KUCHING: The annual Padawan Raft Safari is back, this time taking place on July 8 (Sunday) along Semadang River.
The starting points are Kpg Annah Rais (7am) for kayaking and rafting – expert, Kpg Temurang (8am) for rafting – men and Kpg Danu (9am) for rafting – women, rafting – government agencies and rafting – hotels & tour agencies.
Kpg Git will be the common finishing point for all categories.
There are five categories for rafting (expert, men, women, government agencies and hotel & tour agencies) and one open category for kayaking.
Prizes are more attractive this year, as winners will get cash prizes and trophies.
For rafting, registration fees are RM200 per team for the expert category and RM140 per team for all other categories. For kayaking, registration fee is RM60 per team.
According to Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang, this year’s event promises to be more exciting.
“The Padawan Raft Safari is usually held in October but this year, we are holding it in July to coincide with the Rainforest World Music Festival.
“This way, we hope to attract more foreign tourists to join in the fun,” he said at press conference on Wednesday.
He encourages people to register earlier so that MPP could do the arrangements for accommodation and transport to the various starting points.
“Accommodation and transport will be arranged at the finishing point Kpg Git. This way, visitors don’t have to worry about rushing back to the starting points to get their vehicles after the event.
“I encourage city folks to stay overnight at Git to get a feel of our local cultures and food, as there are going to be side events such as cultural performances, karaoke competitions and food sale there,” he said.
MPP is expecting a higher number of participants from last year’s 104 teams, with 10 teams from Kuala Lumpur already confirmed taking part.