Cruising effortlessly on the highway behind the wheel of the Audi Q7 4.2 litre quattro, I can’t help but think up excuses on why I shouldn’t give the luxurious SUV back. This RM770,000 German beauty handles corners like she was built for it — and she was — thanks to her quattro technology.
Sadly no, the car is not mine. It was part of DRB-Hicom’s first long distance media drive that combined an amazing race titled DRB-Hicom Amazing Hunt in Lake Kenyir, where members of the media were given the opportunity to test drive the fleet of vehicles under the conglomerate’s wing.
The luxurious, dreamy Audi Q7 4.2 litre quattro.
The destination was Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa, a lovely four-star resort located in Lake Kenyir, Terengganu, South-East Asia’s largest man-made lake. And the fleet of cars to choose from?
Twenty-five various models from Audi, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Honda, Isuzu, Chevrolet and Proton.
Each team (of two or three) had the opportunity to test drive three vehicles. Two models on the way to Lake Kenyir, and one for the drive back. After lunch in Kuantan, I reluctantly handed over the Q7 keys in exchange for another SUV, the Chevrolet Captiva. It would be unfair to compare the two as they belong in totally different categories but compare I did.
No prizes for guessing which ride I preferred!
It took a good six hours to reach the resort but it was worth the journey as the resort is simply beautiful and serene. We each had our own private traditional Malay designed timber chalet that overlooked the vast lake. The interior is spacious, and the balcony is delightful for bird watching.
Get the perfect view from the resort’s coffee house;
DRB-Hicom Berhad group managing director Datuk Mohd Khamil Jamil said that Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa was chosen as the venue so participants could experience the splendour of Lake Kenyir as well as the newly renovated resort.
“We’ve changed the resort name, previously known as Kenyir Lake View Resort, after completing a RM10mil upgrading and refurbishing exercise early last year. The upgrading works involved 135 chalets, the main lobby, restaurants, spa, conference facilities and staff hostels which were carried out in phases since Dec 2006.
“We wish to position Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa as the only international class resort located on Lake Kenyir,” says Khamil.Lake Kenyir is home to nine out of the 10 hornbill species found in Malaysia. The tenth is only found in Perak.
During a previous trip to the resort, Canadian Paul Benjamin Jones, a former Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas regional co-ordinator and a bird-watching enthusiast, managed to sight all nine hornbill species in one day. I myself saw a few hornbills just outside my chalet.
The team who came in second in the Amazing Hunt.
The 260,000ha lake, surrounded by a lush tropical jungle, also serves as another gateway to
Taman Negara. It has become a popular retreat for nature lovers, anglers, bird watchers and photo enthusiasts.Lasir Falls, a beautiful and popular waterfall 45 minutes away by boat, is excellent for a dip in the clear cold waters. We had a picnic lunch there too.
While we were there, DRB-Hicom organised the Amazing Hunt within the resort grounds where seven teams of five had to complete various tasks which challenged our minds and tested our physical strength.
Our first task was to find 10 items that could be found within the resort such as a ciku, starfruit, bamboo leaves, betel nut, hibiscus, a live black ant and bird of paradise. This task was the most tiring as we had to run all over the resort to find the items. The hilly slopes didn’t help either.
Other tasks included riding a Modenas motorbike across a narrow plank, kayakking to an island to retrieve some treasure and diving into the swimming pool to retrieve a golf ball which had to be putted into a hole.
The writer’s second test car, a Chevrolet Captiva.
We were extremely exhausted after finishing the hunt, more so from the running around. But it was all worth it as our team won second place.
It was time to head back to hazy Kuala Lumpur after three lovely days of breathing in Kenyir’s fresh air. We managed to book another Audi for the ride home, this time, a sexy fiery red A4 1.8T.
She was a breeze to drive, and powerfully responsive too. I loved her sleek design.
It was difficult parting with her. I wished I could take her home but the staff at Glenmarie Holiday Inn was quick to take the car back as soon as we entered the compound. They must have had many experiences where people resisted returning the cars!
Oh well, I guess I would just have to nurse my separation issues. My lovely Audis, till we meet again.
GETTING THERE
Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa
Tel: (09) 666 8888
www.lakekenyir.com
From Kuala Lumpur, the shortest route is via Kuantan taking the Jerangau-Jabor Highway to Lake Kenyir.
Those from the south can take the Kota Tinggi-Mersing route to Kuantan, then up the Jerangau-Jabor Highway.
For those coming from the north, head towards Kuala Terengganu then make your way to Lake Kenyir.
If you don’t fancy driving, there is the Transnasional Coach Service departing from Hentian Putra Station, Kuala Lumpur which drops you off at the resort’s doorstep.
You can also fly to Kuala Terengganu. The resort has a shuttle service for the 40-minute journey from the airport.
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