SABAH, also known as "The Land Below The Wind", has been home to the Borneo Safari since 1991.
The annual event, organised by the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) with the support of the Sabah Tourism Board and local authorities, sees a convoy of highly modified four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles traversing through some of the most beautiful, yet difficult, jungle terrains and rugged areas that are off the tourist radar.
"Among other objectives, the Borneo Safari aims to promote Malaysia, in particular, Sabah, as an exciting adventure destination, taking participants into areas that are off the beaten track," said SFWDA secretary Willie Wong.
More than just an off-roader's dream, the event also supports the livelihood of everyone involved.
"This (Borneo Safari) helps generate income for rural communities and is also a forum to promote and test the 4WD vehicles.
"Participants for this long-running event have come from all walks of life. We have had enthusiasts and professionals, all looking for an adventure experience with a difference," added Wong.
The eight-day seven-night event has a cult following among local enthusiasts, many of whom having spent months testing and preparing their vehicles.
Last year, the event took participants through the district of Kota Belud.
Preparation and testing of the 4WD vehicles is an experience in itself as no two are customised exactly the same. How they are assembled and look is a representation of the participants and their trail strategies.
Benjamin Rowland from Brisbane, Australia was one such participant last year. It was the Port Logistics Crew's second Borneo Safari experience and Rowland travelled with a friend who was a part of the media team.
"As one who has travelled vastly and been involved in the 4WD scene, I noticed that they are built up differently here.
There is a large variation in engine choices, common use of portal axles and high powered winches. The vehicles have been developed to suit the local environment and terrain.
"It was a joyful experience to see how our presence was welcomed by local villagers. For those looking to attend the Borneo Safari, there is stunning nature almost anywhere you look. At every camp, you'll also meet people who invite you to join them for food or a drink."
Veteran Siong Loo, who hails from Tanjung Malim, has participated in the Borneo Safari since 2003. He is a four-time competitor and the overall champion in 2005 with his co-driver Jabinus from Kundasang.
This has led him to make regular trips to Sabah for more off-road adventures and camping trips with the family.
Last year, he was joined by his friend Koh Chai Kooi. The two had shipped a Toyota Land Cruiser from Port Klang to Kota Kinabalu for the event.
Borneo Safari returnee and auto journalist Yoshifumi Takemura and his friend Kazuki Ogura, both from Japan, decided to hire a Suzuki Jimny to self drive the route.
They were both excited to hit the trails and Takemura worked with local participants to clear overgrowth along the track with a parang he bought from a hardware shop.
Kota Belud has many villages that run eco-tourism activities to generate income. These are mainly campsites with basic amenities, some with simple bamboo huts known as "Sulap" or open halls. Most are situated along clear rivers, with views of the hills and very often Gunung Kinabalu.
Dr Azmi Ahmad, of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu took part in the Borneo Safari as a work assignment. Being part of the Medic Team meant that he was on call 24/7 but that didn't stop him from appreciating the natural beauty of Kota Belud in a way that he had never experienced before.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment cum Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai noted that the positive response towards this event, particularly from neighbouring countries, showed that outdoor adventure in Sabah was growing in popularity.
"We at STB see this event as a part of a concerted push to attract more tourists to the state. We know that participants will share their experiences of Sabah's beauty and hospitality to help propel the tourism industry forward," he added.