Land Rover RP team aims for off-road top spot

MANILA - After finishing fifth overall in the recently-concluded China-Sanya 4x4 International Off-road Challenge, Team Land Rover Philippines is setting its sights on greater heights.

“We’re planning to top again… we’re going for No. 1,” Marc Soong, executive director of Land Rover Philippines Motors, Inc., told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Soong said Team Land Rover Philippines will aim for the top spot when it competes at the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) 2009 in Malaysia on December.

The team finished fifth with 2,520 points in the China-Sanya Challenge held last Sept. 19 to 23. The event drew 40 teams from Asia and Europe.

Team Malaysia topped the 4x4 challenge (2,946 points), followed by Hong Kong (2,720 points), China (2,593 points), and another team from China (2,547 points).

The RP team, in addition, was the overall champion in the "Electric Winch Category" with 2,250 points. They bested teams from Sri Lanka, China, Poland, Lebanon, Russia and Great Britain.

Driver Larry Mendiola and co-driver Atoy Jamila went throught 4 special stages (SS) in the jungle where they had to use winch power, the right tactics, strategy, skills and a well-prepared 4x4 machine, a Land Rover statement explained.

They won the "Elecric Winch Category" after having "taken full advantage of the power of the winch." An electric winch is used to pull a 4x4 from a ditch or any other problematic area that the vehicle encounters during competition.

It also won the “First Island Entry Award.” The special award is given to the first foreign team that reached Sanya, China.

More extreme

Mendiola and Jamila said they spent two days in the prologue stage and three days in the jungle.

“Mahirap talaga doon… ikaw bahala paano mailulusot ang sasakyan,” said Mendiola, who has been involved in off-road racing since 1995.

Mendiola received the “Driver of the Year – 4x4 Category” from the Automobile Association of the Philippines in 1996, 1999, 2001 and 2004.

Jamila, who has been into off-road racing since 2000, has competed thrice in the RFC in 2000, 2005 and 2006.

Meanwhile, Soong also mentioned that Team Land Rover Philippines will be using a different car for the Malaysian competition.

He said the change is due to the fact that they are going for “a little more extreme.”

Soong revealed that Mendiola and Jamila used his personal car in the China-Sanya Challenge.

General Guide to Competitor Teams (COMPULSORY READING)

1. Location, timing and fellowship of different nationalities united in the passion for 4x4. An extraordinary group of adventurers pitting their skills in off-roading and recovery in an extraordinary terrain and in an extraordinary season – the monsoon!!

2. The route chosen is different year by year. The trails follow existing or disused logging trails that are usually no wider than the vehicles, and the event is at the mercy of Mother Nature. When it rains, it pours! The rivers can rise rapidly (2-3 metres per hour is common), and this in turn leads to major flooding. Such conditions can contribute to altering the schedule and sometimes the route. Changes to the itinerary are, thus, frequent due to such climatic conditions. The sequence of events can happen rapidly. So be prepared for any changes. Even though you may not see or know what’s happening ahead, stay calm and cool under any circumstances. The organizing team will do the necessary rerouting and regrouping to keep the event going. All decisions taken will be for the overall good of the event and for all participants, even though they might not be satisfactory for your team. Remember that it’s one for all and all for one.

3. The first day’s action – the Prologue Special Stages is usually held on a site chosen near to the flag-off town and attracts crowds of spectators. This can continue into the afternoon of the second day. After that, the convoy will normally depart for a jungle campsite. Depending on the site available to the Course Designer, any natural and sustainable obstacles will be used along with an array of man-mad obstacles to create up to 6 competitive Special Stages (SS).

4. The competitors’ placing at the end of the prologue will be used as the starting order for the first day’s jungle SS. During the subsequent days, draws out of the hat are held to give random starting order for the rest of the SS. This will give a fair chance to everyone as the going gets tougher.

5. Once on route in the jungle, competitive SS are laid out whenever possible. Sometimes the SS laid out during the reconnaissance (recce) would be ‘taken over” by the jungle itself through natural means (erosion, flood and/or landslides). However, every effort is made to choose locations that are sustainable. The number of competitive vehicles and Mother Nature has a major influence on the number of SS.

6. The competition is fluid as it moves on from day to day incorporating SS along the route. The whole convoy will move and camp at different location each night. Occasionally we will have a base camp for two nights. This gives the competition Course Designer a chance to condense as many SS into one area (including some night SS).

7. There will be some parts of the route that only competition vehicles will use. All other vehicles, including support and press vehicles, will have to take an alternative route. Competitors and their support teams may spend one, two or more nights separated from each other. So all teams must be prepared for self-sufficiency in food and camping needs during such times.

