“Borneo Safari, are you sure?”
Upon learning my decision to accept Isuzu Malaysia’s invitation to Borneo Safari, my colleagues cautioned me against eating, sleeping, bathing, and yep, you guessed it, answering nature’s call in nature.
Leaving behind silk sheets in 5-star hotels for sleeping bags under infinite starry skies, why not?
What you need to know about Borneo Safari 2023
It started with just 2 vehicles. The seed was planted by Sidhu and Gideon, founders of the Kinabalu Four Wheel Drive Club (KFWDC), which later evolved into the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA). The latter is the core organiser of this acclaimed event for 4×4 enthusiasts worldwide.
It’s a world-class event. Arguably the world’s foremost off-road event, Borneo Safari International Off Road Challenge draws participants from Hong Kong, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
It’s more than an adventure. Participants flock from across the globe not only for the thrill of the rugged terrain but also for the unique opportunity to engage with the local Sabahan communities.
Reason #1: 4X4 is a way of life in East Malaysia
In today’s world, 4x4s are not just tough off-road vehicles anymore, they are equally at home in the urban jungle. Leather seats, active safety systems, and in some cases, straight-line acceleration that could give hot hatches a run for their money. It’s like wearing a suit but still having your tough boots on.
In East Malaysia, it’s less about the glitz and more about the grit, the inherent pickup truck characteristics of robustness and reliability are still pretty much valued here. Time-tested models fetch a decent sum on the used car market; our guide speaks fondly of fixing up his truck with a solid axle suspension to tackle the terrain better.
This is a place where a 4×4 gets to be in its element and take on wild paths. Another guide who drove us back to civilisation cheekily told us a nicely done up 4x4s would get you more admiring glances than a flashy continental car. With my time spent with the monster Isuzu trucks, I agree.
Reason #2: Man meets machine meets mother nature
Every year, the Borneo Safari International Off Road Challenge takes contestants on a different route through the Borneo jungle. This year, the participation of competitors and tag-on teams hit a combined all-time high of 530 vehicles.
Flagging off at Kota Kinabalu, this year’s competitors spent their first night at Kampung Sook. The real adventure began on day two at Kampung Sinua. In their custom-built vehicles, boasting incredible axle flexibility, ground clearance, and steering articulation, competitors spent the next three days tackling the hardest section of the competition. From day four onwards, competitors made their way through Toupos, Ranau, Kundasang, and Tamparuli, before attending the closing dinner at the Hakka Association Hall.
For those who want the Borneo Safari experience but without the capacity to compete, joining the tag-on group is an option. Though extensively modified, the vehicles still bear some resemblance to their original versions. They take a relatively less challenging route compared to the competitors at certain stretches. The media team normally belongs to this group.
To ensure everyone is well-fed and well taken care of, both competing and tag-on teams are supported by a chuckwagon (a food truck for the uninitiated) and a medical team.
The unsung heroes? That’s the scout team. Their task is mapping out this adventurous route, balancing respect for local communities with the thrill of the trail. When it comes to working with indigenous groups, they approach with care and minimal interference.
Reason #3: “At drag races, I make enemies, at Borneo Safari, I make friends.”
According to Borneo Safari myth, a prominent drag racer in East Malaysia made the statement above when asked why he left the tarmac at the top of his game for off-roading. Tales of competing teams helping each other with vehicle repairs are not unheard of in Borneo Safari.
According to a production crew who has been capturing the essence of Borneo Safari for 4 years running, camaraderie is a big allure of Borneo Safari. He fondly related the time when he was stuck in a convoy with the chuckwagon out of walking distance. Food and drinking water reserve were depleting, and the weather was cold. Two packs of Maggi Kari and a small can of sardines were shared among three grown men. He remembers the flavour to this day.
The spirit of Sabahans is as beautiful as its scenery
If you enjoy road trips, Borneo Safari is a reason to give off-road trips a try. It’s a great way to experience Borneo’s pristine rainforests, the passion of the organisers, and most importantly, the famed hospitality of Sabahans.
