Padas River White Water Rafting

Location: Sabah

Location Info

Address: Tenom, Sabah, Malaysia

District » Tanom

Location

The Padas River is located in the interior of the Southwestern part of Kota Kinabalu that can only be accessed by train. This white water rafting is done at a river of class III-IV and is suitable for anyone aged from 12 to 55 years old. This activity covers a distance of 30 kilometers of this rather muddy 200 kilometer river that holds seven tough rapids.

Overview

If you are looking for some wet and wild fun, get ready and brave yourself against the raging Padas River. This is the longest rafting route in Borneo by far and has been rated as the safest rapids in South East Asia. A typical rafting excursion begins 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 the Pangi Railway Station which is the only railway in Borneo. The ride on the wagons will take you through breath-taking scenery all the way through the Padas Gorge. Right after the session of scenery-watching, come the thrill of riding rapids with names like the Headhunter, Adrenaline Flow and Merry-Go-Round.

The dry season is a good time for rafting novices to get acquainted with the sport without having to fight the currents. During the dry season, smaller rafts are usually used. If one goes to the Kiulu River, one can even try the traditional bamboo rafting. But this is not recommended during the dry season due to the low water levels. The best time to go for white water rafting at Padas River is during the wet season from November to March when Sabah records the highest amount of rainfall. This is the time skilled rafter come for some ride.

There are so many other places of interest in Sabah that it will take you some time to visit them all. Consider extending your stay in Sabah so that you make full use of your trip. Accommodations in Sabah are plentiful and there are many for you to choose from.

Transport

To join this exciting sport, do contact Traverse Tours Sdn Bhd as they will arrange transport to the river and also the excursion.