8. As the event convoy moves along the jungle trails, the many obstacles will inevitably cause queuing and waiting for everyone. This waiting time can however be used constructively to sort out winching equipment, checking over mechanical items and even catching up on your meals and sleep. Sometimes the weather can wreck havoc even on “safe” or escape routes, so be prepared for anything. No plans are foolproof, there is no guarantee of a safe passage anywhere; use the waiting time to good use for yourselves.

9. There will be designated camp areas along the route, usually disused logging sites. Whenever possible, campsites are chosen close to a river or stream (with running water) giving everyone an opportunity to wash off the day’s mud and sweat. BUT, if the weather affects our itinerary, it may be necessary to camp on the tracks. In these circumstances, the Competition Manager, Course Designer or Event Director will make the decision as when and where we make camp.

10. The competition is tough on the vehicles. Mud and sand gets into everything, clogging up radiators and affecting alternators and starter motors and also deteriorating and destroying the brake pads. So, please check your vehicles at every opportunity you get.

11. The natural jungle conditions can sap the strength of competitors. Heat, humidity, the ever-present dampness, mosquitoes, sand flies, leeches and the strain of competitive sections will all take their toll!!

12. To get most of your participation in the event, you must come with the right frame of mind and with a correct attitude. If you are mentally and physically prepared for the worst – you will enjoy the experience.

Be forewarned, the Rainforest Challenge is not for the faint-hearted. Mother Nature rules supreme; respect the laws of the jungle when living out your “passion” in 4x4.

Land Rover Defender wins top award

IT MAY be cursed by some as being a member of the “Chelsea tractor” family – but the Midland-made 4x4 Land Rover Defender has won a top vehicle award.

Readers of What Car? magazine voted the Defender their favourite car.

Group editor Steve Fowler said: “The Land Rover Defender has bags of ability and does exactly what it’s designed to do perfectly.

“Together with its no-nonsense approach and strong durability, the Defender is putting a big smile on owners’ faces.”

In contrast, the Ford Focus coupé cabriolet was voted the least-popular car. Readers made the Fiat 500 the top supermini, while the Jaguar XJ was the best executive and luxury car, and the Ford Mondeo the top estate car.

The Audi A5 was rated the best coupé, the Skoda Octavia the best small family car and the Mazda MX-5 the best open-top.

Top performance car was the Porsche 911, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class topped the family and compact executive category and the Ford C-Max was the best MPV (multi-purpose vehicle).

The Citroen C3 was the last-placed supermini. The Volvo S40 was the least-popular small family car and the Volkswagen Passat came bottom in the family and compact executive category.

EVENT GUIDE III

1. This guide is intended to assist you with your preparations and enable you to enjoy a fulfilling jungle experience. Some of these points have already been mentioned in the General Event Guide, but nevertheless, there is no harm in repetition to ease your journey with us.

2. The most important lesson in this unbelievable adventure is that Mother Nature rules supreme, the strongest force on earth. Paying full respects to her laws and awesome might is the wisest thing to do. The weather can change dramatically in a short period of time; and if the monsoon rains come, they pour down with a vengeance. You will require all your inner strengths to cope with the challenges of a cool, wet and damp jungle. However cold it gets, you will never suffer from hypothermia, this is tropical country.

3. The weather, the uncertainty, the route and the adventure gives the event a real unmatched dramatic feeling.

4. The way of life and culture here are different from where you come from, so respecting the locals is a must. Learn from your local press officers assigned to you.

5. Even though the organizer tries its best to be as “media-friendly” as possible to enable you to take your footages/shots as you possibly can, we cannot guarantee you total access in the entire route (and see all the Special Stages). Some embedding will be done for some, others will be on more well prepared press vehicles and the rest taken on shortcuts (escape routes) whenever possible. However, you must be aware that no plans are foolproof in the event.

6. Your understanding that you may not get to the places at any one time means that you must be willing to share your photos among your peers, to get a complete overall picture of the event.

7. Please remember that a tropical jungle event is quite unlike the conditions from any “temperate zone countries” – where routes do not change dramatically in a matter of hours or days, or where accessibility is not a problem. Over here, the weather assists the jungle to reclaim, transform and chisel/sculpture the terrain beyond recognition in a matter of hours/days. And that makes the going in the RFC so much harder and unpredictable.

