A1 4x4 World Explorer Overland Adventure

Some Pics

2011-07-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

Cooking Maggi loh, what else ??

Motifs on the Rock Hewn Churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia.

A better part of the Nubian Desert Crossing

Omo Village man along the Black Road of Kenya.

Omo Village Woman along the Corrugated Desert crossing in Kenya.

Next Morning at 60 km before Marsabit.

2011-07-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Sunrise.

23 shocks broke yesterday, lost count of how many bushes, tie-rod ends, hundreds of screws had dropped off.

DISASTER !!!!

Cargoloc Trans-Africa 3 & 4

2011-07-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

Trans-Africa 4 was a tough event. From Cape Town all the way to Nairobi was great and full of adventure seeing lots of animals, great places and roads were good.

Nairobi was the turning point, when on the first day we left heading North towards Marsabit, we were shocked to see the road being paved to superb condition and we could zoom at 110 kmh.
We breezed thru 300 kms of this newly paved tarmac and thought that before nightfall we will arrive at Marsabit.

Next thing we knew, and it was only about 100 kms left to Marsabit when the tarmac ended and immediately with a big bump tossed my truck about 3 feet airborne and then the great adventure started.

For the next 60 kms, we took 5 hours, until nightfall and we were still 45 kms from Marsabit, and we were in the middle of the desert. At last light, I could see a Camel convoy in the distant horizon and then, it was all dark as the orange egg yolk just dissappeared.

We had to camp and the corrugation was so intense that, if you go at 10 kmh, you fell every drop of the corrugation, if you go at 30kmh, you know that the suspension, shocks will go anytime taking all the fierce beating with 1000s of cycles of frequency. If we go at 60 - 70 kmh, sure it feels nice for a while when you skip and dance over the corrugation, but then you hit rocks the size of footballs all over the place and there is no place to swerve or duck or avoid. BANG !! head-on onto these huge rocks and your undercarriage make such a loud explosion that the truck is going to break up anytime anywhere.

So we had to go back to slowing down to try to be gentle, but then back to feeling every bump every second and your bones, body, head, lips and everything vibrates, bur rrrrrr. It was hell going thru this most corrugated gravel I have even been on.

It felt forever abd we had only done 20 kms. My GPS says that we are 40 clicks from Marsabit and from Marsabit to Moyale Border with Ethiopia, it was another 160 kms. Phew, how we are going to go thru this, I really have no more ideas what to do ? How to do ? Stop ? Go ? Camp ? Truck going to break anytime ? Exhuast Pipe already dragging on the track ????

When will this end ? I kept asking myself ?? This is the Black Road of Kenya. Only another 160 kms to go. We camped in the middle of nowhere and it was great, but I dread to find out tomorrow how many shocks, mountings, bearings, bushings, exhuasts we have broken ??

Trans-Africa 3 & 4

2011-01-20T06:47:00.001-08:00

www.4x4worldexplorer.comThe Event Logo and the route with country flags, etc.

Trans-Africa 3 & 4

2011-01-20T06:39:00.000-08:00

Hi 4x4 Adventurers
After returning from the Trans-Amazon series last June - August, heaps of guys asked me to go back to AFRICAAAAAA !!!!
So, here it is, we are going SAFARIIIIII on Trans-Africa 3 & 4, starts from Cape Town on the 27 April 2011 to end in Cairo on the 21 June 2011. Not to rush over the 56 days to retrace the fabled Cape to cairo Route almost in reverse direction taken by Sir David Livingstone, the Great English Misssionary in the late 18th century, who also dic=scovered the Mighty Victoria Falls over the Zambesi River.
Check out the website www.4x4worldexplorer.com for details yah.
Long Live Adventure
Thomas Foo

CargoLoc TransAfrica

2011-01-11T00:58:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

After our very successful TransAmazon 1 & 2, this year 2011, we will doing the TransAfrica from Cape Town to Cairo, traversing through Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt.

Starting from Cape Town on the 27th April to end in Cairo, Egypt on the 21st June 2011, a whopping 56 days.

The itinerary of the 2 parts are as attached.

As of 10th Jan, 2011, we have 7 Mitsubishi Pajeros LO 47 + 6 Toyota Land Cruisers 80 series + 1 Isuzu D-Max + 38 adventurers. We will stop at 40 yah.

Long Live Adventure

Thomas Foo

THE TRANS-AMAZON SERIES

2010-05-12T02:17:00.000-07:00

Sector 1 - Central America Discovery

2009-05-29T00:31:00.001-07:00

Sector 2 - Aztec & Maya World

2009-05-29T00:30:00.001-07:00

Sector 3 - Baja Adventure

2009-05-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

3 Sectors for Central America & Mexico

2009-05-29T00:19:00.001-07:00

Kuala Lumpur, 27th May 2009

Dear Fellow World Explorers,

We trust this email finds you all well and your passion for travel burning brightly.

With the postponement of our Central America & Mexico Expedition to 29th November 2009, we have also decided to create 3 sectors from the original schedule:

Sector 1 - CENTRAL AMERICA DISCOVERY

Visit the countries of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala from San Jose to Guatemala City.

Sector 2 - MAYAN & AZTEC WORLD

Visit the countries of Guatemala, Belize, Mexico from Guatemala City to Mexico City.

Sector 3 - BAJA CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Visiting countries of Mexico and USA from Mexico City to Los Angeles.

Each sector will be 15 – 18 days long but there are options of doing more then one sector consecutively or doing all 3 sectors.

Having researched and recce’d these locations extensively, we promise that at the end of this year we will have in store for you the most amazing, inspiring, active and thought provoking adventures sectors of the America’s to date! Having lunch on active volcanoes, standing at the heart of a Mayan calendar sites which predicts 2012 as the end of the world as we know it, seeing ancient football pitches where in those days the losing team’s manager would be executed right after the match, having a calm cup of tea in a boutique area of the most populated city in the world, whale watching, off road routes to prehistoric cave painting sites, to name but a few.

We hope that you see will this as an opportunity to prepare for some unforgettable future exploration of this wonderful, diverse and interesting planet.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or enquires you may have. Tel: +603 4251 2423 or info@4×4we.com

With our Best Wishes,

4×4 World Explorer

Thomas Foo & Linus Liew

Central America & Mexico Postpone

2009-03-20T04:05:00.001-07:00

21st March 2009

Dear Fellow World Explorers,

We trust this email finds you all well and your passion for travel burning brightly.

Despite all our efforts to fight the tough economic times we are currently in, there has been a lack of participants signing up for the Central America and Mexican expedition. With this reality we at 4x4 World Explorer Snd Bhd have made a bold decision to proceed with the expedition but postpone it to start on 8th November 2009.

We have also decided to create 3 sectors from the original schedule:

1) CENTRAL AMERICA DISCOVERY – Visit the countries of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala from San Jose to Guatemala City.
2) MAYAN & AZTEC WORLD – Visit the countries of Guatemala, Belize, Mexico from Guatemala City to Mexico City
3) BAJA CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE – Visiting countries of Mexico and USA from Mexico City to Los Angeles

Each sector will be 15 days long but there are options of doing more then one sector consecutively or doing all 3 sectors.

Having researched and recce’d these locations we promise that at the end of this year we will have in store for you the most amazing, inspiring, active and thought provoking adventures sectors of the America’s to date! Having lunch on active volcanoes, standing at the heart of a Mayan calendar sites which predicts 2012 as the end of the world as we know it, seeing ancient football pitches where in those days the losing team’s manager would be executed right after the match, having a calm cup of tea in a boutique area of the most populated city in the world, whale watching, off road routes to prehistoric cave painting sites, to name but a few.

We hope that you understand the situation and see this and an opportunity to prepare for some unforgettable future exploration of this wonderfully diverse and interesting planet.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or enquires you may have. Tel: +603 4251 2423 or info@4x4we.com

With our deepest gratitude and best wishes,

4x4 World Explorer
Thomas Foo & Linus Liew

Central America Press Launch Publicity

2009-03-18T04:38:00.000-07:00

The World Explorer Series - Central America was launched on the 16 Feb 2009, at Eden Village, Kuala Lumpur.

