[TOP: Participants of The New Paper SUVival Challenge 2008.]

By Crystal Chan

THE wait is over, folks.

Registration for The New Paper SUVival Challenge 2009 has officially opened on Sunday.

And this time, we're going further than before to satisfy adventure lovers out for a challenging but fun drive.

Destination Kuantan will take place over the weekend of 25 to 26 Apr and it promises to be an exciting outing.

If you loved the 2007 Challenge to Malacca and last year's Challenge to Bukit Tinggi, you won't want to miss it this year.

Last year, a record 360 people, riding in 110 SUVs, took part in the Bukit Tinggi challenge.

One of last year's participants, Mr Eugene Toh, 29, an insurance planner, said: 'It's exciting because you rarely get races like these in Singapore. We really get to test the prowess of our vehicles.'

More exciting games and off-road challenges are in store for both adrenaline junkies and those seeking a holiday with a difference.

Drive through mud (and possibly get stuck).

Balance your SUV on logs placed over deep ditches.

Push it up steep slopes on hills.

Sounds fun? We think so too.

If that's not enough, we have $20,000 worth of Pioneer in-car entertainment DVD units, Holux navigation devices, shopping vouchers and cash to be given away.

All participating cars will receive a goodie bag which includes exclusive The New Paper SUVival Challenge 2009 T-shirts.

Not enough? Then aim for the top eight positions and win cash, or a Holux GPS Navigator.

The champion walks away with $2,500 in cash and a Pioneer in-car entertainment DVD unit worth $1,000.

There will also be prizes for two winners of the Best Decorated SUV competition and a lucky draw.

For the lucky draw, we are giving away three Holux GPS navigation devices, five $100 shopping vouchers and 10 Pioneer CashCards, each with a value of $40.

Even if you aren't taking part to win, you'll have a good time enjoying the sights along the way.

But we can't tell you exactly where these sights are, because challenges have been planned at some of the locations.

However, we just might hint at possible locations in subsequent reports, so look out for them.

Up to four people can take part as a team per car. Registration is $159 per person.

The first 50 people to register before 26 Mar will get a $50 discount.

The registration fee includes meals and a night's stay at Swiss Garden Kuantan, a resort along the pristine Balok Beach in East Malaysia.

Professional drivers will wow you on the second day with daring off-road driving demonstrations. You will also have the rare opportunity to try out some of the manoeuvres under their supervision.

The SUVival Challenge 2009 is limited to 120 SUVs only, so look out for registration forms in The New Paper starting from Sunday.

This article was first published in The New Paper.