24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)

Here I keep my promise sharing my Borneo Safari trip joined last year. Borneo Safari is an international off-road adventure covering 1000km of some of the most challenging and varied off-road terrains in the world with 4-wheels drive. the concept of the Borneo Safari expedition unique in motorsport, is based on an adventure track with 4WD through some of the world's most incredibly beautiful yet most agonizingly difficult jungle terrains.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 The Borneo Safari is designed as a competitive expedition to bring out the spirit of adventure, teamwork, skillful and safe driving and to bring out the very best in man and machine. It is neither a motor rally nor a race! The participants will travel through the mountains and valley's and across the streams and rivers, they will have their endurance, stamina and skill tested to the limit.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
Borneo Safari is an annual year-end event organized by Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA). It was started out as Kinabalu Four Wheel Drive Club (KFWDC) in 1988 by 2 local off-road enthusiasts namely Doctor J.S. Sidhu and Mr Gideon Mosito. The club has grown tremendously throughout the year and has gone international with ever-growing new members. On the 31 March 2012, under the leadership of past president, Ir. Edward Lingkapo, KFWDC was upgraded from a club to an association which now called Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association.


24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
The 24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge themed as Adventure Xtreme Imbak Canyon, will witness a 4WD convoy of more than 230 vehicles with over 500 participants of international and local participants from 5 countries. Flagging off at Sabah Tourism Board office at Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu on 26 October 2014, this has attracted huge crowds for South East Asia's biggest extreme off-road event

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road


24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 The participants are divided into media team, tag-on team (public), scout and recce team, marshall team, racer team and etc. Each team will have a chuck wagon who responsible for meal preparation.


24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

This was our campsite. For the first night, we were not managed to go to the destined campsite and thus we stayed here for a night.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 If not mistaken, that was our only night we had the fish as a meal. 

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
Some of us chose not to stay at the camp set up on the soft mud and decided to stay at the thatched cottage at the riverside.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
To my surprise, the coverage of Borneo Safari event was out in local Chinese newspaper on the second day. I was told that the journalist purposely asked the driver to send her out to town for WIFI access to email her article. Thumbs up for her effort.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
We were moving in a team. As there is no phone signal inside the thick forest, our ways of communication is via the walkies-talkie.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
    The riverside nearby our camp on second night!

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
In Sabah outskirts area, I don't see any Petronas,Shell, Caltex, Petron petrol station which is very common in Peninsular Malaysia. If we are lucky, we will have small station like this (shown in above picture). The rate of petrol and diesel is much higher compared to town. For example, if the standard rate of petrol is RM2.30/liter, here you need to buy at RM2.50/liter or even higher. Some petrol station are not station, it is just a residential house which only local knows they are selling. So imagine you rent a car in Sabah and you go to suburbs, suddenly you need to restock when the fuel gonna finish, will you be in tension? LOL I will for certain! One more thing, I was told some of the petrol station operators are not authorized, which mean they have no license and they tend to sell at higher price! 

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 We supposed went into the jungle for the very first day but had to change our plans as the river which we need to pass through was overflowing and the cars could not cross over it. Our plans of getting into the adventure was dragged till the third day.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
The Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge allows us to embrace rough terrain, mud and grub, the dense forest and the wonders it has to offer which after all, is where the beauty lies.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
Being dubbed as the premier off-road event and one of the toughest 4*4 wheels events in the world, it traverses some of the most challenging terrains in the world and requires determination, strength and endurance to conquer. 

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 The route is not easy. Apart from the soft muddy ground which almost all cars will stuck, all the cars need to pass through the narrow pathway which is a cliff. I can't imagine what if the car fell down....

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
We did not go into Tawai waterfall, instead we continued our journey to the next destination. But God never stop to test us, we stuck again and can't cross the river.


24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
      
24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
The water was rising so fast which our media leader's (Hillary) car was stuck in the middle of the river and can't even move or winched. This is why we stayed a night here which I have no idea what place is this. Fortunately, the driver and passengers were saved but their belongings could not.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

To avoid his car being swept away by the fiery river, we tied our cars together. 10+ cars holding the back of Hillary's car while at another riverside, there were also cars holding the front part. This was touching!

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

I have no idea about this place but for sure it can only be reached with 4WD. Woke up in the morning, this place was cool! Those who like a laid-back vacation with natural breathtaking view, here might be one ^^

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 Ok group photo with my driver, co-driver and my friend. Sorry for my no-makeup look because the clean water supply is an issue for travel on the go in nature. Thus, clean water is mainly for drinking. Honestly, if we can't find a place nearby river as our campsite, we can't take a bath! Yuckss hahaha ok I know you will think so....


24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
  We supposed stayed a night here but due to the unforeseen circumstances happened, our plans cancelled. Due to the time restriction, we continued our journey heading to Hitachi campsite. This is an aboriginal village nearby Imbak Canyon, which is a Class 1 (Protection) Forest Reserve, all set within the Yayasan Sabah Concession Area.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
With a total area of 30,000 ha, Imbak Canyon Conservation Area encompassed two ridges top Virgin Jungle Reserves plus the canyon itself and makes a significant contribution to the coverage of the protected area in the centre of Sabah. Imbak Canyon Conservation Area consists of undisturbed pristine lowland rainforest dominated by dipterocarp trees. Due to the shape and location of the valley, it serves as an important water catchment for the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah.