8. Come with an open mind about a jungle event and its constraints. Taking on the daily happenings with a good team spirit and a smiling face means earning the respect of your peers and the officials. These traits will certainly make your time with us most memorable and enjoyable. Listen to daily briefings, as there will be changes in ground conditions/operations, quite different from the schedule given to you prior to the event. Get ready physically and mentally and let us roll.

9.1 Preparations

9.1 Food & Water
All members of the press and touring adventurers will be assigned to press officers’ vehicles throughout the event. Press members must contribute approx USD100 for the purchase of food/water (for cooking hot meals) with the officers in whose vehicles they are assigned into. Cooking utensils are provided in the vehicle. Please also bring your own dry rations especially during daytime journeys where sometimes it is not possible to cook meals.

9.2 Camp beds/Sleeping bags/Utensils
Bring or buy a stretcher bed and a light-weight sleeping bag (cotton liners). Evenings/nights in the jungle beside a river or waterfall and on higher attitudes are cooler than in the city. Bring your own mess tin with cutlery, or plates and cup/mug; also bring your own toilet paper. At campsites, the tent will be the first to be erected, please help in the teambuilding of setting up the tent (Tarpaulin or plastic type sheets hung over two vehicles).

9.3 Toilet Etiquette
All toilet business must be conducted some distance from the campsite and away from a water source. Bury your excrement with a small shovel or “changkol.” Do not leave it exposed or simply covered with toilet or tissue paper or leaves. The items can be easily purchased in Kuala Lumpur outdoor/camping stores.

Before doing your business in the bush, it is advisable to ‘rattle the bushes/grasses’ to ward off any unwanted wildlife. Do not do your toilet business in the river as indigenous villages could be downstream using the same water for their daily needs.

9.4 Rubbish
Everyone is socially responsible to collect accumulated rubbish and dispose them in town. Rubbish sacks are provided. Compact them as much as you can, separate dry and wet ones whenever possible.

9.5 Luggage
For your own comfort, you are only allowed to bring one hold-all or soft bag no bigger than 30″L x 18″W into your assigned vehicle. Remember that there will be two or three more of your peers in the same vehicle, with their respective baggage. Excessive load may lead to vehicle breakdown in the jungle, which you will want to avoid at all cost.

9.6 Waterproof Bags
Keeping clothes and sleeping bags dry in the jungle can be difficult. Canoe bags (or similar water resistant types) are most effective for this purpose. These bags, if not given as gift items in the event, can be purchased easily in most outdoor/camping stores in the city. These water resistant bags will be very useful in the dampness/rain or during river crossing

9.7 Walking/Jungle boots/Sandals
A good stout pair of boots is required. Green canvas lace-up boots are easily available in the outdoor/camping stores. They are light and quicker to dry than normal boots. The high leg types also give protection from leeches/insects. However, sizes for large feet are very difficult to obtain. Wellington type boots made of rubber are also advisable (and cheap) to have as spares especially in muddy campsites.

It is advisable to wear strap-on sandals in the river for bathing and walking around campsite. For your comforts, allow your feet to ‘breathe’ and keep them dry whenever possible.

9.8 Personal Hygiene I
Important to wash/shower/clean your body daily in whatever water source is available. Humid conditions and wet clothing can cause irritable rashes on the skin. Dry clothing and medicated powder highly essential.

9.9 Personal Hygiene II
Anti-fungal powder/cream. The heat, humidity, dampness, mud, rivers and rain can cause “sweat rash” under arms, groin and chest, and can be very uncomfortable. A good relief from this is an anti-fungal cream like “Caneston.” Feet should be kept dry as continuously wet situation or not dry properly will result in skin peeling.

9.10 Drinking River or rainwater
Use water purification tablets and/or boiling process.

9.11 Mosquito nets
Essential to have it to keep mosquitoes and sand flies (to a certain extent) away. Easily available in outdoor/camping stores in the city.

9.12 Insect repellent
Recommended to use a good repellent that can combat not only mosquitoes, but also sand flies. The sand fly is much smaller and harder to see but it is common in some campsites and they hit around the same time as the mosquitoes – early mornings and evenings/nights. Their bites can cause slight swelling on the face too)

“Off” is a good local insect repellent and available in most pharmacies in the city. It is safe on the skin (orange citrus smell in orange can).

To keep insects at bay around sleeping area use local “mosquito repellent coils” – quite effective as they burn slowly all night (with smoke), which will also keep the flies away.

In Malaysia, you can also buy “Baygone” brand to keep insects/leeches away. It comes in a green can with a green cap. When sprayed on the floor/grass around the sleeping area, its excellent repellent for both mosquitoes/sand flies/insects/leeches. When trekking, use it on your trouser leg area and boots – “leech proof” until the smell wears out.

