Thread: Going to the jungle

I haven't made any final plans yet but basically want to explore a jungle. I was just wondering if anyone had explored a jungle before or had any pointers. I am thinking of going to one somewhere in South East Asia, it seems a number of those countries have jungle habitats and tribes people which is something I find quite fascinating. I don't want some package thing, but at the same time I don't want to be wandering around completely alone with only a machete for company.

So, my question of the day. Has anyone ever been to the jungle? Any stories or pointers about jungle exploration?

I have William Burrough's "The Yage Letters" ringing in my head and think it's about time that I headed out to the Jungle for my own experiences. When you have 5 months a year holiday it would be a shame to spend it all at home developing insane sleeping habits. I don't want to become Bilbo and I certainly don't want to work out.

I've spent a lot of time in jungles. Jungle life is hard, you must attempt to avoid being a pussy. No one will be impressed by your harsh upbringing. DO NOT bring your wife. Even if you find running water that looks clean you should boil it because its hard to see the various bits of animal shit that will kill you.

Also marching through the jungle in intense heat might well tire me out and allow me to sleep and I don't seem to be doing much of that at home. It's definitely something I should do. I was thinking maybe Thailand to see if they really are the most beautiful people in the world. It all seems to be package shit though with even your meals being pre planned. I was hoping to find a snake and cook it or something, not bloody papaya served on a plate. I want to be like survivor man mixed with Indiana Jones, dammit.

Originally Posted by OumaFan

I've spent a lot of time in jungles. Jungle life is hard, you must attempt to avoid being a pussy. No one will be impressed by your harsh upbringing. DO NOT bring your wife. Even if you find running water that looks clean you should boil it because its hard to see the various bits of animal shit that will kill you.

What jungles have you experienced?

Believe me, my life is nothing compared to the jungle and that's why I want to do it. It's completely alien to me.

No, the wife has no interest in going. I've talked about it for over a year though and she seems to be happy for me to do it as long as it gives me something to occupy my mind. She hates snakes and creepy crawlies, so do I actually, but you have to face these things.

I've watched all those survival shows repeatedly and love them, so have a few ideas. But that's just TV and apart from Survivorman these people aren't alone in an alien habitat. I guess in that sense packaged stuff is sensible, but I kind of want to push the boat a bit and play with fire.

Just one thing Miles

If you do come across any remote tribes don't start preaching your nonsense to them like you do us.

They will have skinned, strung. cooked and eaten you within an hour

All of us Saddoians should pool our money and buy some tropical island. It would be like Lord of the Flies.

I call dibs on cracking Miles' skull and eating his brain.

Quite true, but I am always careful with the polemics with people I don't know well and I am sure there will be language difficulties too. Overall though the goal is to interact with nature and not man. Just want to take a camera and take a few funky snaps and say "yep, I went to the jungle".

I guess I really envy Michael Palin or even Karl Pilkington in this regard, they really have been everywhere. Pilkington's jungle experience kind of sucked, so I don't want anything like that, but they planned it to torture him I guess.

Do you prefer hot or cold climates?

Do you plan on to travel alone?

Have you ever killed a wild animal? Clean it and cook it? Not talking fish.

So William Burroughs has inspired you to explore a jungle, slash your arm (you didn't need a bandage) and become a homosexual (you got yourself crowned the forum gay).

What next? Heroin addiction? (which in your case will be an addiction to a Vicks nose stick)

Lets be honest - you're far to much of a wimp for these activites.

Originally Posted by Ghost

Do you prefer hot or cold climates?

Do you plan on to travel alone?

Have you ever killed a wild animal? Clean it and cook it? Not talking fish.

Cold climates are better, but I guess hot is what I'm left with. Mountain regions will be less muggy though.

I will be quite alone, unless anyone here wants to keep me company.

I've never killed an animal before, except for mosquitoes, ants and spiders. And a bee. Never proper hardcore animals. But I've watched the TV programmes, though that isn't always enough.

Originally Posted by Fenster

So William Burroughs has inspired you to explore a jungle, slash your arm (you didn't need a bandage) and become a homosexual (you got yourself crowned the forum gay).

What next? Heroin addiction? (which in your case will be an addiction to a Vicks nose stick)

Lets be honest - you're far to much of a wimp for these activites.

Hahaha, just the jungle really. The arm slash was kind of spontaneous and is actually starting to heal up now, but it's gonna scar unfortunately. No heroin addiction on the wish list I'm afraid either!

I am a bit of a wimp, but Burroughs himself was hardly Mr T. It's all in the mind and how far you are willing to test the waters. The body can either join in or give up, that's its own call.

I can see this happening to Miles when he's in Thailand. Forget the jungle, he may not even survive the city.