ADVENTUROUS MALAYSIA

WHITE WATER RAFTING: Rivers have long been the life blood of the indigenous people of Malaysia, serving as a means of transport through dense jungle, a source of food and now a playground for the adventurous.

The peoples of the Malaysian interior have used rafts for thousands of years and, based on this legacy, white water rafting was established in offering thrills – and spills – on rivers on Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah.

For adrenalin junkies on a tighter timeframe, Peninsula Malaysia sites are readily accessible by car or local bus from the gateway of Kuala Lumpur (KL).

Rivers range from the Grade 2 Sungai Sungkai in Perak and the Grade 3 Sungai Selangor in Kuala Kubu Baru through to the Grade 5 Telom River in Pahang, which is approximately four hours drive from KL.

respectively – although during the rainy season (October-February) the rating can be upgraded to 4.

Together with the variety of rivers and grades, there is a choice of experiences ranging from a couple of hours to day-long trips and excursions that overnight in the jungle in eco lodges or staying in private homes in villages.

MOUNTAIN BIKING: The inland villagers of Malaysia have to have been the original mountain bikers! Having to traverse challenging trails to and from their remote settlements, the villagers embraced the bicycle early on.

Perhaps the most accessible off-road site is the ‘urban legend’ – the Bukit Kiara Jungle Trail, named after the Mont Kiara it ascends, about 20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur city centre.

Also around KL are the Batu Dam, Kampung Pusu and Hulu Gombak Forest trails.

Sungai Dua ride through the Lentang Forest Reserve where there are numerous stream crossings and bikers are rewarded with the 30-metre

Malaysia’s diverse natural wealth has attracted adventurers and explorers since ancient times. Today the country is known around the world as THE go-to destination for a host of nature-based activities, among them white water rafting,

mountain biking and four wheel drive expeditions. high Kerau Waterfall at trail’s end.

With more than 50 per cent of the country under rain forest cover, there are many opportunities for mountain biking through lush jungle reserves.

4WD EXPEDITIONS: Rugged terrain, rainstorms and dense rainforests crossed by rapid rivers make Malaysia an irresistible destination for four wheel drive expeditions, bringing out the best of man (or woman!) and machines.

Along with the surge of adrenalin, the stunning vistas and quiet stops to view intriguing wildlife and plunge into waterfalls to cool off make for sweet rewards.

Off-road competitors head for Malaysia each year in October, November and December to drive in various events, among them the Borneo Safari and the National Challenge, as well as two of the 4WD world’s most competitive races, the Rainforest International Challenge of Malaysia and the year-end Camel Trophy in Sabah.

For the amateur enthusiast – both those who have some experience is an exciting time awaiting in Malaysia with a range of off-the-beatentrack experiences to choose from.

Peninsula Malaysia’s East Coast offers some of the best forest terrain. In Kelantan there is the Gua Musang, in Terengganu Sungai Loh and Sungai Kelamin, in Johor (an easy drive from Singapore) is Endau Rompin and in Pahang there are the Cameron Highlands and Tasik Chini where Malaysia’s second biggest fresh water late is to be found.

Closer to KL the most notable off-road excursion is Pertak, near Selangor, just two hours from the capital city. The route is scenic with plantations and fruit stalls along the approach road.

Sabah and Sarawak also have plenty to attract the attention of offroaders, with many routes through dense tropical jungle.