Phew, Press Publicity was heavy, almost all the local dailies reported the launch with write-ups, photos, etc.

I was impressed. Below are some of the articles.

Shipment of Trucks to Costa Rica

2009-03-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

1$ and Thomas were in Cartagena, Colombia to effect the shipment of our 6 trucks left in storage in Cartagena after our South America 2 4x4 World Explorer Overland Expedition which ended on the 22nd December 2008. That expedition started in Lima, Peru on the 18th November 2008, traversing Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, entering Venezuela and then back into Colombia via Maracaibo, Santa Marta and ended in Cartagena, Colombia.

The trucks are being shipped to Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, then inland hauled to San Jose, Ecatrans Bonded Warehouse awaiting for us to return to San Jose to clear them out for the Central America & Mexico sector of the World Explorer series.

This will take us from San Jose, Costa Rica to Nicaragua, Honduras, Gautemala, Belize, Mexico and ending in Los Angeles, California on the 14th June 2009.

Loading our trucks at Cartagena

2009-03-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

1$ reversing my BFL 8331 truck into the 40 feet container for shipment to Costa Rica. 1$ did most of the lashing down of the 6 trucks, into 3 x 40 feet containers. I was really amazed, as it only took him less than 2 hours to get the 3 containers ready. Guess how much we saved by doing it ourselves. USD 250 per truck x 6 trucks = USD 1500 !!!

The Central America is on a very tight budget as the current Global Economic Slowdown has led to 10 particpants cancelling their entries, which has left a tremendous strain on even covering total costs for the event.

Last Car on Earth.com Report

2009-03-02T23:24:00.000-08:00

YES, I WANT TO BE A 4X4 EXPLORER!

Written by Justin Ong
Tuesday, 24 February 2009 10:23

Want to travel but don't want to play it safe by staying on the beaten path? Looking to get so close to the land
that you can't tell sweat from mud and grime? Dream off seeing sights that few people other than the
indigenous population have ever had the privilege of enjoying? Well, check your bank accounts, tally up your
leave, and if they both meet the requirements, you could a 4x4 World Explorer, too.
4x4 World Explorer, the established off-road expedition organisers, will be setting off to traverse the one
remaining continent that hasn't been checked off their list – Central America – this May and you, too, can be a
part of this adventure.
The upcoming leg of the journey, billed as the “World Explorer Series Part II – Central America and Mexico” will
be kicking off on April 28 and should last for a gruelling 47 days, if everything goes according to plans.
The month-and-half trip will see the group visiting six countries in the Central American region, including Costa
Rica; Nicaragua; Honduras; Guatemala; Belize; and Mexico before moving on to California, USA for the final
part of their expedition.
It takes a particular kind of character to be able to survive and even enjoy such a taxing undertaking, which
these self-confessed 'nutjobs' consider to be a vacation of sorts. You'll need to be physically fit, mentally
strong, financially well-off, and somewhat idle (though this should be a follow-on from the financial bit).
If you fit the bill, then 4x4 World Explorer will be more than happy to take you on, either as a driving participant
with your own mudcrawler or as a hop-in passenger in one of the three designated official vehicles. Therefore,
you can participate even if you do not wish to use your own or do not own an expedition-prepared off-roader.
Entry fees for the Central American leg is listed as RM46,000 for the entire duration, while shipping fees start
from RM13,200 and varies according to the shipping destination. A surcharge of US$50 per day will also be
levied on hop-in participants to cover fuel and other operating costs.
Should any of this strike you as sane and enjoyable, then you're probably feel right at home with these 4x4
World Explorers and should get in touch with them at info@4x4we.com or +603-4521 2423 to book your spot
on the trip. Places are limited, especially for hop-ins so fire off that email or phone call soon.
But if you're like us and are unwilling to give up simple daily comforts such as running water and toilets that
flush, then you can follow their journey here since we'll be keeping tabs on the 4x4 World Explorers as they
travel on this adventure of a lifetime.

4x4 World Explorer Autoworld Report

2009-03-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

Autoworld.com.my

Posts Tagged ‘world explorer series’
Driving around the world
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

When I was 15, I made a pact with a group of my friends that at some point in our lives, we would embark on an adventure to drive around the world. Like any other idea cracked up by 15 year-olds, it was discussed with verve and vigour. We talked about the vehicles we would drive, we talked about how we were going to get the money, heck, we even talked about what were going to happen to our wives.

When we were not working on our PMR past year papers, we plotted the route of our adventure - leaving KL, we would head north to Thailand, then cross Asia westwards to the Middle East, then head down to Africa, after which would get across the Mediterranean to Europe, get to the UK, cross the Atlantic to America, head west again, fly across the Pacific to China, where would complete our final journey and drive back to KL from there.

Many of you out there probably have childhood dreams like this, or something of a similar scale. However, the wisdom passed down from our parents would say that it’s best to do something more ‘practical’ like finding a ‘real’ job - and with this wisdom, your childhood dream remains a dream.

Although I don’t know if my buddies still remember this mission, the thought of it continues to occupy my mind. In fact, it was jolted back into my consciousness last Monday (16 Feb 2009) when I dropped by the launch of the World Explorer Series Part II - Central America & Mexico at Eden, Chulan Square.

World Explorer Series Part II - Central America & Mexico

Led by veteran 4×4 expedition organizer 4×4 World Explorer Sdn Bhd (World Explorer), 13 fully equipped 4×4s, carrying 25 Malaysians and 5 foreigners will flag off from San Jose, Costa Rica and traverse a 9,000km route that would take them through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico before reaching its final destination of Los Angeles.

This leg of the adventure is the second of six parts that comprise the World Explorer Series, a programme that attempts to circumnavigate the world between 2008 and 2012. The first leg was a 32 day adventure in South America that took place during December 2008.

On 28 April 2009, the expedition team will start their 47 day adventure, jetting off from KLIA to Shanghai, then transiting through LA before reaching San Jose on 29 April. Then, on 2 May, the expedition is officially flagged off from San Jose to begin a journey that takes them upclose and personal to places such as the Chichen Itza and the Baja Peninsula.

According to expedition leader Thomas Foo, this would be the first Malaysian team venturing into the Central America region. You can be a part of it too, if you have RM46k to part with and your own 4×4 suitably modified for such journeys. On top of that, the shipping charges to send your 4×4 from here to Costa Rica, and then back from LA would add RM14.2k and RM13.2k respectively.

Your fees, however, does ensure that World Explorer will take care of all the necessary procedures, paperwork, accomodation, ground support crew, and side excursion tours; leaving you with only the headache of driving and sightseeing. The press release also mentioned the possibility of participants joining shorter sectors of the route, though there was no mention of a smaller fee as well. Folks without the convenience of a personal 4×4 can join the expedition on a “hop-in” basis as well.

As much as I would like to, it’s most unfortunate that I can’t afford to take part in this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience. However, if you can afford it, there’s nothing to stop you from doing so. Perhaps you might wish to get in touch with the organisers:

4×4 World Explorer Sdn Bhd
Tel:03-42512423
Email: info@4×4we.com
URL: www.4×4worldexplorer.com.

Article from Sun2Surf

2009-02-24T23:07:00.001-08:00

--- Article Information ---
This article was printed from Sun2Surf
Article's URL: http://sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=30415
---------------------------

See Central America on 4x4
By: (Tue, 24 Feb 2009)

(above right, from left) Foo, Mohd Nor,
Lorenzo (on bike) and 4x4 organising
chairman Datuk Mohd Isa.

IN the wake of its first 4x4 expedition across South America last year, 4x4 World Explorer Sdn Bhd will next be tackling the mountainous terrain of Central America.

