The extensive network of logging trails in the rugged, densely forested interior of Malaysia offers a whole range of offroad driving experiences. Beginners can opt for easy family-type trails that require no special equipment modifications, and for the intermediate driver there are moderately challenging trails with some obstacles. The highly-skilled driver looking for thrill-and-skill rides will not be disappointed either, as the rugged terrain in the mountainous interior presents some  extreme challenges.

For the casual driver, the dry months between March and October are best, but the determined off roader will welcome the extra challenges brought by monsoon rains between November and February.   

If you want to explore Malaysia's back country, it's probably best to go with one of the several 4WD tour specialists, as the terrain is difficult to negotiate without the help of a seasoned driver. He will have local knowledge of the trails, weather conditions, camping locations and scenic attractions to make your 4WD tour a holiday to remember. Some specialist operators also offer comprehensive courses suitable for beginners, through to more advanced levels.

Some of the best offroad driving in Peninsular Malaysia can be found in the remoter regions. A premier site is Gua Musang in Kelantan, which is connected by hundreds of kilometres of logging tracks to Cameron Highlands in Pahang and Lasah in Perak.  The Kenyir Lake area in Terengganu, and Endau-Rompin, Chini Lake and Sg. Lembing in Pahang are also popular offroad routes. But there are also good offroad driving sites near major cities. Kuala Kubu Bahru, just two hours' drive from Kuala Lumpur, offers mild to moderate off road routes in a delightful rural setting. 

An offroad adventure into the remote interior of Borneo offers a rare insight into a lifestyle that has remained essentially unchanged for centuries. In Sarawak, the logging tracks pass through some stunning rainforest scenery and offer access to the previously inaccessible upriver communities. A visit to the communal longhouses of the indigenous Iban, Kayan or Kenyah people who inhabit this pristine area is an unforgettable experience. In Sabah, the Kinabalu Park area is popular with 4WD enthusiasts. 

Several offroad jamborees and competitions are held each year, and every major city has a 4WD club. One of the largest gatherings of 4WD enthusiasts is seen every year in the Rainforest Challenge, an offroad competition lasting 10 days that takes participants through the magnificent tropical jungle of Peninsular Malaysia.

Things to Always Carry on Trips

• Basic recovery gear (snatch straps, 'D' sahckles, shovel, axe, jack and jacking plate; winch and chainsaw are optional).

• First-aid kit (antiseptic, burn cream, scissors, eye drops, bandages, dressing).

• Fire extinguisher.

• Tools (ring and open spanners, hacksaw, file, wire cutter, tyre gauge, pump and  repair kit, battery jumper leads, spray lubricant).

• Spare parts (radiator hoses, fan belt, fuses, spark plugs, coil, condenser, tyre tube).

• Extra water, map of area, compass, torch, knife, matches
     

General Offroad Driving Tips

• Observe all rules and regulations pertaining to the use of public land.

• Avoid areas which are easily damaged such as swamps and vegetated sand dunes.

• Carry out all the rubbish you brought in.

• Always ask permission before entering private land.

• Leave gates as you find them.
   

Driving in Tricky Sections    

• Don't change gear in the middle of a tricky section.

• If in doubt, always use a lower gear.

• A low second or third gear is generally best for going uphill, a low  first gear is best for steep downhills. If your vehicle begins to slide sideways, a very slight acceleration and steering  into the slide will normally straighten your descent. Use your footbrake sparingly and avoid touching the clutch.

• Move the steering wheel rapidly from side to side to improve traction in mud; if you become stuck, rock the vehicle forwards or backwards by alternating between first and reverse gears.

• To get through sand, lower the tyre pressure to 140 kpa (20 psi) and avoid sudden changes in direction or acceleration. Fitting specialist desert tyres may help.

• When descending a dune, avoid braking, but don't go so slowly that the wheels stop rolling.

• Before entering a water section, loosen the fan belt, and spray electrical equipment with lubricant. In the water, use a low second gear, keep the speed down but fast enough to create a bow wave, and keep the engine running. Avoid changing gears or disengaging the clutch. If the engine stops, do not restart it but winch the vehicle out.