Monday, September 7, 2015

Padas River ; White Water Rafting

Remembering the memories that I was created with my best friend,Alex Chu . We went to the most popular attraction in Tenom, "Padas River White Water Rafting" . My friend and I were really excited to do adventurous event when we were only 14 during that time. That was also a thing that distract our minds when an incident that just happened a few days back were the train from Tenom to Pangi had fallen into the Padas River causing the train service to be halted and effecting the water rafting business. So the rafting operators needed to do something and fast. (Scary)

Actually, Alex and I were only planning to do sightseeing and taking photos around Pangi but the plan was changed after my father's friend told him that during that particular time,the famous travel agency in Sabah (RIVERBUG) will also coming along with the tourists to do water rafting. This is so fascinating since both of us really love extreme sports. We will never miss the chance . So,my father's friend Richard arranged all the package for both of us and the best part was when we got the best price and it cut off 30% from the original price. (The price during that time : MYR 189.90)

Talking back about the incident, so I was really worried that no transport that will accommodate us to the place. We were then lead to a special spot where we would still be using the train track. I was thinking if there is no train, how do we go? Richard smiled and said 'wait till you get there'.
So the journey from Tenom (Hometown) to Pangi Station took us about 1 hour 10 minutes by using "Illegal Trolley" as we made quite a number of stops to check out the railway and scenery along the way before reaching Padas River for White Water Rafting. Even when I am the person who live in Tenom, but it was my first time doing my river-rafting along Padas river.

Never did I expect to be sent to the Padas River Water Rafting in such a way. I was so looking forward to sitting on the old diesel train that ferries the water rafters to the Pangi Station which has been one of the unique things about the whole journey.Oh well,I myself as a local people around this place also never been used this kind of method to go there.

There were also track rules set by the locals there as this train track was the main route for the locals to move up and down from the villages in Pangi to Tenom. So, if you saw another trolley coming your way down hill, your trolley should make way for them. If you were going downhill, then the other trolley would make way for you. Simple rules set by the locals.I never knew about this rules and that was so interesting . I never thought that those things happen in my place. That was very unique .
After the 1 hour journey, we finally reached the Pangi Station base camp. Not to be confused, but there are 2 bases here where a few river rafting companies that operate from here. Ours was the first stop and were were thrilled to be here.While waiting for the rafts to be prepared we were having fun with the locals and tourist around there. So I have met many new friends there .
As the guide called upon us,so we managed to go for a water rafting . Its been a while since we never tried it before . The game begun .........
The adrenaline rush excursion covers a distance of 9km of this rather muddy 200 km river that holds 7 exciting and tough rapids! These rapid carries amusing names such as Merry-Go-Round Rapid, Break Point Rapid, Scooby Doo Rapid, Cobra Rapid, Curve Rapid, Lambada Rapid and Head Hunter Rapid. Each rapid will give you the feel of the motion as what the name means. Alex and I just can't give any eye contact while playing the game. We felt like we lost the world and been threw to the new place. The water level was very high,the waves slapping our faces .But still we want to proceed the journey until the climax . At the end of the journey, you’ll feel quite warrior-like for your feat in conquering the Padas rapids. We have learnt many things along the way to reach the place until we managed to pass all the 7 rapids point . Padas River was great and fun all the way and highly recommended.


Written by : Nurul Khalida Yahman

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