White-water rafting's popularity began to grow when it became part of the Olympic Games in the 1970s. Today it's estimated that between 9 and 10 million people have tried white-water rafting. In fact, about 3 million rafters seek out adventure by running a river more than twice a year!
Understanding white-water rafting
White-water rafting is one of the most exciting outdoor activities for families and friends. It's also one of the most popular activities we organize for company outings. White-water rafting is the kind of adventure that's simply awesome to do in a group, and our white-water rafting weekend will, without exception, be an unforgetable one for all.
Malaysia Sea Sports offers various types of white-water rafting, so we can always match the location of the river and intensity of the ride to suit your group.
Our guests often ask, "Which river trip is best for us?" We usually encourage families and first-timers to begin with a modest intensity river, and then gradually go for the more high-octane adventures.
FAQ
To help you pick your white-water rafting adventure, please see our frequently asked questions. If you don't see your question here, by all means let us know. Call me on +65 90079345 or email us.
- What's the best white-water rafting adventure for me?
This depends on your objective, how comfortable you are with water and how adventurous you're feeling.
1. The most exciting river in Malaysia is the Singor River, situated in Belum Rainforest, Perak. But you need to be a fairly experienced rafter in order to enjoy its thrills, because rafting-wise, it really is a buzz and a half.
2. On the other hand, if you've never rafted before, then Kampar River in Gopeng is made for you. Kampar Riverit is pretty much the ideal river for family outings, because the river is rather easy to negotiate and doesn't have as many rapids. It's mostly a fun-for-the-whole-family outing.
3. Our most popular white-water rafting adventure by far, however, is on the Selangor River. Selangor River is located a short 1.5 hour drive away from KL and has a rapids grading from 1 to 4, i.e. a perfect fit for weekend thrill seekers with an adventurous streak. Come and get it!
- How dangerous is white-water rafting? (Read: I've never done it before. Should I be worried?)
Our rafting guides are professionals and will look after you from the moment you step aboard until we've reached the end of the ride. We'll make sure you're wearing a snug-fitting helmet, as well as a buoyancy aid, so no worries there. It's a good idea to pay attention when our safety briefing is conducted and to ask questions if you're not sure about any aspect of the ride.
One note we mention in our briefing, for instance, is that if you find yourself swimming, simply roll tummy up, feet first and go with the flow. This will slow you down and also allows your feet to steer you away from any river obstructions you may encounter. It's important that you don't panic. Don't forget that our guides are stationed around various points along the river, so you'll always be plucked to safety in no time.
- Is rafting safe?
Our river guides have been in business for 20 years and have achieved an excellent safety record. Our team members go through extensive training before graduating as a trained guide. All of our guides are trained in CPR and First Aid. Malaysia Sea Sports takes pride in providing our guests with a quality adventure that's both enjoyable and safe!
That said, due to the nature of white-water rafting, Malaysia Sea Sports and its affiliates cannot assume responsibility for personal safety or loss of personal property. Please note that, as has become the industry standard, each participant is required to complete a personal liability and photo release form before the adventure starts.
- If there's just 2 of us, can I still book the white-water rafting package?
Yes, sure. You can either opt to pay the 4 pax rate for the 2 of you, or you simply pay the regular 2 pax rate by joining another group on weekends. (Please note that this regular rate excludes transportation cost).
- How are rivers rated for difficulty?
Grade 1 - Easy. Few or no obstructions; fast moving water with riffles; risk to swimmers is slight.
Grade 2 - Novice. Wide clear channels; occasional maneuvering; rocks and medium-sized waves are easily avoided by trained paddlers; risk to swimmers is low; assistance is helpful but rarely needed.
Grade 3 - Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and capable of swamping a canoe; complex maneuvers in fast current and narrow passages require good boat control; large waves, holes and strainers may be present but are easily avoided; powerful current; scouting advisable; swimmers are unlikely to be injured but assistance may be needed to avoid a long swim.
Grade 4 - Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids; turbulent water; may involve long, unavoidable waves, holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure; may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards; risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high; group assistance to swimmers requires practiced skills.
