Many of Malaysia's rivers have their headwaters in very steep and remote country, and pass through virgin jungle. Steep mountain streams mean fast-flowing water, especially after monsoon rains. Rafting is one of the best ways to observe this pristine environment. It's a thrilling, fun way to experience nature with minimal impact; it's also the perfect means of escape from the pressures of urban life. Negotiating the rapids in a group is also a great team-building exercise.

Whitewater rafting is a fairly new recreational activity in Malaysia, and some promising rivers have yet to be explored and charted. In fact, getting to some of the best whitewater is a real wilderness adventure in itself. Yet there are special places with wild, thundering rapids that are just a couple of hours' drive from major cities.

The little-known Selangor River has truly superb rapids that offer hard-core whitewater action of up to grade 3 (and sometimes 4) in a relatively short stretch. There are challenges here for paddlers of all skill levels, including a very challenging upper run, and calmer sections suitable for beginners.

Three popular sites for a relaxing day-trip are Padas Gorge and Kiulu River in Sabah, and Jeram Besu in Pahang state. The whitewater in these places may be fun rather than challenging, but the gorgeous rainforest scenery is an added bonus.

Multi-day destinations include the Endau River in Johor, and the Nenggiri in Kelantan. Both are in remote locations and offer real wilderness adventure. Also covered by dense jungle is the Telom River in Cameron Highlands, which has played host to the country's only downriver race called the Cameron Descent.

Another promising whitewater site is the Sedim River in Kedah. Some 20 rapids in a 6.5km stretch offer easy to extreme whitewater sections, some of which have been rated favourably by experts from Australia and New Zealand.