KOTA KINABALU: The Trans Borneo Land Below the Wind (TBLBW) expedition will return next month to jumpstart Sabah's nature tourism industry after a year due to Covid-19.
North Borneo Explorer director Anuar Ghani said the week-long adventure from Dec 12-19 will start from Kota Kinabalu.
The pit stops are Mari Mari in Inanam, Tamaza in Telipok, Mesilau and Poring in Ranau, Kun Kun in Sandakan, Taliwas in Lahad Datu, with the finishing line in Bohey Dulang, Semporna.
He said the expedition is divided into touring class for normal 4x4 vehicles travelling on the main or gravelled roads, as well as hardcore class for rugged terrains that require modified off-road vehicles.
The event is limited to 50 vehicles with 100 participants and registration is based on a first-come-first-served basis.
Each tour class will go on separate routes and meet at certain pit stops.
"The main objective of TBLBW is to promote and restore the inbound travel and tourism industry in Sabah to both local and niche international markets.
"It also aims to promote culture, cuisine and conservation; history and heritage; adventure and agriculture as well as nature and nightlife tourism in Sabah," said Anuar.
He said participants would explore the natural beauty and test the rugged terrains of Sabah with their vehicles.
"This event is also expected to provide opportunities to local cottage industry players to show their products and services, and reignite local homestay businesses," said Anuar.
For wildlife enthusiasts, he said there was a good chance to see Bornean pygmy elephants which had been spotted migrating when the routes were being determined.
TBLBW is endorsed by the federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry; Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry; Sabah Tourism Board; and, the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association.
Sponsors include CST Tyres, Angkatan Hebat Sdn Bhd, Permai Polyclinic and the Sabah Energy Corporation.
Yayasan Sabah has also granted the expedition team permission to camp in Taliwas and pass through Luasong through the Kun Kun and Imbak Canyon Road.
Participation fees are RM2,500 for jump-seaters, RM2,100 for public entries and RM1,750 for students and trainees (young Trans Borneo Explorers in the tourism, automotive and multimedia fields).
The registration form can be downloaded from www.transborneo.net and sent to northborneoexplorer@gmail.com.
The deadline for registration is Nov 30.