Try A New Experience In Your Holiday: Rafting

Central of Java
Java, Indonesia

During our last holiday my big family wanted to try something challenging but exciting. We chose to join a rafting package in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. You cannot imagine how it went when we participated in a rafting activity as beginners, and even my 5 year old daughter was allowed to participate!

After a light breakfast, we departed from Yogyakarta at 8 am and arrived at about 9 am in Magelang. On location, they served us hot tea while waiting for the vehicles that would transport us to the location of the river where there were guides who were ready to accompany us along the journey.

Coaching before rafting
Coaching before rafting

We headed to the Elo River with the minibus provided and the drive took only about 10 minutes. At the location, the officers gave us paddles/oars, life jackets and helmets to wear then a guide coached us with safety instructions about how to paddle, how to handle a fairly heavy flow of water, how to control the raft, how to manage if there were tree branches in front of us, and other helpful tips. The guide had a hilarious style of sharing such important information and he made us laugh.

Our group included about 18 people divided into three groups and each group was accompanied by one guide. The boat could fit up to 6 people if we are not too heavy :).

Yes! Here we go……… my first rafting experience …!

I was a bit worried sitting next to my 5 year old daughter and she was a little scared as it was her first practice. It was my duty to hold my daughter so she would not fall into the water especially when there were rocks, trees, or bumps so I could not paddle all the time.

We were busy competing with other groups, strategizing like pro rafting players, and my little daughter was busy too – holding her over sized helmet so as not to fall!

“Watch outttt, there are branches in front of us!”someone called out.

And we had to lift our paddles into a horizontal position with both hands holding the left and right sides of the paddle to avoid the branches or we could bow and placing the paddle on our laps. I became tense if the current was heavy and if we hit a large stone, then we got stuck in the rocks. When this happened our guide would come down from the boat and told anybody sitting in the front to move back so that the boat could be shifted.

After an approximate 1.5 hour drive we stopped to rest while enjoying traditional snacks and fresh young coconut water. This was also a chance for us to squeeze water from our clothes and shoes that had become wet.

After half an hour rest we continued the journey. When the current was calm, we were allowed to swim and enjoy the Elo River. Finally around 12 noon we reached our final destination, alhamdulillah. They provided us with a bathroom to shower in and a place to pray while we waited for lunch.

Rafting
Rafting

Well….. that was interesting, right? If you want to try something new, memorable, and adventurous for spending your holiday, this is a great new experience that is something different. If you are interested in rafting, the following tips can be used as a simple guide:

  1. Wear comfortable clothes and waterproof shoes that are not easily removed.
  2. Apply sun cream to the entire face and open areas.
  3. Do not wear a hat, glasses, or jewelry, including a watch.
  4. Do not bring a purse, bag, or mobile with you during rafting.
  5. Eat and drink in moderation before you do rafting, remember you will go for at least 3 hours (depend on the distance and speed) before you may find a toilet.
  6. Prepare toiletries, a towel, a change of clothes, shoes/slippers
  7. Recite du’a before you go.

Guaranteed, you will experience a very memorable holiday!

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