A total of 30 participants (25 of them Malaysians) in 13 fully-equipped 4x4 vehicles will be undertaking the 9,000km trek across seven countries – Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and the United States.

This is the second leg of the World Explorer Series to circumnavigate the world between 2008 and 2012 in suitably modified 4x4 vehicles. The entire series will cover six regions – the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The expedition was jointly launched recently by Mexico Ambassador Jorge Alberto Lozoya, Foreign Affairs Ministry Undersecretary of Americas Division Datuk Mohd Nor Atan, and 4x4 World Explorer organising committee.

The 47-day trek will start on April 29 from San Jose, Costa Rica, into the heart of Central America, passing through Mexico and crossing over to San Diego, California, before ending in Los Angeles on June 13.

Along the way, participants will visit United Nations Heritage Sites such as Chichen Itza (a large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Mayans) and the Baja California Desert (a steep and rugged desert eco-region in Mexico’s Baja Peninsular), said the series expedition leader Thomas Foo.

The event also saw the launch of The Third Eye – a collection of photos of the South America expedition taken by June Yap, a participant.

For those interested in joining this 4x4 adventure to Central America and Mexico, the package price is RM46,000 for the round trip. This includes costs for shipment of vehicles, border crossing, on-the-ground support including mechanical and medical back-up, accommodation (sometimes camping in style), most meals and side excursion tours.

Short sectors can also be arranged for participants with a tight schedule. Those who do not have their own 4x4 vehicles can still join on a ‘hop in’ basis in three vehicles set aside for this purpose. – Chin Lee Kam

Those interested can email to info@4x4we.com or call 03-4251 2423. Also check out the website at www.4x4worldexplorer.com.

--- end ---

New Sunday Times, CBT Report 20 Feb 2009

2009-02-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

Thrust into Central America

VETERANS from the 4x4 World Explorer is at it again, this time going to Central America, a first for this Malaysian organisation.

The 9,000km expedition will be covered by 25 Malaysians with five foreigners tagging along using fully equipped 4x4 vehicles.

They will go through seven countries – Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and United States.

The adventure will start from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica into the heart of Central America, then onto the huge expanse of Mexico, before crossing over to San Diego, California and the final destination in Los Angeles.

The expedition is expected to be completed in 47 days.

The expedition concept was launched by Mexican Ambassador Jorge Alberto Lozoya.

Also present were Datuk Mohd Nor bin Atan, undersecretary of the America division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Datuk Mohd Isa, organising chairman of 4x4 World Explorer; and expedition leader Thomas Foo.

This second series of World Explorer will begin on April 29.

There are still slots for interested parties. The fee is RM46,000, which includes all costs.

Ferry rides are also available for those who do not have a 4x4 vehicle, as 4x4 World Explorer is dedicating three vehicles for this purpose.

Log on to www.4x4worldexplorer or call 03-4251 2423 for more info.

4 x 4 WORLD EXPLORE WORLD SERIES – CENTRAL AMERICA & MEXICO

2009-02-13T23:54:00.000-08:00

4 x 4 WORLD EXPLORE WORLD SERIES – CENTRAL AMERICA

The World Series by 4x4 World Explorer Sdn Bhd are carefully put together expeditions with passion for travel, spirit of freedom and open mind ness for discovery all done in off road vehicles with the aim of exploring the world and bringing cultures through exchanges and understanding. They are attempting to circumnavigate the world in 4x4 vehicles in 6 sectors: The Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East and South East Asia.

The vehicles are suitably modified for differing terrain conditions with long-range fuel tank capabilities and this includes motorbikes for those hardier travelers amongst us. For those who do not have suitable vehicles, 4x4 World Explorer Sdn Bhd have currently 3 expedition vehicles where participants can hop in and be apart of this exciting adventurer to see the world. Those who have 4x4 vehicles can bring their own cars but it must be converted to expedition standards, such as snorkels (exhaust pipes pointing skywards) so cars can go up to window level deep in water to roof racks for storing spare parts and essentials like cooking equipment to make nasi lemak and char kway teow in times of emergencies! Again the company can advice and help with the conversion as well as sampling the cooking!

The company organizes the routes, shipment of vehicles, board crossing, on the ground support including mechanical and medical back up, accommodation (some times camping in style), most meals and side excursion tours. Thomas Foo the company founder, 15 years ago firmly believes that “it’s the journey not the destination that really matters” although they have always reached there destinations on schedule even passing by war torn countries.

The World Series started with South America 1 in 2006 visited Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru and Chile. South America 2 was just recently completed successfully in 2008. The expedition began in Lima, the capital of Peru where our vehicles arrived by ship from Port Klang, Malaysia. As it turned out, APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) was on at that same time, attended by a strong political presence from Malaysia and the expedition added an extra refreshing flavour to promote Malaysia. This resulted in the expedition officials being formally invited to attend Malaysian-hosted functions, which also included a flag off from Lima by the Malaysia Ambassador, Ahmad Izlan Idris, and the Mayor of Lima, E. Antonio Meier Cresci on 28th November 2008.

From there they headed north along the Pan Americana Highway hugging the coast of the Pacific Ocean passing mainly desert and arid terrain to Ecuador, which turned into a contrasting green haven with fascinating people, then over the Andean mountain range into the wonderfully colourful and friendly Columbia. Once they dropped in altitude from a maximum of 4300m, into the low lands they wondered into the gem of a country Venezuela.

Now for the first time in Malaysian history they are venturing into Central America & Mexico, commencing end of April to mid June 2009 and will visit the countries of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and ending at Los Angeles in USA. This is a truly unique opportunity to see this fascinating part of the world in the comfort and safety of expedition vehicles and convoying (or caravan in Spanish). “This expedition will not only show the rich culturally heritage of the Mayan and Aztec empires of yesteryear but what is happening now and to see and feel the energy and essence of the people in today’s climate.” Says Linus Liew, director of expedition & scope.

Part 4 of World Explorer will start from Los Angeles in late 2009, heading eastwards along the southern states towards New York City and then northwards crossing into, Canada ending in autumn 2009 in Vancouver.

The final part of the World Explorer Americas Series will begin from Vancouver in spring 2010 then going northwards through beautiful British Columbia to Yukon and Alaska (USA), before returning along the Pacific Coast to USA, Washington State, Oregon and California to end this expedition in San Francisco.

From the United States, the expedition vehicles will be shipped across the Pacific Ocean to Tianjin, Northern China to continue into Russia heading towards Europe which will start the Asian and Europe sectors of the World series. Further on the exploration continues to the West and East coasts of Africa and onwards to the middle East before returning back to Malaysia. An adventurous undertaking for people with adventurous spirits.

For those like-minded adventurous spirited people interested in any of our future expeditions then please contact us at:
4 x 4 World Explorer, 242-C Jalan Ampang 50450, Kuala Lumpur. Tel +603 4251 2423 Email info@4x4we.com or visit www.4x4WorldExplorer.com

Dato' Muslim South America 2 Blog Report

2009-02-13T23:13:00.000-08:00

Hola Guys

Dato' Muslim who first joined the Malaysian Independence Expedition in 2007 from London to Kuala Lumpur, subsequently joined the TransAfrica and then the latest South America 2 of the World Explorer Series, have written a very detailed account of the event from his point of view, with pictures etc of the entire route.

Well worth reading to know Viva South America 2 and Long Live Adventure

Click on the link below and enjoy !!!!!!

http://www.eastwest-overlanders.com/tblog/SAmericaII/index.htm

Official Launch of 4x4 World Explorer - Central America & Mexico

2009-02-11T21:16:00.001-08:00

Official Launch of 4x4 World Explorer - Central America & Mexico
4x4 World Explorer Cordially invites

______________________________________

to join us for the

Official launch

Of the

4x4 World Explorer
Central America & Mexico

At

EDEN @ Chulan Square
Jalan Bukit Bintang

on

16 February 2009
( Monday )

1500 hrs.

