INDEX
1. ADVENTURE WITH NATURE
4. MAP OF MALAYSIA
6. INTRODUCTION
9. JUNGLE TREKKING
15. MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
19. ROCK CLIMBING
23. CAVE EXPLORATION
29. RIVER CRUISING
33. WHITE-WATER RAFTING
37. MOUNTAIN BIKING
41. BIRDWATCHING
45. USEFUL CONTACTS

33 – Adventure with Nature – White-water Rafting

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White-water Rafting

WHITE-WATER RAFTING

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 ecotourism.

The native groups of the Malaysian interior have been using rafts for thousands of years, but white water rafting has only been popularised since the 1980s.

WHITE-WATER RAFTING SITES

Sabah has two main rivers for rafting, 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 sites. These include the Grade 2 Sungai Sungkai in Perak and the Grade 3 Sungai Selangor in Kuala Kubu Baru, which flows from Fraser’s Hill. Sungai Endau, Jeram Besu and Sungai Lipis in Pahang as well as Sungai Tembeling in Taman Negara are also popular rafting sites.

As it is now a popular adventure sport, there are rafting operators for all the popular sites, who provide the necessary equipment.

In Sabah, rafting operators will arrange transport from Kota Kinabalu to Padas Gorge through which the Padas River flows. A novelty is to go by railway from Pangi Railway Station, where an antique train will take you on a scenic journey through the Padas Gorge. Then comes the thrill of riding rapids with names like the Headhunter, Adrenaline Flow and Merry-Go-Round.

Kiulu River is closer to Kota Kinabalu but is less gut-wrenching. Successful rafters at Padas will be presented with a certificate of accomplishment at the end of their adventures.

Peninsular Malaysia’s rafting sites are easily accessible by car or bus. The Selangor River is reached via Kuala Kubu Bharu town, about 90km from Kuala Lumpur. A single rafting trip on the Selangor River will take approximately half a day.

The Telom River in Cameron Highlands and the Tembeling River in Taman Negara, Pahang, are approximately four hours from Kuala Lumpur. More time is needed to raft the Grade 5 Telom River in Pahang as it is a much more challenging site.

Changing rooms, toilets, showers or camp sites are available in or near most rafting sites. Some operators also offer kayaking courses and a white-water rescue module.

RAFTING PREPARATIONS

The best time to raft is after a downpour when the water level has risen and there are some good rapids. However, the dry season is a good time for rafting novices to get acquainted with the sport without having to fight the currents. Smaller rafts may be used in the dry season. In Sabah, only the Padas River is recommended during dry months as the water level is too low for rafting on the Kiulu River.

The rafting expeditions usually take between 45 minutes to two hours depending on the water level.

Operators will ensure that each group is always accompanied by two professional, certified rafters. A minimum of three persons is needed to stabilise a raft.

PRACTICAL RAFTING TIPS

All rafters will be given a safety briefing before the ride and will be shown paddle-handling, basic backward and forward paddling techniques and other safety precautions.

Paddles, life jackets, safety helmets, life-lines, first aid kits and rescue bags are provided by the operator. The rafter only needs comfortable clothing, which does not hinder movement.

Always ensure that the helmets and life jackets provided fit you well and are not too tight or too loose. If you have over-turned close to the river bank, don’t use your raft paddle, as you may hit someone else. Never attempt to use the paddle as a lever against rocks as you risk getting hit by it.

ADDITIONAL POINTERS

  • Bring a change of clothes and a jacket
  • Wear secure, well-fitting shoes or diving booties
  • Jewellery which cannot be secured firmly should not be worn while rafting
  • Those wearing glasses should 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 lenses getting contaminated

SITES FOR WHITE-WATER RAFTING

  • Sungai Sedim – Kulim, Kedah
  • Sungai Kampar, Perak
  • Gopeng, Perak
  • Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor
  • Sungai Kenaboi, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan
  • Jeram Besu, Pahang
  • Sungai Endau Rompin, Pahang
  • Sungai Lipis, Pahang
  • Sungai Telom, Pahang
  • Sungai Kiulu, Sabah
  • Sungai Padas, Sabah
  • Sungai Liwagu, Ranau, Sabah
  • Sungai Kadamaian, Kota Belud, Sabah
  • Sungai Sememdang, Padawan, Sarawak
  • Sungai Baleh, Kapit, Sarawak

Copyright © Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board

Tourist Map of Malaysia

There is so much to do and so many places to see in Malaysia. To make sure that you don’t miss anything, use this handy map to navigate your way across the country and find great places to visit.

Perlis

Perlis is the northern gateway to Malaysia. Despite its small size, Perlis has an abundance of attractions that make it a great destination.

Kedah

Kedah is Malaysia’s largest paddy producing state. Delve into history in Lembah Bujang, the site of an ancient civilisation or relax in Langkawi, a world-famous resort island.

Penang

The site of a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang is a holiday paradise with fabulous beach resorts and eclectic cultures. It is also the undisputable haven for foodies.

Perak

A tin-rich state in its heyday, Perak beckons with a range of sights and experiences. The state’s top attractions include Pangkor, an island getaway and Pangkor Laut, an internationally-acclaimed private island.

Kelantan

Hailed as the Cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan is a destination teeming with age-old arts, crafts and pastimes.

TERENGGANU

Beautiful islands, culture and nature give Terengganu its magical appeal. Dive, snorkel, sunbathe at the islands or journey to its hinterland to experience the best of nature.

Pahang

The largest state in the peninsula beckons nature-enthusiasts with exciting eco-adventures. From Taman Negara, the oldest national park in the country, to the idyllic Tioman Island, Pahang is simply mesmerising.

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s dynamic capital city is bustling with attractions and activities. Explore the city by day and night.

Selangor

Selangor is home to the country’s main airport KLIA, and the main gateway by sea, Port Klang. It is also the country’s most developed state with a long list of shopping malls and themed attractions.

Putrajaya

Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is a well-planned township with impressive buildings, verdant parks, scenic lakes and beautiful bridges.

Sabah

From the majestic height of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak, to the stunning depths of the world-famous Sipadan Island, Sabah is a magnificent nature destination.

Sarawak

Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, has a vast wilderness that contains numerous national parks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mulu National Park.

Labuan

Located off the northwestern coast of Borneo, this island thrills visitors with its wreck diving sites, historical relics and duty-free shopping.

Melaka

The birth place of the nation, Melaka is a treasure trove of history and heritage. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City for vestiges of the past.

Negeri Sembilan

Known for its fascinating Minangkabau culture and a unique social system, Negeri Sembilan is the place to learn age-old customs and traditions.

Johor

Visit Malaysia’s southern gateway, for a family vacation at the theme parks or escape to its islands for an unforgettable holiday.

Birdwatching Paradise

Enjoy birdwatching at 55 Important Bird Areas (IBA) throughout the country, tucked away at various habitats such as islands, coasts or lush lowland and montane rainforests.

Cool Highland Resorts

Love the cool highlands? Find refreshing destinations to unwind in Malaysia. From French-themed settings, energetic amusement parks to forest-clad hills, there is something for everyone.

Fun and Fantasy

Find the fun and thrill that you are looking for in Malaysia. Meet your favourite characters, plunge down the world’s longest water slide or enjoy the rides and games!

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