Growing up in Asia, being in a constant state of cautiousness is almost inevitable.
Family members have always cast a protective shell over me, isolating me from activities they deemed risky. Note: For Asians parents, anything could be dangerous - even if it is just crossing that damn road across the house.

Frankly, it really wasn't all that shocking that when I told my parents I'd be traveling to Indonesia for my first solo hiking adventure, it was acknowledged with two pairs of widened eyes and dropped jaws. My mother has always been overly concerned about my safety and well-being (which I appreciate wholeheartedly), and it took much persuasion to finally make it happen.

Personally, I prefer doing things on my own, and this includes hiking. There is something about being able to make the journey based entirely on my own efforts, and that when the hustle is over, I get to look back on every step I've taken from the very peak. While hiking solo is immensely rewarding, risks and dangers are at times unavoidable.

Read also: How to Travel Alone as an Asian

Female Solo Hiking Tips
Photo taken at Haba Snow Mountain, Yunnan

Female Solo Hiking Tips

Cast Away Negative Thoughts

Yes, you may have read countless horror stories about those who have met a tragic end while hiking. Keep in mind that unfortunate events take place around the world day-to-day - at the mountain, on a road, or even at someone's own house, and soaking yourself in such negative thoughts will not get you any further. Instead, pay attention to the beauty that surrounds you, such as immersing yourself in the blueness of the sky or by dipping your feet in the cold rattling stream at any given chance.

Prepare a First Aid Kit

If you are hiking alone, chances are that you will have to nurse yourself in the event of unforeseen injuries. Understanding how to use the items in a first-aid kit is as important as having them, so a thorough research is crucial. A few important items include bandages, tweezers (to remove splinters or debris), oral dehydration salt, hydrocortisone cream, pain relievers, etc.

Get Into Shape

It is wise to make sure that you are physically well prepared, especially if you are taking on longer trails. Dragging out your time due to exhaustion might leave you out on the trail alone when the sky gets dark.

Don't Outdo Yourself

Feeling tired? Take a break. Sprained an ankle? Get help and put your journey on hold until you fully recover. No good comes from pushing yourself too hard.

Gather Enough Experience First

Hike in a group and familiarize yourself with hiking do's and don'ts before attempting it solo will greatly reduce the risks involved.

Elevate Your Experience

If you enjoy painting, bring along a sketchbook and spend some time by the waterfall to let your creativity flow. If you have a knack for photography, bring along a camera with as much memory it could hold. It is a breeze to make your hiking experience a more memorable one!

Hiking solo is the most rewarding thing a female can do. It teaches us to have unstinting courage, independence, wisdom, unreserved perseverance and unconditional commitment.  Happy hiking!

Dangers of Solo Hiking (Female or Otherwise)

Emergency - Having no one to help you when you're injured

Getting lost - Going onto the wrong trail

Lack of supplies - Water, food, maps etc

Mental state - Lack of moral support to go on/having someone to talk to

A special shout-out to Mantas, who have taught me to be a little crazier and to do everything my mother has warned me against. More importantly, thanks for teaching me to never stop exploring. Be safe wherever you are!