9.13 Insects /Wild animals
The jungle is alive with diversities of wildlife of which 99% will avoid human contact (they see and hear you long before you see them). Leeches are quite common and they latch on everything, even on wet clothing, however, they don’t hurt and can easily be removed. Expect slight bleeding for a while. Before sleeping always check your legs, arms, neck and feet for them. They can get inside socks and boots and hide between toes. During the night, they feed on your blood and the first thing you know is a bloody sleeping bag in the morning.

Make sure your feet are dry and powdered each night. Check your boots before putting them on each morning.

9.14 Clothing
Please note that all clothes used in the jungle will get stained by the mud/dirt, especially if wet. It is recommended that you bring clothes you don’t mind getting soiled.

• T-shirts (cotton), long trousers – thin material for easy drying, shorts.
• Thin long-sleeve shirts, sweat shirt/thin fleece
• Stout boots (bring an extra pair)
• Sandals (strapped on types)
• Personal toiletries and thin towels
• Small thin hand towels for the neck (local Good Morning types will do) – helps to wipe the sweat.
• Underwear (extras, or the disposable types)
• Socks (plenty of extras)
• Hat, head torch & spare baterries
• Working gloves (several pairs - easily obtainable in the city)
• Immodium tablets
• Personal medications/first aid plasters/small first aid kit

In the daytime, t-shirts and trousers are ok for working. Shorts can be worn the rest of the time. In higher attitude and rainy days in the campsite, the temperature can drop a few degrees, so you will want your sweatshirt or maybe fleece.

9.15 Sun Block
Essential as temperatures can rise to 34-36 degrees with bright sunshine.

9.16 Camera Equipment
Humidity is very high in the jungle. Rainfall is frequent and can be very heavy at times. A hotel shower cap makes an excellent cover for cameras! Camera bag should be padded for protection. Some of the vehicles will not have charging facilities for batteries but at campsites, the camaraderie is always there (put on a smiling face always) if you know how to ask around

9.17 Dehydration
Recommended that you drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day. You lose plenty of moisture in your body in the heat and can suffer exhaustion easily under the hot tropical sun.

9.18 De-hydration Salts
If you do become dehydrated, it is essential to get liquid and salt back into the body quickly. You can purchase Re-hydration salts in sachets in local pharmacies (Farmasi), which are much cheaper than your country. One sachet to a 75 cl bottle of water is the usual dose. Rest and drink at least a liter of water. High energy drinks are also essential (high glucose drinks). 100 Plus is the favoured drink in Malaysia and available everywhere.

9.19 Watch out for one another (Buddy System)
A person who is becoming dehydrated may not realize it. Diarrhoea or loose motions is one of the first symptoms, it can dehydrate a person extremely quickly. Notice if a member of the group keeps dashing off into the bush with toilet paper. Other symptoms include possible feeling of nausea, dizziness or feeling light headed, lethargic/tired, headache, sweating or urinating less. Buddy system also means taking take of one another in true camaraderie style, you will need to be united in the face of the challenges ahead.

9.20 Vaccinations
Malaysia is relatively free from tropical infectious diseases. However, please consult your doctor for advise before coming here. Malaria tablets should be taken before you depart from home.

9.21 Insurance
The event is covered by Public Liability and Group Personal Accident insurance. However, it is always advisable to take extra insurance (travel/holiday/accident) on your own as those covered by the event might not be enough for your personal needs. How you value yourself is a personal matter.

9.22 Transfer from KLIA airport to RFC official hotel in the city
Upon arrival and immigration/customs clearance, proceed to purchase your coupons for taxi or KLIA express train, just after customs. Taxi takes about an hour and KLIA express train takes about 25 mins. While taxi (purchase a budget not a limo service – its approx RM 100 to your hotel. If you choose the train option at RM 35 single, it will take you to KL Sentral station (Central Station). Disembark, proceed to the exit and take a taxi to your hotel (approx RM 10).

9.23 Currency
1 USD is approx Ringgit Malaysia RM3.40, 1 pound sterling is approx RM6.00 and 1 Euro is approx RM4.90. You can easily change your currency at any bureau d’change at the airport and in the city.

Be forewarned. Mother Nature does not respect our timing and programme. Event schedule subject to changes.

EVENT GUIDE II

This guide is intended to assist you with your preparations before leaving home and to enable you to enjoy the experience of the jungle to its fullest. For those of you who are RFC “experienced”, let this be merely a reminder. For all you first-timers, take heed. We hope that the following facts, pointers and suggestions will ease your entry. Remember that, to complete the event is already an achievement.