RSVP : Bee Heong Tel : 603 – 4251 2423

4x4 World Explorer
Central America & Mexico
Monday, 16 February 2009
1500 hrs.

PROGRAMME

1430 hrs. Arrival of all Participants & Guest

1500 hrs. Opening address by
Datuk Hj. Mohd Isa
Organizing Chairman, 4x4 World Explorer

Official launch of,
4x4 World Explorer
Central America & Mexico

Short note by,
Datuk Hj. Mohd Nor Bin Hj. Atan
Undersecretary, Americas Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Short note by,
His Excellency Jorge Alberto Lozoya
Mexico Ambassador to Malaysia

Short intro of the event by,
Mr. Thomas Foo
Expedition Leader, 4x4 World Explorer

Launch of June Yap’s “THE THIRD EYE”
Coffee table book and Presentation to VIPs & Participants

Unveil by VIPs of the Expedition vehicles imaging & Group Photo

Q & A session

Refreshments

1700 hrs. Function ends

Preparation for 4x4 Overland Expeditions

2009-02-06T02:24:00.000-08:00

WORLD EXPLORER EXPEDITIONS
ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY OK NOTES
A) BAG & BACK-PACKS
1 Day Pack with shoulder straps, multi pockets 1 Sponsored
2 Strong Bag with Rollers, Carrying handles 1
B) HEAD, BODY & FEET
1 Baseball Cap 1 Sponsored
2 Bandana 1 Sponsored
3 Round Neck T-shirt 8 Sponsored
4 Polo Collar T-shirt 3 Sponsored
5 Short sleeve Adventure Shirt with 2 pockets 2 Sponsored
6 Long sleeve Adventure Shirt with 2 pockets 1 Sponsored
7 Light Jacket 1 Sponsored
8 Winter Jacket ( water repelling ) 1 With Lining
9 Vest with multi pockets 1 Light weight
10 Cotton Short Adventure Pants with side pockets 1
11 Cotton Long Adventure Pants with side pockets 3
12 1 1/2" width solid leather belt (strong buckle) 1
13 Thermal Underwear (top & bottom) 2
14 Driving Gloves (finger feel) 1 Thin, soft leather
15 Cold Winter Gloves 1
16 Thick cotton socks (shin height) 10
17 Sun Glasses 1
18 Spare Spectacles (if applicable) 1
19 Sandals with strong ankle straps 1 Anti slip sole
20 Light leather/canvas shoes, ankle height 1 Mud Terrain Sole
21 High leather boots, shin height 1 Mud Terrain Sole
C) EQUIPMENT
1 Spare Car Keys 3
2 Waterproof watch with temperature, altimeter, compass 1 Suunto or Casio
3 Multi purpose tool 1 Leatherman Or Gerber
4 Hand torch / Head lamp with spare batteries 1 AA Batteries
5 Hand held CB Radio (UHF 477 MHz - 16 channels) 1 AOC Loan
6 GSM Hand phone 1 012 / 019
7 Strong garbage bag for water proofing, laundry 1 Thicker type
D) MEDICINES to be easily accessible
1 Personal medicines & Toiletries 1
2 Lip gloss & Sun Black Lotion 1 UV protection
3 Insect Repellant 1 Sponsored
4 Antiseptic Cream or Spray for bites, burns, cuts 1 Stingose, Burnol
5 Medicated plasters 1
6 Dehydration salts with Vitamin C 1
7 Anti Malaria tablets (to be taken before event) 1 Check with Doctor
8 Stomach upset tablets 1
9 Multi Vitamins e.g. Pharmaton 1
PERSONAL PACKING CHECKLIST - RECOMMENDED
THE
Posted by world-explorer.net at 11:49 PM 0 comments
Camping Checklist
WORLD EXPLORER EXPEDITIONS
ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY OK NOTES
A) SLEEPING
1 Dome Tent with Full flysheet 1 4 - man capacity
2 Sleeping Bag for 0 deg Celsius 2 Hollow fiber, Duck feather
3 Waterproof Bed-roll and Air Pillow 1 8-10 mm thick
4 Ground sheet 1 9' x 12'
B) LIGHTING
1 Lantern with batteries 1 Spare Batteries
2 Head Lamp with batteries 1 Spare Batteries
C) COOKING
1 Tag box for cooking equipment 1 Strong walls, clips
2 Gas stove 1 Camping gaz
3 Water container ( 20 Liters ) 1 Jerry can
4 Pot, Frying pan, Kettle 1 Non stick, lightweight
5 Plates, Bowls, Mugs 3
6 Utensils, Cutleries & Knives 1 Stainless steel, wooden
7 Heavy duty paper towels for cleaning 2 Kitchen towels
8 Heavy duty rubbish bag 10
D) FURNITURE ( OPTIONAL )
1 Folding Table & Chairs 1 Aluminum
E) SUGGESTED CAMPING FOOD
1 Strong Tag boxes (Clearly marked contents) 2 Strong walls, clips
FLUIDS & VITAMINS
2 Drinking water ( 1.5 liter ) 12
3 Fruit juice ( 1 litre ) 3
4 Tea, Milo, Beverage 30 Sachets
CARBOHYDRATE & PROTEIN
5 Instant Cup / Bowl noodles 20
6 Rice ( 2 kg ) 1
7 Baked Beans ( 500 gms ) 3 Cans
8 Vegetable, Mushroom soup 6 Sachets
9 Sausage ( 500 gms ) 3 Vacum pack
10 Corned beef or Dried meat ( 500 gms ) 3 Cans
11 Sardines, Black beans fish ( 500 gms ) 3 Cans
12 Curry Chicken / Beef 3 Cans
SNACKS
13 Dried fruit (raisins) ( 2 kg ) 2
14 Cheese & Biscuits ( 500 gms ) 3 Sachets
15 Salted peanuts or cashew nuts ( 100 - 200 gms ) 20
16 Sweet biscuits, Muesli / Uncle Toby's Bars, Power Bars ( 2 kg ) 3 Different variety
17 Potato Crisp 10
CAMPING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Posted by world-explorer.net at 11:48 PM 0 comments
Personal Preparation
WORLD EXPLORER EXPEDITIONS
ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY OK NOTES
A) Personal
1 Completed Application Forms Original 1 1 set per participant
2 Photographs - Passport size Color Original 10
3 Int. Passport Color Scan 6
> Photo, Number & Expiry Page
4 1 page - Color Scan Color Scan 6
> Business Card
> MyKad - 2 sides For Malaysians Only
> National Driving Licence - 2 sides
5 International Driving Permit Photocopy 1
6 Medical Check-up Report Photocopy 1
7 Vaccination Booklet Photocopy 1
8 PA Insurance Policy Photocopy 1 for Reports Submission
9 Completed Indemnity Agreement Original 1 1 set per participant
B) VEHICLE
1 FIA AIT CARNET de PASSAGE Original 1 for Entry Permits
2 Vehicle Registration - 2 sides Color Scan 6 for Entry Permits
3 Authorisation Letter to use Vehicle Original 6 for Entry Permits
4 Insurance Policy or Cover Note Photocopy 6 for Entry Permits
5 Vehicle Photograph - front angle view 4R size 6 for Entry Permits
6 Equipment List - Computer, VCD, GPS Original 6 for Customs Declaration
C) VACCINATION
1 Hepatitis A Injection 1
2 Hepatitis B Injection 1
3 Yellow Fever Injection 1
4 Meningitis Injection 1
5 Tetanus Injection 1
6 Typhoid Injection 1
7 Malaria Oral Tablets 1
DOCUMENTS & VACCINATION CHECKLIST
Posted by world-explorer.net at 11:47 PM 0 comments
Vehicle Preparation
WORLD EXPLORER EXPEDITIONS
THE AMERICAS
4 x 4 VEHICLE : MINIMUM 2400 CC DIESEL / PETROL ENGINES.
VEHICLE PREPARATIONS : R = Recommended, O = Optional
A) FRONT END R / O Notes
1 1 pc Windscreen R Laminated MSG
2 1 unit Bull/Winch Bar R Steel/ Alloy c/w 2 Tow-eyes, 2 Jacking points
3 2 pcs Fog Spot Lights R 100 Watts Halogen (Spread beam)
4 1 unit Electric Winch O Minimum 8000 ibs
B) BODY SIDE
1. L & R Side-step Bars O Chassis Frame mounted c/w 2 Jacking points
C) BACK END
1 1 pc Can
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS ……cont'd R / O Notes
I) CABIN
1 1 set ICOM VHF Radio R On-Board, 144 - 148 Mhz, 50 Watts minimum
2 1 set HYT / MOTOROLA UHF Radio O On-Board, 477 Mhz, 25 Watts minimum
2 1 set GARMIN GPS O Route Maps downloaded
3 1 unit Map Light O 5 Watts c/w on/off Switch
4 1 set First Aid Kit R Refer to separate cover
5 2 pcs Fire Extinguisher R Clip-on, 1.5 kg ABC Dry Powder
7 1 unit Cargo Barrier R Steel netting (for Wagons)
6 1 pc Small Hammer O Clip-on, Emergency Hammer painted in Bright Orange
8 2 units Hand Torch O Clip-on, Minimum 3-C cell size c/w spare batteries
9 1 unit Power Socket O 3-way Cigarette Lighter Power Outlet
10 1 pc Storage Net O Expanded Nylon Mesh on inside roof panel
11 4 pcs Storage Boxes O Waterproof
12 1 pc Bottle Tray O Wire Mesh to hold 3 x 1.5 liter Water Bottles
13 1pc Rubbish Bin O S-hooks to hold Rubbish Bag
14 1pc Note Pad O Plastic Sheet for Writing Pad & Pen
J) RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
1 1 set Recovery Kit O Chain, Trunk Strap, Snatch Block, Shackles, Gloves
2 1 pc Snatch Strap O 3" x 30' x 33,000 Ibs rated
3 1 pc Hi-Lift Jack O 1.0 m length and 6" x 12" Base Plate
K) SPARE PARTS
1 3 sets Spare Keys R 1 set for each member in vehicle
2 3 sets All Filters R Fuel, Air & Engine Oil
3 1 set All Tensioner Bearings R Fan, Air-con, Power Steering
4 1 set Radiator Hoses R Top & Bottom
5 1 set All Fuses and Bulbs R
6 1 set Brake and Clutch Repair Kit R
7 1 set Radiator Repair Kit R
8 1 set Power Steering Pump R
9 1 set Centre Bolts for Leaf Springs R if applicable
10 6 sets Wheel Studs and Wheel Nuts R Front & Back wheels
11 2 pcs Steering Tie-rod Ends R
12 2 sets Wiper Blades R
13 1 set Tire Wrench and Tool Kit R
14 1 set Fuel Booster O Sufficient for 23,000 Kilometers
15 1 pc Fuel & Water Separator O
16 1 set All Belts O Fan, Air-con, Power Steering
17 1 set All Brake Pads O Front & Back wheels
18 1 set Brake Cylinders O Front & Back wheels
19 1 liter Brake and ATF Fluids O
20 5 liters Engine Oil O
21 4 liters Gearbox Oil O
22 2 liters Axle/LSD Oil O
23 1 pack Anti Freeze Coolant O
24 1 set Shock Absorbers and Bushes O
25 1 set Radiator, Fuel, Engine Oil Cap O
26 1 pc Emergency Windscreen Film O
VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND REQUIRED PREPARATION, SERVICING WILL BE RECOMMENDED
BY THE EXPEDITION'S OFFICIAL MECHANIC PRIOR TO SHIPMENT.opy O Reinforced Fiberglass c/w Lock (Pick-up trucks)
2 1 pc Bumper Bar O Steel c/w 2 Tow-eyes, 2 hi-lift jack points
3 1 pc Jerry Can Carrier R Swing Arm & Lock
4 1 pc Jerry Can R 20 liters, Non-Static, Polyurethane
5 1 pc Pintle Hook or Tow Eye R Forged Steel, Top Open
D) ROOF
1 1 pc Roof Rack O 3/4 length of roof, steel or aluminum
2 1 pc Spider Bungee Net O 3/8" diameter
3 1 pc Canvas Cover O Waterproof Canvas
4 2 pcs Front Spot Lights O 55 Watts (Pencil Beam) Normal Spec.
5 1 pc Left Spot Light O 55 Watts (Spread Beam) "
6 1 pc Right Spot Light O 55 Watts (Spread Beam) "
7 1 pc Back Sport Light O 55 Watts (Spread Beam) "
E) SUSPENSION SYSTEM
1 1 set Upgraded System O Springs & Shock Absorbers
2 1 set Upgraded Bushing O Springs & Shock Absorbers
3 Check King Pins & Ball Joints R
F) TYRES
1 1 set New Wheel Bearings R Front and Rear Wheels
2 1 set New Brake Pads & Calipers R Front and Rear Wheels
3 6 pcs All Terrain or Mud Terrain R 31 - 33" diameter
G) ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 1 set Serviced Alternator R New Carbon Brushes
2 1 set Serviced Starter Motor R New Carbon Brushes
3 1 set New Battery R N 70 Z
4 1 set New Belts R Fan, Air-con, Power Steering
5 1 set New Bearings R Fan, Air-con, Power Steering
6 1 set New Oils R Engine, Transmission, Axle
7 1 set New Fluids R Brake, Clutch, Power Steering
8 1 set New Filters R Fuel, Air and Engine Oil
9 Check Wiring R Electrical System
10 Check all Rubber Mountings R Engine, Gearbox, Exhaust
H) UNDER CARRIAGE
1 1 set New Oil Seals R Axles, Gear Box, Propellor Shaft
2 1 set New Universal Joints R
3 Check Drive Shaft Dust Covers R
4 Check Tie-Rod Ends R Steering Columns

