Rainforest Challenge – RFC 2010: The Twilight Zone

Page 1: All-Terrain | Page 2: South China Sea | Page 3: Twilight Zone | Page 4: Healing

After the Prologue Stage, I re-joined the RFC trail from Kluang in Johor. The road to the South China Sea took me through elephant country via Kahang. From Jemaluang, it was another long drive through the vast FELDA Tenggaroh settlements, before reaching the final stage of the RFC, in the area nicknamed the Twilight Zone. The participants camped at a very beautiful and remote beach north of Cape Leman… (see 22 pics over 4 pages)

Beautiful Malaysia

Beautiful Malaysia

Having missed the convoy, I was at first unsure if this lonesome path leads to the Twilight Zone. It turned out to be the most amazing journey, ever! Ended up driving on the longest deserted beach for twelve long kilometres, sandwiched by the fast rising tide of the South China Sea and impenetrable mangrove swamps.

Small Town Girl

Small Town Girl

Earlier, at the first stop after Kluang, little Kahang town is as small as it gets. As with every such town, there is a kopitiam tucked at a corner. Except now, it is called a cafe and the daughter is armed with pen and pad.

Apocalypse Not

Apocalypse Not

It is replanting time, and the landscape at the FELDA oil palm plantations appear surreal and eerie.

Lovers' Corner

Lovers’ Corner

I stumbled upon this shady corner where whispering couples shared fleeting, romantic moments. Maybe what the world needs is more love and less plantations…

Operasi Lalang

Operasi Lalang

After a long drive down a muddy road, I knew we were getting close to the sea when casuarina trees outnumbered the lalang grass.

Cool Sea

Cool Ocean

When we arrived at Base Camp 4, it was almost dark and already time to set up tents. The eastern horizon fades with a calming blueish green tint…

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All pictures captured with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 camera by TV Smith

Page 1: All-Terrain | Page 2: South China Sea | Page 3: Twilight Zone | Page 4: Healing

Rainforest Challenge – RFC 2010: Prologue Special Stage

From the Official Opening in Nusajaya, the RFC convoy traveled to Sutera Mall in Skudai. The RFC Prologue Stage is usually held at an accessible place to give the public a chance to view the action up-close.

For the competitors, it also serves as a preface to the challenges that lie ahead in the Johor rainforest. Like last year, the area around Sutera Mall takes on a carnival-like atmosphere as 4wd vehicles and their fans congregate…

Smooth Sailing, Metaphorically

Smooth sailing, metaphorically...

Losing Your Shirt, Literally

Losing your shirt, literally...

Indonesian Husband-Wife Team Overuled By The Marshall

Indonesian husband-wife team overruled by the Marshall

The Winch Man

The Winch Man and Navigator is the most important, operating outside the vehicle most of the time

Something Was Bubbling Underwater. A Triumphant Diver Emerges With A Lost Item

Something was bubbling under the mud (left) - A triumphant 'diver' emerges with a lost item (right)

Getting Out Of A Rut

Getting out of a rut

ATV Action

ATV Action. Motorbikes and ATVs compete in their own category

Family Outing

Family outing in a H3. There are several Hummers in JB including the original H1 (Hum-Vee) and H2

Previous: RFC 2010 Official Opening at Kota Iskandar

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

See last year’s coverage: RFC 2009

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Rainforest Challenge – RFC 2010: Opening Ceremony

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

Good Cop, Babe Cop

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

2,3 & 4 Wheels

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

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

Luis & Lyla

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

Monster SUV

Monster SUV

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

The Sultan Of Johor

The Sultan Of Johor

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

Confetti Rain

Confetti Rain

Raindrops became confetti and the 2010 Rainforest Challenge officially begins.

MyCen Media Vehicle

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

Tip: You can view larger versions of the images here, gallery-style. When the page finishes loading, click on any picture. Navigate via the arrows on each side of the frame.