Part 3 starts in Dili, Timor-Leste, where the cars arrive by ship from Darwin. We cross into West Timor and take the ferry to Flores: the crater lakes of Kelimutu, the traditional village of Bena and the Komodo dragons near Labuan Bajo. From island to island we head west across Sumbawa and Lombok to Bali.
On Java we climb Ijen at dawn, watch the sun rise over Bromo and visit Borobudur and Prambanan. An overnight ferry takes us to Borneo and the orangutans of Tanjung Puting. Along the Trans-Kalimantan and across the equator we reach Kuching in Malaysia, where the cars go on the ship and we fly to the finish in Kuala Lumpur.
Hotels will be inspected and chosen for location and calm. The route is indicative until our inspection trip.
A capable 4×4 is required. Think Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Discovery, Toyota Hilux, or similar. Essential items include adequate ground clearance, underbody protection, quality all-terrain tires, two spare wheels, a compressor, and a VHF radio; helpful extras include a dual-battery system, a fridge, tablet mount, and additional USB power. All modifications are documented so any mechanic knows what sits where. Technical support will be on the road, border assistance is arranged, and the goal is simple: everyone reaches the finish.
We select and personally inspect hotels for location and calm before departure; dinners and breakfasts are included on driving days, and in larger stops you can dine independently with recommendations provided and costs reimbursed to keep the experience simple. Where the route enters very remote areas, expect a few simpler nights that trade luxury for access and atmosphere.
Part 1 is a new route through New Zealand: from Auckland via 90 Mile Beach, Rotorua, Kaikoura and Milford Sound to Christchurch.