Dare devil wave riding in Kampar River, Riau
The surf is up in the Kampar River in Riau’s Pelalawan regency. The phenomenon is a result of a collision between three swift streams originating from the Malaka Straits, South China Sea and the river itself.
The mammoth waves, which can be 60-kilometers long, look to be able to crush everything in its path, including big boats.
The successive waves give surfers optimum chances to ride for up to two hours before they finally subside. For those who cannot surf, riding the wave on a boat or kayak can also be an exhilarating experience. The feeling is said to be similar to riding a horse, or bekudo as the locals say.
The locals called the waves bono, which means true in the local language. Legend has it that when the Pelalawan Kingdom ruled the area, a man told the king about the wave. But the king did not believe the man and only believed in the existence of such big waves after his son saw it with his very own eyes — it was “true”.
The Pelalawan regency administration offers tips on its official website to ensure the safety of visitors. They explain what to do if you are on board a boat on the Kampar River and the roar of the waves is toward you.
Either, stay where the river is deepest or head straight to dry land or take cover in the tributaries until the wave passes by.
Muhtar Sanusi of Pelalawan regency’s tourism promotion department told The Jakarta Post Travel that the best time to visit Pelalawan is between October - December or February – March and the high tides are best during a full or new moon.
“The highest tide we have recorded was six-meters tall. Usually it is around four meters,” Muhtar said during the Tourism and Culture Exhibition at the Jakarta Convention Center, held last month.
He said foreign tourists who often come to surf on Kampar River often stay for a week in the numerous home-stays available in the nearby villages.
While surfing is free of charge, stand up paddle boards, longboards, fun-boards and kayaks are available to rent from the locals.
Renting a boat that can accommodate up to four will costs around Rp 3 million (US$306). The tour lasts up to five hours and the boat will cruise along the river to allow passengers enjoy the view.
How to get there:
From Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau, either rent a car for the five-hour journey to the location.
Alternatively, from Pelalawan’s capital Pangkalan Kerinci a speedboat will get you to the Kampar River in two hours. But make sure you arrive in Pekanbaru early because the boat only runs once a day at 10:30 a.m.
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