Riverboarding is called sledging in New Zealand and hydrospeed in Europe. Whatever it's called, riverboarding is awesome! You can now experience the thrill of having whitewater in your face, with Jungle Geckos, the only riverboarding operator in Malaysia.
Sungai Kampar, Sungai Sungkai, Ulu Slim, Jeram Besu, Sungai Chilling, Sungai Selangor, Safety Equipment, Indemnity Forms Frequently Asked QuestionsClick on an image to get a larger version 
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Down a whitewater river without a paddle? Who says you need a kayak or a rubber raft to have fun on whitewater when you can have the river in your face? Remember that reality series, The Amazing Race V where contestants were suited up in helmets, wet suits and flippers and thrown into a fast flowing river with a couple of boards? This is called riverboarding. Some people know it as hydrospeed while others know it as river luging. It's a major extreme sports craze in New Zealand and Europe. After The Amazing Race, it has become the new extreme sports craze in the US and has been rated by National Geographic one of the top 10 fastest-growing extreme sports in the world.Anyone can now experience riverboarding in Malaysian rivers, where the waters are warmer than Europe, New Zealand, the USA and Canada. On top of that, because of the scenic wildlife teeming in Malaysian rivers, those who riverboard down the river can take their time in between rapids to check out the vibrant flora and fauna that populate Malaysian jungles. Jungle Geckos offers riverboarding trips down rapids from Grade 1 to 4. However, we advise that beginners try the easier levels first before attempting the raging waters that are Grade 4 rapids. To ensure that riverboarders who want to try higher graded rivers are prepared, Jungle Geckos will also keep a log book of their river runs. 
Currently, Jungle Geckos offers 5 riverboarding hotspots (in order of our thrill meter). Sg Kampar, PerakAnother popular whitewater hotspot, Sg Kampar offers mainly grade 2 – 3 rapids. During the extreme dry season we consider this river too shallow to riverboard. Each run is estimated at between 55 to 90 minutes. Riverboarders will have 2 runs on the river. Kampar is a pleasant bruising encounter with nature and an exhilarating ride and an excellent introduction to riverboarding. Distance is 6k and includes 10 sets of rapids. Kampar is about 100 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur. Turn off at Gopeng and then turn right at the traffic lights after exiting the NSE. Meet us opposite the Petronas which will be on your right as you turn right after the traffic lights. We will guide you the rest of the way in. Cost: Price On Inquiry (POI). Make a booking for Sg Kampar bookkampar@junglegeckos.com Sg Ulu Slim, PerakA new whitewater hotspot, Sg Ulu Slim offers mainly grade 2 – 3 rapids. Each run is estimated at between 90 to 120 minutes. Riverboarders will have a package of runs down this river - see below. This river technically tough ride down a narrow river with each rapid only being some 150 meters apart. We recommend that you have passed through Sungai Kampar first before trying this little unknown jem. Its a pleasant and slightly bruising encounter with nature and an exhilarating ride and an excellent intermediate riverboarding adventure. Ulu Slim is about 45 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur. Turn off at Tanjum Malim and wait at the exit for our friendly guide to guide you the remaining 30K to the waiting 4WD vehicles to take u to the put in point. River distance is 3.8K and includes 24 sets of rapids. Cost: 1 Run Price On Inquiry (POI) (inclusive of 4WD transport to put in and from pull out points). 
Sg Sungkai, PerakA popular whitewater kayaking spot, Sungkai is suitable for beginner riverboarders yet offers enough excitement for those who already have some whitewater experience. Each run is estimated at between 40 minutes and 70 minutes, depending on level of fitness, proficiency and water level. Riverboarders will have two runs each, with an optional third run, energy level permitting. Jungle Geckos will provide all riverboarding and safety gear as well as equipped guides. Sungkai is about a 70 minute drive from Kuala Lumpur and accessible via the NSE. Exit at the Sungkai turn-off and turn left. Follow the signboard to the hot springs. The river is rated from grade 2+ to 3. It is a fairly technical river with very little relaxing time as we run through small grade 1 rapids up to grade 3. Cost: Price On Inquiry (POI) Make a booking for Sg Sungkai bookjeram@junglegeckos.com. Sg Chilling/Selangor - SelangorThis section is above the popular Sg Selangor Lower which is currently closed due to there being insufficient water in Selangor Dam. mainly grade 2 – 3 rapids. However this is not for the fainthearted and we recommend Riverboard experience elsewhere first. There are 3 drops on this short run. Here they are (Drop 1 10+feet, drop 2 6+feet and drop 3 6+feet): 
During the extreme dry season we consider this river too shallow to riverboard and will only run this river at limited times during the year. Each run is estimated at between 20-30 minutes. Riverboarders will have 2 runs on the river. Sg Chilling is an intimidating and bruising encounter with nature and is an exhilarating ride or should we say scary. Kuala Kubu Bharu is about 62 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur on the NSE heading towards IPOH. Turn off at Rawang and follow the signs to Rawang and then Frasers Hill. Stopping at quiet town of KKB we will meet you there. Cost: Price On Inquiry (POI). Make a booking for Sg Chilling bookChilling@junglegeckos.com. Jeram Besu, PahangA popular whitewater spot, Jeram Besu offers rapids of mainly grade 1 and 2, with one optional grade 3, during the dry season. During the wet season, when the water is high, rapids can go up to Grade 5 or :"Oh My God!". Each run is estimated at between 80 to 100 minutes. Riverboarders will have 2 runs on the river. We suggest that the first run should be taken to learn the best line to follow down the rapids. The second run should be used to enjoy the populous wildlife as you go down the river. Jeram Besu is about 90 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, via the Karak highway. Turn off at Bentong, follow the road past Raub town and keep on driving until you are close to the town of Benta (6km before). You will see a Jungle Geckos guide waiting by the turn-off to the drop-in point. Cost: Price On Inquiry (POI). Make a booking for Sg Jeram Besu bookjeram@junglegeckos.com. |
