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River 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 2
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 Fraser's Hill. The Endau
River, Jeram Besu and Lipis River in Pahang and
the Tembeling River in Taman Negara are also
popular rafting sites.
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 rain ride
comes the thrill of riding rapids with names
like the Headhunter, Adrenaline Flow and
Merry-Go-Round.
The Padas excursions
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 90
km from Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can also board a
Fraser's Hill bound bus and to be stopped 3 km
from Kuala Kubu town where rafting operators
have their headquarters.
Some operators also
provide pick-up 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 10am and 2pm 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 more
challenging site.
HOW TO GET
STARTED
A minimum of three
persons is needed to stabilize a raft and each
group is always accompanied by two professional,
certified rafters. The best time to raft is
after the rains when the water level rises and
there are some good rapids.
The rafting
expeditions usually take between 45 minutes to
two hours depending on the water level. Paddles,
life jackets, safety helmets, waterproof bags,
life-lines, first aid kits and rescue bags are
all provided. The rafter only needs comfortable
clothing which does not hinder movement.
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.
See also:-
White
Water Rafting Sites
Practical
Rafting Tips
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