The 4x4 Expedition: 5Days, 4Nights of Wilderness and Wonder

The engine roared to life, a deep, guttural sound that echoed through the crisp morning air. Our 4x4, a rugged machine built for the toughest terrains, stood ready at the edge of the trail. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the landscape. This was the start of a five-day, four-night adventure into the heart of the wilderness, a journey that would test our limits, forge unbreakable bonds, and leave us with memories to last a lifetime.

Our group consisted of four 5 friends: Project Manager-Song, Visual Manager-Oliver, Car Technician-Kent, 2nd Car driver-Ruey and Travel influenzer- Ah Han (OKOK TRAVEL). We had spent months planning this expedition, poring over maps, studying the terrain, and preparing our gear. 

Day 1: Welcoming by Native, Rumah Panjang Engkeranji Layar, Bentong.

The first day was a mix of excitement and trepidation. We participate the start up event which held in Saradise, Kuching. All the 4x4, rugged machine from around the world had imploded in Saradise, Kuching before the event began. The organiser had implement the rules, regulations and safety to all the participators while enjoying the excitment of this international event.

Around 10am, the 200 cars Sarawak Jamboree Convoy had began the journey. By midday, the Indonesian teams facing car broke down and the convoy had to delay in order to help the Indonesian team to catch up. 

As the sun began to set, we reach Rumah Panjang Engkeranji Layar, Bentong a suitable spot to set up camp. The first night was spent around a crackling fire, sharing stories and laughter, the stars above us a reminder of the vastness of the world we were exploring.

Day 2: Trials and Triumphs, Ng. Jangin, Lemanak, Lubok Antu.

The second day brought new challenges. We navigated through dense forests where the canopy above blocked out the sun, leaving us in a twilight world of shadows and silence. 

By afternoon, we reached a river, Ng. Jangin, Lemanak, Lubok Antu. The water was swift and cold, the current tugging at the tires as we inched our way across. It was a tense moment, but we made it to the other side, the sense of accomplishment palpable. Unfortunatley, our second car driver, Nissan Navara, Ruey had broke down. The driver shaft had damaged. Therefore, they decide to leave in ealry morning to the nearest town to repair the cars.

That night, we camped by the river, the sound of the water providing a soothing backdrop to our conversations. The challenges of the day had brought us closer together, and we fell asleep under a blanket of stars, exhausted but content.

Day 3: Into the Deep Jungle, Bakatup, Skrang, Lubok Antu, Taman Negara

Before the sun rise, Ruey and Kent had left from the convoy to seek repairing the drive shaft. Therefore, Prohike adventure team only left one car in the following days. 

The third day brought new challenges. We navigated through dense forests where the canopy above blocked out the sun, leaving us in a twilight world of shadows and silence. The trail was littered with fallen trees and large rocks, requiring constant vigilance and quick thinking. There were moments of frustration, when the path seemed impassable, but we worked together, using winches and sheer determination to clear the way.

We reached the second river by late afternoon, the sense of achievement overwhelming. We stood there, silent and awestruck, the wind whipping around us, the world spread out at our feet. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy, a reminder of why we had embarked on this journey in the first place.

Day 4: Secret Paradise, Ulu skrang, Lubok Antu.

00:00 - Ruey and Kent surprisingly return back to the convoy after they done repair the drive shaft in the town!

07:00- Sudden heavy rain! The riverbank water level had increasing rapidly. Prohike team evacuate within 5 minutes off the riverbank while others still clean off their things.

08:00- We leave Sarawak Jamboree Convoy. Prohike Adventure searching a new secret paradise, ULU SKRANG, LUBOK ANTU. 

Passing by a old steel structure but wooden slab bridges and we camp besides the Ulu Skrang, Riverbank.

We camped that night in a dense forest, the trees providing a sense of shelter and security. The fire crackled, and the night was filled with laughter and stories, the bonds between us stronger than ever.

Day 5: The Journey Home

The final day was bittersweet. The trail was easier, the terrain more forgiving, and we made good time. But there was a sense of melancholy, a realization that our adventure was coming to an end. As we drove back into the world we had left behind, the memories of our journey etched into our minds, I knew that this was just the beginning. There were more trails to explore, more challenges to face, and more adventures waiting to be had.

But for now, we were content, our hearts full, our spirits renewed, and our bond stronger than ever. The 4x4 expedition had been more than just a journey through the wilderness—it had been a journey into the very essence of what it means to be alive.