Slim River Water Rafting Perak Malaysia (Part 1)

Slim River Water Rafting Perak Malaysia (Part 1)

Slim River Water Rafting

Slim River Water Rafting in Perak Malaysia was my second White Water Rafting trip around Perak in just 3 weeks. This time around, we were all in for a dramatic water rafting experience at Sungai Slim Water Rafting where rapids are from class or grade 1 to grade 3 and occasionally grade 4 in this first part of my rafting story.

Laid back lifestyle of Kampung Ulu Slim

Slim River Water Rafting is located near Slim River town and deep inside Kampung Ulu Slim. Getting here was pretty easy as after heading North on the NKVE Expressway, we turned off at Slim River and met our friends Ivy and Ramlie after the toll booth. From there, we were lead all the way into Kampung Ulu Slim in a convoy which took about 20 minutes from the toll booth.

Slim River Water Rafting - 4WD transport to start point

Arriving at the Slim River Hot Springs, we parked our cars just outside where Ramlie instructed us to change and bringing only what we needed for the white water rafting. Someone was also stationed at our car park to look after the cars. Once changed and ready, we hopped on to the Four Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles as the journey to the start point can only be accessed by 4WD.

Driving there was pretty exciting for most of us as we never experienced 4WD action. Of the two units of 4WD vehicles, one was a closed type while the one I sat in was a pickup type 4WD and we were told to hold on tightly during the bumpy journey that took about 30 minutes.

Slim River Water Rafting - Passing some Orang Asli homes

Video of Orang Asli Settlement and arriving at the 4WD obstacle

Video of a 4WD going up a muddy hill

Reaching our first challenge, we stopped and watched the other 4WD make its way up a muddy hill. It looked like a lot of skill was involved here as I would not have managed it if I was driving.

Video of our 4WD going up the muddy hill

Sitting at the back of the 4WD, we could see how hard it was to maneuver through the muddy hill. No way any other vehicle would be able to achieve this.

Slim River Water Rafting - Passing an Ambulance 4WD

On successfully going up the hill, we met up with another 4WD and it was an Ambulance 4WD which served the area inside Kampung (Village) Sungai Slim where mostly local Orang Asli (Indigenous People) live.

Slim River Water Rafting - Transport for raft

Arriving at our starting point we were pleased to know that everything was laid out ready for us. It is common for the raft company, in this case Uhuru Rafts, to prepare everything ahead before the rafters arrive.

Slim River Water Rafting - Proper equipment

Standard water rafting equipment like safety jackets, paddles and helmets were laid out on the ground. Some of the rafting helmets can be adjusted according to your head size. The safety vest is also adjustable to your size.

Pumping air into the raft

In most cases, I see the workers pumping air into the rafts at location. They use brute strength to do this and trust me, it is no fun as I have tried it before. It took me about 30 minutes to just pump air in manually.

Slim River Water Rafting - Uhuru Raft

With everyone geared up proper, the safety briefing starts with Ramlie the chief raft captain. He ensures everyone gathers around as it is crucial to know what to do while rafting. Examples of how to paddle, what to do if you fall over and other safety rafting procedures. No matter how many times you have rafted, the raft guides will still give you the session as each river is different.

Slim River Water Rafting Briefing

The safety briefing for our Slim River water rafting trip goes on for about 20 minutes and we learn that the entire rafting process will take about 4 to 5 hours depending on the waters. From the guides experience, the water levels were pretty good on that day so we were looking at about 4 solid hours of rafting.

Video of us carrying the water raft to the start of the river

Slim River Water Rafting - Making our way to the river

And our journey begins from here. Catch my second posting about the Slim River Water Rafting Experience. Overturns, people falling off rafts, stuck in whirlpools, going down a waterfall and much more!


Price for White Water Rafting in Kampar River:

• 
  
• Minimum booking is 10 Persons
  
• Inclusive of a lunch
  
• Transfer from Hot Springs to Slim River and back
  
• Not suitable for children under 12 years old
  

Water Rafting at Slim River - Timings

• Meet up just after Slim River Toll Booth at 8.30am
• Journey to Slim River by 4WD 9.30am
• Start white water rafting about 10.30-11.00am
• Finish rafting about 2.30pm - 3.30pm
• Lunch at Hot Springs cafeteria
  

Amenities at Slim River Hot Springs

• Car Park available near Hot Springs
  
• Shower/Bathroom available at Hot Springs
  
• Stalls selling light snacks and drinks

Do's and Dont's

• Do bring sunscreen or sun block for the ladies
  
• Do bring a waterproof bag if you want to carry your valuables
• Do bring a waterproof camera if you want some dramatic pictures
• Do bring a change of clothes and towel for after rafting
• Do bring along a safety rubber for your glasses
• Don't put anything in your pockets
• Don't wear jewelery or expensive watches
  
• Don't panic when you fall over! Listen to the raft captain.
  

