White Water Rafting
White water rafting is very popular in Malaysia. Not only tourists visit rafting sites; also companies go on rafting trips as part of their team building programs. Rafting can be done on Peninsular Malaysia and on Borneo. There are a couple of rivers that are suitable for rafting in Sabah.
On this page:
- Rafting at Padas River
- Rafting at Kiulu River
- Maps of both rivers
- How to get to Padas River
- How to get to Kiulu River
- Other things to do
White water rafting at Padas River
One of the most popular and spectacular rivers to raft on in Malaysia is the Padas river (difficulty level III to IV). You can raft about 9 km on the wild streams of the river (Padas River has 7 exciting and tough rapids). After this first part participants will enjoy a nice lunch, and then the 2nd part of the rafting trip starts. The total distance will be almost 30km. The prices are around RM235 per person and the following is included in the day tour: Return transfer, rafting equipment, english speaking guide, BBQ Lunch, insurance and certificate.
White water rafting at Kiulu River
It is also possible to raft on the Kiulu River, north of Kota Kinabalu. Although this river is not as spectacular as the Padas River it is still very fun to experience. This river is safe enough for young children as it has been rated as a class I-II (difficulty) river. During the rafting trip you will cover a distance of around 15km. The total journey takes about 1,5 to 2 hours total. After the trip you will enjoy a lunch before the trip back to Kota Kinabalu commences. The trip (including lunch BBQ, land transfer, insurance and rafting equipment) costs RM170 per person.
Location Padas River
Below you can see a map of Padas River.
Location Kiulu River
Below you can see a map of Kiulu River.
How to get to Padas River
To get to Padas River you will start with a journey by minivan to Beaufort, from there you will take the train to the river. You will be picked up at your hotel and this first part of the trip takes about 1,5 hrs. The 1,5 hour train ride from Beaufort to Tenom already is a great adventure. In a authentic Diesel train you will pass rice fields and small villages. Unfortunately the train, operated by North Borneo Railway, is out of order as Sabah State Government is currently upgrading the railway station, tracks and bridges along the Tanjung Aru to Papar route. Until the train is back in commission again the only way to reach Padas River is by van. If you book a trip to Padas it will include transport from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu.
How to get to Kiulu River
If you made reservations you will be picked up from your hotel in the Kota Kinabalu area and proceed to Kiulu River, located at Tamparuli area. The journey takes between 1,5 and 2 hours by minivan.
Things to do on Sabah
- Danum Valley
- Kinabatangan River
- Kota Kinabalu
- Langkayan
- Layang Layang
- Mount Kinabalu
- Rafting
- Sandakan
- Sepilok
- Sipadan
- Gomantong Caves
- Turtle Island
