White water rafting
For
a truly unforgettable experience, give white water rafting a try.
But understand the inherent risks before going ahead. Blessed with
many fine rivers, Malaysia provides many venues for white water
rafting. Experiences range from the high adrenaline Class 5 rapids
to the more tranquil family rides. Some rivers are very remote,
as they travel through Orang Asli (aborigines) settlements and ancient
forests full of bird and animal life, and some flow past limestone
caves and prehistoric archaeological sites. White water rafting
can be experienced on day trips, or as part of a longer group
trek.
Grades of Whitewater
All whitewater is
graded using an international system and can range from safe to
life threatening. Whitewater rafting is not a day at the beach.
Some of the more common injuries include getting hit by a paddle,
dislocating a shoulder, breaking glasses on rocks, breaking a hand
and cuts from hitting debris in the water. That is just a list of
all the bad things that could go wrong, but mishaps can be avoided
if you stay alert and listen to instructions and of course,
choosing a lower class river.
Class 1 – no rapids,
flat water
Class 2 - mild rapids, suitable for children and anyone seeking an
enjoyable experience
Class 3 – larger rapids, requiring a little more skill but with
little real danger
Class 4 – powerful rapids, needing more advanced techniques
Class 5 – heart-stopping rapids, for the brave only
Class 6 - Extreme
Sungai = river
West Malaysia
Sungai Selangor, Selangor
The run
contains at least 10 sets of rapids ranging from Class 2 ˝ to 5,
depending on the water level. This is a participating rafting run
and passengers are to paddle as instructed by the guides. The
instructions are limited and simple and mostly only consist of
‘forward’ and ‘backward’.
Sungai Kampar, Perak
A milder
version of Selangor River, excellent quality water in its pristine
surrounding. The river has lines ranging for mild to slight wild
with rapids of Class 2+ on average water level and Class 3 during
high water. Very suitable for rafting and kayaking. Other various
activities also available. Duration of run is approximately 2
hours from put-in to pull-out point
Sungai
Sungkai, Perak
This
Class
2+ to 3 river is located approximately 2 hours drive north of
Kuala Lumpur. The accessible stretch for kayaking only is about 12
km long with continuous relatively easy rapids. The riverbed is
strewn with boulders and hence it is a relatively technical
descent. The best season is from late September to middle of
January although there is a fairly good flow all year around.
Sungai
Slim, Perak
A creeky river which runs through canyons and has
rapids ranging from Class 1 to Class 4 is only 1.5 hours from
Kuala Lumpur. However, you will have to drive another hour on a
4WD to the Put-In Point. Only suitable for kayaking.
Sungai Itek, Gopeng, Perak
A fantastic introduction to white water rafting. The
cascading rapids are exciting but easy with beautiful scenery of
fruit orchards along the river. Class 1-3.
Sungai Singor, Hulu Perak, Perak
Get ready for an exhilarating, adrenaline rushing ride
in this Class 1-6 river. Experience the extreme challenge of white
water rafting at Sungai Singor. Enjoy the rugged and unspoilt
scenery as you conquer this wild and untamed river.
Sungai Jeram Besu, Pahang
An excellent introduction to whitewater for most
people. It is located about 3 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur to
Kuala Lipis. It has mostly class 1 and class 2 rapids with only
one class 3 rapid. It is suitable for rafting and also kayaking.
The run is about 5km long and takes 2 – 2.5 hours to complete.
Sungai Tembeling, Pahang
For rafters
with more time and spirit of the outdoors, Sungai Tembeling offer
a good choice. Located in Taman Negara, rafting here is combined
with a short trek into the forest and camping out on the Sungai
Tembeling sandbars.
Sungai Telom, Pahang
This river has its tributaries in the Cameron Highlands
of Pahang. Although it has been dammed at upper reaches, it drains
a vast upland and soon gets enough water to kayak again. The river
is a very challenging class 4 to 4+ river with an occasional class
5. It follows a beautiful river valley through mainly old
secondary forest. The only access is via Cameron Highlands by
4-wheel drive and a 3 hours hike into the put-in point. The
pull-out point is approximately 50 km further down stream and
camping halfway through the excursion is necessary. The entire
trip is a 4 days / 3 nights stint and the best season is from
February to September when the flow is relatively moderate.
Sungai Anak Jelai, Pahang
This river
isn't huge but it does have Class 2 rapids. It's ideal for
family rafting with fast clear water. Sungai Anak Jelai eventually
joins Telom River.
Sungai Nenggiri, Kelantan
Sungai Nenggiri in Ulu Kelantan offers an exciting
white water rafting in spectacular remote scenery. Some of
Malaysia’s richest archaeological caves are to be found along the
river : Gua Cha, Gua Chawan and Gua Java. The only way to see the
caves is by river, and because there are no roads leading to them,
the caves have been left relatively undisturbed. This Class 2+
‘big water’ river is located in Gua Musang, about 4 hours drive
north-east of Kuala Lumpur. It is a 3D/2N expedition with
relatively easy rapids flowing through dense forest and may have a
good chance of seeing wildlife such as elephants, etc. You will
enjoy spending a night, camping in the Orang Asli village and a
visit to the historical Gua Cha cave.
Sungai Sedim, Kedah
At Sungai Sedim, the skills of white-water rafters are
taken to the limit as the ravaging waters take whoever dares to
test its patience. The river offers a 17km stretch comprises 13
extreme rapids ranging from Class 1 to Class 4.The best location
for this macho sport is Kampung Lindungan Raja in the Kulim
district, about 2 hours drive south from Alor Setar. Besides
white-water rafting, kayaking and jungle-trekking up nearby Gunung
Bintang and Gunung Inas are two other activities associated with
this place. There is also a tree top canopy walk located here.
Sungai Singoh, Perak
High adventure river with class 5 rapids and waterfalls, located in the region of Tasik Temenggor, one of Malaysia’s largest man-made lakes. The run is approximately 13km.
For more information and details on trips and packages to these venues, please contact the following companies :-
Tracks Adventures at www.tracksadventures.com
Nomad Adventure at www.nomadadventure.com
Khersonese
Expedition at
www.raftingmalaysia.enetmyne.com
East Malaysia
Sungai Padas, Sabah
Sungai Padas
is Sabah's most popular rafting destination. For thrill seekers
only, it is 9 km of class 3 to 4 rapids through the Padas Gorge.
Padas is a day trip, and includes rapids with names like
Headhunter, Adrenaline Flow, and Merry-Go-Round. Heavy rains
during the wet season can cause this river (and Kiulu) to flood,
temporarily putting a halt to any rafting trips.
Sungai Kiulu, Sabah
This river provides a milder class 2 alternative to Padas with gentle rapids passing lush green jungle forests, orchards and villages. During the dry season the water level of the river is too low for rafting.
For more details on trips and packages to these venues, please contact the following companies :-
Riverbug or Traverse Tours Sdn Bhd at www.traversetours.com
Borneo Eco Tours at www.borneoecotours.com
Borneo
Adventure at
www.borneoadventure.com
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