Getting to Slim River by car

• From KL, head on the NKVE Highway North
• Exit at Slim River turn off to the left (1 hour drive from KL)
  
• After toll, meet the rafting company on the left of the road
  
• They will guide you to the parking at the hot springs
  
• If you are from the North, head down South via NKVE and exit Slim River
  
• There are no signboards for water rafting at Slim River.
  

Slim River White Water Rafting Contact

Ivy Holidays Sdn Bhd

Head Office
470, Jalan Kamunting,
Kamunting 34600
Perak
Tel: +6 05 805 2927
Fax: +6 05 805 2928

UHURU Raft On
Raft Captain/Supervisor- Mr. Ramlie
Tel: +6 016 4405 831

Email: ivyholidays [at] gmail.com
MSN: ivylee992 [at] hotmail.com

Or visit the website of Ivy Holidays

White Water Rafting around Malaysia done by me;

• White Water Rafting at Kampar River Perak
• White Water Rafting at Padas River Sabah
• White Water Rafting at Kiulu River Sabah

~ David Jr

Coral View Island Resort Perhentian Island

Coral View Island Resort Perhentian Island

Coral View Island Resort

Coral View Island Resort on Perhentian Island is located right at the end of the western main beach of Perhentian Besar Island. Run by a local Malay family, the resort has some pretty interesting features and it is cleverly located in between two beaches with a great view.

Coral View Island Resort water taxi

Coral View Island Resort is also easily accessible from Kuala Terengganu via boat from Kuala Besut Jetty. These fibreglass speedboats take about 45 minutes to get to Perhentian Island (Pulau Perhentian, pronounced Perhen-TEE-AHN) and the prices are usually around RM70 (US$20) for a two way trip. You also need to buy the Marine Park Conservation Charge of RM5. Once you reach the resort, smaller boats will come and pick you to take you the your resort as there is no jetty at most of the resorts in Perhentian Island.

Coral View Island Resort Beach

When I got in to Perhentian Island, I was absolutely amazed with the clarity of the waters here. I had booked my trip through the Coral View Island Resort office in Terengganu town, so my speed boat brought me straight to the resort. It looked pretty nice from the outside as I was coming in to land the beach.

Coral View Island Resort Entrance

On arrival, we went straight to the small reception of the Coral View Island Resort. Inside a young Malay lady had our room keys ready and spoke pleasant English. I was also told that her boss was a local Malay man whose family ran the business. Looking around I could see that a lot of effort was put into the Coral View Island Resort.

Coral View Island Resort Garden Chalets

We got a sea view chalet which was pretty decent. I mean if you are expecting 3 stars, don't bother. I would easily give this place a 2-star rating. The sea view chalet was basic with a lot of local Malay influence to the exterior and interior. Sadly, due to land space, the chalets were pretty close to each other.

Coral View Island Resort Sea View Room

The sea view chalet was decent and clean with basic amenities like attached shower, hot water, air condition and a television. Decorations were minimal but the walls were nicely done. However, there was a slight damp smell inside so we just opened the windows and doors and from past experiences, I usually bring along a can of air freshener.

Coral View Island Resort Restaurant

Coral View Island Resort has a nice indoor restaurant which is tastefully decorated. The restaurant serves some reasonable food which is also ala-carte. Also to add in, this resort caters to a lot of families. So expect children running around and also large groups.

Coral View Island Resort - Outdoor Restaurant

Outside the resort, there are two places for your outdoor dining. Breakfast, lunches, tea and dinners can be taken here which is much more nicer as the tables are located on the beach and are quite naturally shaded by the trees with sea breeze blowing in.

Coral View Island Resort - Outdoor dining

Prices of food at the Coral View Island Resort may be a little more that you expect so if you are on a budget, talk a walk down the beach as there are some cheaper alternatives there. A recommended restaurant to try is at Watercolours Resort and Dive Center just next door to the resort.

Sweet and Sour Grouper Fish cooked Malay style

One one of the nights at Coral View Island Resort, we decided to have some fresh seafood sitting out by the beach tables. I asked the waiter about the fish and he told me it was freshly caught in the evening. So without hesitation, we ordered a large grouper cooked with Malay style sweet and sour sauce, a small plate of mixed vegetables and two plates of white rice. I must say the fish was one of the freshest fish I had ever tasted.

