Before we go to much extreme level of WHITE WATER RAFTING, let's get our body trained with level 1. Here I want to share few tips & my experiences, (first time) white water rafting grade 1-2 at friendly river-Kiulu.
I booked online via http://www.riverbug.asia/sabah/whitewater-rafting-kiulu-river website. It was 6 days before we depart. It is advisable to book at least 3 days before your tour. Four of us altogether and we went there on 2 May 2015. Well, we pay MYR 196.10 all included.
MYR 196.10 Includes
Pick up and Drop off Service - Registered Tourist Bus,
Certified White Water Rafting Equipment,
Insurance Coverage,
White Water Rafting Certificate (upon request),
Licensed Tourist Guide,
Certified IRF River Guide,
Certified First Aider Guide,
Certified Swift Water Rescue Guide,
English Speaking Guide,
Chinese Speaking Guide (upon request),
Safety Kayaker,
Safety Boats (when necessary),
Photographer Service (We don't get it at all)
Videographer Service,
Buffet BBQ Lunch (Fusion cuisine of the West and East)
Bottled Drinking Water,
Entrance Fees,
Shower/Changing Facilities
At 8.00 am, our driver picks us up from my house and we arrive at Kiulu Water Rafting Starting Point around 9.15 am. It was one hour journey with a lot of junctions. No worry, Kiulu Riverbug Water rafting’s signboard is visible. The road to the starting point, well, very narrow and hilliness. If you are thinking to drive on your own, by a small car, better forget about it. The advantages for you to have picked up service that is provided, you will not get tired before and after rafting. Trust me, you will get tired, so save your energy to paddle.
3 days before our trip, Riverbug personnel had informed me that, the water level is low at this moment, so the rafting time may take longer. When we reach there, at the starting point. we were greeted by our tour guide, very friendly. We are provided with mineral water and all safety gear for water rating. All of our valuable items were left with our driver. As usual, there will be a safety briefing by our tour guide. He explains the safety procedure in case of emergency, paddling mode, the correct paddling without hitting someone behind and so forth.
Then we start our journey. Water level not that low at that time, as rain the night before. (Thank God). But it was cold. As we all know, this is white water rafting grade1-2, so there is no much of flipping. The journey, i would say, very relax and you got to enjoy the environment. You will have the opportunity to jump to the river, swimming. You will experience few bumpy rides, but not that bumpy as grade 3-4.
The rafting took around 1 and half hour, and then, we reach the finishing point. We immediately clean our self. The shower room is available and very clean. Then, we are provided with BBQ Lunch. Generously delicious.
Well, to sum it all, based on our experience. Kiulu White Water Rafting good for a beginner. Very relax and you can chit chat around while enjoying the views. The hospitality of Riverbug team is excellent, from reservation staff to its tour guide, everyone is very helpful. If you are seeking for more adventurous experience, then you may choose PADAS white water rating. My advice, go here during starting of the wet season as the water level should be excellent enough to do the rating. Before making your booking, always ask the water level ( I wish i do that at first).
Well, that is my experiences. Try yourself. See it, experience it.
