Sports Tourism

Borneo Safari to enliven Visit Sabah 2027

KOTA KINABALU: 2 November 2026
The 34th edition of the Borneo Safari International Offroad Challenge 2026 concluded on Nov 1 after eight days of offroad action through the rugged terrain of Ulu Tongod, Sabah.

Flagged off on Oct 25 from the Sabah Tourism Board building along Gaya Street here, the event attracted more than 650 modified 4×4 vehicles and over 1,700 participants from Malaysia and 15 other countries.

Participants faced muddy jungle tracks, steep inclines, V-gullies, landslides, river crossings and other obstacles.

The competition category saw 31 teams compete in 24 special stages (SS), testing their driving skills, vehicle capabilities, endurance and teamwork.

In the tag-on category, competitors faced equally demanding routes, with persistent rain adding to the challenges.

Aleshen Lo and co-driver Norlee Yap from Kota Kinabalu emerged as overall champions with 1,927 points from 24 SS.

The pair secured a 76-point lead over their closest competitors to claim the Borneo Safari Championship Trophy and RM135,472 worth of cash and prizes.

“I am so happy today. We practised hard to make sure we would be ready for this event and all the hard work paid off,” said Aleshen.

Alexander Chang and Anderson Abdullah from Kota Marudu finished as first runners-up, receiving a trophy and more than RM84,967 worth of cash and prizes.

Koo Foi Loong and Velerick Martin from Keningau finished second runners-up, taking home a trophy and more than RM57,758 worth of cash and prizes.

The Fred Leong Award for excellence in visual storytelling through social media went to Nazri Hashim of Offroad Paparazi Burger.

Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) president and Borneo Safari event director Faez Nordin congratulated all participants on completing this year’s event.

He also thanked the sponsors, partners, government agencies and supporting organisations for their contributions.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, who officiated at the closing ceremony at Wisma Hakka, hoped Borneo Safari would continue next year as part of efforts to enliven Visit Sabah 2027 and boost the state’s tourism sector.

Jamawi also announced additional cash prizes for the winners.

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