Camel Trophy



Scout Report

INTRODUCTION
This report contains information compiled on Pre-Scout between August 7th and September 4th 1995 covering the proposed route for Camel Trophy Kalimantan '96 from Balikpapan to Pontianak on the island of Borneo in Indonesia.

In accordance with the overall marketing brief for Camel Trophy and a brief from the President of WBI, the instruction for the pre-scout team for CT '96 was to establish a feasible route which would provide a physically tough, challenging and demanding event whether the conditions be wet or dry. This has undoubtedly been achieved.

THE START
The event will start at the picturesque Dusit Inn in Balikpapan and commence with a crossing by ferry of Balikpapan Bay to the start of the first special tasks. The majority of the special tasks will be located near a village called Pamaluan approximately 70 kms in to the jungle.

THE ROUTE
The route from the 1st Special Tasks on the east coast of Kalimantan to the location of the 2nd set on the west coast approx. 100km north of Pontianak is some 1850 kms in total. Comprising of 90% jungle driving and 10% river crossings the '96 route by comparison to CT Mundo Maya '95 will see a return to the real traditional Camel Trophy conditions. The physical element will be to the fore with 10 major river crossings to be overcome using a variety of techniques from bridge building to rafting to ferry / pontoon crossings. The condition of the trails in the interior are in many places in total disrepair adding considerably to the work element required to negotiate the numerous obstacles. Part of the route includes a 200km section of the proposed Trans-Borneo road which was cut several years ago across the island but never developed nor completed from coast to coast.

Since then this track has deteriorated and has never been driven. It is therefore the intention for CT '96 for the convoy to make the first recorded crossing of Kalimantan from coast to coast.

The culture and local color of Kalimantan will be experienced by the teams as they pass through the many Dayak villages along the route. Due to the lack of roads and vehicular transport there are very few tourists in Kalimantan which adds to the feeling of remoteness and isolation.

FINISH
The end of the Event will be at Pantai Gosong on conclusion of the 2nd set of Special Tasks. Pantai Gosong is a picturesque beach location with white sandy beaches and palm trees. The winners of the event will be announced at the end of the last task, with the official award ceremony taking place in the hotel at Pontianak the following night.

SUMMARY
CT '96 represents a return to the classic images portrayed in events such as Brazil '89 and earlier. Kalimantan '96 is an incredibly bold challenge to be undertaken during the rainy season, representing, potentially the first recorded vehicular crossing of Kalimantan. There is no doubt that this event will be a real expedition, a real adventure, and a real challenge to all participating on CT '96.