Coral View Island Resort - Beach Volleyball

In the evenings, the locals come out to play beach volleyball and most of the time, they would invite the guests to join in for a game. Apart from this, there are numerous activities available here. From snorkeling, diving to jungle trekking and island hopping around the other islands.

Coral View Island Resort - Taxi service and snorkel rental

If you want to visit Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island) you can just book a water taxi from the reception or sports center at the Coral View Island Resort. Snorkeling equipment is readily available for rent if you want to explore the corals around the resort. There is a good patch of coral garden just outside of the resort beach. If you choose to do a jungle trek, there is a good chance to see some monitor lizards where some of them grow up to about 5 feet long.

Rocks on beach outside Coral View Resort

There are also snorkeling trips to various spots around the island where you can experience seeing turtles, rays, coral fishes and even sharks while snorkeling or diving. For scuba divers, there is a dive shop here called Pro Divers World. This dive center caters to dive trips and also scuba diving classes in the event you want to take your PADI Open Water Course. More details below.

Perhentian Island Sunset

In the evenings, you can just sit out on the beach and catch the beautiful Perhentian sunset while having your dinner at the outdoor restaurant or simply just lying on the beach.

Coral View Island Resort at night

The resort is pretty well lit at night so walking around would give you the feeling of living in a local Malay Kampung (Village).

Perhentian Island beach at night

Apart from the resort, I took a walk to the other restaurants and cafes along the beach. Some of them are pretty cosy serving beers and coffee. Most of the foreign travellers would be seen catching up here at the outdoor restaurants and cafes.

Perhentian Island beach - Storm approaching

One of the days I was there, the weather was not too good as it looked like it was going to rain cats and dogs. Going out to the beach, the clouds looked like a major storm coming. In the end, it just rained a little and blew over.

Coral View Island Resort walkway to Perhentian Island Resort

If you are adventurous, you can walk past the Coral View Island Resort and find the wooden walkway to the more expensive Perhentian Island Resort. This wooden walkway doubles as a jungle walk as it runs through the mangrove and rocks. The length of this walkway is about 500 meters and very interesting.

My conclusion to the Coral View Island Resort on Perhentian Island - It's alright if you have a family and are not too fussy. If you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway, this place will not suit you. Definitely not for honeymooners! Best for groups and families. There is no beer and pork sold here as it is a Muslim run business. I stayed here for 2 nights but I spent a lot of time moving around Perhentian Besar and Kecil. Would I stay here again? I would.

Total of 80 Rooms and Chalets at Coral View Island Resort:

• 2 Units Executive Suite Sea View with attached Bathroom/Hot shower (RM520/US$148)
  
• 5 Units Family Suite Sea View with attached Bathroom/Hot shower (RM300/US$85)
• 5 Units Family Suite Garden View with attached Bathroom/Hot shower (RM280/US$80)
• 5 Units Family Deluxe Sea View with attached Bathroom/Hot shower (RM280/US$80)
• 4 Units Deluxe Sea View Air-Cond with attached Bathroom/Hot shower (RM280/US$80)
• 18 Units Deluxe Garden View Air-Cond with attached Bathroom/Hot shower (RM210/US$60)
• 22 Units Standard Air-Cond with Attached Bathroom (RM170/US$48)
• 19 Units Standard Fan with Attached Bathroom (Single) (RM120/US$34)

Important Facts about Coral View Island Resort;

• Resort is closed from early November to late January for the monsoon season
• Peak season is from April to August
• 2N/3D Full Board Packages are available
  

Activities available at Coral View Island Resort:

• Snorkeling
• Scuba Diving/Classes
• Fishing Trips
• Canoeing
• Nature Walk/Trek
• Turtle Watching
• Beach Volleyball

Pro Diver's World Dive Shop;

PADI Instructor - Michael Lim and wife, Ann Lim

• Discover scuba diving (trial dive)
• Learning to dive for your Open Water License
• Continue your dive education all the way until dive master
• Refresh your diving skills
  

Telephone: +60 193633695
Telefax: +60 96977425

You can visit the website and contact them via email at Pro Diver's World

Coral View Island Resort Office Address and Contact:

Coral View Island Resort
No.89A, Depan Stesen Bas Kuala Besut
22300 Besut, Terengganu
Malaysia

Telephone: 609-6974943 / 276
Fax: 609-6902600

Resort Telephone: +609-6911700
Resort Fax: +609-6911701

~ David Jr