Bau International Raft Safari
2nd December 2001
Pictures and Text by: William N.P. Chai

Flash back ....Raft Safari 2000

The Bau International Raft Safari will be held at the upper Sungai Sarawak Kanan in the Bau district on December 2.  The annual competition is jointly organised by the Sarawak Raleigh Club (SRC) and the Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation together with the co-operation of the various government departments in the district.

The president of the SRC Captain Wilson Ho disclosed that among the aims of the event is to promote the riverine spot as a tourist attraction in the district. He revealed that the coming raft safari will be similar to the previous years. It will be divided into five categories of races namely Men's Open, Men's Closed and Women's Open, Men and Women Single Open as well as Inter-department.

Each raft team may consist of 3 to five persons.

The Men's Open will begin from Kampung Tringgus and finished at the Wind Cave covering a distance of 32 km, the Men's closed and Inter-department will start Babel Bridge at Pangkalan Tebang end at Wind Cave covering a distance of 22 km  while the rest of the categories  will start at Krokong Bridge and finished at Wind Cave covering a distant of 12 km. Besides the trophies cash prizes totaling RM8,300 are awaiting the winners of the various categories. He further disclosed that so far the organsing committee had received the confirmation of particiapation from a team each from Germany and South Africa.  There may be other international teams taking part as well. He said that competitors will have to get ready their own rafts. However, those who could not make their own can purchase the ready made rafts by placing an order through the organiser at a price of RM130 to RM180 each.

The registration fee is RM15 for single category while the rest are at RM30 per team.  The closing date is on November 26.  Those who are interested can contact Mr. Wilson Ho at tel:019-8788587, or the various government departments in Bau including the District Ofiice(763022), Education Department,  Forestry Department, Information Serives Department, Public Works Department Bau District Council for further information and entry forms.