Rafting Adventure at Pekalen River with Songa Adventure – Last part of 4

Rafting Adventure at Pekalen River with Songa Adventure – Last part of 4

The final chapter of our epic East Java journey had arrived, and it was a fitting grand finale. We had spent the last few days immersed in the raw, powerful beauty of Indonesia’s landscapes. We had gazed into the fiery heart of a volcano to see the legendary Blue Flame at Ijen Crater. We had ventured into the wilderness of Sukamade, witnessing the miracle of sea turtles laying eggs and helping their babies find their way to the ocean. We had stood in awe, watching the stunning sunrise of Java from the exotic peaks of Mount Bromo. Each experience was a triumph of nature and a test of our spirit. And now, for the final piece of our adventure puzzle, we were ready to take on the thrilling challenge of the Pekalen River.

As we departed from the volcanic highlands, the air hummed with excitement. We were trading the steep, rocky slopes and dusty calderas for the wild, surging waters of a river known throughout the country for its legendary rapids. Our destination: the Pekalen River, located in Probolinggo. Our mission: to embark on a Rafting Adventure at Pekalen River with Songa Adventure. This was not just a tour; it was the climactic conclusion to an unforgettable trip.

The Journey to Pekalen: A Taste of Rural East Java

The drive from the Bromo area to Pekalen River, situated in the district of Condong, took us approximately an hour and a half. The journey itself was an adventure. We left the main roads and began to navigate a path that was a true reflection of rural East Java—a winding, uneven track filled with potholes. The road had clearly not seen repairs in a long time, but it offered an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the local villagers.

Halfway through our bumpy ride, a minor incident occurred. As our vehicle passed through a narrow section, a local motorcyclist, seemingly trying to avoid a large pothole, accidentally nudged our car. We immediately stopped to check on him. The man’s face was a mixture of deep regret and earnest apology, his expression pleading for understanding even without words. We were in a hurry, and the damage was minimal, so we assured him it was okay. As we left, we simply advised him to be more careful on the road. The incident, though brief, highlighted the polite and respectful nature of the local people, a testament to the kindness we had experienced throughout our journey.

When we finally arrived at the lower Songa Rafting base camp, a small misunderstanding arose. The courier who had guided our car from the bottom to the main base camp requested an additional charge for his service. We were confused, as we believed all costs were included in our package. Taking the initiative, I called our contact person at Songa Rafting to clarify the procedure. Luckily, she was already on-site. She promptly met with the courier and explained that his fee was already covered by the company. The issue wasn’t about the small amount of money but about ensuring a fair and transparent process for everyone. This quick and professional resolution by the Songa team built our trust and put our minds at ease, allowing us to fully embrace the adventure ahead.

Gearing Up for the Rafting Adventure at Pekalen River

We were immediately welcomed with refreshing tea, a perfect way to relax and rehydrate after the long journey. While my friends took a moment to unwind, I completed the payment and registration process. Shortly after, a large group of participants, many of whom were from Surabaya and surrounding areas, gathered for a comprehensive briefing. The guide provided detailed instructions on safety, paddling techniques, and what to expect on the river. His clear and calm demeanor instilled confidence in all of us, especially me, a first-timer to rafting.

Next, it was time for the final transport. We were all loaded into the back of a large truck, which would take us to the river’s starting point. The truck rumbled through charming villages and verdant yards, the road climbing steadily. The occasional steep sections forced us to hold on tight to the rails, but the thrill of the ride was part of the fun. After about 20 minutes, we arrived at the launch point on the Pekalen River. Our group was divided into smaller teams of four or five, each led by an experienced guide who would be our navigator and commander on the water. With a final check of our gear and a surge of adrenaline, we boarded our special rafting boats.

Conquering Pekalen’s Rapids: The Adventure Begins

The moment our boat hit the water, the Rafting Adventure at Pekalen River with Songa Adventure truly began. We were immediately challenged by high cascades, and our shouts of excitement echoed off the canyon walls. The river’s reputation was well-deserved. The rapids were thrilling and demanded teamwork, testing our ability to paddle in unison and follow our guide’s commands. For me, a first-timer, this was an exhilarating and challenging experience, a perfect counterpoint to the more serene activities we had enjoyed on previous days.

But Pekalen was not just about adrenaline. It was also a journey through a landscape of incredible natural beauty. We passed by several stunning waterfalls, their cascades a welcome, refreshing spray. We learned from our guide that one of the waterfalls was a natural nest for thousands, if not tens of thousands, of bats, a fact that added a touch of mystique to the experience.

About halfway through our 12-kilometer journey, we pulled over to a quiet riverbank for a much-needed break. The Songa team had set up a small station where we were treated to a warm drink made from processed ginger and a plate of delicious fried bananas. It was a simple but perfect treat, re-energizing us for the second half of the trip. During the break, one of my friends, who had tried rafting in Bali, confirmed Pekalen’s superior reputation. He said it was cooler and more challenging, an endorsement that spoke volumes about the river’s quality as a top rafting destination in Indonesia.

The second half of our journey was just as thrilling as the first. We paddled through more rapids and admired the lush, green scenery, the roar of the water and our cheers filling the air. The entire Rafting Adventure at Pekalen River lasted for about 2.5 hours, and every moment was packed with action and natural wonder.

A Journey’s End: Farewell to East Java

Once the rafting was complete, we were transported back to the Songa base camp in the same trucks. Exhausted but elated, we savored a simple but delicious lunch, a meal that tasted heavenly after our river exploration. We took warm showers and changed into dry clothes, feeling refreshed and accomplished.

It was late afternoon when we left the Pekalen River area, embarking on the final leg of our journey back to Surabaya. The 3.5-hour drive was filled with quiet reflection as we recounted our favorite moments from the past five days—the fiery glow of the Blue Flame, the gentle shuffle of a baby turtle, the breathtaking views of Bromo, and the thrill of the Pekalen rapids.

As evening fell, we arrived in Surabaya and stopped at a restaurant on A. Yani Street for our final dinner together. We feasted on classic Indonesian dishes: grilled chicken and sate. My friends from Singapore seemed to particularly enjoy the meal, and we ate until nothing was left but the empty plates, a sign of a truly good dinner. After the meal, we drove to their hotel where they would spend the night before their flight back to Singapore the next morning.

The five days we spent together were relatively short, but they were more than enough to forge a deep and lasting friendship. We had shared so much—the highs and lows, the challenges and the triumphs. We talked about our lives, our cultures, our customs, and even the economic situations of our respective countries. It was a trip of a lifetime, not just for the amazing sights, but for the human connections we made. I am truly grateful for the experience and believe that one day, our paths will cross again. Amen!

View More

Fishing (22 Trips)

View More

Hiking (28 Trips)

View More

Jungle Safari (21 Trips)

View More

Rafting (9 Trips)

View More

Peak Climbing (2 Trips)

View More

Road Cycling (4 Trips)