Be Prepared! November – January in Malaysia is Monsoon Season. Expect to be continually wet for the duration - damp at best. Expect mosquitoes, leeches and a host of other insects. Expect debilitating heat and humidity, relentless rain and mud but also expect a country of great beauty inhabited by a friendly and diverse people. Approach this event with respect - it is tough. And, if you are prepared then, chances are, you will enjoy yourself that much more.

Herewith please find the recommended Bring-List for all personnel attending RFC. Use it as a guide only.

Recommended that you pack for 2 scenarios - A bag of 3 sets of clothing incl. shorts, shoes incl. authenticated copies of passport, air-tickets etc. which remains at the hotel. A portion of your money should be deposited in the Hotel safe. So, if everything were to go wrong and you lose your gear/money/passport whatever you are not completely lost. The other bag which is your event bag, obviously comes with you. Think waterproof, rugged, lockable etc. Please mark ALL your clothing and gear with your name etc. Bring lots of business cards.

Clothing
Clothing should be light, quick-dry, rugged/outdoor with lots of pockets, practical in design and colour.
2 x pairs Short Pants with belt-loops
2 x pairs Long Pants, loose-fitting, lots of pockets
2 x T-Shirts
2 x Long-Sleeved Shirts
1 x Track-Suit. Light, dark, cotton/wool. Night wear
4 x pairs Socks. Wool/Cotton. Dark. Throw-away after event
Underwear - your call (disposables are handy and hygienic and available from pharmacy shops locally)
1 x Sarong/wrap
1 x Small, dark towel
1 x Canvas/nylon belt
2 x Winch/leather gloves with grommets (metal re-inforced holes) that can attach to a belt with a karabiner
1 x 2 Piece rain suit (pants and jacket) with hood and large w/proof pockets
1 x Poncho - doubles as groundsheet or small tarpaulin
1 x pair. Gaiters (Waterproof leggings that attach to boots and fasten below knee)
4 x Handkerchiefs/bandannas
2 x pairs. cheap sunglasses with tie-ons
1 x pair Boots. Lightweight, ankle-high with good tread for mud. Some people swear by soccer boots. That is how bad the mud can be.
1 x pair Tennis shoes.
1 x pair thongs with velcro strapping and treaded soles or water resistant strap on sandles. TEVA sandles recommended
1 x Swim outfit
Caps and hats, bring spares
1 x Lightweight sleeping bag. Pack in w/proof stuff-bag lined with heavy-duty plastic bag
1 x Airline-size pillow
1 x Hammock or lightweight campstretcher/bed. The hammock - if you can sleep in one is Cheaper and lighter
1x Mosquito Net - optional. Not always possible to string up

Equipment
1 x Head Lamp torch with spare batteries and globes. PETZL make a good range
1 x Utility knife. Swiss Army, Leatherman or Gerber
1 x 10m of nylon string. Always handy
A couple of bungee cords are also useful
2 x belt or strap water bottles. 2litres each
1 x pkt. Heavy Duty zip-lock bags - money, papers etc
1 x 10-15 lt daypack
1 x Moonbag. Money, papers, smokes etc
1 x Plastic/enamel mug
1 x Plastic/enamel deep plate. A frisbee works
1 x Knife/fork/spoon set
1 x Roll Duct Tape

Personal
1 x Wash Bag containing :-
* Hand soap in plastic container
* Shampoo
* Toothbrush/paste/floss
* Eye drops and lip balm
* Sunblock, skin cream
* Nail/Scrubbing brush
* Nail clippers. Advisable to keep nails short for the duration - especially toenails
2 x Rolls Toilet Paper at all times - buy in Kuala Lumpur
3 x Containers Moist Towelettes. Personal hygiene when there is limited washing facilities Bring lots of insect repellant - spray and cream. Can be purchased in Kuala Lumpur

1 x Personal First Aid Kit containing :-
* Multi Vitamins
* Antiseptic Cream
* Antihistamine Cream
* Pain killers - Aspirin
* Tweezers & scissors
* Various bandages. 1 of each
* Re-hydrate sachets
* Alcohol Swabs
* Anti-fungal foot spray/cream
* Box of fabric plasters
* Bottle mercurochrome
* Diorrea pills

All of these items can fit into a fairly small bag - Available in most cities. Current vaccinations required for Malaysia as well as the best malaria prophylactic. Definitely get your anti-tetanus jab or booster. Hepatitis A & B are jabs recommend as well. Inform the RFC Management ASAP of any pertinent medical condition i.e. allergies, cardio-vascular problems etc. Insure yourself and your gear and give details to your country co-coordinator or RFC management.

