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I
Introduction
I White Water Rafting Sites I
Getting There
I
I Seasons I Practical
Tips I
Introduction
Rivers have long been the life blood of
the indigenous people of Malaysia. They have served as a means of transport,
a source of food and now, a resource for eco-tourism. The native groups
of Sabah have been using rafts for centuries but white water rafting
has only been a recreational activity since the 1980s.
The two main rivers for rafting in Sabah
are the Padas and Kiulu rivers which are certified as Grade 3 and Grade
2 respectively in the international white water rafting grading system.
Under normal weather conditions the two
rivers are relatively constant in depth and speed. However, heavy rains
can cause them to swell into Grade 4 rivers. During this time rafting
activities may be called off temporarily.
Peninsular Malaysia has its share of good
rafting spots. These include the Grade 2 Sungai Sungkai in Perak and
the Grade 3 Selangor River in Kuala Kubu Baru, which has its source
in Eraser's Hill. The Endau River, Jeram Besu and Lipis River in Pahang
and the Tembeling River in Taman Negara are also popular rafting sites.
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White
Water Rafting Sites
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Sites
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State
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| Sungkai River |
Perak |
| Selangor River |
Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor |
| Endau River |
Johor |
| Jeram Besu |
Pahang |
| Lipis River |
Pahang |
| Telom River |
Pahang |
| Tembeling River |
National Park, Pahang
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| Padas
River |
Sabah |
| Kiulu
River |
Sabah |
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Getting
There
Malaysia Airlines operates regular flights
to Sabah and Sarawak from Kuala Lumpur. Once in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah;
rafting operators will arrange transport from the city to Padas Gorge
through which the Padas River flows. The starting point for excursions
to Padas is at Pangi Railway Station where an antique train will take
you on a scenic journey through the Padas Gorge.
After the train ride comes the thrill of
riding rapids with names like the Headhunter, Adrenaline Flow, and Merry-Go-Round.
The Padas excursion is a day trip. However
those wishing to stay longer can put up at the Padas River Lodge located
at Rayoh. Successful rafters will be presented with a certificate of
accomplishment upon completion of their adventure.
Rafting sites in Peninsular Malaysia are
easily accessible by car or bus. The Selangor River is reached via Kuala
Kubu Bharu. It is a one-hour car ride, about 90km from Kuala Lumpur.
Visitors can also board a Fraser's Hill bound bus and to be stopped
three kilometers from Kuala Kubu town where rafting operators have their
headquarters.
Some operators also provide pickup services
from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the railway station and hotels.
A rafting trip on the Selangor River will take approximately half a
day. There are two runs a day at 10 a.m and 2 p.m respectively, with
lunch provided. Changing rooms, toilets, showers and camp sites are
available. The operators also offer kayaking courses and a white water
rescue module.
The Telom River in Cameron Highlands and
the Tembeling River, located in Taman Negara, Pahang are approximately
four hours from Kuala Lumpur. It is yet another popular spot for recreational
rafters. More time is needed to raft the Grade 5 Telom River in Pahang
as it is a snore challenging site. Go
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Seasons
The dry season is a good time for rafting
novices to get acquainted with the sport without having to fight the
currents.
Smaller rafts are used in the dry season.
Only the Padas River in Sabah is recommended during the dry months as
the water level is too low for rafting on the Kiulu River.
East Malaysia usually records high amounts
of rainfall during the wet season and for more skilled rafters, this
is a good time to ride the rapids as the rivers swell and the current
becomes more powerful. Go To Top
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Practical
Tips
All rafters will be given a safety briefing
before the ride and will be shown basic backward and forward paddling
techniques. Always check that the helmets and life jackets provided
fit you well and are not too tight or too loose.
Your life jacket will buoy you in the eventuality
of the raft overturning. If you've over-turned close to the river bank,
don't use your raft paddle, as you may hit someone else. Do not attempt
to use the paddle as a lever against rocks as you risk getting hit by
it.
The following are some points to remember:
- Bring a change of clothes. A warm-up
jacket is also a good idea.
- Wear well-fitting shoes or diving
booties
- Jewelry which cannot be secured firmly
should not be worn while rafting.
- Those wearing glasses are reminded
to use an elastic sports holder to anchor their spectacles.
- Contact lens users are advised to
wear spectacles instead, in order to cut down the risk of their
lenses getting contaminated by river water
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