Instead, look around for some dead wood or branches and place these on top of the muddy areas to walk over them. Eventually the dead wood will compost into soil which will cover up the muddy sections.  

If you are camping, where possible, set up 70 metres away from lakes and rivers to protect river banks from erosion. When you set up, do not be tempted to change the site e.g. do not make a new campsite, build a pile of rocks, etc. Keep the spread of your campsite to a minimum, again to reduce impact on previously undisturbed areas. Finally, walk in small groups of four to six people at maximum, so the damage is kept to a minimum. 

3. Dispose waste properly 

I once sat on the rocky bank of a gently flowing river eating snacks whilst on a rainforest hike with a school group. We ate nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaf and pieces of watermelon. 

As he finished his final bite, the teacher of the group innocently threw the watermelon husk into the river. To the shock of the teacher, my partner jumped in and retrieved it before it floated downstream! 

This principle is exactly that: take everything including food, wrappers, bottles, etc back out with you. Bring bottled water, pack food in collapsible containers if you need to save space, try and leave any plastic at home. And be careful where you fly that drone. 

Brandon conducting a campaign and outdoor survival session with students. Photo by Brandon Chee. 

4. Leave what you find 

It may be tempting to pick flowers, take an interesting feather, or find a keepsake wood to carve. But unless you are a researcher with specific permission to do so, nothing should be taken from the places you visit as they all play a role in the complex ecosystem of the area. 

Take in the moment, remember them with your eyes, perhaps stop to draw a sketch to fully capture the feeling and beauty – and then leave it for the next generation to enjoy. 

5. Minimise campfire impact 

Often when I go hiking, I sometimes see the scorch marks of old fires on rocks and the ground. Make sure you keep campfires to a minimum since they can create this kind of irreversible damage. There are many ways this can be done. Firstly, use a small portable camping stove with a gas canister instead and raise the fire off the floor to ensure less marking. A portable wood stove can also be used if you really need to burn wood as fuel for cooking or warmth. 

Always check if fires are permitted in that area. You can check with the person-in-charge as you enter (you will usually find them in a booth at the main entrance) or before your camping trip (this applies to protected sites that only allow those with permits in). Only light a small fire if you have to, and always spread out the cold ashes after the fire is out. 

6. Respect wildlife

Never approach wildlife. Keep a safe distance away when observing – the larger they are, the further to move away! For example, a few metres away from a snake, but 70-100 metres away from an elephant (check out our guide on ethical wildlife watching).

Never touch, pet, or feed wildlife. If you see stray wildlife, do not try to interfere. Instead, you can call the local Wildlife Rescue agencies or departments if you are concerned. 

This is especially true of young animals where our touch may transfer foreign smells which can in turn affect their interactions with their parents or group. Feeding wild animals can negatively affect their independence and ability to survive in the wild, putting them at a greater risk from predators. In addition, a lot of human processed food can damage the animal’s nutrition and digestion. Finally, store your food properly and do not leave it unattended so animals are not attracted to interact with you.

Brandon shares a very helpful tip to raise your outstretched arm in front of you and give a thumbs up. If your thumb can fully hide the outline of the animal, it means you are both within a safe distance. 

7. Be considerate to other visitors 

Hiking trails are for everyone. Be considerate about your level of noise, and if you are in a group, consider how you can give way for faster hikers. Be also considerate of your impact on animals! 

Let us take the opportunity to enjoy the sounds of the forest, keep our conversations quieter, and use all our senses to capture beautiful memories. 

As breathtaking as hiking by the river or camping in a forest can be, Brandon reminds us that nature needs to be protected. “Embrace the beauty of this world, but also its fragility,” he says, “sustainable tourism isn’t just a choice; it’s a responsibility we owe to future generations.”