White-water rafting has taken off in Sabah and it is very popular with visitors to the state. There are four beautiful rivers in Sabah where white-water rafting and canoeing can be done. Each of these rivers run along valleys which are rich with vegetation atypical of Sabah. Arguably, Sabah is probably the best venue for white-water rafting in the region.

The Padas River located near Tenom is very fast and should only be attempted by serious rafters. It is really exciting river in its upper stretches and the ride down river is guaranteed to give hours of nerve-tingling excitement.

Kedamaian River literally means a river of peace and tranquility in the local language. In the dry season, between the months of February and July when the waters are low, Kedamaian winds very gently down a narrow course and it is peaceful and calm. During these months, a quiet picnic along the river would just be the ideal break. From August to January comes the months of rain which fills the river to overflowing. It is during this time that a trip down the river in a raft can be anything from a reasonably fast ride to an exhilarating one of untold fun and excitement.

Mulau River is an easy and pleasant river to raft and it is ideal for beginners. It is located in a beautiful valley in Kiulu where the local villages are neatly spaced and time seems to be of little consequence to the local populace.

Papar River is perhaps the best river for rafting in Sabah. It has much of a rustic setting where the trees and the rocks and the birds all blend together to provide a picture of tranquility and harmony. Coasting through the rapids in the jungle setting, visitors will be given a taste of what the state has to offer in so many special ways.

Those who have experienced white-water rafting usually lasting some two to four hours maintain that the rivers in Sabah are easily the best in the region. The trips are relatively safe even amidst turbulent waters as rafters are equipped with life jackets and helmets. A rafting trip is strongly recommended for those who want to have an adventure and some excitement in their holidays in Sabah.