This trip into the wilderness is for recreational campers from Peninsular Malaysia who wish to expand their experience across the sea to Sarawak.

This vast state is arguably one of the last frontiers for a natural and safe camping experience, blessed by an abundance of clear rivers and wide sand banks.

For mainlanders who wish to camp in Borneo, the estimated RM1,000 per head for a five-day adventure, is affordable to 37% of the domestic adventure travel market, according to a recent study by a travel website.

For first-timers to Sarawak, it’s best to participate as a two- or three-person group.

A small group requires the hire of a pick-up truck under the Adventure category where the emphasis is on camping rather than extreme off-roading.

There was dry driftwood aplenty on the riverbank, making it easy to build a small campfire around which friendships were struck. But there was one early morning storm with gusts of wind so strong, it took down the tarps of at least a third of the campers.

Other more experienced campers prepared for the change in weather before they turned in for the night. Tarpaulins were angled more steeply to shed rainwater, preventing bucketloads of cold rainwater crashing down on them.

The highlight of the camping experience was a two-night stop at the Ulu Kanowit River, below the Rantau Limau Longhouse.

The acres-long riverbank built-up of pebbles and sand-washed stones had plenty of space for individual campers, like this writer and his Toyota Land Cruiser 8-Series, as well as small groups.

These included a Bruneian family who came in three trucks: father and mother in their own classic Toyota BJ60, an uncle and aunt in a Toyota 80 Series, and the son and co-driver in a short-wheel-base Toyota LC2.

The Ulu Kanowit River was major league by Peninsular Malaysia standards – about 20m across at the narrows – crystal clear waters running over a clean river bed. It was also teeming with fish as this stretch of the river is under the longhouse “taggang” programme.

Like Sabah’s “Tagal”, this is a traditional conservation programme where the fishing season is only allowed after the fish’s mating and spawning season is over.

The 7th Sarawak 4×4 International Jamboree that ended on Sept 20 was essentially a five-day off-road and camping event 350 km northeast of Kuching. The superb campsites encompassed areas around Betong, Lubok Antu, Kanowit, Julau and Pakan.

This 7th jamboree was a camping dream come true because many factors fell into place, not least the kind weather, and the gregarious companionship of Sarawakians as well Bruneians and Indonesians who attended in record numbers.

Sarawak Jamboree 2025?

Next year’s Jamboree will likely be organised in the Sibu Division, a historic town founded by the early Chinese traders from Fuzhou, China.

If the Sarawak Adventure Travel Club (Sakta), the organisers of the Sarawak Jamboree, does pick Sibu Division, this will be great for West Malaysians because of the direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sibu.

Commenting on this year’s Jamboree’s success, Sakta president Jirram Gima said the committee specifically picked September because it is a dry month when the rivers are clear and camping is fun.

Sakta founder Meeks Mape added: “Adventure off-roading and great camping has been and will be the club’s objective. We’re glad to share Sarawak’s treasure of natural resources with domestic and international travellers.”

The fees to participate in this year’s Sarawak Jamboree from Sept 14-20 was RM900 per truck inclusive of driver and co-driver with each extra rider payable at RM500.

Camping was free. Bring your own food, water and fuel. You’ll also have to budget for a one-night stay on arrival and a one-night stay for departure. There are great deals on hotels in Sibu and there is an abundant choice of fresh seafood and eateries.

It’s possible to hire a pick-up from a rental company at about RM300 a day. Plan to buy 20kg of excess luggage to accommodate your favourite camp bed, personal gear and group equipment like tentage, kettle and pots. Buy the water jerry can, camping stove and gas cylinders in Sibu itself.

Wish to join an adventure camping experience in Sarawak? Check out Sakta on Facebook or email [email protected] to register for next year’s programme.

For enquiries, contact Yamin Vong on Facebook.