|
 |
 |
|
|
|
| |
Asahan River, Indonesia |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Asahan Descent |
|
| |
73,400 years ago the largest known volcanic explosion occurred in Indonesia. The site was present?day Lake Toba, on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. The blast had a force 8, 000 times more powerful than the 1981 eruption of Mount St. Helen’s in Washington State. It flung an estimated 2,800 cubic kilometers of magma, or molten rock, into the atmosphere. Today this domain volcanic lake of 1,144 sq km at 1,000 metres above sea level is a tourist attraction. The river that drains it is the Asahan. The river path itself is cut out from volcanic rock (tuff) and over thousands of years it has created a gorge. There are hydro 3 dams upstream of our Put In Point and the water flow is constant. When I first saw that river my impression was the flow is too large for it’s size, it looked like a river in flood but that’s the normal flow. Water is clear. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Rafting |
|
| |
The rafting is done in two sections because the middle section cannot be rafted
commercially. Rafting runs starts from the bridge in Parhitean village, the rapids are big
with some holes but not life threatening. (see description of the rapids)
Some sections are fast and wild while at other times it is serene with some spell binding
sights. We flow pass waterfall at times with fascinating vegetation draping the gorge walls and at other times the river flows down steep sections with crashing waves.
All rafts are guided by professional guides and accompanied by safety kayakers |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
How to get there |
|
| |
Our trips start from Medan in North Sumatra. MAS flies there from Kuala Lumpur as well as SIA from Singapore. Other means is by ferry that leaves Penang for a 4 hour (+) to Belawan, a harbour to Medan. Depending on where you are we, we can assist in arranging for tickets to Medan and return.
On meeting in Medan by 10 AM we will proceed straight away to Parhitean, the journey
is about 6 hours if we include lunch stops and photo breaks.
On the way we will pass Lake Toba with a grand view of the lake. Indonesia has many
cultures and the dominating race in this region is the Bataks, their house have a boat
shaped roofing style. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Scheduled Programme - Itinerary |
|
| |
Day 1: Pick up from the airport at 10 AM or hotel if you are already there. Transfer to
Siantar for lunch and last minute shopping. Small break at Prapat - Lake Toba and move on again to Parhitean., you can see the river from the bridge at Parhitean. We
sort out the living quarters, a wash up and we head for dinner.
Free time
Day 2: After breakfast we drive to the put-in point for the lower run. This section involves a short trek from the road to the river. After a safety briefing we start our run. The length is about 15 km. There are rapid sections pretty sections and the last part is the flatwater section to the pull-out point. Lunch is provided at a stop point along the way. On completion we return to Parhitean. If we are not too late we will have a sight seeing trip to Ponot waterfalls, a spectacular waterfall with flying foxes nearby if the time is right.
Dinner and free time.
Day 3: After breakfast we run the upper section, this section is with larger rapids but a
shorter more intense run, we proceed higher after each run. We do 2 runs for the day,
This run would require participants to help carry the rafts to the put-in. After a late lunch we pack up and go to Prapat where we stay the night in a hotel. Prapat is at the water
front of Lake Toba.
Free time
Day 4: After early breakfast we transfer to Medan airport for you return flight.
End of journey.
We can customise additional trips like biking at Samosir or stay at Tuk Tuk in Samosir.
Note: This trip is done in a remote part of Sumatra and it involves travel on some bad
roads and other localized situations. It can sometimes delay your arrival at the campsite.
You are expected to help set up camp (if necessary) especially if the trip is running behind schedule. This is all part of the team building atmosphere of an expedition
experience.
For those who would like to stay back at Pratpat and see Samosir island they may do
so. You just have to catch a taxi back to Medan, a 6 person van is about US$ 20.00.
There are many other activities to do at Toba region.
Citizens from South Africa, east European countries, Russia and China
requires a visa, please check before coming. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Rapids |
|
| |
The Asahan River is one of Southeast Asia's premiere whitewater destinations.
The river drains the mighty Lake Toba, however, three hydroelectric dams have
been constructed on the upper gorges. This have not decreased the whitewater
opportunities which still boast superb conditions for the advanced kayaker and
rafter. The river flows approximate 120 m3/second on average which seldom
changes due to the dam-controled water release.
