The Excitement Of Rafting In The Serayu River

Rafting on the Serayu river, Banjarnegara, Central Java (Diah Ayu Wardani / VOI)

BANJARNEGARA - Dozens of years ago, the Serayu river flowing through a number of districts in Central Java was only used for bathing and washing activities. Now, the 181 kilometers long river has its own tourist attraction, so it is a vehicle for rafting or rafting.

One of the pioneers was Bannyu Woong, who took advantage of this stream for rafting. This rafting ride is located in Kutayasa Village, Banjarnegara, Central Java.

There are two rafting packages offered based on the duration and distance of the game. The manager has set a tariff of IDR 175 thousand for a duration of 1.5 hours with a 7 kilometer river crossing. For those who want to go rafting even longer, there is a choice of games with a duration of 3 hours with a length of 14 kilometers for IDR 220 thousand.

This set rate package includes dining facilities, mineral water, snacks, rafting equipment, guides, and safety insurance.

The VOI team tried the game with a duration of 1.5 hours. This package can be an option for novice visitors who don't want to spend a lot of energy.

First, the ride guide asked us to wear helmets and life jackets as protective equipment. Then, each tourist is given one oar to balance and increase the speed of the boat. The guide advised us not to bring cellphones and wallets with us while playing.

After receiving directions regarding the game's procedures and procedures, we went straight to the starting point of the rafting trip and boarded the boat. A maximum, one rubber boat is filled with five people, as well as one guide.

We started down the river with a guide named Rian. Rian gave instructions to sit on the edge of the rubber boat. This is to facilitate the balance of the body.

At first, we rowed on the calm river flow. For a moment, our boat collided with a rock in the middle of the river. Rian gave a signal.

"The rowing is stopped first. Now hold onto the rope that is on the edge of the boat because we will hit a rock," said Rian at the location.

Rafting on the Serayu river (Diah Ayu Wardani / VOI)

When we concentrated on the rope grip, we felt the sound of the river flow louder. The collision with the rock made our boat spin. Rian directed us to row to turn the boat back.

The challenges don't stop there. Rian then gave instructions for the code "boom". This means that the boat will face steep river flows.

We were asked to stop rowing, get into the middle of the boat, and raise the oar in an upright position so that the oars don't hit the boat mates when the shock arrives. In this condition, our clothes can no longer avoid the splash of water.

Rafting on the Serayu river (Diah Ayu Wardani / VOI)

On this trip, Rian told me that at the end of the dry season, Serayu River was busy playing rafting. The water is neither shallow nor too deep.

"Today's Serayu River is suitable for rafting because the water flow is not too heavy, but there are still challenges," said Rian.

Serayu River was once the location for regional, national, and international rafting competitions. Rian said, this location is often the training ground for Olympic athletes.

"Most of the rafting athletes come from Banjarnegara, you know. The guides here are also athletes," he said.

When returning to the calm river flow, a guide from another boat pushed one of the people in our boat into the river. Some people laughed, some showed a look of surprise.

"It's just for fun," said Rian. He said, the guide wanted to prove that there are river points that can be used for swimming. Moreover, visitors are equipped with safety support tools.

The journey down the Serayu River is complete. We climbed ashore in soaked clothes. The banquet of young coconut water from the manager treats tourists' thirst after rafting. Do not forget the warm dish of tempe mendoan, a typical Banjarnegara food.