Backpacking around Asia can be a very inspiring experience, as you get to learn about a whole range of different cultures while appreciating the surreal landscapes. There’s so many wonderful locations to explore throughout the continent, with every country offering something completely unique from the last. While there, you’ll have to navigate some rugged terrain, giving backpackers a challenge as they travel from place to place.
This guide will advise you on how to stay safe while backpacking around Asia, avoiding injury while enjoying the sheer beauty that the continent offers. Continue reading to find out more.
Backpacking Asia Safety
Transport Safety
Even though your backpacking journey will involve a lot of walking, you’ll need to use transport for long distances to help give yourself a rest and keep your body ready for hikes. Driving motorbikes around Asia is very popular, as you’re able to rent them out for relatively cheap and they can quickly get you from place to place. However, you should only rent them if you have previous experience. Make sure you also have a helmet and keep your skin covered to prevent any road rashes that can be caused by falling off onto rough terrain. If you are taking buses or minivans, always buckle up if seatbelts are available, and use overnight journeys to catch up on rest instead of driving yourself.
The most high-risk transport spots are often said to be Pai & the Mae Hong Son Loop (Thailand), Nusa Penida (Indonesia) and Siquijor (Philippines). Take extra precautions if you’re backpacking through these places.
Backpack Ergonomics
Getting the balance right with your backpack is essential, as you don’t want to be lugging around too much. This will be difficult to carry around and limit how far you can push yourself with certain terrain, causing you to become prone to injuries. You should ensure that your backpack doesn’t exceed 20% of your body weight, as this is deemed to be dangerous. Having a hip belt is also crucial for helping distribute the weight and keeping the bag secured to you.
Backpack essentials for hiking should include water/filtration systems, navigation tools, first aid kits, food supply and weather-protection. Don’t pack more than you need.
Hiking Preparation
When tackling high-altitude hikes like Mount Fuji (Japan) or Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia), strict regulations require you to plan ahead.
The main challenges of hiking in these types of locations is the amount of vertical walking and temperature changes that you’ll be facing. In Asia, you’ll experience tropical heat before reaching the summit and then be hit with freezing winds beyond that. This can be tricky to deal with, so always make sure that you have thermal layers to put on when it’s time.
Swimming Precautions
If you plan on swimming at high-risk locations like Koh Tao or El Nido, make sure to take extra caution. Tropical waters can have high levels of bacteria, so even getting a small scrape on live coral can lead to an infection. Wearing protective swimming gear is recommended to prevent you from getting infected.
Never touch the reef while snorkeling or diving. If you do get scraped, don't just rinse it with water, as this won’t be effective enough. You should scrub it immediately with clean water, soap and an antiseptic wipe or rubbing alcohol.
Animal Dangers
The macaques in these tourist hubs look cute in photos, but they can be aggressive and view plastic bags or backpacks as personal food containers. If you hold onto a water bottle they want, they will bite or scratch you to get it. This is why you should always take caution when backpacking in areas like the Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali or the Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Island.
Do not make direct eye contact, as in monkey language this could be seen as a challenge to fight. If a monkey jumps on you, stay calm and simply walk away until it loses interest. If bitten or scratched, you must seek medical attention immediately for post-exposure rabies shots.
Medical Preparedness
When you’re in a secluded area of Asia, you’re likely to not be close to any medical centres. This means that you need to be proactive about your health by packing a kit with blister plasters, antiseptic cream and painkillers. You should also take any allergy medication to stop you feeling sick while backpacking.
Never step on a plane without comprehensive travel insurance and make sure that your policy covers medical evacuations and motorcycle accidents. This can keep you financially protected in cases of extreme injury like loss of a limb compensation.
Final Thoughts on Avoiding Injury While Backpacking Around Asia
When you backpack around Asia, you’ll find it the most enjoyable when you stay cautious and keep yourself prepared for the challenges ahead. Whether you’re hiking on unfamiliar terrain or swimming in dangerous areas, always plan ahead and make sure that you have everything you need to avoid any serious injury.
WRITTEN BY
After completing a University degree in Journalism, Darcy Fowler has dedicated a lot of time to travelling around the world and experiencing a variety of cultures. Darcy is determined to provide interesting and insightful content with the hope of inspiring others.