Plan before hiking
Study the path that you are going through, so that you are  well-prepared to face the trails and obstacles.
You can get a lot of information online  or from people who have already gone there. It is best if you have friends who are familiar with the trail.

Bring necessary equipment
Water, energy bar, torchlight, fully charged hand phone and first-aid kit are among the must-have equipment while hiking.

Wear proper clothing and footwear
Wear something practical and not fashionable.  Hiking clothes should be made of synthetic material as it can absorb sweat without becoming  heavy or weighty.

Register yourself
Some places require the hiker  to register himself before the start of the journey.  It is better to let your family members or friends know about your activity or you can just give a call to the Forestry Department if the site falls under its jurisdiction.

Trust intuition and use common sense
If the area looks dangerous, do not proceed. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Set your time and follow the plan
It is best to start  in the early morning and not  after 4pm. If staying overnight, aim to set up camp by 4pm, before darkness sets in. A clear briefing   like how to relay messages using whistle or smoke during emergency is helpful.

What to do when one is lost:
Do not panic. Take time to study your surroundings before deciding on your next course of action.
You can stay put if you are near water.
You should look for a safe place to stay if it is getting dark. Look out for animal footprints or signs of animal movement on tree, droppings and also broken tree branches.
If you are lost for more than a day, and you are mobile, follow a stream down.