AN ENGLISH biologist popped out for a gentle stroll through the Malaysian rainforest — and became lost for five days.

John Gillatt, 56, knew he was in trouble when he could not find his way back to his hotel in the Fraser’s Hill holiday resort, in the Cameron Highlands, with only three shortbread biscuits, an apple, an orange and a bottle of water in his rucksack.

He had consumed most of his meagre provisions by the time he used his mobile phone to call his wife Noelene, asleep 6,000 miles away at home in Bolton, near Manchester, begging her to alert the authorities.

She phoned the Smokehouse Hotel, initiating a rescue operation that, at one point, involved 150 police and volunteers, three helicopters and even the state tourist minister scouring the undergrowth.

Mr Gillatt, who had been attending a conference, said: “The worst part was when a helicopter flew over and did not spot me. I waved my arms and shouted. I tried to light a fire by rubbing two sticks together. I had no food at all by then. I was getting pretty desperate.

“I started praying, which is strange for me because I have never considered myself much of a believer. I started to give up hope. All sorts of things went through my mind.”

At times he waded waist deep in a river and slept at night in an impromptu camp with a “club” by his side.

He said: “The noise at night was terrifying with the howls of the monkeys and chatter of insects. I did not realise there are leopards in the jungle, poisonous snakes and tarantulas.

“If I got attacked, what I would have done with a stick of wood I don’t know.”

Mr Gillatt was speaking about his ordeal after a shower and a night’s sleep. He is flying home to Manchester today to be reunited with Noelene and their daughters Dawn, 30, and Claire, 32.

Speaking from their semi-detached home, Mrs Gillatt told of her relief at hearing from the helicopter crew around 2pm on Wednesday that her husband had been found safe but tired.

She said: “It was indescribable. I have since told him off and I will again. When he gets home he is going to have his ears rubbed.”

Mr Gillatt, known for his resourcefulness, is a marathon runner who lists walking among his hobbies. He once lived in Kuala Lumpur and is familiar wth Fraser’s Hill, the colonial station 5,000ft above sea level named after an English pioneer. Mr Gillat set out at 10.30am on Saturday along the “Pine Tree Hill” trail hoping to find cooler air at the top of the hill. He said: “It was only meant to be a four-mile walk but it ended up taking me five days to get back. I suggest that is pretty slow going.”

It was on his return down the hill that he realised with dread that the terrain was unfamiliar. He retraced his steps but on his second descent realised that he was hopelessly lost.

After nearly nine hours alone in the wilderness he spread out some leaves on damp sand beside a river to make a makshift camp.

At first light he struck out for higher ground to find a mobile phone signal. At around 3am on Sunday morning he awoke his slumbering wife.

She said: “John was quite calm and collected and was clearly being very practical about matters. He asked me to telephone the hotel where he was staying.”

Despite his trauma, Mr Gillatt suffered only deyhydration and a few bruises and scratches. He was able to talk to his wife again briefly before undergoing a medical check-up.

Perhaps realising that he can expect a tongue-lashing from his South African-born wife, he has already tried to placate her. His last text message — “your love got me through” — will arrive well ahead of his flight.

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