WHERE FUN AND HUNT MEET
The show must go on, even with part of the TG team MIA somewhere around the world
Firstly, the editorial team apologises for missing this year’s treasure hunt. We were out of the country on assignments and simply could not make it despite trying to fly back in time. It’s always good to get out there to meet and mingle with everyone, but it was not to be this year.
It was just like yesterday when a few of us went to check out a couple of locations in JB to house our annual Treasure Hunt. We were all in a convertible and the drive was an enjoyable one, despite the rain… when we were driving with the top down. Nevertheless, with some speed, we were able to deflect the rain over our heads, so speed is actually your friend… sometimes.
Treasure hunters are a different breed, I am sure you will all agree with this. Apart from being a lover of pain and torture, they are brave (or delusional) enough to pit their collective wits against the house, and you can (almost) never win when you bet against the house. The grave danger lies in being revealed as a twit, and boy did you all miss some gems from some teams. If anything, those of you who have never been to our Treasure Hunt should join us just to be entertained by these answers, usually revealed during the prize presentation over dinner.
But since we, the local TG team, want to remain blissfully ignorant of our own IQ rating, we will never join a Treasure Hunt – unless as organisers, of course. Because despite what they tell you, a treasure hunt is very stressful as a participant. Have you seen some of the questions? You have to be really screwed-up or a genius (same difference) to get all the questions right.
But since we, the local TG team, want to remain blissfully ignorant of our own IQ rating, we will never join a Treasure Hunt – unless as organisers, of course. Because despite what they tell you, a treasure hunt is very stressful as a participant. Have you seen some of the questions? You have to be really screwed-up or a genius (same difference) to get all the questions right.
It was an early morning for the local TG team, but some contestants were already at the meeting point at 5.45am, at Citta Mall, the same venue where the briefing was held at the Times Bookstore. The varied forms of vehicles were amazing, from the humble to the posh, they all came for a win to this year’s Treasure Hunt. But honestly, the speed of your car or how well you drive really has no bearing on how well you do in a hunt.
The energy emanating from the participants and the antsy feeling just before a great race or adventure swept through the participants. Some did look bored but probably because they were ‘dragged’ or ‘blackmailed’ into participating – much like some of the local TG team. So, we can totally empathise with these participants.
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| Freaky looking doll/ pillow in goodie bags |
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| Hybrids...not the fastest to arrive |
After all the 60 cars were primed with the appropriate stickers and attitude, they were flagged off into the morning sun. Some had a sparkle in their eyes, these are known as novices, others had a confident determination gleaming on their faces, these are the pros (or the delusional), and the rest had the ‘What am I doing here?” look, commonly known as ‘blur bats’.
Throughout the journey to Johor, the contestants faced some special challenges in the form of the AmBank ATM Challenge, Caltex Petrol Pump Challenge and Tissot T-Touch Challenge. These have been designed to be a combination of fun and semi challenging to give those who are new to the hunt a better chance of gaining points. We continually encourage newcomers to participate in our hunt because it can be one of the best team-building experiences you can get.
The competitors this year were all armed and ready, some with a dictionary the size of Perlis and those who can’t live without their gadgets, stayed connected with their laptops and smart phones hoping to get an edge over the rest. Some, however, just relied on their own intellect… bad idea. It was reported (but we cannot confirm the reliability of the source) the questions were so tough, that clumps of hair were found along the Treasure Hunt route.
We also received feedback that some of the challenges were too easy. We will certainly rectify that when we plan the next hunt. But all (okay, most) participants we encountered along the route, and at all the points where the challenges were held, was positive – many were seen laughing and having a good time. The local TG team only had good things to say about the participants, so we appreciate all of you who did take part in this hunt.
The local TG team was decked out in Mitsubishi Pajero and Lancer Sportsbacks courtesy of Mitsubishi Malaysia. These vehicles carried the Stig (cardboard edition) and all the prizes safely to the finish line. Thank you Mitsubishi Malaysia for helping out on such short notice.
Some of the teams were ultra efficient and quick to the meeting points and even to the resort. The first car managed to arrive at Pulai Springs Resort by around 4pm, with the last car making its way to the finish line just after 5pm. On the whole, the participants had very little problems getting themselves to the resort. The winning answers were a whole different ball game though.
We congratulate all the winners, notably the 1st place that went to the team Macam-macam Ada V3, 2nd Place to an all-women’s team named 1001, and 3rd place to Team-Bak. For the rest who came very close, well there’s always next year. And if anything is true, the more you participate in our hunt, the better you become, so never give up.
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| Top Gear Treasure Hunt 2011 - Champion |
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| Hunt Sponsors |
Finally, we take this opportunity to thank our main sponsors: AmBank, Caltex and Tissot. We would also like to thank our official radio station – Mix FM, and official venue – Pulai Springs Resort. And of course not forgetting our co-sponsors – Karspersky, Michelin, Papago!, Porsche Design Eyewear, ThreeBond Looks, V-Kool and Veemer Motors Sdn Bhd, and our partners – Hibikii, Jabra, native, Nivea for Men, Times as well as equipment sponsor – Motorsport Playground.
We would also like to thank Zahari Bin Ridzuan, Business Manager, Auto Finance, and Shirley Ang, Head, Regional Operations Centre Johor of Ambank for handing out the 1st Prize, and Reefa, from Mix FM for being our MC for the night.
Thank you all for participating, it’s been another great hunt and the local TG team needs to be thanked for doing a great job in organising it. Until next year… happy hunting.
Photos here are courtesy of Top Gear Malaysia magazine.
More are available at Top Gear Malaysia facebook.
Photos here are courtesy of Top Gear Malaysia magazine.
More are available at Top Gear Malaysia facebook.
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