Central America & Mexico Recce

2009-02-06T01:46:00.000-08:00

The 4x4 World Explorer Central America & Mexico will be launched on the 16th Feb 09 in Kuala Lumpur by the Undersecretary, Americas Division Datuk Mohd Nor Atan and His Excellency Jorge Alberto Lozoya, Mexico Ambassador to Malaysia.

Immediately after the Media Launch, Linus, 1$ and myself will fly out to do the 2nd recce for the event. Linus will check out the ground arrangements for Mexico, starting from mexico City going up north to Gudalajara, Mazatlan, to check the ferry crossing to the Baja California Peninsula.

1$ and myself will fly into Cartagena, Colombia to arrange the shipment of the 6 trucks left behind after the South America event, to Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. We are targeting to have the trucks shipped out on the week of 21st - 25th Feb. After the shipment has gone, we will fly into San Jose, Costa Rica and travel to Puerto Limon, some 350 kms from San Jose, to arrange with Forwarding Agent to clear the trucks out after 5 days of sailing along the Carribean Coast.

We hope to collect the trucks, store them in a warehouse at the port. We will use my trucks to recce the route from san Jose to Penas Blancas, the border town of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, to test clearing the vehicle into Nicaragua, customs procedures, costs, etc.

In Nicaragua, we will recce the route into Managua, where we have an appointment with the Mexico Ambassador to Nicaragua to work out final arrangements for the sector.

If time permits, we will recce into Honduras until hopefully Tegucigalpa. If not, we will drive back to San Jose, catch a flight to Managua.

Then, we will join up with Linus in Mexico to recce the southern part of the route from Mexico City to Oaxaca, San Cristibal de Las Casas and back to Mexico City.

We should get back to Los Angeles for our final appointment with the US Customs and Border Protection for formalities and requirements for land entry via Tijuana, mexico to San Diego, California.

Around the 6th March, we will stopover at Shanghai, to check out the scene there, as for the event, the group will spent 1 night at Shanghai.

