Tioman International Eco-Challenge 2008

TIOMAN ISLAND, 15 May 2008 -- It is a race of vigour to the finish line at the 1st Sultan Ahmad Shah Tioman International Eco-Challenge (SAS Eco Challenge), which took place in the breathtaking island of Tioman from May 13 till May 15.

20 teams from all over Malaysia, including two international teams (one from England and Australia, and another from Singapore), got together for the three-day challenge that was set to test the participants physically and mentally alongside the country and island's nature, culture and adventure.

Adapting the concept of the renowned reality TV show, The Amazing Race, the eco-challenge walked the participants through a series of challenges, which included jungle trekking through the rough terrains of the island, cycling across uneven grounds, kayaking against the unkind currents of the South China Sea, and running under the scorching sun.

These races commenced all over Tioman Island, starting from Salang Village, Air Batang Village, Tekek Village, Juara Village, Mukut Village, Genting Village, Paya Village, and finishing once again at Tekek Village.

Other than that, the participants had to go through a few traditional games to get themselves to the next leg of the race. Such games included scrapping coconuts from their skins, sepak takraw, bursting balloons with the orang asli darts, dragging teammates across the beach with the coconut tree leaves, and catching eels.

"I do hope that this eco-challenge is able to introduce the Pahang state to the world through eco-extreme sports, and perhaps in the future, we can add in more marine activities, such as snorkelling and diving, as part of the race," said KDYTM Tengku Mahkota Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah, who had officiated the flag off on May 13.

"Tioman is one of the prettiest islands in Malaysia, and the only island that Pahang has," the Crown Prince added.

"Whilst going through necessary developments to better promote the island, we'll still need to keep track of the developmental plans, in case they cross the line and ruin the natural habitat that's already available."

The first team to complete the SAS Eco Challenge in 6 hours 33 minutes and 30 seconds was the Salomon Power Bar team, who won themselves a cash prize of RM10,000 and a trophy.

"Our goal during the race is to create as big as possible a gap between us and the other teams," said Muhamad Razani bin Husain, leader of the Salomon Power Bar team. "Although we came in second in the final leg, we're still glad to have won the overall race."

"There's no secret to winning a race as challenging as this," he added. "The key is just to stay fit and maintain your athleticism throughout."

Razani's team member, Mariana binti Mohammad, has also won the Iron Lady of Tioman, bagging home a cash prize of RM5,000 and a trophy.

"Don't let anyone talk you down just because you're a woman, and put in your all in doing what you have to do," she said, when asked if she has any advice for the women out there. "If the men can do it, so can we women!"

Other team members of Salomon Power Bar included Mohd Puzi bin Dolah and Herdilee bin Mohammad, Mariana's younger brother.

Busat.com.my from Sabah came in second, merely 17 minutes behind Salomon Power Bar, and took home a cash prize of RM8,000, whilst Amfibia came in at the third placing at 7 hours 21 minutes and 44 seconds, winning a cash prize of RM5,000.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Malaysia
• Pahang
• Sultan
• Ahmad
• Shah
• Tioman
• international
• Eco-Challenge
• 2008

[funkship]

eco? hmm maybe moneyrun, still i love the place

[catha86]

@ism3ail How do you sign up for this? I want to take part too but I don't know how. I have zero experience and want to do this one day.

[cemerlang2020]

enjoy?

[norrajones]

nice! tp sikit pun muka aku korang x shoot ek! muka awek tu jer yg byk..huhu..nway we really had a gd time thr!

[ism3ail]

hmm check it our already

heard frm a fren gt a coverage of the spore team =P

[eeeryn]

Cool...watch Majalah 3 this Saturday for the full feature on the event :)

[ism3ail]

awesome vid coz i participated in the event

=)

[prettyblurdude]

awesome!! fantastic video .. i hope be one day in some of this challenge