The extensive network of logging trails in the rugged, densely forested interior of Malaysia offers a whole range of off-road 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 backcountry, 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 off-road 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 offroad 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.