24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
We reached Hitachi campsite very late! All other convoy who reached early already slept. Non-stop long journey ><"  By the way, I already fall asleep in the car on the way to here. This place has nothing interesting, no beautiful scenery and named Hitachi because there is abandoned Hitachi machinery at this place. LOL

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 I thought the road in front should be smoother....but I'm wrong....till all the drivers and co-drivers blew off of the tough, tired and long journey!

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
On day 6, again we could not reach Lahad Datu campsite at Silam. Thus, we just stop halfway because it is already late night.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
As I'm already exhausted, I did not go to the camp area set up for us....lazy to carry the camp bed to walk to the very front and tidy up next morning carrying all the way to the back LOL Hence that night I slept facing the sky... so lucky, that night did not rain.


24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

This was our route for 2014.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
Day 7, the convoy proceeded to Lahad Datu for filling fuel and buying some food before heading to Mamut campsite. Hmm while waiting for the traffic light to turn green inside the car, I saw a boy sitting at the roadside with his head covered with cotton candy. Wondering if the man beside him is his father? If so, why he uses his child to sell the cotton candy that way? I felt pity for him.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 Before we went up Mamut campsite, the drivers stopped by the roadside to take a shower! I have been told the small cottage is selling pipe water at RM2 per person. It was late night. No one stayed at the cottage, so the drivers just put the money there and enjoy the group bathing...hahaha...This is something new to me...in Peninsular Malaysia, I have never ever seen this...selling pipe water at the roadside!


24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
  The scenic Mamut campsite is at a highland facing Mount Kinabalu! It is so cool in the late evening and at night! The second night I woke up from a dream because of the cold breeze.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
I have been told that this car belongs to an Australian couple who reside in Brunei. The only 4WD who set up his camp at the top of the car.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

See...our campsite covered with the orange and blue canvas! Even though one side of the camp facing hillside and another with just a small opening, it just make no difference staying outside or in the camp at night.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
I never expect there is a house at Mamut highland. It is a simple own built house. I wonder if they have a car to go to town...the children schooling or not....and etc.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

In the afternoon, we went down to watch the contestants conquering the rough terrain and get through all the obstacles set for them. All of the contestants' cars are modified and different from ours.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 We walked some distances and found this place! A small river with crystal clear water!

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 There is a lake down there nearby the place we found the small river. We are told not to go down to the lake as it is poisonous. Somebody told me it was a copper mine while others told me that was a gold mine last time.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
It is a weird plant I found over there! There is protruding globular things from the surface of the leaves...


24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 After taking bath at the small river, it was around 4pm. The place started to surround with heavy fog.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 My vision was blur.

24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
  In the very early morning when the sky still dark, one can clearly see all the stars up above. Thanks for Mr Paun for the picture.


24th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge (2014)
Borneo Safari International Off-Road
 My 8 days story of the trip will be ended here. I did not get bit by leech and mosquitoes. I did not see any snake also. But one thing inconvenient for a girl if travels with the whole bunch of guys might be the trouble of answering nature call. So I was quite embarrassed somehow when I asked the driver to stop for me and he told all drivers in the team to wait for him because of that reason. It is like public announcement....so everybody knows...(if you are in my situation, you will know how I feel) Therefore, I hope there will be more and more girls joining this year so that we can group in the same car. Moreover, there is no toilet in the jungle, one must find a hidden place with umbrella to settle the 'business' so that nobody see. Hahaha I'm telling all this so that you guys who interested are prepared mentally before joining it.

Comments

  1. omg, car went through water :)
    Keep in touch
    www.beingbeautifulandpretty.com
    www.indianbeautydiary.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. 小女子, 你好勇哦。。哈哈
    终于看见你戴眼镜了!! ^^

    ReplyDelete
  3. I found interesting the house that the owner built himself interesting and amazing I have to agree how do they get to town and if kids get schooling. Have a lovely weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice and adventure trip... If I have time, I also want to join the trip like this ^-^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. this year make sure you join
      it happens annually

      Delete
  5. I would love to join this type of adventure. One of my dreams.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What an adventure, Emily! I think you're amazing for going through all that! ^.^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hahaha just enough to survive for that period of time
      if prolong for a month, I think I cant xoxo

      Delete
  7. Another great event! I would like to try it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Must be so cool...
    have fun girl!

    http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such an amazing place and a must have experience !
    xoxo

    www.sorananistor.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. This Safari is just amazing ! I want to participate !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. great! you should tak note of the official website

      Delete
  11. Nice story, for all these year I just listening to my brother in law who join BS last year.. (wich I dunt know what 4x4 he use) and maybe this year he appointed me as Co-Driver.. so see u there!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. travelling is most likable things by a traveler and nature lover specially Jungle Tours In India .

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Leave a comment/footprint so that I know you visit me and I will visit your blog back ^^
I will reply each and every comment here but it takes some time for me to reply all. Thanks for your patience ^^