Robby 3 Wheels at the iconic Billion Barrel Monument in Belait District.- BB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Swiss adventurer Robby Knecht, better known as ‘Robby 3 Wheels’, has arrived in Brunei Darussalam as part of his ongoing round-the-world journey on a Ural sidecar motorcycle that has taken him to 65 countries since 2021.
The 55-year-old rider, who entered Brunei via the Sungai Tujoh Control Post from Malaysia, said he was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and hospitality extended to him during his stay in the sultanate.
“Upon arriving in Brunei, I met kind and sympathetic people who supported me during my time here,” he said in an interview.
Knecht began his global journey in December 2021, drawing on a lifelong passion for motorcycling. A former competitor in the Dakar Rally and the 24-hour Endurance Race in 2009, he said the journey allows him to experience the world firsthand.
To do so, he relies on a Ural sidecar motorcycle, which he described as “built like a tank”.
“It is a two-wheel-drive sidecar, so it can handle off-road terrain easily. It is also very easy to maintain – I’ve only had to change the engine oil, brakes and tyres since I started,” he said.
From Switzerland, Knecht travelled extensively across Europe before heading to the Americas, starting from northern Canada and riding south through the continent. He later continued to New Zealand, Timor-Leste and Australia, before visiting Indonesia, where he attended the MotoGP at the Mandalika International Circuit.
His arrival in Brunei was met with enthusiasm from local motorcycling communities, who welcomed him and accompanied him on rides around the country.
“At the border, Bruneian drivers were waving at me and seemed very happy to see me. After arriving, I met many people who share the same passion for riding, which made me very happy,” he said.
During his stay, local motorcycle groups have guided Knecht to several scenic and iconic locations, beginning in the Belait District. He is also scheduled to visit rural areas such as Merangking, before continuing to the Brunei-Muara District in the coming days.
While in Brunei, Knecht expressed his hope of meeting Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, though he acknowledged this would depend on his travel schedule.
His next destination is the Philippines, with plans to continue on to Vietnam. He also indicated that he may return to Brunei and Malaysia in February next year due to limited sea routes between the Philippines and Vietnam.
Reflecting on his travels, Knecht said riding across continents offers a deeper understanding of people and places.
“Large cities can feel the same everywhere. Riding across forests, mountains and deserts allows you to see the real world and meet people with real-life stories. That’s something very special,” he said. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
