Spur Adrenaline in Batang Tarusan

Rafting team from the Mapala Proklamator,
University of Bung Hatta, Padang.
(Photo by UBH Website)

Dubbed a Million Enchantment State, Pesisir Selatan District does not only have a marine tourism. There are many other attractions in the area that are in the southern region of West Sumatra Province. There's the root bridge in Nagari Puluik-Puluik and Nagari Bayang Janiah in the Bayang Utara Sub-District, there are also plenty of attractions waterfalls in the Pesisir Selatan District. Among them famous is Bayang Sani Waterfall, Pelangai Gadang Waterfall and Timbulun Waterfall.

Other attractions should also be tested in the Pesisir Selatan District is rafting on Batang Tarusan (Tarusan River). Rivers that disgorge Diatas Lake (Above Lake), Solok District has relatively stable water flow even in the dry season. Naturally, if the Batang Tarusan is very decent navigable, especially because it has a high difficulty level, the grade 2+ to grade 3. Even in the rainy season, the difficulty level will increase reach grade 4+.

Against the flow in Batang Tarusan.
(Photo by Tiket)

Batang Tarusan that has a length of 62.96 kilometers up river empties into the Indian Ocean is in Kenagarian Baruang-Baruang Balantai, Koto XI Tarusan Sub-District. From the Padang City, is a time of about 1 hour and costs Rp 10,000. On the way, the river will be obvious from the causeway of Padang - Painan. The rafting usually starts from Taratak Village, in front of SDN 45 (Elementary School) Taratak, about 20 minutes from the causeway. Time rafting from this location about 2-3 hours, a distance of about 7 kilometers.

For those who have experienced, can initiate rafting further, from upstream. There rapids are much more challenging, with more extreme slope. The character of the river upstream of the narrow stream more rapidly make the big rapids and fall (drop) which can cause a boat overturned in case of late maneuver. The adrenaline was really going to be driven as it passes through rapids Batang Tarusan this.

Rapids of Batang Tarusan that can reverse the rafting boat.
(Photo by Alde Maulana)

Rapids in Batang Tarusan this really our complete satisfaction in rafting. Water spray is guaranteed to make us wet and last effort should be excluded as much as possible so that the boat is not reversed. Large stone facing makes us have to maneuver to the right. A second too late, the boat would hit a rock and overturned or stuck (wrap), making it difficult to remove.

Some rapids in Batang Tarusan it is possible to reverse the boat. Captain expertise in providing the cue and read the lines is necessary for the security and safety of rafting. In addition, we also must be equipped with a standard rafting equipment such as helmet, life jacket, paddle and clothes that do not interfere with the movement in order to reduce the risk if a problem occurred in rafting.

Enjoy rafting in Batang Tarusan and stunning views
over the surrounding.
(Photo by Tiket)

During the rafting, we are offered a beautiful view of the typical hilly feels beautiful and maintained continuity. We will also traverse the rice fields owned by local residents who gave a typically rural. Natural green combined with crystal clear waters, as well as fierce rapids course will provide enjoyment for those who like adventure tourism activities like rafting.

Rafter also able to rest in the middle of rafting to enjoy this amazing view. In addition, for those who have a hobby of fishing, can also channel his hobby on the sidelines of a break rafting, because there are some depths commonly used by the local fishing spots. No wonder if we will be more at home in this beautiful countryside location, especially coupled friendliness population.

Break after rafting in Batang Tarusan.
Continue with camping.
(Photo by Mapala Unand)

After approximately three hours of rafting the rapids that continuously beat and draining, we will enter the rapids last is Goodbye Rapid. Called Goodbye, because after rapid this we will enter the finish. Once finished, the existing stream flow is quiet, so it can not be again for rafting. Typically, the rafter choose to camp at the finish or at some location on the banks of the river that can be used as camping ground.

Batang Tarusan are very worthy to be our holiday destination. Especially with the current transportation access, so the attraction can be reached easily. We hope the Government of Pesisir Selatan District could develop the potential of white water rafting in Batang Tarusan this, as a tourist attraction alternative to marine tourism is already well known. In addition, local residents can also increase the economy by selling various handicraft souvenirs typical of the area to tourists who come.

* See also about Rafting in Batang Tarusan here