Hectic schedule. Long Live Adventure and The World Explorer Series.

For details of the event, www.world-explorer.net is the place to go.

Thomas Foo

4x4 World Explorer Overland Adventure Expedition Series – 2009 - 2011

2009-01-30T22:30:00.000-08:00

4x4 World Explorer, have been Veterans in organizing long distance 4x4 Overland Adventure Expeditions since 1992 and have covered the continents of Asia, Europe, Middle East, West Asia, The Indian Sub Continent, Africa and South America. Since 1992, 35 Overland Adventure 4x4 Expeditions have been completed successfully.

The 2009 & 2010 4x4 World Explorer Series will be covering The Americas, starting from Central America and Mexico from April to June 2009, starting from Costa Rica via Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico to end at Los Angeles, California, USA.

In October 2009, the World Explorer Series will continue its Overland Adventure Expedition in the United States of America, starting from Los Angeles to New York, via Nevada, Colorado, Oklahoma, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland. This 4x4 Expedition will end in New York on the end of November 2009.

Our 4x4 Adventure Overland Expedition will then return to New York in the Spring of 2010, to continue the World Explorer Series across Canada, via Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon Territory, before re-entering The United States of Alaska. The Overland Expedition will then proceed back to Washington State, Oregon and finish at San Francisco.

The 4x4 World Explorer Series trucks will then be shipped out from USA late Summer 2010 across the Pacific Ocean, to Tianjin, China, to start the Asia Series of the 4x4 World Explorer Overland Adventure Expeditions.

The Asia Series will commence from Spring 2011, Beijing, China, heading into Siberia, Russia to enter Outer Mongolia before re-entering China at Inner Mongolia to proceed to Central China leading to Tibet via the Ridge of the Himalayas, before crossing into Central Asia at Kazakhtan and then to Europe and ending this part of the Asia Series in Paris, France.

The European Series of the 4x4 World Explorer Overland Adventure Expedition will start from the Autumn of 2011, crossing Spain, before ferrying across to North Africa, landing in Morocco. From Tangiers, the convoy will traverse through Western Sahara, Mauritania and end in Dakar, Senegal.

The vehicles will be shipped from Dakar, Senegal to Cape Town, South Africa to start the 4x4 World Explorer series of Overland Adventure Expedition in the Winter of 2011 to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and ending in Mombasa, Kenya.

At the end of the 4x4 World Explorer Overland Adventure Expedition Series, by the end of 2011, all vehicles will be shipped back to Port Klang, Malaysia to prepare for our next series of 4x4 World Explorer Overland Adventure Expeditions.

Long Live Adventure.

Thomas Foo
Event Director

Linus join the World Explorer Team

2009-01-30T02:06:00.000-08:00

Linus, can you believe a guy who was born in Kuala Lumpur, lived in England and worked extensively in China has joined the organisation for the World Explorer series.

The guy will be looking after everything there is to do, from mopping his office to brushing off paint from window, you name it he can do it.

Watch out for the new version of our website www.4x4we.com soon to be posted.

Yes, long live adventure.

Central America & Mexico Itinerary

2009-01-29T22:43:00.000-08:00

The Ultimate
Journey of
Adventure,
Discovery
and Friendship.

ITINERARY
29 Apr : KLIA – Los Angeles
30 Apr : LA – San Jose, Costa Rica
30 Apr – 2 May : San Jose
3 May : Penas Blancas
4~5 May : Managua, Nicaragua
6~7 May : Tegucigalpa, Honduras
8 May : Santa Rosa Copan
9~10 May : Guatemala City, Guatemala
11~12 May : Antigua
13~14 May : Lago Atitlan
15 May : Coban
16 May : Santa Elena
17 May : Belize City, Belize
18 May : Tulum, Mexico
19 May : Cancun
20~21 May : Chichen Itza
22 May : Merida, Mexico
23 May : Campeche
24~25 May : Palenque
26 May : San Cristobal Las Casas
27~28 May : Oaxaca
29 May : Acapulco
30 May ~ 1 Jun : Mexico City
2 Jun : Guadalajara
3 Jun : Mazatlan, SL
4 Jun : Los Mochis
5~6 Jun : La Paz, Baja
7 Jun : Loreto
8 Jun : Guerrero Negero
9 Jun : El Rosario
10 Jun : Tijuana
11~13 Jun : Los Angeles
13 Jun : Los Angeles - KLIA

A1 4x4 World Explorer - Central America & Mexico

2009-01-29T22:35:00.000-08:00

After the highly successful South America 2 expedition, which started in Lima and finished at Cartagena, our trucks were left at one of the port's warehouses waiting to be shipped to Costa Rica for the next series of the world explorer, which will be from Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and ending in Los Angeles, California.

The expedition will start on the 1st may 2009 and arrive at LA on the 15th June 2009.

For details, www.world-explorer.net

A1 World Explorer South America 2 Report

2009-01-29T22:25:00.000-08:00

4 x 4 WORLD EXPLORER – SOUTH AMERICA 2

Tapirs are interesting-looking animals found uniquely in both Malaysia and South America. The South America 2 expedition by 4x4 World Explorer Snd Bhd uniquely brought interested Malaysians to explore South America!

The World Explorer – South America 2 is the second part of a series of 4x4 expeditions attempting to circumnavigate the world in 4x4 vehicles suitably modified for differing terrain conditions with long-range fuel tank capabilities. Starting with South America 1 in 2006 we visited Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru and Chile.

The recent South America 2 expedition began in Lima, the capital of Peru where our vehicles arrived by ship from Port Klang, Malaysia. As it turned out, APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) was on at that same time, attended by a strong political presence from Malaysia. This resulted in us being formally invited to attend Malaysian-hosted functions, which also included a flag off from Lima by the Malaysia Ambassador and the Mayor of Lima on 28th November 2008.

From there we headed north along the Pan Americana Highway hugging the coast of the Pacific Ocean passing mainly desert and arid terrain to Ecuador, which turned into a contrasting green haven with fascinating people, if some what shorter in height, and found ourselves winding up the Andean range mountain roads.

Travelling Northwards, after donating medical supplies from Malaysia to a village school near Otavalo (along with kilos of Christmas sweet treats for the children), we then entered the unexpected gem of a country, Columbia which resulted in us traversing the Andean range which forked into three veins, a thrilling drive giving us jungle terrain to snow-capped, active volcanic surroundings which at 4300m above sea level was breathtaking in more ways than one! From there we navigated our way down into the lowlands via the capital Bogotá, home of the famous Gold Museum which contains some of the most beautiful and largest collections of South American gold artifacts and treasures of old. The lowlands then led us into Venezuela with a chaotic border crossing resulting in an immigration, traffic and vehicle inspection experience never to be forgotten! Once finally in Venezuela we were happy and equally amazed to discover that it was cheaper to fill up a 100 litre tank of fuel than to buy a US$2 bottle of water.

After reaching the capital, Caracas, we headed westwards back into Columbia hugging the Caribbean coast, which led us to Cartagena a magical city with great historical significance for the South Americas. This is where our 35 day expedition ended and a few days resting ourselves gave us time to digest the amazing expedition that provided an invaluable insight into this vast, ancient and progressive continent. Our vehicles are now stored there and we are in preparation for part 3 of our next adventure to Central America which will be the first time to this region in our 15 year history of organising expeditions.

Central America, commencing end of April to mid June 2009, will visit the countries of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and ending at Los Angeles in USA.

Part 4 of World Explorer will start from Los Angeles in October 2009, heading eastwards along the southern states towards New York City and then northwards crossing into Toronto, Canada ending around mid November 2009.

The final part of the World Explorer Americas Series will begin from Toronto and head to Vancouver in April 2010 then going northwards through beautiful British Columbia to Yukon and Alaska (USA), before returning along the Pacific Coast to USA, Washington State, Oregon and California to end this expedition in San Francisco.

