KOTA KINABALU: Eighteen adventurers embarked on the first leg of a 10,000km overland expedition across Indonesia from Kota Kinabalu today (Aug 5) to promote unity, exploration, and cultural exchange. Dubbed the Trans Nusantara Expedition 2024, the participants comprising Sabahans and West Malaysians set off in seven four-wheel-drive vehicles towards Kuching, Sarawak, where they will join other convoy participants for the epic journey. “Overall, the expedition, to be officially flagged off in Kuching on August 10, will see a convoy of 25 vehicles and 64 participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Australia, and Norway.
“This diverse group symbolises the spirit of international cooperation and the shared love for adventure,” said Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai after flagging off the convoy Monday morning. Organised by Borneo Overland Expeditions Sdn Bhd, a Sabah company, Bangkuai said the convoy would visit Indonesia's new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara, as a highlight during its opening ceremony on August 17, coinciding with Indonesia's Independence Day. He added that this momentous occasion underscores the growing ties between the nations of Borneo and Indonesia, facilitated by the ongoing development of the Pan Borneo Highway and other infrastructure projects.
“The Pan Borneo Highway, which connects Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesia, is not just an infrastructure project, but also a gateway to Borneo’s hidden gems, making the re.