If it is your first time in Malaysia and on the RFC, then we recommend doing some research - especially on the conditions that you will encounter. Finding out more about local customs - especially in the Muslim areas - is advised. A pocket phrase-book is handy, but optional.

Dry Rations
* Bring your own selection of energy and granola bars, chocolates, sweets, trail snacks, savoury biscuits, processed cheese, dried sausages, etc to keep you through the day. One can buy a range of snacks locally; crisps, chocolates, biscuits, etc. It all depends on your personal tastes. Bring also your own packets of Trail Meals - light and easy to prepare, can even eat out of the packet etc. You should be as self sufficient in your energy needs and water as possible at any time of the day or night. Remember, come for an adventure in the jungle. This is not a paid holiday with food prepared for you.

* Alcohol and beer are readily available except in Muslim provinces and in the jungle. You might want to bring a couple of aluminium screw-top camp bottles to carry alcohol and a soft cooler bag for beer, soft drinks and ice. If the driver or other occupants of the vehicle are Muslim, please refrain from eating pork in their presence.

* Bring your own set of mess tin (useful for cooked meals).

Meals
Please prepare your own meals at campsites, and sometimes it can be on the go, anytime!

Survival Rations
Vehicles break down, get lost, stuck, etc and that invariably happens far away from the nearest shops. Recommended that you prepare a survival pack of emergency rations. Consider the following - ready mixed sachets of coffee/tea, granola and or energy bars, trail snacks, glucose and vitamin enriched sweets, cup disposable soups and disposable lighters.

Country Flag
Bring your own country flags (min size 3′x 4′) for opening and closing ceremonies.

Please come with an open mind about the jungle, the event, different cultures, way of life and people from different nationalities and be interactive, if you do that, then I am sure you will have an enjoyable time with us.

