KIULU: Sabah has marked a significant milestone in its adventure tourism and outdoor education sector with the launch of Malaysia’s first white-water kayak school certified under the standards of the American Canoe Association (ACA).
The Riverbug Kayak School, developed by Traverse Tours Sdn Bhd, is based at The Adventure Centre (T.A.C) along the Kiulu River, approximately 1.5 hours from Kota Kinabalu.
The initiative introduces a structured, certification-based learning model aimed at elevating Malaysia’s outdoor recreation landscape, moving beyond conventional river activities into formalised training programmes with international recognition.
According to the Managing Director, Dares Saham, the programme offers a progressive curriculum covering technical kayaking skills, safety, rescue techniques, and river navigation, allowing participants to obtain ACA certification and access global paddlesports pathways.
“This represents an important step towards building a sustainable ecosystem for kayaking education in Malaysia, while reducing reliance on foreign expertise. The long-term goal is to position Sabah as a leading centre for outdoor education and certified adventure training in Southeast Asia, supported by international accreditation and locally developed expertise,” he said.
Dares also stated that a key highlight of the launch was the successful completion of advanced instructor training conducted by ACA-affiliated expert Nik White, who was brought in from the United States. The training has enabled the development of a locally based team of certified instructors capable of delivering programmes aligned with international standards.
With its certified instructor base, Traverse Tours is also expanding its offerings to include professional water safety and rescue training programmes for agencies such as the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, and RELA.
These programmes will focus on swift water rescue, emergency response preparedness, and risk management in river environments—areas increasingly relevant amid changing climate conditions.
In addition to training, the Riverbug Kayak School incorporates experiential tourism elements, combining kayaking with glamping, camping, and expedition-style river journeys. The integrated approach is designed to cater to a broad market, including international schools, corporate groups, universities, and adventure clubs.
Industry observers note that the initiative strengthens Sabah’s positioning as a destination for experiential and education-based tourism, in line with Malaysia’s broader tourism development strategies.
The Kiulu River, known for its safe yet dynamic river conditions, has long been a popular site for water-based activities. The establishment of a dedicated training centre is expected to further enhance its profile as a regional hub for certified outdoor programmes.-pr/BNN
