Malaysia's Raub Beckons Tourists with Rafts and Bicycles

By Norhayati Mohd Akhir RAUB (Pahang,Malaysia), Aug 2 (Bernama) -- In the past, rafts and bicycles were among the important modes of transportation. But not anymore, as both rafts and bicycles can now be used to assist in promoting tourism. In fact, the Tourism Ministry has included these two modes of transportation in the 'Malaysian Holidays' or 'Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia (CCIM) programme, known as the Sunday Bike Ride@Raub, which this writer had the opportunity to participate in recently. This is the follow-up to the launch of the CC1M@Raub cycling package launched last May 6. On each Sunday of the first week of the month, Raub becomes the cycling destination for tourists and locals alike. RAFTING AT 'SUNGAI LEPIS' This writer also had the opportunity to raft down the Sungai Lepis, which is a very challenging and harrowing experience. Located some 40 km from here, Kela Adventure Camp offers many exploration activities, including rafting, jungle trekking and camping. Journalists were taken to Pos Buntu, located about one km from the camp, to join in 'water floating' exercise. Upon reaching the location, the participants were briefed on the 'dos' and donts' of rafting by trainer Abd Manaf Mohammad. After the briefing, the participants were split into groups of three who were each given a raft to handle. The rafting down the river from Pos Buntu was a challenging experience, but along the way down Sungai Lepir the participants were able to see various birds and fish, including the famed 'kelah’ (Malaysian Mahseer). The rafting expedition took about three hours to complete. RAFFLESIA The Rafflesia is a unique flower that has no leaves, stem or roots. According to Chekas Island (Pulau) Youth chairman Ruhaimi Abdul Talib, Raffleasia is unlike other flora, as it lives by spawning slender threads in trees. "The Rafflesia only can be found when it expands into a cabbage-like flower," he said. Ruhaimi added that tourists who come to Chekas Island would be taken to view the Rafflesia. "We will take the tourists from Pulau Chekas chalets to Kampung Peruas on a tractor, which will take about 30 minutes. Each tractor can accommodate up to 10 people," he said, adding that many believe Rafflesia can only be found in Sabah and Sarawak, the two East Malaysia States on Borneo Island. Along the way to view the Raffleasia, tourists can also stop at the 'Lata Jarum' waterfall and a campsite nearby. Visitors also have the opportunity to cycle to the Raffleasia location, a journey of about 30 minutes through hilly terrain. BIKING WITH TOURISM MINISTER Meanwhile, this writer had the opportunity to ride a bicycle in a group of riders, including the Tourism Minister. As early as 5.30am on a recent Sunday, participants were ready to join in the CC1M Sunday Bike Ride@Raub with Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen. The trail started at Raub Lake Park and continued over a distance of some 15km. The cycling event started at 7am and, with the minister, the cyclists passed through Raub Lake Park, Jalan Lipis, Kampung Melayu Sempalit, Taman Raub Jaya housing estates, Taman Lee Man, Taman Melati, Raub town and back to Raub Lake Park, which took about one hour. Some 400 participants took part in the event. -- BERNAMA