The 2009 Malaysian Rain Forest Challenge ball has started rolling, with the early birds already confirming entries for the December event.

First up are  Max, Jacob, Joachim Skjold and Morten Dam from Denmark, as well as  Sean Hameed from Sri Lanka will be back, as will Polish team Marek Janaszkiewicz and wife Agnieszka.

Andrey Kurdakov and his teams from Vladivostok, Russia, have also confirmed, while “Mr Outback Challenge”, Dave Metcalf, from Australia, is planning his 10th trip to the RFC.

The Sarawak contingent led by Eddie Alvarado, includes  Mohd Syamaizar Ahmad, Lau Kah Kung, David, Ah Peng, Octavious Jitam, Addie Nandos, Eddie Alvarado, Laurence Baraw, Wilfred Sim and co-drivers to be confirmed. SAKTA (Sarawak Travel & Adventure Club) is well represented this time, and newcomer Gianpaolo Giusti from Italy is eager to catch the jungle action.

More entries are expected Philippines, China, India, UAE, Korea, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Sweden, UK and France.

The event starts with strutineering in Kuala Lumpur on December 1, then competitors will shift to Desaru (Pengerang) for jungle stages, followed by the forest reserve of Labis, Hulu Sg Mas (also known as The Golden River) before regrouping at Selai Waterfall (Bekok) and the final special stage.

There’s a transport section to Johor Bahru for the closing and awards night on December 14, then back to Kuala Lumpur for the “Big Bang Party” on December 16.