About Padas River White Water Rafting
Padas River White Water Rafting is a popular adventure activity on the Padas River in Tenom District, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Located about 150 km south of Kota Kinabalu, it is known for Grade III to IV rapids along a jungle gorge. Accessed via a scenic train ride from Tenom to the put-in point, the 9 km rafting stretch offers turbulent rapids, forested scenery and a full-day excursion operated by licensed tour operators.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a full-day guided rafting excursion on the Padas River through a forested gorge with Grade III-IV rapids. The experience typically begins with a scenic Sabah State Railway train ride from Tenom to the put-in point at Pangi or Rayoh, followed by a safety briefing, 1.5 to 2 hours on the water covering about 9 km, views of dense jungle, rocky gorges and river valleys, and return by train to Tenom.
Key highlights
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Grade III to IV white water rapids on the Padas River
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Scenic Sabah State Railway train ride through Padas Gorge to the put-in point
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Approximately 9 km rafting route through jungle gorge and forested valley
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Views of dense Borneo rainforest, cliffs and river scenery
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Guided adventure operated by licensed rafting operators with safety equipment
History of Padas River White Water Rafting
The Padas River and the railway line through Padas Gorge were developed during the British North Borneo era in the early 20th century, when the North Borneo Railway was built to transport rubber and other agricultural produce from the interior Tenom area to the coast at Beaufort.
Culture & Context
The river flows through the traditional homeland of the Murut people, the main ethnic group in Tenom District, and the area reflects the interior agricultural heritage of Sabah.
Route
| By air | Fly to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), then continue by road and rail to Tenom |
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