A TikTok user, Gabriella, has charmed millions with her unconventional road trip story or more aptly, river trip featuring her bright yellow Perodua Axia. Gabriella's series of TikTok videos documenting her car's unique journey to Kampung Mulu near the famous Mulu National Park has garnered over 1 million views.
The adventure begins with a cheerful proclamation: "Today, my baby Axia is going home!" Gabriella affectionately refers to the car as "Axia Baby," and in the first video, it is seen perched at the bow of a longboat. The vibrant vehicle, sharing the boat with other cargo, quickly became a focal point for admiration and amusement online.
The sight of a small car snugly balanced on a longboat gliding along scenic rivers has enchanted viewers. The serene waters, lush greenery, and sunlight-dappled reflections add an almost cinematic feel to the journey, with each clip showcasing different stretches of the river.
Commenters likened the bright yellow car to an intrepid explorer, navigating its way to Kampung Mulu. Some marveled at the logistical challenge of such a transport method, while others appreciated the ingenuity of using longboats to traverse the rugged Sarawak landscape.
One video offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Gabriellas Axia was prepared for its river adventure. A tow truck hoisted the car onto the boat using secured cables, demonstrating the careful planning required for such an operation.
The entire waterborne trip from Marudi Wharf to Kampung Mulu took six hours. Gabriella explained the reasoning behind this unusual move: her Axia, a seven-year-old vehicle that she recently paid off, has been her loyal companion in Kuching. With no gas stations or repair shops available in Kampung Mulu, the car would now serve her elderly family members living there.
Gabriella shared that her family operates a business specializing in transporting heavy goods via waterways, including vehicles. They even offer Mulu tourism packages. The cost of transporting vehicles, she clarified, depends on their size and weight and is typically under RM5,000.
"Our family has transported trucks using larger steel longboats in the past," she added, highlighting their expertise in navigating Sarawak's challenging terrain.
Gabriella's Axia journey is not just a testament to her resourcefulness but also a reflection of the deep connection she has with her car and her family. As her videos continue to captivate netizens, the "Axia Baby" has become a symbol of adventure, resilience, and the charm of life in Sarawak.