From the United States, the expedition vehicles will be shipped across the Pacific Ocean to Tianjin, Northern China to continue into Russia heading towards Europe, Africa and Asia before returning after a 3 year programme back to Malaysia. An adventurous undertaking for people with adventurous spirits.

For those like-minded adventurous spirited people interested in any of our future expeditions then please contact us at:
4 x 4 World Explorer, 242-C Jalan Ampang 50450, Kuala Lumpur. Tel +603 4251 2423 Email linus@4x4we.com or visit www.4x4WorldExplorer.com

South America 2 Route

2008-10-17T00:28:00.000-07:00

24-Nov Mon KUALA LUMPUR LOS ANGELES
25-Nov Tue LOS ANGELES LIMA
26-Nov Wed LIMA
27-Nov Thu LIMA
28-Nov Fri LIMA TRUJILLO
29-Nov Sat TRUJILLO PIURA
30-Nov Sun PIURA CUENCA
1-Dec Mon CUENCA QUITO
2-Dec Tue QUITO
3-Dec Wed QUITO OTAVALO
4-Dec Thu OTAVALO
5-Dec Fri OTAVALO PASTO
6-Dec Sat PASTO CALI
7-Dec Sun CALI COFFEE REGION
8-Dec Mon ARMENIA NEVADOS NATIONAL PARK
9-Dec Tue MANIZALES BOGOTA
10-Dec Wed BOGOTA
11-Dec Thu BOGOTA BUCARAMANGA
12-Dec Fri BUCARAMANGA MERIDA
13-Dec Sat MERIDA BARQUISIMETO
14-Dec Sun BARQUISIMETO CARACAS
15-Dec Mon CARACAS
16-Dec Tue CARACAS CORO
17-Dec Wed CORO MARACAIBO
18-Dec Thu MARACAIBO SANTA MARTA
19-Dec Fri SANTA MARTA CARTAGENA
20-Dec Sat CARTAGENA
21-Dec Sun CARTAGENA
22-Dec Mon CARTAGENA LOS ANGELES
23-Dec Tue LOS ANGELES KUALA LUMPUR

South America 2 Shipment of Vehicles

2008-10-17T00:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, the South America 2 is drawing nearer and the vehicles have been shipped since last month, by now should be somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
They should arrive in Callao, the port of Peru, on the 1st week November.
The advance team will be flying in on the 18th November to clear the vehicles out from port and hopefully will not be too difficult.
We have shipped 6 trucks.

SOUTH AMERICA 2

2008-06-03T01:35:00.000-07:00

SOUTH AMERICA 2

In 2006

Malaysia created history when the
FIRST 4x4 Expedition took off from Buenos
Aires in Argentina and circumvented South
America for 62 days, covering over 22,000
km.

The immerse beauty and vast variety of
terrains in South America surpasses any 4x4
expedition anywhere in the world.
So much so that a return to this beautiful
continent is inevitable.....

On 5th November 2008

a 46 day 4x4 expedition will start from Buenos Aires,
Argentina Circumventing Argentina, Chile,
Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and
finishing in Venezuela.

ITINERARY
5 Nov : KLIA to Buenos Aires
6~8 Nov : Buenos Aires
9 Nov : Rosario
10 Nov : Cordoba
11 Nov : La Rioja
12 Nov : San Miguel Tucuman
13~14 Nov : Salta
15 Nov : La Quiaca
16~17 Nov :Uyuni
18 Nov : Sucre
19 Nov : Oruro
20~21 Nov : La Paz
22 Nov : Copacabana
23~24 Nov : Puno, Peru
25~26 Nov : Cusco
27~28 Nov : Ollantaytambo
29 Nov : Chalhuanca
30 Nov : Nazca
1~2 Dec : Lima, Peru
3 Dec : Trujillor
4 Dec : Catacaos
5 Dec : Cuenca
6~7 Dec : Quito
8 Dec : Tulcan
9 Dec : Cali
10 Dec : Medellin
11~12 Dec : Cartagena
13 Dec : Santa Marta
14~15 Dec : Maracaibo, Venezuela
16 Dec : Coro
17~19 Dec : Caracas
20 Dec : Caracas – Buenos Aires
21 Dec : Buenos Aires - KLIA

Participants ship their vehicles to Argentina and fly into
Buenos Aires, Argentina for the International flag off.

This event is PART 1 of a 3-part World-Explorer series,
which will subsequently cover Central America and
North America.

Participants can opt to join ALL THREE parts or choose
whichever Part / Sector that best suit his / her interest.
Whatever the choice....

Set your mind free for an amazing experience ......

The Ultimate Journey of Adventure, Discovery and Friendship.

Join us !!

www.world-explorer.net

South America in 2006

2008-06-03T01:22:00.000-07:00

WILDERNESS EXPLORER 2 – SOUTH AMERICA

BACKGROUND
SOUTH AMERICA, discovered by the modern world in the late 14th century by the Spanish and Portuguese, is truly a melting pot of cultures, colours, ethnic native groups, immigrants, sights and sounds all rolled into this very vast, beautiful and contrasting continent. This vast landmass houses the countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Surinam and Venezuela.
Situated mostly in the southern hemisphere, bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, north and east by the Atlantic Ocean and North America and northwest by the Caribbean Sea, South America has an area of 17,840,000 square kilometres and home to more than 380 million people.
In 1494, Portugal and Spain, the two great maritime powers of that time, signed the Treaty of Tordesillas, by which they agreed that all the land outside Europe should be an exclusively ruled by the two countries. Thus, the Spanish language is spoken in all countries of South America, except Brazil who speaks Portuguese. Besides the two main languages, Quechua, Aymara and Guarani are the main Indigenous languages spoken mainly in Peru, Bolivia and Paraguay respectively.

THE EXPEDITION
On 13th October, 2006 a group of 40 adventurers made up of mostly Malaysians, Dutch, Norwegian, Argentinians and a Paraguayan in a convoy of 13 units heavily modified 4x4s and 4 units Dual Purpose motorcycles, was flagged off from Buenos Aires, by Her Excellency Dato’ Rohana Ramli, the Malaysian Ambassador to Argentina, to embark on a 2-month expedition of Peace, Goodwill and Friendship to 7 countries in South America. The route covered 22,700 kilometers through Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru and Chile.

THE ATLANTIC COAST
The Expedition headed north-east from the capital of Argentina, crossing the River Plate delta to Uruguay along the Atlantic Ocean coast to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay and on to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

BRAZIL TO PARAGUAY
From Rio, the convoy went westwards inland towards the Parana River bordering Brazil and Paraguay, visiting the UN Heritage site of the might Iguazu Falls shared by Brazil and Argentina. On entering Paraguay, the adventurers visited the 2nd largest engineering project in the world at Itaipu Dam spanning across the Parana River, which generates 12.6 million kilowatts of electricity for Brazil and Paraguay.

From Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, the friendship expedition crossed northwards to the Chaco Desert, which only receives a few inches of rain a year, to enter Bolivia, following the Che Guevara route passing through the Indigenious Regions of Sucre, Potosi and Oruro on the way to 4000 metres highland plateau of the Altiplano city of La Paz, the capital of Bolivia.

MACHU PICCHU
Taking a ferry across Lake Titicaca, the highest fresh water lake at 3,812 metres above sea level, the expedition arrived into Peru, heading towards the Sacrad Valley of Cusco, the gateway to the world famous UN World Heritage site of Machu Picchu complex of the Incas, which was lost for more than 500 years, only to be re-discovered in 1911 by the American Explorer, Mr Hiram Bingham.

