KAPIT: Kapit Deputy Resident Galong Luang disclosed that the 24th edition of the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari will be held from this coming 5-7 April.
“This year, the first leg of the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari is from Rumah Lugat, Nanga Semawang and Sungai Majau Baleh on April 6.
“On the second day (April 7), the flag-off is from Rumah Ekau, Nanga Mujong, Baleh River to the Kapit Express Passenger Terminal,” said Galong while chairing the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari committee meeting on Thursday.
He added that the Kapit Division of the Power Boat Association will be organising a mini-regatta for the powerboat competitions with various categories as 18hp Tunnel Boat, 30hp Tunnel Boat and 40hp Tunnel boats.
The trip from Rumah Lugat at Nanga Semawang, Sungai Majau to Kapit town by longboat takes approximately three to four hours passing along Sunagi Majau, Sungai Mujong, Balehriver and the mighty Batang Rajang.
The distance from Rumah Lugat to Kapit town is about 57.3km. The rafters will be able to enjoy the clear water of Sungai Majau while at the same time, being able to see a scenic view of the Iban longhouses along the rivers.
Galong also disclosed that the organising committee has made minor changes with regards to the number of participants in each team this year.
“Previously, the number of participants in each team is between six to eight persons but this year, we have decided to reduce the number of participants in each team to four to six persons.
“This is to encourage more participation while at the same time reduce operating costs.
“We have also decided to allow the use of round logs as part of the components of the bamboo raft due to the difficulty in getting bamboo for raft-making.
“In addition, we have also agreed to reduce the size of the raft from 6 feet to 4 feet in width and not less than 20 feet in length” said Galong.
He added that the committee has slotted in one new programme at Rumah Lugat, namely the Rainforest Baleh-Kapit Run which is expected to be held on April 5 and covers a distance of 7km.
The rafting event is Kapit’s major tourism event held annually. The three-day event offers the participants a rare opportunity to stay overnight to experience the hospitality of the two Iban longhouses built along the river bank.
Altogether there are six categories vied for the competitions which include the Men’s Open, Men’s Closed, Free Style, Women’s Closed, Paddle Boat and Best Decorated Raft.
