ISUZU launched the all-new D-Max X-Terrain in Sarawak late April, lifting the veil on their iconic 4×4 double cabin pick-up truck that is now quieter, more comfortable and more powerful than before. It is a fantastic new vehicle for you to enjoy whether it is a trip to the beach with your family, a short ride to the restaurant for a dinner date or a weekend drive to a hiking hotspot with your buddies. To put it simply, you can enjoy the all-new D-Max X-Terrain in just about any situation. So, grab the keys, remote start the engine, get into the vehicle, and be on your way!
Pandan Beach in Lundu is a great place for a start. Along the way there, not only will you get to stop by several places that make the entire trip a thoroughly enjoyable experience, but you will also get a good feel of the vehicle and all its offerings.
Destination, Pandan Beach
One of the great weekend destinations close to Kuching is Pandan Beach in Lundu. Its beach is powdery gold, its water a brilliant blue. There is a homestay right by the beach if you wish to stay the night. With the destination set, it’s time to pack up.
One of the big perks of taking the D-Max X-Terrain on your journey is the amount of space you get for all your needs, like your cooler boxes and camping or picnicking gears. The sliding tray in the back of the all-new D-Max X-Terrain makes loading and unloading a whole lot easier.
Now that you’re all set, it’s time to hit the road. There are three routes that get you there. The most interesting one to take is through Matang because you will have to cross the river on a ferry via this route.
The drive to the ferry crossing in Rambungan takes about 40 minutes or so. Quite a distance, but here’s where the vehicle’s comfort really comes into play. The cabin of the D-Max X-Terrain is embellished in fine materials including leather on the seats, dash and door trims. The interior is a zone of comfort in the highest degree, with dual zone air conditioning and UV protection windscreen to keep everyone as comfortable as possible. Add to that great sound insulation for a nice and quiet drive.
Before you know it, you’re already at the Rambungan ferry crossing. Depending on the time, the terminal can get pretty jammed. But no worries, just turn on the 8-speaker surround sound system, choose Apple Airplay or Android Auto, choose your favourite playlist and jam along with your buddies to your favourite tunes while waiting your turn to board the ferry. Speaking of ferry, getting on and off the ferry is quite effortless on the D-Max X-Terrain, thanks to the Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control that come in handy for uphill climbs and downhill descends.
*While on the ferry, step out of your vehicle and take as many pictures as you like of the beautiful scenery surrounding you.
Powerful, comfortable, nimble
Once you get to the other side of the river, venture onward to your destination, Pandan Beach Lundu. The drive will take another hour or so along Jalan Sampadi, and the terrain is probably not as smooth as you’d like to imagine. But that’s all managed pretty well by the vehicle’s dynamic driving platform, which offers improved handling and overall ride comfort. The vehicle’s 3.0 litre Blue Power engine packs an incredible punch and lets you overtake with ease and powers you through effortlessly. What all this means is that your passengers will enjoy the comfortable drive while you enjoy manoeuvring the car through the twists and turns of the winding, sometimes rough road towards Pandan Beach.
The Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) on the D-Max X-Terrain is brilliant, with features that take control of the situation when needed, like Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Turn Assist, Pedal Misapplication Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop & go function, Automatic High Beams (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
Anyway, about 18 minutes or so after the ferry crossing is the Sampadi Bridge, and just before that is Kampung Sampadi. A quick stop at the village for some fresh air is a good idea. You’ll also be able to see a bit of the village and head to the pier by the river near the bridge to catch sight of local fishermen going about with their daily activities. Five to 10 minutes later, it’s time to get back on the road and head to the beach. The signboards are quite easy to read and will guide you all the way to the beach.
Plenty to see
Forty minutes later, you will arrive at your destination. As you turn right at the junction into Kampung Pandan, you will notice the road is quite small and leads straight to Pandan Homestay at the end of the road, with Pandan Food Court on your right. Parking is tight and you will need to park your vehicle at the roadside. But it’s part of the adventure, is it not? Straight in front of you is a gorgeous view of the blue sky, clear blue water and golden sand. It’s time to get all your stuff out and enjoy a fun day at the beach!
But there’s more to Lundu than just Pandan Beach. There are many attractions nearby as well. And the D-Max X-Terrain helps you get to those places with ease and in optimum comfort.
Kuala Blungei is a hidden gem located about 4km away. The panorama here is beautiful and people do go there to fish. If you love hiking, Bukit Gondol in Kampung Pugu is the ideal spot for a short hike that rewards you with stunning views. You will have to park your vehicle quite a distance away and take a walk along the beach before your start your uphill climb. Best to go in the morning because it can get pretty hot and there’s very few places to take shelter at.
If Bukit Gondol is not challenging enough for you, take a drive to Gunung Gading National Park located 14 minutes from Pandan Beach. It’s best to do this if you’re spending the night in Lundu, as the climb up and down Gunung Gading can take several hours. Here, you can see nature’s many splendours like the seven waterfalls of Gunung Gading. You may even get a chance to see the Rafflesia flower!
Of course, while you’re there, head to the town of Lundu just 15 minutes away from Pandan Beach and see this famous town in all its glory. It’s best to visit Lundu town for breakfast, lunch or dinner or on your way back to Kuching. Visit the local market or go to the small shops for fresh seafood or souvenirs to bring back home to Kuching. On your way back take a drive through Jalan Stunggang Melayu, past village houses where some villagers can be seen drying their fish or prawn crackers (keropok ikan/udang).
Journey back home
After a great weekend at Pandan Beach and the surrounding attractions in Lundu, it’s time to head back. This time, a relaxing drive will help relax your tired muscles and soothe your weary soul. The D-Max X-Terrain will make sure your journey back home is an enjoyable, relaxing one.
If you’re still up for some adventure along the way, head back towards Matang and stop by Mount Matang Maha Mariamman Temple along the way. This hidden temple in the mountains is worth the visit, especially if you’re up for learning a bit more of the local history.
Finally, it’s time to just head on back home. By now, you will have experienced most, if not all of what the D-Max X-Terrain has to offer. At the end of the day, you might find yourself wanting to go out on more adventures outside of the city in the all-new D-Max X-Terrain. To learn more about the all-new Isuzu D-Max, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my.
CLICK HERE for “BeachSpots: sand, sun and sea in Sarawak”