The legendary 'Lost City of Machu Picchu', built more than 500 years ago is the most important tourist attraction in Peru and one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites drawing some 500,000 foreign visitors a year.
Built by the Incas on the summit of "Machu Picchu" (Old Peak), the whole archaeological complex covers approximately 5 square kms overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba river’s dense jungle, 120 kilometres from the city of Cusco at 7,000 feet above sea level.
Machu Picchu, which is the Inca's best kept secret, was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height, with its giant walls, terraces and ramps, which appear as though they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The building style is "late imperial Inca" thought to have been a sanctuary or temple inhabited by high priests and the "Virgins of the Sun" (chosen women). Excavations revealed that of the 135 skeletons found, 109 were women. No signs of post Conquest occupation were unearthed.
Traversing further west, the Wilderness Explorer 2 - South America Expedition, organized by Asia Offroad Centre led by Thomas Foo and Steven Ng, both veterans in numerous expeditions over the last 15 years around the world, headed towards the mega metropolitan city of Lima, the capital of Peru, situated along the Pacific Ocean coast.

THE NAZCA LINES
Going 400 kilmetres south to the Nazca Desert, the Nazca plains like a giant map or blueprint left by ancient astronauts, lie the famous Nazca Lines of Peru, associated with the Inca Civilization who many link with alien visitors who still interact with local people to this day.
The high arid plateau covering an area of approximately 450 square kilometres, of sandy desert as well as the slopes of the contours of the Andes has about 300 figures made of straight lines, geometric shapes most clearly visible from the air.
No one has proof on who built them or why. Since their discovery, the Nazca Lines have inspired fantastic explanations from ancient gods, a landing strip for returning aliens, a celestial calendar created by the ancient Nazca civilization -- putting the creation of the lines between 200 BC and 600 AD, used for rituals probably related to astronomy, to confirm the ayllus or clans who made up the population and to determine through ritual their economic functions held up by reciprocity and redistribution, or a map of underground water supplies.
Some of the more clearly visible geometric shapes are a Killer Whale, Wing, Baby Condor, Bird, Spiral, Lizard, Tree, Hands, Spider, Flower, Dog, Astronaut, Triangle, Star, Pelican, Hummingbird, Monkey, Llama and Trapezoids.

THE ANDES
From The Nazca Desert, the expedition crossed the Andes Mountains the 3rd time at the Sajama Volcano mountain pass back into Bolivia.
The Andes run the entire length of South America, from the humid tropics of the Caribbean to the ice fields of Patagonia. The longest north-south mountain range in the world, the Andes encompass a tremendous range of ecosystems and are home to a rich variety of plant and animal species and human communities.
This rugged chain of volcanoes, grasslands, deserts, high altitude lakes and lush forests are home to some of the most diverse habitats on earth. More than 30 spectacular volcanoes occur in the Andes Mountain range with heights ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 feet.

THE UYUNI SALT FLATS OF BOLIVIA
After a grueling 20 hours ascending and descending the Central Andes, the expedition reached Uyuni, the gateway into Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats.

The Salar de Uyuni, a sea of salt, a salt desert, in southwestern Bolivia, was once an inland sea, but the water vanished into the thin dry air of Andean altitude. All that remains is the salt, tens of meters thick, forming the biggest mirror in the world; where the earth blends with the sky.
The 4,085 square miles of salt flats, at 3650 meters high contains 10 billion tons of salt of which less than 25,000 tons is extracted annually. Every November, Salar de Uyuni is also the breeding grounds for three species of South American flamingos - Chilean, James's and Andean.

ATACAMA DESERT
Further south, the salt flats gradually gave way to the Atacama Desert, where the convoy crossed into Chile, at the Andean border post of San Pedro de Atacama, the luanch pad town to the Atacama Desert.
This Desert extending from the Andes mountains to the Pacific Ocean is 15 million years old covering a total area of 180,000 square kilometers.
The Atacama Desert is the driest desert on Earth and is virtually sterile because it is blocked from moisture on both sides by the Andes mountains and by coastal mountains. Some weather stations in the Atacama have never received rain. Evidence suggests that the Atacama may not have had any significant rainfall for the past 400 years.
Heading south for 1500 kilometers along the Pan Americana Highway along the Pacific Ocean Coast, we reached Santiago, the capital of Chile.

PATAGONIA
From Santiago, the expedition cut east to cross back to Argentina to begin its journey into the Patagonia, through the picturesque Region of Argentina’s Lake District.
Patagonia is the portion of South America in Argentina and part of Chile made up of the Andes mountains to the west and south and plateaus and low plains to the east.
Most of the region is a vast steppe-like plains, rising in a succession of abrupt terraces about 100 meters (330 feet) at a time, and covered with an enormous bed of shingle almost bare of vegetation. In the hollows of the plains are ponds or lakes of brackish and fresh water. The high rainfall against the western Andes and the low sea surface temperatures offshore give rise to cold and humid air masses, contributing to the ice-fields and glaciers, the largest ice-fields in the Southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica. The most famous and visited Glacier is found at Perito Moreno, about 80 kilometers from the beautiful mountain resort of El Calafate.
The main economic activities are sheep farming, oil extraction and tourism. This region is also home to the one of the world's spectacular adventure races. The southernmost state of Argentina, Tierra del Fuego has the touristic city of Ushuaia, the southern most city in the world. Here, tourists from around the world come by the thousands to enjoy the paradise like scenery of ice-capped mountains, lakes, estuaries and is also the gateway for visits to the Antartica Continent. Truly the entire region of Patagonia can be considered as Paradise on Earth.

THE LAST LEG
From the beautiful resort city of Ushuaia, which was founded as a prison outpost some 300 years ago, the expedition returned to Buenos Aires along the Atlantic Coast, passing through Rio Grande, the Valdes Peninsula, famous for its Whales and Sea Lions, the seaside resort city of Mar del Plata after traversing about 22,700 kilometers in 61 days to the very successful completion of the Widerness Explorer 2 – South America Expedition.

EXPEDITION OFFICIALS
Organizing Chairman : HJ MOHD ISA BIN MOHD SALLEH
Expedition Leader : THOMAS FOO
Expedition Manager : STEVEN NG
Expedition Logistics : MOHAMED ASSIR BIN A. MOHAMED ARIFF
Official Doctor : DR. SHARANJIT SINGH KULDEEP SINGH
Documentary Producer : HASSHIM ABU HANIFAH
Official Photographer : YUSUF BIN MOHAMED HASHIM
Mechanical Chief : NG KEEM CHUAN

How it all began

2008-06-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

Ku Jaafar, then the First Secretary to the Malaysian Embassy in Vientiane, Laos invited us to drive to Vientiane through Thailand. Those days it was unusual to drive to Thailand, let alone to Laos.

The dream fired up into a vision and 3 months later, a group of 24 4x4 trucks modified as if to go to war was on their way into Thailand, heading towards Bangkok to Nongkhai, the eastern border with Laos at the Mekong River.

The Ferry across the mighty Mekong was already a big thrill as we were the first group of Malaysians to cross the Mekong with our own 4x4 heading to Vientiane. At the landing on Laos territory, the river bank had a concrete ram up to the road to Thanaleng. From here it was 18 km to the capital of Laos, Vientiane.

We were welcomed by the Laotian Ministry of Interior Affairs together with our Malaysian Ambassador, of course, Ku Jaafar was beaming from ear to ear having initiated the first ever visit by a group of Malaysians by road all the way from Kuala Lumpur to Vientaine.

The event was aptly named KL - Vientaine 6000 km Friendship Expedition, extending the Malaysian hand of friendship to the people of Laos.

From that drive to Laos, it had become the Mother of Overland Expeditions. That was in 1992, between then and now 2008, the rest is history.

Recce to Mexico and Central America

2008-06-01T00:33:00.000-07:00

After travelling overland by my faithful 4x4 Land Cruiser for the past 16 years, to the continents of Asia, Europe, Africa, Siberia, Middle East, Central Asia, I am really looking forward to packing my bags for Mexico and Central America.

Leaving on the 12 June flying via Taipei to Los Angeles as the gateway into the Americas gets my adrenalin pumping again. It will be a month long trip covering Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Ecaudor, Colombia and Venezuela. On the way back, I will stop by Charlotte in North Carolina to meet George Thomas, who is helping me plan the route for the USA sector which will happen next May.