Some of the 4×4 vehicles taking part in the 34th Borneo Safari International Offroad Challenge 2026…Photo by: Andy street photography
KOTA KINABALU: The 34th Borneo Safari International Offroad Challenge 2026 kicked off today with a record 650 registered vehicles and 1,720 participants, reinforcing Sabah’s reputation as a premier destination for international adventure tourism.
The eight-day event, which began with a flag-off ceremony at the Sabah Tourism Board building along Gaya Street here, has attracted offroad enthusiasts from 15 countries besides Malaysia, including 31 competitors participating in the official competition category.
The ceremony was officiated by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin, in the presence of representatives from the event’s main sponsors, Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Grantt Lubricants, as well as official fuel partner PETRONAS DYNAMIC DIESEL Euro 5 with Pro-Drive.
Organised by the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association, the annual challenge combines competitive offroad racing with an expedition through Sabah’s rugged interior, taking participants across remote jungle terrain, river crossings and challenging tracks along abandoned logging trails.
The 31 competitors will face 24 special stages over the next eight days, testing their driving skills, vehicle endurance and ability to navigate some of the state’s most demanding offroad routes.
Beyond the competition, the event offers participants an opportunity to experience Sabah’s natural landscapes while fostering international camaraderie among members of the global four-wheel-drive community.
The challenge will conclude with a gala dinner at Hakka Hall here on Nov 1, bringing together participants, sponsors, officials and supporters to mark the completion of this year’s expedition.
Over the years, the Borneo Safari International Offroad Challenge has established itself as a major annual gathering for offroad enthusiasts, contributing to Sabah’s adventure tourism profile while promoting international networking and responsible exploration of its natural environment.
