Rafting at Elo River

Rating :

2.3 ( 6 Voter(s) )

A. Overview

A few years ago, rafting was one among many activities done only by nature lovers. Rafting was considered a pretty dangerous activity which requires special skills not all people acquire. Recently, however, the judgment shifted as the rapid growth of tour and travel agencies run by nature lovers offer fun rafting package. Rafting, previously considered dangerous now becomes something fun and challenging.

One of the rivers usually used for rafting is the upstream of Elo River located at Magelang Regency, Central Java. Its current flows not far away from Mendut and Borobudur Temples. Elo River has second and third grade rapids with low level of danger. It makes Elo River suitable for rafting beginners. Elo is even safe for swimming.

It takes you 2 to 3 hours to raft down Elo River. The starting point is Blondo Village and the finish will be Mendut Village. Rafting at Elo River is at its busiest on Saturday and Sunday. When rafting with the accompaniment of the operator, there are two trips in a day. The first trip begins at 08.00 WIST, and the second begins at 14.00 WIST. The perfect time for rafting is at the beginning or at the end of rainy season when the river water raises yet not flooding. This challenges you to conquer the rapids.

Rafting at Elo River is for everyone, amateur or experienced. Before rafting begins, there will be brief explanation and training by operators on the basic technique of rafting such as on how to use the oar and also tips on what to do in case we are plunged into the river. In a rafting, a boat usually carries 5 rafters and a skipper (helmsman). There will also be another boat which carries the rescue team. Can’t wait to try? Well, Elo River is at your service.

B. Features

Elo River is five to six meters of depth with five different rapids. Everytime passing the rapids you must be on set position. If you are careless, you may fall backward. Often, when passing the rapids, the boat will get stuck on a big rock. If this happens, you and your team must work hard to set the boat free. And this is going to be the most thrilling and challenging moment.

The rapids of Elo River are divided by flat current. When you arrive at the flat current you can take a short rest, calming down your heartbeat after passing the rough rapids. You can also plunge yourselves into the river, swim with the current. Sometimes the operator will take you play flip flop by turning the boat upside down and then you climb on it. Getting soaked is relieving your tense after passing the rapids.

While rafting, you can enjoy the view along the bank of Elo River. You can see the brown water polluted with garbage and mud from the upstream after the rain. If you are lucky, you may run into some of the wild animals that you may not see in city, such as monitor lizards or river turtles. If you still have more energy, continue your adventure to Mendut Temple or Prambanan Temple located not far away from the rafting stop point.

C. Location

The rafting strating point at Elo River is at Blondo Village and ends at Mendut Village. Both villages are located at Mungkid Subdistrict, Magelang Regency, Central Java.

D. Access

Blondo Village is located near Jogja – Magelang Main Road, and is accessible by either private or public transportation. If you depart from Yogyakarta you can take the Solo – Yogyakarta – Semarang bus from Jombor or Giwangan Bus Station. The fare for Yogyakarta – Magelang is Rp 8,000. Get off at Blondo Bridge where the operators fetch you. It takes you 45 – 60 minutes from Yogyakarta to Blondo Bridge.

E. Ticket

If you have your own rafting equipment such as inflatable boat, oar, helmet, and float, you can do the rafting right away withouth having to pay for anything. But if do not have any and this may be your first rafting experience, you can call the adventure team who organizes the activity. The average duration of Elo Rafting is 2 – 3 hours and it cost Rp 100,000 – Rp 150,000 per person (September 2010).

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

The adventure team provides you the inflatable boat, float, helmet, and throwing bag (the floating strap used to save rafters who fall to the river). There are also the skippers whose job is as the guides on every boat, not to mention the rescue team. Other facilities that rafters will get are the insurance, pick-up service at Blondo Bridge to the rafting starting point, adventure pictures, snacks, and lunch.

Text: Elisabeth Murni
Photo(s): Collection of Jogjatrip.com
Translation: Apri Widiastuti
(Primary data and various sources)

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If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
Website : www.maharatu.com

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