I heard a new tip against the leeches. there is this all-purpose oil (headaches, dizziness, tummy ache, stuffed nose etc) that apparently repels leeches. its called minyak kapak (literal translation oil axe!)

my friend saw a german guy who was on the same trek put a drop on a leech that had latched onto him and the leech just curled up and dropped off.

you can easily get minyak kapak in malaysia. any sundry shop or pharmacy should have it. comes in a small bottle of clear fluid. smells like tiger balm ointment. you can try rubbing it on your legs and arms. make sure you wash your hands otherwise when you wipe sweat off your face, it may get into your eyes. stings a bit

Thanks hornbill, I'll be sure to pick up a bottle.

laurie with ten pairs of leech socks, three bottles of this new miracle potion and other sundries you will have no room in your luggage for purchases....

I always bring an empty expandable suitcase for my purchases, no need to worry. I figure about half of it will be taken up with your leeches.

Thanks for the info, Hornbill. It sounds like I can easily pick some up in Kota Kinabalu. It sounds like an easier way to detach leaches than salt.

(I'm away from home this weekend, will make a note to write it down when I get home.)

your all welcome. it does have a smell- very recognisable and not unpleasant to us asians but i dont know about caucasian noses. after all, most of us love the smell of fresh durians but westerners tend to find the smell really bad!

your all welcome. it does have a smell- very recognisable and not unpleasant to us asians but i dont know about caucasian noses. after all, most of us love the smell of fresh durians but westerners tend to find the smell really bad!

anyway, it comes in a really small bottle so if it works, it will be really handy. can use against mozzie bites too.

laurie...don't forget to put some food in your case for my leeches....

should i send a vile of blood??

That would be rather vile, Bob! lol

No Bob, I want them to be hungry when I release them to you.

Kathie or Laurie:
Have any of you Googled "minyak kapak" ? I wouldn't use it any higher than your lower legs. Might be in for a surprise.
Aloha!

i just checked. menthol crystals, camphor, eucalyptus oil, camphor.

anyway, folks here rub it onto wherever hurts. you dont need to smear a whole lot. if youre worried, just have it as backup instead.

sorry. add methyl salicylate too.

hawaiiantraveler, I'll be careful where I put it ;-)

Well, I googled it and would suggest that you might want to google it as well... Fascinating uses for this anti-leech oil!

(it's fascinating what you find on google, isn't it HT?)

fascinating and useful too!

In more ways than one