E-Wen Hooi: White Water Rafting @ Gopeng

Gopeng is no longer a sleepy mining town. It has turned into a jewel that people travel from far for excitement and adventure. The highlands surrounding the Kampar River has metamorphed into a thriving area for eco-resorts and outdoor activities like paintball, kayaking, caving (Gua Tempurung), ATV and white water rafting.

Gopeng is famous for white water rafting

Connecting with nature has become one of my must-dos. This time, it is white water rafting White water rafting is one activity that allows you to submerge in nature and literally soak up its goodness.

Adeline's place offers activities such as white water rafting

Adeline's place is one friendly destination where both comfort and adventure can be found. The place is clean with sufficient amenities enveloped with plants and fresh air. To get to Adeline's place, first you have to enjoy a lorry ride! After reaching the villa, another lorry ride is required to transport you to Kampar River.

First ride the lorry

There are many reliable white water rafting providers and Adeline's team is one of them. Proper safety gears, quality equipment and qualified guides are just the things I need to put me at ease for the thrill that I am going to to embark myself in.

Briefing by Abang Helmy

The river is said to provide rapids of class 2-4 (highest is class 6). This means it is not too dangerous without discounting the thrill. Fret not if you do not know swimming, the float will keep you safe and might even entice you with some beautiful scenery while you are floating comfortably with the current.

Beginning of the adventure

Our first dip to get accustomed to water

Getting on our rafts

Ready for white water

Mayday mayday!

No pain no gain

It is not as dangerous as it looks

In fact, this is the fun part

Hard work...paddle forward!

At times when the raft get stuck, the guide has to put their muscles to work...with all of us in it!

Remember to enjoy the lush surroundings

Sound of water is soothing

Time for a chat

Jump jump! to free the raft from getting stuck

There are a few interesting commands that are taught to you when you embark on this exciting journey- jump jump, back on job, boom boom which all will not only keep the raft moving but also facilitate team spirit and cooperation with lots of laughter.

Paddle forward again

Abang Helmy said that the best would be for the raft to capsize. As life-threatening that may sound, that is said to give the most fun. Our raft was undesirably 'obedient' that day. Abang Helmy said not all rafts are lucky enough turn over!

There is a cliff for you to throw yourself into the water

Midway, the herculean guides take a break by the river bank. That was the time when we took the opportunity to lunge ourselves into the water from a cliff of 2-3 meters- low enough for me to take the challenge and high enough for a shot of thrill. I launched myself twice! And, it felt as if I threw all the emotional baggage away too. It was truely liberating.

Team work

White water rafting is not all laborious. Yes, you may have to burn some calories paddling but do remember to take some time to appreciate its surrounding. Hear the water gurgle, spot birds and monkeys, take lungfuls of fresh air and just immerse in nature.