Tutong - A 38-year-old man survived eight days drinking only water after he lost his way in Benutan jungle in the Tutong District on August 29.

He said he had experiences including meeting humanoids that looked like a man, but the eyes were narrow and their faces were smooth without any eyebrows. Due to dehydration and loss of focus he could have been hallucinating.

He also claimed to have seen and heard a lot of other things he believed were jungle spirits.

According to the survivor, Md Azril, bringing nothing but what he wore, he was in the jungle to take a stroll, something he had never done before. "I went to the jungle to try it out," he said as he is recovering at Tutong Hospital.

He survived by drinking only ground water and had to bear with constipation, but he had to drink something to survive. He didn't eat anything as he didn't bring along any tools, not even a "parang", and he couldn't find any edible fruits.

As he wandered aimlessly, he only saw helicopters flying over but didn't bother to shout as the choppers were far away and he doubted he could be heard as he was in the thick of the jungle.

According to rescue personnel, they did try to trace for him with search dogs but somehow the dogs were confused, maybe because of the rain.

Md Azril said he really could not find his way out and was really relieved when the rescue party found him around 10.45am yesterday.

During the search operation, traditional ceremonies including an ethnic Iban rite were held.

The search operation was led by OCS Tutong of the Royal Brunei Police Force and also included personnel from Reserve Unit, the village head of Kg Benutan and two villagers.

When Md Azril was found, he was so weak that the Reserve Unit had to carry him out of the jungle. The police personnel also lent a pair of shoes to Md Azril as he had injured his foot.

Md Azril said it was also quite an exhausting and painful experience because he had to use his bare hands to find his way through the jungle.

He advised those who may get lost in the jungle to maintain their composure, always believe that they will find their way out and never to give up hope.