Grade 5 - Expert. Long, obstructed, turbulent rapids; drops may contain very large unavoidable waves, holes or steep congested chutes with complex demanding routes; several of these factors may be combined at the upper level of this class; rescue is extremely difficult; above average rescue skills are essential.
Grade 6 - Almost Impossible. Difficulties of Class V are carried to the limits of navigability; very dangerous; risks are high and rescue may be impossible; for teams of experts only under favorable conditions.
- Do I need to be physically fit?
Well, you'll be asked to paddle and to balance the raft. Rafting is a team sport, after all. But you don't need to be an athelete. Still, a fairly decent physical condition and a degree of water confidence is obviously recommended. Remember that whitewater rafting is an active sport that requires some exertion on your part. The larger your particular river's rapids, ideally, the better your physical conditioning should be.
Please note: Lifejacket limitations are a maximum girth of 52". For any medical conditions that may be affected by strenuous activity, please consult your doctor. Pregnancy and white-water rafting do not mix very well, so if you're pregnant, best leave the trip for next time.
- How old must I be?
Minimum age for our white-water rafting adventures is 10 years old. But this depends on a number of factors. Please email us or call us (on +65 90079345) if you have a specific question on this.
- Do I have to know how to swim?
Swimming ability is not required perse. However, given that white-water rafting, by its very nature, places you on, in or around water most of the day, water confidence is quite essential. If you're apprehensive in or around water, you may want to consider taking one of our land-based adventures instead of white-water rafting, as you'll probably enjoy these more.
- What should I wear?
It's a good idea to bring 2 sets of clothing - One 'wet' set for the river rafting and another 'dry' set for your return home. Jeans are not recommended, as they're heavy when wet. Swim suit or swim shorts or boardshorts with a long or short sleeved t-shirt are ideal. A cap, visor, or sunglasses are helpful in bright, sunny weather when you're not in the boat (i.e. not wearing your helmet). Old sneakers or suit booties offer the best foot protection.
Please note: Flip flops, loose-fitting sandals, "Crocs" and bare feet are not permitted.
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Well it's not like you wouldn't have gotten wet if it hadn't rained :) In other words, rain or shine, in most cases the adventure is on. In fact, rainy days are some of the most magical days, because the rain provides awe-inspiring jungle settings, as dew and mist slowly rise off the river. That said, we're not too keen on lightning. In the event of a lightning storm, the river journey may pause for a while by pulling over onto the river bank. Please note that if a storm is about to unleash at the rafting center, the start of the ride may be delayed until it's safe to go.
Note: If water levels on any of our rivers exceed safe levels or fall short of the minimum required, our trip may be cancelled. In most cases, we relocate to another river, however. Still, in the case of a trip cancellation, our guests are offered the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
- What meals are provided and what's for lunch?
Light refreshments are served during a break in the white-water rafting journey and buffet lunch too is included on all our white-water rafting adventures. Lunch consists of a nasi lemak, fried chicken, bread, sandwiches, cheese, meat, fruit, veggies, soft drink and a hot drink. (The exact menu varies slightly depending on the trip).
- What factors determine the age/weight requirements?
The line has to be drawn somewhere. We've seen kids below the minimum requirements that were perfectly capable of joining in the fun and excitement, but we've also seen kids that meet all the minimum requirements but aren't really ready for the white-water rafting action.
The determining factors usually revolve around the likelihood of a flip or a swim. Should this occur, then it's obviously important that the child listens to and understands our instructions. Minimum age and/or weight are usually set by the Chief Guide who regulates each river. As such, we require a signature from the child's parent attesting to the child's age.
- What does the package rate cover?
1. White water rafting gears (paddle, Life Jacket and helmet)
2. Rescue and emergency training and equipment
3. Snacks during the halfway break and end of the run buffet lunch
4. Rafting guides and service of raft captain and river guides
- Your question not here? Call us on +65 90079345. Or email us.
The path ahead...
Book your white-water rafting slot now. We'll get back to you within one business day to confirm your booking.