The extreme whitewater run starts immediately below the last power-station and
is known as "Never-never End" since it is continuous class 4-5 whitewater until
the main bridge at Pahitean village 3.5 km further downstream. The most
notorious section on this stretch is no doubt "Rabbit Hole" 500 m downstream
from put-in point where the entire river drops through a sharp bend with large
boulders, holes and huge waves.
The 4 km section after the Pahitean Bridge is known as the "Hula-huli Run" and
is more gentle albeit still with long and large rapids in class 3-4 category. This
section is followed by a dangerous and normally un-runable sector (under normal
waterflow) where three major rapids, Nightmare (5+ to 6), Hair-raiser (5 to 5+)
and Three-rock Rapid (5) follow immediately after each other. Below this hairy
section the river maintains its speed for another 3 km with numerous class 4+
rapids until below "Shits Creek" where it mellows out and enters the lower
Asahan Gorge.
The gorge is perhaps one of the most scenic sections of any river in the world.
The entire Asahan narrows to less than 5 meters at certain sections and flows
through a deep canyon with vertical walls on both sides. Inside this canyon is one
major rapid known as "Honeymoon Sorrow", a wicked class 4+ to 5 rapid. The
remaining rapids are relatively easy class 2+ to 3, however, the main risk within
the canyon is strainers consisting of huge logs that jams the way for boaters.
Below the gorge, there are two more big rapids of class 3+ to 4. One of them is
known as "Speed Canyon" which is literally large smooth waves that rushes
through the gorge with 40 km/h.
The whitewater section of this river ends at a place known as Km 7 from where it
is possible to catch a ride back to Parhitean or even to either Medan or the port
of Tanjung Balai. Our excursion to Asahan River takes four days of which two full
days will be for rafting back. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
What we provide |
|
| |
We provide transport from pick-up point in Medan till the end of the trip. Transport is by
non air-conditioned vans. Meals from lunch on Day 1 till breakfast on Day 4, we provide
3 meals a day but if you like some extras we suggest you bring along some along with
you when you come because there is nothing much to buy at Parhitean except beers.
Beers are about US$ 1.50 per large bottle. Lodging at the river shall be in local houses.
Rafts, guides, personal safety equipment & safety kayakers shall also be provided
during the course of the rafting.
What to bring
Due to the nature of the trip you are advised to pack used clothes, one set for sleeping,
one for rafting wear and one spare set.
The usual sunblock, insect repellent, shampoos, soaps, towel, toothbrush and paste.
Sneakers or sandals are the preferred footwear for rafting but sandals can be used at
camp without feeling soggy. Bring your torchlight & batteries along with any medication
that you may have. Bring along a camp mattress and a thin blanket. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Changing money |
|
| |
It is advisable to change some Indonesian notes when you come in. Indonesian money changes only accept US$ 100.00 notes that are printed after 1998, any blemish or pen marks or stamp marks immediately devalues the exchange rates. Another way is to use a credit card. The Malaysian currency cannot be bought or sold outside of Malaysia but it is pegged to the US$ at an exchange rate of RM 3.80 to one US dollar
(minus some commission). |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Bookings and Payment |
|
| |
Please contact us to confirm on a date and other details, once the dates have been agreed a 50% deposit must be banked into our bank account. Fax the bank-in slip to us as confirmation of trip. If we have to buy air or ferry tickets on you behalf we will require full payment for these tickets before we buy them.
All balance of payment must be paid on our first meeting at Medan.
A waiver form has to be signed by all participants. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Asahan River Whitewater Expedition, 4 days/3 nights |
|
| |
The Asahan River which drains out of Lake Toba offers some of the wildest whitewater and the highest waterfall in Asia. This river also holds the first international whitewater competition in Indonesia, The Asahan Whitewater Challenge.
Day 1 - Depart for the Asahan River and free and easy day.
Day 2 - Lower Canyon
Day 3 - The wildest commercial whitewater run in Indonesia, a short but non-stop
adrenalin rush
Day 4 - Depart from Asahan River
The package starts from Medan (Sumatra). It includes 3 meals, accommodation the necessary rafting equipment, rafting guides and safety kayakers.
Price: Please call us for pricing |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Malaysia
