Written by Wild Asia on 30 Mar 2005 with 0 comments. Be the first!
Although native groups in Sabah have been using rafts for centuries, white water rafting has only been a popular recreational and tourist activity in Malaysia since the 1980s. Experiences range from the high adrenaline Grade V rapids to the more tranquil family rides. Some rivers are very remote, traversing through Orang Asli 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. Malaysia has plenty of amazing rivers to raft and operators to choose from.
Peninsular Malaysia
Sungai Selangor
Only 90 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, Sungai Selangor is one of the most popular rafting destinations. A trip on the river takes about half a day. There are usually two runs a day at 10am and 2pm. Changing rooms, toilets, showers and camp sites are available. Most operators also offer kayaking courses and a white water rescue module.
| Where: | Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor. It can be reached from Kuala Lumpur by car or bus bound for Fraser's Hill. |
| Grade: | 2 - 5 |
| Who: | Tracks Adventures |
| Khersonese Expeditions |
Jeram Besu
Jeram Besu on the Lipis River (Sungai Lipis) is fast gaining popularity as one of the most challenging white water rafting areas in the country. As the most easily assessable rafting site, it is perfect for a day trip. It is a good introduction and learning spot with mostly grade 1 and 2 rapids, with one grade 3.
| Where: | Pahang. About 6 km before the town of Benta and about 2 1/2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur |
| Grade: | 1 - 3 |
| Who: | Tracks Adventure |
| Tuah Travel & Tours |
Sungai Telom
This river is for the adventurous. It is located in Malaysia's scenic Cameron Highlands, 1829 metres above sea level in the northwest corner of Pahang. Access is via 4-wheel drive and hiking, and the whole trip could be as long as 50 km. The best rafting season is February to September when the flow is moderate. This river also hosted Malaysia's only white water rafting race, The Cameron Descent, for 3 consecutive years in the mid 90s.
| Where: | Cameron Highlands, Pahang. |
| Grade: | 5 |
| Who: | Tracks Adventures |
| Khersonese Expedition |
Sungai Anak Jelai
This river isn't huge but it does have strong grade 2 rapids. It's ideal for family rafting with fast clear water. Sungai Anak Jelai eventually joins Sungai Telom
| Where: | Raub, Pahang. |
| Grade: | 1 - 2 |
| Who: | Adventure Tours |
| Tracks Adventures |
| Khersonese Expeditions |
Sungai Tembeling
For rafters with more time and spirit of the outdoors, Sungai Tembeling offers 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.
| Where: | Taman Negara, Pahang |
| Grade: | 1 - 2 |
| Who: | Khersonese Expedition |
Sungai Sungkai
This river is a good run with some technical spots for intermediate paddlers. The river can easily swell to a Grade 3 if it rains the night before.
| Where: | Sungkai, Perak. About 2 hours north of Kuala Lumpur. |
| Grade: | 1 - 2 |
| Who: | Nomads Adventures |
Sungai Singoh
High adventure river with grade 5 rapids and waterfalls, located in the region of Tasik Temenggor, one of Malaysia's largest man-made lakes. The run is approximately 13 km.
| Where: | Grik, Perak. Near Tasik Temenggor |
| Grade: | 5 |
| Who: | Khersonese Expeditions |
Sungai Itik (Sungai Kampar)
This cool, clear river is slightly easier than Sungai Selangor, with cascading rapids suitable for first-timers and families with children. It is a tributary of Sungai Kampar and sometimes spelt 'Sungai Itek' on maps. Raft trips are done twice a day and last about 2 hours.
| Where: | Gopeng, Perak. About 90 minutes from Kuala Lumpur. |
| Grade: | 1 - 3 |
| Who: | Khersonese Expedition |
| Tracks Adventures |
| Nomads Adventures |
| Traverse Tours |
Sungai Nenggiri
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 Jaya. 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. The rapids are 'big water' and fairly easy to navigate. The rafting trip should be part of a three day excursion.
| Where: | Ulu Kelantan, Kelantan. In the north of Peninsular Malaysia. |
| Grade: | 1 - 3 |
| Who: | Adventure Tours |
| Tracks Adventures |
| Kesedar Travel & Tours |
Sungai Sedim
Similar waters to Sungai Selangor, Sedim is a popular spot for white water rafting in northern Malaysia. The rapids are a 15 km stretch of fast flowing waters.
| Where: | Alor Setar, Kedah. Northern Peninsular Malaysia. |
| Grade: | 3 - 4 |
| Who: | Adventure Tours |
| Baung Utara Tour & Travel> |
Malaysian Borneo
Sungai Padas
Sungai Padas is Sabah's most popular rafting destination. For thrill seekers only, it is 9 km of grade 3 to 4 rapids through the Padas Gorge. Padas is a day trip, and includes rapids with names like Headhunter, Adrenline 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.
| Where: | Padas Gorge, Sabah. Tours run from Kota Kinabalu. |
| Grade: | 3 - 4 |
| Who: | Traverse Tours |
| Borneo Escapade Tours |
Sungai Kiulu
This river provides a milder 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.
| Where: | Sabah. Tours also run from Kota Kinabalu. |
| Grade: | 2 |
| Who: | Traverse Tours |
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