Sg Selangor Lower- SelangorThis section is below the Sg Selangor Dam. This river is ony for the very experienced Riverboarders as there is limited recovery points and it is mainly grade 3-4++ rapids. However this is not for the fainthearted and we require a lot of Riverboard experience elsewhere first. We have no pictures of us Riverboarding on this river we are to busy tring not to get smashed. However video will soon be available from our new waterproof headcam. Kuala Kubu Bharu is about 62 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur on the NSE heading towards IPOH. Turn off at Rawang and follow the signs to Rawang and then Frasers Hill. Stopping at quiet town of KKB we will meet you there. Cost: Price On Inquiry (POI). |
The saftey equipment is froma variety of sports as there is nothing specifically made for Riverboarding yet. The following equipment is provided for your safety:
As part of the agreement to participate in the program. Each participant is to complete some basic medical information and an indemnity form.
Please download the appropriate indemnity forms below, print, fill out and bring with you on the day. or complete on the day of the event.
For participants under-18 years of age, this form has to be signed by their parents or legal guardian.
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The risks involved in riverboarding or hydrospeeding are no higher than driving to the river in your car, probably less. Just like driving a car, there is a certain amount of risk involved. Through highly trained staff, professional behaviour and careful selection of the best equipment, we try to reduce this risk as much as possible. However riding grade 4-5+ rapids requires skill and nerves these rivers are not recommended for inexperienced riverboarders. The 3 current rivers are considered safe enough for beginners.
We charge Price On Inquiry (POI) per person. This includes all safety equipment as well as guides. We guarantee a minimum of two runs per trip. A light lunch and drinks will be provided after the first trip as well as light snacks after the second.
A person needs to be relatively fit for any sport. We also advise that you inform us about any prior injuries or medical conditions before signing up.
Yes it can be, which is why we advise that you be reasonably fit.
Yes. (We have been asked this question before, believe it or not).
Yes, if you are not the panicky sort. Our guides will evaluate your water confidence once you are in the river. You will also be wearing a wetsuit (buoyant) as well as a personal flotation device (lifejacket) which will enable you to be very buoyant. If you are fearful of water this is not the sport for you. We are not a swim school. Our guides swim like fish.
No. Riverboarding is an outdoor activity that requires the full concentration and reaction ability of the participants. Before and during the tour there should not be any alcoholic or hallucinogenic substances consumed. We will refuse to commence the trip for any people under such influences.
In the interests of safety as well as personal attention from our 2 guides, there are a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 7 people for each trip.
You only need to come wearing normal clothing and shoes. We will give you all required equipment. You just need:
All belongings should fit into a day-size backpack. If you don't have one, please use a small bag which should close.
If you require any medication please tell the guides beforehand and we can arrange to carry it for you.
You will be provided with a neoprene wet suit, neoprene boots, life jackets, helmet and swim fins.
Yes. We will not commence the trip for anyone who will not wear a helmet. It is for your own protection.
Yes. We will not commence the trip for anyone who will not wear a wetsuit. It is for your own protection.
We also do not recommend that you bring your own wetsuit in case of damage to it.
A drysuit will be too thick and hot for Malaysian rivers. We also do not recommend it in case of damage to it.
No. We provide bodyboard fins which allow more control in swiftwater, which are more suitable than dive fins.
Yes, there are always two guides on each trip.
You can participate on all our riverboarding trips from the age of 13.
No.
Only if it has a waterproof casing. Jungle Geckos declines any responsibility for lost or damaged personal items. If you want to take pictures on the water we advise you to take a cheap, waterproof disposable camera.
We also carry our own cameras for those who would like pictures but don't want the risk of losing expensive equipment. For a nominal charge, we will take the pictures, burn them into a CD and send them to you.In general, no. You will get wet riverboarding anyway. You are also protected against the weather through the equipment we provide. However, if there is so much rain that water levels rise high enough to compromise the safety of a riverboard trip, we will certainly cancel the trip. In this case, we will do our best to find an alternative date for you. If it rains heavily during the trip, the guides will ask you to pull over at a safe spot in the river until the initial flood passes. You will then be able to continue your trip.
We take bookings one week prior to the trip date, at the very latest. Payment is 50% upon booking (non-refundable), with the remaining upon commencement of the trip.
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