Celebrity Race Across the World: Filming Locations and Route Details
Four celebrity pairs race 4,660 miles from Borneo to Melbourne using limited budgets.
1The Race Begins in Borneo
The fourth series of Celebrity Race Across the World starts in Kuching, located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Known as the city of cats, Kuching serves as the departure point for four celebrity pairs. They must navigate across three countries and two continents to reach the final destination in Melbourne, Australia.
2Navigating the Island Terrain
Participants face a challenging 4,660-mile journey while relying on a strict daily budget of just £26. They must choose between coastal routes or dense jungle paths through Borneo’s interior. The teams utilize local transport systems, maps, and their own navigation skills to reach checkpoints while managing limited financial resources throughout.
3Kuching Cultural Highlights
Kuching features architectural landmarks like the S-shaped Darul Hana Bridge and the floating Masjid India Kuching mosque. The city is a melting pot of ethnic communities, including Iban and Bidayuh, influencing local cuisine like Sarawak Laksa. It also provides access to Bako National Park, famous for unique rock formations and proboscis monkeys.
4Orangutan Conservation in Pangkalan Bun
The first leg covers 1,000km to Pangkalan Bun, a city known for its proximity to Tanjung Puting National Park. This area hosts Camp Leakey, a research center established in the 1970s for orangutan rehabilitation. Borneo remains one of only two islands globally where these primates are found in their natural habitat.
5Industrial Hubs and Biodiversity
The second leg spans 1,200km to Balikpapan, an Indonesian seaport metropolis serving as a major economic hub for the oil industry. Despite its industrial focus, the region offers access to the Wain River Protected Forest. This sanctuary protects endangered species, including sun bears and langur monkeys, amidst the island's vast tropical landscape.
6Indigenous Communities and Routes
Teams encounter diverse landscapes, from the coastal town of Sematan to the remote village of Sei Gohong. Some pairs pass through Dayak communities living in traditional longhouses and practicing subsistence farming. Routes vary between the fast Trans Kalimantan Highway and direct paths through dense, unexplored jungles where public transport is scarce.
7Melbourne as the Finish Line
The race concludes in Melbourne, Australia, recognized as the nation's cultural capital. The city is celebrated for its pedestrianized laneways, street art, and a world-class coffee scene. It also hosts major international sporting events, including the Australian Open and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, providing a stark contrast to the earlier jungle legs.
8Cultural Depth and Broadcast
Beyond its modern amenities, Melbourne offers deep insights into Aboriginal history through the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The show airs weekly on Wednesdays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. This series highlights the logistical difficulties of long-distance travel while showcasing the cultural diversity found across Borneo and Australia’s urban centers.