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Malaysia's rugged
terrain, dense rain forests and numerous
mountainous regions make it an irresistible
destination for off road driving enthusiasts.
Mud, heat, sloping hills and rainstorms add to
the challenge in the grueling and exhilarating
sport of off off the road driving.
With 58 per cent of
the country still under jungle cover, Malaysia's
terrain bring out the best of man and machine in
a test of skill under ever changing conditions.
The three
international off road events held in Malaysia
annually around October and November are the
Trans Borneo International Rally, The National
Challenge and the Rainforest International
Challenge of Malaysia.
The casual visitor
may not be cut out for the rigors of world class
international events like the year-end Camel
Trophy or the Rainforest Challenge, two of the
world of 4x4 driving's most competitive events.
However, there is nothing to stop an interested
novice from learning the rudiments of off road
or 4x4 driving and having an exciting time
exploring places off the beaten track.
WHERE TO DRIVE
AND WHEN
The East Coast
offers the best terrain in Peninsular Malaysia
for off road driving. Gua Musang in Kelantan and
Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu, Endau Rompin in
Johor, Tasik Chini and Cameron Highlands in
Pahang are the routes most often used for the
sport. The area around the Kinabalu National
Park in Sabah and Bintulu in Sarawak are places
for off road enthusiasts in east Malaysia.
There are also some
good places to drive closer to Kuala Lumpur and
the Peninsular. The most notable are Pertak in
Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor which is about two
hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. The route is
especially scenic with fruit plantations and
fresh produce stalls fringing the approach road.
Pahang and
Terengganu still remain the favorite off road
driving destinations. The Sungai Lembing mines
in Pahang are a safe though challenging route
and anglers may like to pack their rods for some
fishing as well. The Endau Rompin area in Johor
is a more trying route and a group expedition is
strongly recommended since a lone vehicle may
encounter difficulties.
Kenyir Lake, Kuala
Berang, Sungai Loh and Sungai Kelamin in
Terengganu are also great spots for off road
adventures. The proximity of these places to
small towns make it easy to get provisions or
fuel. Because of the rugged terrain and the
jolts and bumps sustained during a drive,
participants need to be of a sound body and
constitution.
SEASONS
Off road driving is
a year round activity, but depending on the
level of expertise of the driver, some months
are better than others. The dry season from
March to October make for firmer terrain and
less mud. Visibility is also much better without
the slashing November - February monsoon rains
and so the dry months are recommended for the
casual driver.
EXPERIENCING OFF
ROAD DRIVING
A number of
companies offer safe, true to life off road
driving packages. These are designed to suit an
individual visitor's time constraints.
Enthusiasts can
choose between day trips and a two night short
haul to Cameron Highlands. A six days long haul
trip flies a prospective adventurer from Kuala
Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu where a 4x4 whisks
them of to a campsite in the beautiful Kenyir
Lake before heading to a beach resort and
returning to Kuala Lumpur.
Food, drivers and
campbeds, where needed, will be provided by the
operators. Although visitors can rent 4x4s by
themselves, they are advised not to venture into
the wilds without a guide and a few others
driving partners as the terrain is difficult to
negotiate without the help of a seasoned driver.
Monsoons, landslide and rain may also change the
tracks and make them impassable or inaccessible.
Some operators also offer off road training
courses of a one or two day duration with a
certificate upon completion.
PARTICIPATING IN
OFF ROAD COMPETITIONS
There are two major
off road driving competitions held annually in
the country. The National Challenge is held in
July and the top ten teams are eligible to take
part in the November Rainforest 4x4
International Challenge of Malaysia which pits
the 50 teams against the full force of nature's
tropical rainstorms.
Teams will need to
take charge of the transport and freight
expenses of their vehicles and fuel. Although
teams can hire 4x4s, these are limited and
arrangements need to be made two months in
advance. In soft or open topped vehicles, it is
mandatory for competitors to wear certified
crash helmets. Alcohol and drug abuse is banned
and will result in immediate disqualifications.
The Rainforest
Challenge covers 2,500 km through seven states
in Peninsular Malaysia with varying competition
stages. The major emphasis first and foremost is
on safety, 4 wheel driving and recovery skills.
Awards given include Team Individual Spirit
awards for exceptional motivation, leadership
skills and the ability to act on ideas to assist
others; Jungleman award for outstanding
teamwork, survival, mechanical and outdoor
skills and the Environment award for
demonstrating the most care and attention to the
preservation of the environment.
The event itself
takes eight days but most contestants take three
days prior and after the event for relaxation,
adjustments and a holiday in beautiful Malaysia
whether by the sea, or in the city or
wilderness.
ENVIRONMENTALLY
RESPONSIBLE
The casual driver as
well as the contestant must always bear in mind
that off road driving seeks to unite man and
nature. It is never a test of wills of one
against another. Internationally accepted
practices are to be abided by when traveling and
camping.
Always remember to
take your garbage with you. No burying of thrash
is allowed. Carry out bodily functions at least
100 m away from the campsites and well away from
water. Keep to marked trails and do not drive
over vegetated sand dunes while on beaches.
Never run over or
flatten any living undergrowth or saplings if
your vehicle can safely go around it. Attempt
also to move fallen obstructions blocking your
track rather than trying to drive over them.
See also:-
Practical Off Road
Driving Tips
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