Singor / Singoh River (Grade I-VI), Grik, Perak.
: 25-27 February 2010, RM1200 per pax
The ultimate rafting adventure in Malaysia!
Hardly verifiable on a map, this tributary to Temenggor Lake in northern Perak is one of the many rivers that contribute to the second largest man-made water source in Malaysia, the Temenggor Dam. (First being, Kenyir Lake in Terengganu.) Few individuals know that Singor River provides the BEST whitewater adventure in the country! Dependable and consistent year round. Check out this video...
What do I get to do?
It's not just the trekking, camping and eating freshly cooked(no instant noodles!) by the river or the camaraderie between the group. Could it be the large insanely wicked rapids throughout the 18km run that's spread over 3 days?
Or could it be the wild Belum-Temenggor Forest Reserve? This area added with the Royal Belum State Park is 4 times of Singapore with virgin tropical rainforests reputed to be older than the Amazon and the Congo plus a much more complex biodiversity. With low impact tourism in these parts, it opportunes the visitor a real taste of the Malaysian outdoors.
You might want to bring your fishing rod!!
Adventure Rating and Remarks
5 - an ultimate must-do adventure!
Cost:
RM1,550 per pax, minimum 5pax - ex-Grik/Jeli highway at 62.8km point. Grik is about 4 hours from Kuala Lumpur. *Rate reduces with more participants. All equipment and guides are brought to location.
Itinerary:
DAY 1 (Breakfast/Trail Lunch/Refreshment/Dinner) (Camping)
Meet at Great Wall Hotel in Grik town at 0730 hours for breakfast. Each participants will be given a sling bag to put their personal belongings for the 3 days so pack lightly. Extra items can be left in your vehicle. After breakfast, drive to KM69 Grik/Jeli Road, the ‘Staging Point’. Only drivers will be led to the end point at Banding Island Jetty then returned to staging point. Participants will trek downhill for 3.5 hours to Chewis River passing through old logging road and then primary rainforest. Expect a lot more leeches on a rainy days. Upon arrival at the river, the ’Put In’ point, light refreshment will be served and then followed by briefing on the aspect of white water rafting.
After briefing, you will gear up and start raft down to Kuala Mangga and camp the night at the confluence of Sg. Mangga and Sg. Singor. The rafting will be about 2 hours with rapids of Grade I to Grade III. Expect temperatures to get cold, Bring a warm sweater and properly insulated sleeping bag
DAY 2 (Breakfast/Trail Lunch/Dinner) (Camping)
After breakfast at 0730 hours, break camp, briefing and practical exercise before rafting down the great Singor River!! The run will be between 4 – 6 hours depending on water level and group size. Rapids grades range from Grade I to Grade V. We will avoid grade IV. There will be a couple of refreshment stops along the way. Camping overnight at Kuala Sami overlooking Sami rapids. It is usually warm at night here but expect some lower temperatures.
DAY 3 (Breakfast/Snacks)
Breakfast and break camp at 0730 hours. After briefing, continue rafting a distance of 7.5 kilometers down Singor for a duration of about 4 hours with rapids ranging from Grade I to Grade V to the ‘Take Out’ point at Emban River and then by motorized boat to Banding Island jetty. You will enjoy the 40minute ride through the vast Temenggor lake; possibly viewing wildlife and logging barges. On arrival at jetty about 3-4pm, you may unload your rafting gear and clean up. Depart to destination of origin.
There are some restaurants here where you can have a meal or find restaurants along the highway.
* due to changing weather and geography, the guide may choose to alter the itinerary for general safety of the group
What does it include?
Instructor, river guides, porters(to set up camp), training, rafting equipment, safety equipment, meals as stated and boat transfer from Emban River to Banding Island jetty. Nature & wildlife is complimentary!
What does it exclude?
Insurance, your own transport from origin to Banding Island Jetty
What do I need to wear/bring?
We suggest to wear a rash guard (long sleeve body hugging lycra top that will keep you warm and dries faster plus reduce sun-burn). Quick dry shorts/tights is recommended as well.
Pack light clothing plus at least one warm sweater as it gets cold here, raincoat, hat, towel, warm sleeping bag, insect-repellent, sun-block, torchlight/headlamp, toiletries, good quality strapped sandals/water sports shoes, snacks/marshmallows, personal medication, a smile, a book, digital still/video camera with waterproof casing, binoculars, toilet paper(otherwise you use leaves and/or water), pack of cards or compact boardgame to play with partners and guides during the evening.
*Each participants will be given a sling bag to put their personal belongings for the 3 days so pack lightly. Extra items can be left in your vehicle. You will only need to carry your own sling bag for the trek.
*Waterproof your equipment where possible
*Belum Temenggor allows fishing so bring along your fishing rod but not a net.
Best time to visit
The river can be rafted all year long with expected heavy rain during Oct - Feb Monsoon. This adventure is fully customised so allow us at least 1 months notice. All gear, guides and food are transported to location hence the higher rate. You can extend camping nights at additional cost.
Getting here
By car
From Kuala Lumpur, head north to Ipoh on PLUS (north-south highway). Take the Kuala Kangsar exit after Ipoh then head towards Grik (4 hours). Take route 4, which is the east-west highway. This will take you to Banding Island Jetty. Total journey from KL is less than 5 hours. You can spend the night in Grik at any of the very affordable accommodations here. (less than RM50)
By bus
You may catch a bus from Pudu Bus Station. One fleet you may enquire with is Transnational bus which has express transfers into Grik town. There is late night transfer KL, getting you there in the wee hours.
By train
There are no direct train route to Grik. You would need to stop at Butterworth(West) or Kota Baru/Gua Musang(East) to find a bus/taxi across.