Borneo Safari Off-Road Challenge returns with 470 vehicles

The highly anticipated Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge returns to Sabah after a two-year break, bringing 470 modified off-road vehicles with it.

The 30th edition of the gruelling off-road challenge from Oct 30 to Nov 6 featured 470 modified four-wheel-drive vehicles and 1,200 participants from all over Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei.

The route this time will see the participants driving through Tuaran before navigating the terrains of Kota Belud using old logging roads.

The participants come from all over Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei.

Flagging off the event on Sunday, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment cum Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the positive response, particularly from neighbouring countries, shows that outdoor adventure activity in Sabah is growing in popularity.

“We at the Sabah Tourism see this as part of a concerted push to attract more tourists. We hope all participants will take this opportunity to explore Sabah’s beauty and share their experiences with the world.

“I am sure through everyone’s reports and publicity, it will help propel the state’s tourism industry,” he said.

Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman and Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association president Faez Nordin were also present at the flagging-off ceremony, which took place in front of the STB office on Gaya Street.

Organised by the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association, Faez said participants in the eight-day off-road challenge would journey through nine remote villages.

They will connect with the rural communities through corporate social responsibility activities such as a medical camp.

The Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge is an Eight-Day 4WD expedition through Northern Borneo, covering 1000 km of some of the world’s most challenging and varied terrains.

The concept of the Borneo Safari Expedition, unique in motorsport, is that of an adventure track with 4WDs through some of the world’s most incredibly beautiful yet agonizingly difficult jungle terrains.

The Borneo Safari is designed as a competitive expedition to bring out the spirit of adventure, teamwork, skilful and safe driving, and bring out the best in man and machine.