| Azaraimy HH |
GERMAN runner Andreas Bussinger, 28, was smitten by the charms of Tutong District, while passing through Brunei to raise awareness and funds for environmental projects across Borneo.
The run through the western coastal line of the Borneo Island has never been attempted, and Bussinger has set himself the mammoth task of running 1,500km through Sabah, Brunei, Sarawak and Kalimantan.
His mission enabled him to interact with locals and discuss issues at the grassroots level, but the Trans-Borneo Run is far from an easy trek no thanks to the high temperatures, mountainous terrain and mosquito-infested areas.
Bussinger is accompanied by his family and friends, who travel alongside him in a caravan throughout the journey.
“We started at Kudat, Sabah, which is at the tip of Borneo,” he told the Weekend Bulletin. “I have completed 500km in Brunei, and I’m now headed towards Miri. After more than 1,000km, I will complete my journey in Pontianak, Indonesia.
“We love Brunei, especially the care put into its nature conservation efforts. This is why tourists and scientists from all over the world are visiting Brunei – for its pristine rainforests.”
When asked about the most interesting part of his travels in Brunei, he said, “The kindness of the people. They are interesting, and seem to be well-educated about nature and also about our project.”
But for Bussinger, the highlight of his Brunei tour was the Telamba Homestay.
“We got sponsored for accommodation, food and even a free boat ride on the Tutong River!
“The owners, Hadzid and Leney, were so kind and like parents to us! It was a real Bruneian experience, with lovely people.”
Bussinger hopes to raise USD10,000 for five different projects: the Reforestation Project, Orangutan Project, Orang Asli Project, Plastic Recycling Machine Project and Ocean Conservation. He has even set up a website to collect donations.
When asked about how he came up with the idea for the project, he replied, “While travelling the world in my caravan for more than three years, from Germany to Turkey and then to Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Laos and Cambodia, we saw a lot of environmental devastations.”