Whitewater Rafting in Malaysia

Malaysia's tropical forest are full of wild rivers ready for whitewater rafting, WILD ASIA gives you the head's up on where to go in the peninsula and Borneo.


Although native groups in Sabah have been using rafts for centuries, white water rafting has only been a popular recreational and tourist activity in Malaysia since the 1980s. Experiences range from the high adrenaline Grade V rapids to the more tranquil family rides. Some rivers are very remote, traversing through Orang Asli settlements and ancient forests full of bird and animal life, and some flow past limestone caves and prehistoric archaeological sites. White water rafting can be experienced on day trips, or as part of a longer group trek. Malaysia has plenty of amazing rivers to raft and operators to choose from.

Peninsular Malaysia

Sungai Selangor

Only 90 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, Sungai Selangor is one of the most popular rafting destinations. A trip on the river takes about half a day. There are usually two runs a day at 10am and 2pm. Changing rooms, toilets, showers and camp sites are available. Most operators also offer kayaking courses and a white water rescue module.

Jeram Besu

Jeram Besu on the Lipis River (Sungai Lipis) is fast gaining popularity as one of the most challenging white water rafting areas in the country. As the most easily assessable rafting site, it is perfect for a day trip. It is a good introduction and learning spot with mostly grade 1 and 2 rapids, with one grade 3.

Sungai Telom

This river is for the adventurous. It is located in Malaysia's scenic Cameron Highlands, 1829 metres above sea level in the northwest corner of Pahang. Access is via 4-wheel drive and hiking, and the whole trip could be as long as 50 km. The best rafting season is February to September when the flow is moderate. This river also hosted Malaysia's only white water rafting race, The Cameron Descent, for 3 consecutive years in the mid 90s.

Sungai Anak Jelai

This river isn't huge but it does have strong grade 2 rapids. It's ideal for family rafting with fast clear water. Sungai Anak Jelai eventually joins Sungai Telom

Sungai Tembeling
Sungai Sungkai
Sungai Itik (Sungai Kampar)
Sungai Nenggiri



Malaysian Borneo

Sungai Padas

Sungai Padas is Sabah's most popular rafting destination. For thrill seekers only, it is 9 km of grade 3 to 4 rapids through the Padas Gorge. Padas is a day trip, and includes rapids with names like Headhunter, Adrenline Flow, and Merry-Go-Round. Heavy rains during the wet season can cause this river (and Kiulu) to flood, temporarily putting a halt to any rafting trips.

Sungai Kiulu
This river provides a milder alternative to Padas with gentle rapids passing lush green jungle forests, orchards and villages. During the dry season the water level of the river is too low for rafting.

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