I’ve always had a soft spot for road trips to neighbouring countries, dating back to my first experience ages ago when Ford Brunei invited me on an expedition to Sabah.
We tackled both on and off-roads, tracing the coastal route from Keningau to the tip of Borneo in Kudat.
Despite getting lost in the jungle during the off-road segment en route to Tawau, that expedition remains a cherished memory. Since then, I’ve eagerly anticipated more such adventures.
Post my last 4×4 convoy road trip before the global pandemic, an opportunity knocked when my former colleague, Hajah Liza, invited me to join her family on their road adventure.
It was part of the Brunei Ford Ranger Owner Club’s year-end activities hosted by Premier Automobile Sdn Bhd.
Initially hesitant, as I had other plans, Hajah Liza’s persuasion, fuelled by the promise of celebrating her birthday during the trip and its more relaxed nature compared to typical 4×4 adventures, won me over.
So, armed with my sizable suitcase and considering the duration of our stay, off I went.
Crossing the Sabah/Sarawak border in Sindumin, memories of past convoy trips flooded back. As expected, the ongoing construction of the Pan-Borneo Highway made that stretch quite a bumpy ride.
This trip, lacking off-road activities and focused on the Ford Ranger Owners Club Borneo Region Mega TT 2023 gathering, prompted me to immerse myself in the crowd and soak up the nature at J Borneo Native Village. I marvelled at the lineup of Rangers, some sporting rugged modifications that caught my eye.
Attending such a gathering for the first time was an eye-opener.
Witnessing Ford Ranger owners from across Borneo forge connections, some of which have only met for the first time, partaking in entertaining outdoor games, and revelling in the revving of engines at the event platform made for a truly memorable and laid-back experience.
Beyond the exhilarating activities, the journey underscored a profound revelation; that road trip adventures with 4×4 convoys need not always be extreme tests for the vehicles or include daring off-road pursuits.
This family-oriented approach, fostering bonds and creating lasting memories, proved equally rewarding for a neighbouring country road trip.
This departure from the norm, transitioning from a traditional 4×4 convoy to a more relaxed road trip, exemplifies the multifaceted nature of owning a truck.
It’s not merely a vehicle for conquering challenging terrains; it’s a conduit for crafting meaningful experiences and strengthening connections that linger long after the journey concludes. – Lyna Mohamad
