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.

The operators will provide food, drivers and camp beds to who is needed. Although visitors can rent 4X4s by themselves, they are advised not to venture into the wilds without a guide and a few other 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 one or two day duration with a certificate upon completion.

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 disqualification.

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 repairs, adjustments
and a holiday in beautiful Malaysia whether
by the sea, or in the city or wilderness.

he 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.

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.