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 Rivers
have long been the life-arteries of the indigenous peoples of Borneo.
They have served as means of transport, a source of food and now, a
resource for ecotourism. The native groups of Sabah have used
bamboo rafts for centuries but white water rafting as a recreational
activity has only surfaced in 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 4 Rivers. During heavy
downpour rafting activities may be called off temporarily.
A typical rafting tour starts from Kota Kinabalu, where the rafting
operators arrange for transport from the City to the Padas Gorge
through which the Padas River flows. The starting point for excursions
on the Padas is at Pangi Railway Station, where Borneo’s only
railway and its quaint wagons will take you on a scenic journey
through the Padas Gorge. After the train ride comes the thrill of
riding rapids with names like the Headhunter, Adrenaline Flow, and
Merry-Go-Round. The Padas excursion 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.
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, and on the Kiulu River one can even go for
traditional bamboo rafting! However, during the really dry season
the Kiulu River is not recommended for white water rafting due to its
low water levels; only on the Padas ‚proper’ white water rafting can be
conducted. During the wet season from November to March Sabah usually
records high amounts of rainfall, and for more skilled rafters, this
is a good time to ride the rapids of the Padas!
And click here to read our review on Padas White
Water Rafting.
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