Aimpro Samudra Drives His Little Perodua Kelisa Across 20 Countries In 3 Years

Tampin-born, Aimpro Samudra drove his small Perodua Kelisa to nearly 20 nations in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Central Asia over the course of three years.

According to Wau Post, Aimpro Samudra and his eldest son headed out from Malaysia on 4-November 2019 in their family's 2004 Perodua Kelisa, called "Wheely."

Samudra and his Perodua Kelisa travelled from Malaysia to Thailand, Myanmar, India, Pakistan, and Iran, as well as European countries such as Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Greece.

They have driven through some of the world's most dangerous terrains, including icy mountain passes, sub-zero weather, rugged terrain, and dangerous high-altitude highways.

Wheely has taken a beating, having fallen off the road in icy circumstances and sustaining a puncture while going through the Karakoram Highway. Aside from a robust Kelisa, who seemed to be hardwired with heart to keep moving, Samudra mentions the good friends and locals who have helped him keep going in the worst of situations.

Samudra had begun his journey in November 2019 and had returned to Malaysia as Covid-19 lockdowns began around the world in 2020. Unfortunately, when he returned to his trip on September 15, 2022, the Kelisa had gearbox problems that necessitated a significant rebuild.

Samudra was able to replace his gearbox and go back on the road with the help of acquaintances in Turkey and mechanics in Malaysia.

From Turkey, Samudra and his son drove their Kelisa through some difficult territory, requiring escort by the Police, Army, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police (KPK) for about a week until they arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Samudra's voyage to China's borders would have required them to pass through the Karakoram Highway - one of the world's highest paved roads - but was cut short owing to bad weather and snow at the Kunjerab Pass, which borders Pakistan and Tajikistan.

Samudra then returned to Lahore, Pakistan, to stow Wheely at a friend's house before returning to Malaysia for the current General Elections.

The most appreciated component of Samudra's experience, he says, is being able to do something unusual while creating priceless memories with his eldest kid.

"Never give up!" says Samudra to all Malaysians. Sometimes you have to be insane to accomplish insane things. Also, be kind to everyone you meet, no matter who they are."

Moving forward, Samudra intends to continue his adventure before finally bringing his Kelisa, Wheely, back to Malaysia, proving that any Malaysian, if they have the spirit of adventure and will, can achieve what he has done, just like his Kelisa... a small car that has conquered, and continues to conquer, a big world.