MORE than 80 Land Rover enthusiasts from eight countries gathered in Malaysia for the RoverNuts Global Merapoh Festival 2026, bringing together different generations of Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles for five days of exploration, teamwork and camaraderie.
Held from Sept 14 to 18, the expedition brought participants from Australia, China, France, Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia to Merapoh, Pahang known for its limestone landscapes, rainforest and natural attractions.
The gathering began with a 41-vehicle convoy departing from Batu Caves.
The mix of Land Rover and Range Rover models from different generations offered a glimpse of the marque’s evolution, with vehicles sharing a common purpose beyond their differences in age and specification.
More than a conventional vehicle club, RoverNuts brings together Land Rover enthusiasts through cross-border journeys, a shared passion for overland travel and the friendships forged along the way.
That spirit of exploration recalls the original First Overland expedition, in which six Oxford and Cambridge students set off from London in 1955 in Land Rover Series I vehicles.
They travelled through Europe and Asia, reaching Singapore in March 1956 after a journey of more than 18,000 miles (29,000km).
The expedition became an enduring part of Land Rover’s adventure heritage.
For RoverNuts, the appeal of such journeys lies not only in the destinations or the vehicles, but also in the experiences shared along the way.
The Merapoh expedition provided a modern expression of that spirit when challenging terrain, heavy rain and fallen trees temporarily obstructed parts of the route.
Participants worked together to clear blocked routes, while persistent rainfall forced the organisers to relocate a campsite.
The change of plans did little to dampen the mood, with a barbecue evening giving participants an opportunity to swap stories and strengthen friendships across national borders.
These moments captured the RoverNuts ethos: a shared interest in Land Rover vehicles brings people together, while cooperation and a willingness to help one another make the journey memorable.
The obstacles encountered along the way also provided stories that participants could take home and share at future gatherings.
The group also visited Gua Sisik Naga and the Kelah Fish Sanctuary at Kuala Juram, experiencing the natural environment that makes Merapoh an appealing destination for outdoor exploration.
The expedition was completed safely and without incident, with the RoverNuts Global Works Committee commended for its planning, coordination and safety management.
The festival concluded in Genting Highlands, where Indonesia was announced as the host of RoverNuts Global 2027.
From the pioneering London-to-Singapore journey of the 1950s to the gathering in Merapoh, the vehicles and routes may differ, but the attraction remains familiar: exploring new places and building friendships through a shared passion for Land Rover.
