ASAHAN VALLEY, SUMATRA
Indonesia and Sumatra have clearly staked their place on the international hit list for surfers, but who thinks of world-class whitewater? With the greater watershed and catchment formed by the last super volcano to erupt, the warm turbid waters of the Asahan River drain the caldera through stunning basalt box canyons overhung by tropical jungle. It’s not uncommon to be chased down the river by gibbons, spot rhinoceros hornbill flying over head or even hear stories of tigers coming down to the village to eat chickens.
The Asahan Valley is truly the wild side of Asia and is most definitely not on any tourist trail. The major draw card is obviously the seldom paddled 20 kilometres of warm whitewater ranging from Class 2 to 6 (mostly a sporty 4+) but the valley has plenty to offer; multiple treks, secret waterfalls to discover and extremely friendly locals with wide smiles and open arms.
Coming from Down Under you may all but dream of world-class whitewater with consistent flows. You hear of your non-adventure mates going on “super cheap” trips to Bali and you keep saving your pennies in hopes of one day paddling in the Americas, Europe or even Africa. Australian adventurers have had a world-class river (almost) in their backyard the whole time. In a small village forgotten by time, in a tropical valley resembling Jurassic Park only an