RFC EVENT GUIDE I

EVENT GUIDE I

1. Welcome To Malaysia Malaysia has a population of over 25 million people who reside in the Peninsular and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the Borneo Island. The country prides itself on the harmonious existence of various races as a nation. While the majority are Malays, the Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazandusuns and other ethnic groups make up a colourful and vibrant society. Malaysia’s official language is Bahasa Malaysia, but English is widely spoken. The nation comprises Moslems, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and followers of other religion. 2. Weather Conditions Hot and humid all year round, Malaysia enjoys and equatorial climate of temperatures ranging from 22 to 32 degrees Celcius in the lowlands. However, it is cooler in highland areas. The annual rainfall here averages 200-250cm. Dressing in clothing of breathable and light material is advised. Comfortable and warm garments need be worn only at hill resorts. 3. Immigration All visitors are required to complete an Arrival/Departure Card, a Customs declaration, and, if required, a Travelers Declaration Form (TDF) and Quarantine Form. These are given out on all inbound Malaysia Airlines’ flights or at the Immigration counters upon arrival. 4. Prohibited Goods Trafficking of illegal drugs carries the mandatory death penalty in Malaysia. A special permit is required to carry firearms and ammunition. Other items prohibited include flick knives, daggers and pornographic material. Taped videocassettes should be submitted for clearance by Customs. 5. Health Regulations Cholera vaccination is NOT required for travelers entering Malaysia. Visitors arriving from yellow Fever Endemic Zones and other affected areas are required to present International Health Certificates showing Yellow Fever vaccination. . Medical Checkup Please ensure that you have done so prior to the event. You are also advised to consult your doctor for tetanus toxoide injection and anti-malaria prophyloxis. Please report to the event secretariat of any ailments or allergy prior to departure (attached to your entry form) and again to the event medical crew upon arrival. 7. RFC Identification Tag Please make your own RFC tag with country name to ease your entry at immigration and customs. 8. Your Country Flag Please bring along your country flag to mount on your vehicle for opening and closing ceremonies. This will be prominently seen on print and electronic media. 9. In Malaysia Your arrival will be at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). After departing the plane follow the ‘Baggage Reclaim’ signs and make your way to a shuttle train, this will take you to the arrival terminal and passport control, after which you can reclaim your luggage. Taxi Proceed through customs, just before exiting into main lobby you need to purchase a pre-paid taxi ticket (coupon) from the Taxi/Limo counter (fixed rate) – Take taxi to designated hotel. This is the most convenient method. Ask for Budget Taxi which is cheaper than Limos. Budget is approximately RM80 (USD21) while Limo is approximately RM120 (USD32). The traveling time to the city is approximately 40 minutes. Express Train KLIA Express (ERL) station to the city is at Level 1 (Ground floor) or KLIA Main Terminal Building. Ticket counter and vending machines for the purchase of ERL tickets are located at the Arrival Hall. The journey will take about 28 mins to KL Sentral Station. One way is approx RM35 (USD9). From there, take a taxi to the official hotel (less than USD3). Bus Service Public bus services are also available one floor down from the Arrival Hall. 10. Money Matters Money exchange facilities are available in all major towns. Other licensed money changers operate in key entry/exit points and shopping malls. Most hotels exchange foreign currency and accept travellers’ cheque. 1 USD is approx Ringgit Malaysia RM3.75. 11. Time The standard Malaysian time is +8 hours GMT in Winter and +7 hours GMT in Summer. 12. Electricity Malaysia is on 240 volt 50 cycle. All power points are on a 3-pin system. 13. Paperwork (Those bringing their vehicles) 13.1 The CARNET is the most important document of all. Before you put your vehicle in the container make sure you photocopy the carnet and bring the copy with you, the original will be kept by the shipping agent to go with your vehicle. You will need the Original Registration papers (proof of ownership), Driving License and International Driving License. Make copies of all these documents and bring both the originals and copies with you in your hand luggage. Carnet ATA is issued by the Chambers of Commerce, it is usually cheaper, and last for a period of time, from 6 months to a year. That is more than enough time to ship your vehicles to Malaysia and ship it back to your country. Malaysian Customs know of RFC and its event format, but they accept Carnet ATA, for so long as you ship your vehicles out of Malaysia after the event. RFC is an endorsed event by the Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism of Malaysia. Should you have difficulty applying for Carnet ATA, please contact the RFC secretariat. 13.2 For those countries not in the Carnet System, please inform the RFC secretariat soonest possible so that we can proceed with temporary import procedure. Please inform us. 13.3 Shipping Please arrange your own shipping to Port Klang, Malaysia. For port clearance, please contact DAMCO (Malaysia) at Tel : 603-56390294, Cellphone : 6017-3635977 (Ms Azmawati Azman) and Email : MALDAMLSSMNG@damco.com Advisable that you make contact with DAMCO (Malaysia) first if you wish to bring your vehicle to the event. They will brief you of the paperwork necessary for speedy clearance at the port. If you can’t get through to them, please contact us. 14. Collecting Vehicles Getting your vehicle from North Port Klang will probably be one of your first objectives. DO NOT GO TO THE SHIPPING AGENTS UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD THE VEHICLE IS UNLOADED. The journey to the port is about 1 hour by taxi and you will have wasted your time. The names, contact telephone numbers and address (with a route map to drive back to KL) will be supplied to you. Telephone the Agent for progress reports. It will take a little time to get through the paperwork – be patient. 15. Insurance -Vehicle As the vehicle will be driven on the main highways you should obtain insurance and road tax. Insurance can be obtained from a broker who will be stationed with our event secretariat. Please inform us immediately upon your arrival. Cost is approx. RM150 - RM300 (USD44 – USD88). 