Rafting on the Kokok Segara River in Lombok

Rafting on the Kokok Segara River in Lombok

By Hernawardi

MATARAM (JP): Since time immemorial Kokok Segara has been famed among Lombok natives for its river. Flowing through Tanjung in the northern party of West Lombok, it is renowned among the Sasak people for its location at the foot of Mt. Rinjani, which is the pride of locals for its stunning natural beauty.

Its charms have not been lost on tourist operators. A survey by Lombok Interrafting determined that Kokok Segara was suitable for development as a tourist attraction.

Crossing the borders and dividing the subdistricts of Tanjung and Gangga, the fast-flowing river was also considered a potential site for development of rafting as a recreational activity. The level of natural challenge on the slope of Rinjani is quite high and the debit flow remains relatively constant throughout the year, including in the dry season.

The river is about 50 meters wide, with heights of 50 meters to 80 meters on its steep riverbanks. The water oozing from the bank's upper sections falls like a hail of raindrops into the swirl of the river.

Rafters travel about eight kilometers, starting from remote Lokok Mata village in Gangga subdistrict and ending at Pekatan dam. The journey takes about two hours.

Dense assortments of trees and underbrush grow on the upper reaches of the banks. They are home to birds and animals; the starling, srigunting, koak kaok and gagak are probably the only endemic bird species of the area. The sound of the birds singing is unlike those of their caged counterparts. Rafters will be treated to the free entertainment of the birds in full voice.

Wild monkeys swing through the trees and the river brims with freshwater eels as thick as a child's arm. Usually about one meter long, the eels have head like catfish and delicious meat. Tourists are invited to join in fishing for the eels for a communal lunch.

The wondrous sights begin almost immediately. About 100 meters from the rafting set-off point there is a beautiful natural fountain, with jets of water cascading into the air through the foliage. Many visitors make a special stop to enjoy the lukewarm water.

The river presents many challenges, such as blind curves and fast currents, which require the rafters' optimum readiness. Many enjoy the thrill of passing from the fast currents to slower ones, traversing the many stones and boulders in their path. It is the challenge which is the reason many of them take up rafting.

After passing through the sections fraught with danger, rafters enter calmer waters. They are able to peer at the small fish darting beneath them in the shallow water.

Lombok Interrafting, the sole organizer of rafting in West Nusa Tenggara, provides instructions on rafting before the trip begins. It is held at the special reservations office about 200 meters from the river mouth.

Participants then descend a steep flight of 200 steps. They can then choose to use a descending footpath or climb down the slope using ropes. The latter route is only recommended for those whose hobby is climbing.

Rafters are escorted by a well-trained guide on board his raft. Different types of rafts are used, with the 126 providing room for six people plus a guide, and the 110 accommodating five and a guide.

President commissioner of Lombok Interrafting Gde Sarjana Suyasa said guides were trained to ensure they would be able to "back up" participants in all circumstances. He said the safety and security of participants were the priority, with guides trained to continue conducting exercises even if only one rafter was active.

He said all participants were required to be mentally and physically sound, with children below eight years barred from taking part. There is no swimming requirement for prospective rafters; each rafter is provided with a life jacket with capacity to support up to 100 kg.

Guides are trained in using English to communicate with participants, the ethics of dealing with rafters and in participant safety and boat/raft repairs. Training in the last two matters covers several months.

The agency also arranges for photographers at various points along the river, particularly the most challenging stretches of the course.

Pakatan dam was selected as the finishing point for the trip because of a small waterfall at the site. It is not dangerous, but sets rafters' hearts racing as it lies only 10 meters before the end of the course. There are towels, showers and restaurant at the site for tired and hungry rafters.

Cost of the trip is Rp 250,000 for domestic tourists and US$54 for foreigners. The latter payment covers the provision of an air conditioning unit, insurance, lunch and use of showers. Rp 50,000 per person for insurance is valid for both domestic and foreign participants. Lombok Interrafting provides the rafting equipment.

Lombok Interrafting currently has 24 employees, 12 of them guides. Despite the rioting in Mataram on Jan. 17 this year and a subsequent slump in bookings for the rafting, Gde Sarjana said he would be recruiting new staff.