Whitewater Rafting - Sumatra
Whitewater rafting can be done in many places in Sumatra. In 2001 Sumatra hosted the international rafting world championships.
The closest places to go white water rafting from Medan are on the Bohorok and Wampu Rivers close to Bukit Lawang about 3 hours by bus.
The Bingei River which is also easy to get to from Medan has grade III and grade IV rapids when there are high water conditions. Other times this river is excellent for beginners.
In West Sumatra there are other rivers where white water rafting can be arranged. The Ombilin River which is feed off from Lake Singkarak and the Batang Anai River which is feed from Lake Minginjau close to Bukkit Tinggi. Both of these rivers offer whitewater rafting for beginners.
Once in Sumatra it is very easy to find a travel company that arrange organised tours to go whitewater rafting. There are also some companies you can arrange these tours before arriving in Sumatra:
http://www.asia-planet.com/indonesia/packagetours/sumatra-tours/sumatra-overland-rafting14.htm
http://www.uncommonadventures.com/index.php?func=itinerary&itinerary_id=29
http://www.greenforce.org/destinations/sumatra/
Tubing
If full on whitewater rafting is not your scheme but you still want to experience the river there are plenty of places like Bukit Lawang offer a safer option of tubing down gentle parts of the river with no large rapids.
You still need to be a strong swimmer as the tubes can overturn easily.
Last updated 1st January 2009