16. Insurance - Event While every possible measure will be taken to ensure safety, there is always an element of risk, which can cause injury or death. The event will have an additional Group Personal Accident Policy to cover entire duration, and the liability will be limited to the sum insured only. You will have to sign a compulsory indemnity form, excluding the organizer, it’s officials, servants and sponsors from any liability. You are free to take up additional type of insurance on your own to cover yourself for this event in your own country to further protect yourselves. Every possible step to ensure the safety and guidance of participants throughout the designated route of the event has been taken. Participants are however, advised to be prudent in their actions and not to cause unnecessary risk to themselves or others. 17. Additional Insurance For general risks associated with overseas travel, it is advisable that you take up this insurance as an additional coverage, if you fall sick upon your arrival or after the event has ended, and need hospitalization, your insurance can come in handy to cover such contingency. 18. Medical Evacuation SOS provided by AEA under the Group Personal Accident Insurance package. Medical evacuation services are applicable for emergency use only. 19. Fuel Guide (Subject to changes) 1 litre of petrol is RM1.80 (USD 0.52) 1 litre of diesel is RM1.70 (USD 0.43) Please have at least two 20-litre cans to carry additional fuel. 20. Supplies Maps of Kuala Lumpur marked with the relevant shopping areas are available. There are many places where provisions can be purchased but you may wish to ship packet/tinned foods from home in your vehicle. The convoy will allow for buying fresh fruit and some supplies along the way. It is also advisable to contact your nearest Tourism Malaysia office or Embassy, High Commission or Consulates for further information on the country. 21. Food Competitors – Your own food and cooking throughout the event. Remember to carry emergency food supplies and dry rations. Officials, Touring Adventurers and Press – Compulsory to carry your own emergency food and dry rations contribute with your own money to the driver of your vehicle to purchase ingredients for your shared hot meals. Four in a vehicle for the entire journey. 22. Waterproof Bags Keeping clothes and sleeping bags dry in the jungle is difficult. Previous experience has shown that CANOE BAGS are the most effective – unless you can guarantee a waterproof ‘stackit’. These bags are obtainable in different sizes from most good watersports/surfing shops. 23. Camp beds Essential. Remember that this is the monsoon season – the ground will be get very wet and muddy. Do not bring low camp beds or you will end up with a wet bed!! These are strong but lightweight, fold up stretcher beds which you may have in your home country, alternatively they are available in Malaysia (approx. USD110). We suggest that if you wish to purchase one, kindly inform us so that a reservation can be made for you. Once we receive your request, it is considered sold to you when you are here. 24. Sleeping Bags As light a bag as possible. It is hot and humid at night but the temperature will drop. It is difficult to dry bags because of the humidity. Evenings and early mornings can be a cool 18 degrees C or below in the jungle and highlands. 25. Night Shelter Most teams use plastic sheet (tarpaulin) hung between vehicle to sleep under. Small dome tents can also be used. 26. Torches You will experience night driving, winching and bridge crossings. A head torch is useful. Camps are frequently reached in the dark and a lantern is helpful. All type of batteries are available locally. 27. Water Purification Tablets Essential emergency supplies. 28. Anti-fungal powder/cream Buy a good powder. Sweat and damp clothing can cause “nappy rash” and is hard to avoid. Feet should be looked after, you will probably get skin peeling. 29. Ladies Bring something suitable to wear when bathing in the river, or treat yourself to a sarong locally – very useful and cheap! 30. Water Advisable to have a portable water filter. Buy bottled water in boxes, it is cheaper. DON’T buy water from roadside stalls. Most garages sell bottled water. Even walking around within the city one can become de-hydrated so drink plenty of water based liquids – this does not include alcohol!. 31. Insect repellant Once outside of Kuala Lumpur it is necessary to use a good repellant that combats not only mosquitoes, but also sand flies. The sand fly is much smaller and harder to see, common around early evening and night. To combat insects around the sleeping area Mosquito Repellant Coils – pkt 10 – once lit they slowly burn for most of the night. Alternatively there are repellant candles. 32. Re-hydration salts Can be bought locally at pharmacies. (spelt Farmasi in Malay). Essential kit! 33. Jungle Boots Try to get canvas high leg lace jungle boots if available in your country. Tuck your trousers inside. 34. Tools A ‘Parang’ (machete/slasher) is very useful for clearing vegetation. Cheap to buy locally at hardware shops. A ‘Cangkul’ (wide bladed pick) is also very useful and quick for digging track ways – better than a shovel. Hammer, nails and old motorcycle chain – emergency bridge repair kit – very handy! 35. RFC Merchandising Items The RFC Secretariat also has a range of adventure and expedition apparels and items for sale to participants at a discount. 36. Hotel All bookings will be through RFC Secretariat. Please do not book directly with the hotels. Please kindly inform RFC Secretariat of your check-in/out dates for pre-event and post-event stay the soonest possible. You should arrive in Kuala Lumpur not later than 3rd December 2009. 36.1 Pre-event and post event Hotel Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur. 36.2 4th December Hotel Accommodation TBC 36.3 15th December Hotel Accommodation TBC 37. Caution and Warning Mother Nature does not respect timing and schedules, therefore, be prepared for changes to our event programme along the way, however, without compromising on the safety of participants. YOUR vehicle must be in a full state of preparation. YOU must be able to withstand and endure the worst of the natural elements in a jungle camping adventure with a smile on your face. The element of uncertainly and the unexpected disruption of our journey are part and parcel of the RAINFOREST CHALLENGE. You are fully aware of the risks involved in such an event. Please come mentally and physically prepared. If you do not have the proper attitude of esprit de corps and passion for adventure, this event is NOT for you. The RAINFOREST CHALLENGE is a time to live your off-road adventure dreams. Welcome to the Rainforest Challenge. Luis J.A. Wee Event Founder

Land Rover 109

before(at my office)...

After (in my friend hand after he buy from my office)