ATV Adventure Ride Gaining Popularity in Labuan

LABUAN (Sabah), Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The ATV or known as ‘All-Terrain Vehicle’ is a type of motorcycle on four wheels used for rugged outdoor activities along extreme and challenging routes, such as jungle trekking. An undoubtedly, ATV riding is an activity that is gaining popularity among today’s youths especially in Labuan, a federal territory in East Malaysia. Also known as the Quad, Quad Bike, Three Wheeler or Four Wheeler, the ATV has been defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tyres. Founder of ATV Labuan Desa Tunas Hijau Adventure who operates the heavy-duty vehicles Mohd Alias Abd Rahman said the idea of having the adventure was mooted after he had visited many countries. “Our Member of Parliament Rozman Isli is now promoting the island’s tourism industry, this ATV adventure is part of our efforts of helping our island’s tourism sector,” he said to Bernama, Thursday Spanning over six acres of land in Kg Sg Miri, he developed the area into a recreational park and garden equipped with a mini handmade pond for recreational games like paddle boats and a handmade pond for fishing. A number of visitors interviewed expressed excitement over the newly-introduced tourism product. “At first, my wife and I were a bit sceptical obout the credibility of the ATV operator. Located by the roadside and adjacent to the popular sunset view of Sg Miri beach does not impress us on how the trail would be. We kept wondering if the ride is ‘worth’ the time,” said Alfred Nikko, 44. However, after Alfred and wife were given explanation by the safety officer, they felt that they should give a try on a 30-minute ride.. “For beginners like us, the first five to 10 minutes was a ‘busy and chaos ride’, but the ‘smiling and cool face’ of the staff who were always beside us to comfort with their magic words...‘No Hurry, ‘No Tension please’, ‘No Panic please’ and many more... then the truth came to us.... It was a magnificent view all around us, as gradually the trail became more exciting … the path at the ditches made us enjoy the trip,” he said. Alias said the ATV Desa Tunas Hijau Adventure would be in full swing next year, with a number of infrastructure like chalets to be developed. -- BERNAMA