This year’s Rainforest Challenge kicked-off at Kota Iskandar in Nusajaya, Johor and was officiated by His Majesty the Sultan of Johor. Participants came from all corners of the world, with Russia making her presence felt in a big way.

Straight from the cold frozen winter of Siberia, the Russian teams are ready to tackle our mud and swamps. The JB Prologue Stage, immediately after the opening, becomes the precursor of the tough terrain ahead (in the Jungles of Johor)…

Good Cop, Babe Cop

The people of Johor were all friendly and helpful. Policewoman Tiffany is from Sarawak.

2,3 & 4 Wheels

Earlier, the long convoy of two, three and four-wheeled vehicles departed from Zon Hotel for the opening ceremony site at Nusajaya.

Rain Challenge

Heavy rain greeted us at Kota Iskandar. The weather-resistant Olympus E-3 (I used for this shot) was the only camera there that could take the full brunt of the storm without resorting to an umbrella, shelter or any form of protective covering. I was totally drenched, of course 🙂

Luis & Lyla

RFC founder Luis J Wee and his very capable assistant Lyla thrilled by the fitting presence of water.

Monster SUV

The Johor royal family arrived in this humongous Ford vehicle that became an attraction itself.

The Sultan Of Johor

H.M. The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim III and the Tunku Temenggong of Johor, Tunku Idris Iskandar.

Confetti Rain

Raindrops became confetti and the 2010 Rainforest Challenge officially begins.

MyCen Media Vehicle

Our vehicle being flagged-off by Luis.  I’ll re-join the competition vehicles in the deep  jungles of Johor later in the week. Back in KL for the KL International Motor Show…

Next: Prologue Special Stage action at Sutera Mall in Skudai

Jump to: The Twilight Zone SS by the South China Sea

See last year’s coverage: RFC 2009

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