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Let us see where I am to start this story. How ever did a water sport trip materialize since I can’t really swim at all? Somehow, I became the unofficial outdoor activities organizer in my department and was constantly harassed to organize a white water rafting trip. Friends like Eric and Scott Roberts also made these trips sound so good and a "must try". However, the one and only rafting trip I had ever done took place years ago on the lower American river around the Sacramento area of California. The river was so mild, we only had to rent a raft from the River Rat outfitter and pre-arrange transport back to the starting point. Water fighting with other rafters was the main highlight of that trip and not all all the rapids. Wonder if it even rated class 1!
After convincing the others (as well as myself!) that it will be fun, we picked a date in October and contacted Nomad Adventure Sdn Bhd to arranged the said trip. Why Nomad you may ask? Well, for one, they came highly recommended. Promptly they replied with a proposal for a class 3 to 4 (dependent on mother nature for the rating) whitewater trip at Sungai Kampar, Gopeng, Perak, RM150/pax with a minimum of 10 per group.
With excitement levels way up, we met at 7:30 am on a Saturday morning and car pooled to the Gopeng toll plaza in the state of Perak. My dear colleague Steven was bullied by some 5 of us into taking us in his Rexton with the rationale that his car was designed to seat 6 plus bags comfortably. From Kuala Lumpur, Gopeng is a 2 hours drive northbound on the North South Expressway (NSE), towards Ipoh. The Nomad crew, consisting of Vanessa, Michelle and Dai greeted us at the meeting point after the Gopeng toll plaza. After all parties had arrived, some short introductions were exchanged before we headed towards Murni camp. From the toll rest area, it took less than 10 minutes to get to the camp, with a drive through Kampung Jahang. On this short and scenic drive, we passed by some majestic limestone outcrops and as well as some picturesque kampung (village) settlements along Sungai Kampar.
The facilities at Murni camp are ample for your activities, which included separate flushing toilets and showers, ample parking space, a dining area and a clutch of rustic huts along the river. Once we had changed into our get-go clothes, we were herded onto the back of an open lorry that will transport us to the starting point the the whitewater trip. Even this short ride was not short on thrills, as we had to duck constantly to avoid branches on the narrow road. Along the way, we also passed by Nomad’s rest house where they offered overnight accomodation and paintball activities.
Arriving at the staging area, we picked our life vest, helmet and our the paddle (of course). There were adequate sizes for the vests and helmets to ensure correct fitting. This is proceeded with the safety briefing and demonstration by the guides, before lining us up by the river to conduct the white water confidence test. The guides, looking very alert, were stationed at the exit area of the test, helped in making us feel safe when we made our leap of faith into the rapids. The test, where most of us drank at least some water, turned out to be the scariest part of the whole excursion! But, we all made it through unscathe and were then sorted into two rafts for further instructions. Hhmm, how did we end up with an extra guy from another group on our raft?
After demonstrating that we paid attention during the briefing, our much awaited adventure finally began. Two guides on single seater kayak were always in front of the group, ready for any form of rescue. Each raft came with our own guide to lead the rafters, and with constant instructions such as “forward paddle, backward paddle, to the left, to the right, to the front, to the back" and of course and since we were in the habit to slack off, "back to work”. With their guidance, we made it safely to a rest stop where water and some snacks were provided.
In addition to the exhilarating rapids, the highlight of the trip included some beautiful scenery, with green hills as our backdrop. Somewhere along, two from each raft fell into the water but were easily hauled up again. All too soon, our rafting trip of almost two hours ended. Thanks to the high water level, we were able to raft till Murni camp. Ravenous, we quickly changed into our dry clothes, said our good byes and headed towards to the town of Bidor. Bidor is about 30 minutes drive from Gopeng, and for the famous duck thigh noodles at Pun Chun Chicken Biscuits & Restaurant (38-40, Jalan Besar).
Thoroughly exhausted, but satiated, we headed back to KL while eager to plan our next trip! Other than the uninvited extra passenger (which were not part of our group but ended up in our raft) who kept talking incessantly in monotone and couldn’t follow the guide’s instruction, we truly enjoyed the trip. Nomad Adventure lived up to their reputation in providing a truly safe and fun trip. The RM150 was definitely money well spent!
After our trip, Scott, who is always out to recruit more white water enthusiast and started the Malaysia Kayaking Forum, inquired if I’m ready to go out on my own kayak for more white water excitement. Hhmm, perhaps after I go for Nomad’s trips a few more times and becoming more comfortable with the sport.
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