Fort Betau is located 40km south of Cameron Highland. It was a small village with 20-30 Semai families scattered around the area and were found by foreigners in 1930s. During 1958-1959, Fort Betau was established as a settlement and fort for counter insurgents. Most of the scattered families were relocated. Now a new road connecting Sungai Koyan and Ringlet run through Fort Betau (now Pos Betau) and bringing development to this village which once stood important during the Emergency years.

Fort Betau is a serene and peaceful abode where the beautiful Betau River flows enticingly right in front of the Ecolife Basecamp, in which we stayed. The lushness of green foliage and trees and simple set up of the camp were a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is run by an ex-school mate and his lovely wife, and this particular group that arrived for the weekend was all friends and ex-school mates. Just for further information, Fort Betau is populated by the indigenous people of Malaysia called the Semais.

The rafting expedition was on the last day of our stay in Ford Betau. After a bountiful breakfast of local scones, cakes, coconut pancakes, coffee, tea and other mouthwatering tidbits and snacks plus a 'quickie' session of the karaoke, we were all ready to board the jalopy bone-shaker. We were to be driven to a river bank further away where it was the starting point of the expedition. The ending would be back at the Basecamp's Jetty.

We reached the river bank where four newly crafted bamboo rafts were waiting for us. Four Semai guides were already there and were checking rafts to make sure everything was in good condition. We were split into groups. 

We could see lovely vegetation on both sides of the river. Lush greeneries covered most of the scenery. Along the way at the river banks, scores of Semai lady folks and children were washing clothes and having their baths. Some were shy and looked away, yet others waved happily at us. We waved back and called out to them. It was simply happiness! The captain of the raft I was on (Owner of Basecamp and experienced rafter) helmed the front part of the raft and the navigator (Semai guide) at the back using long bamboo poles.

I must add here that the rafting experience with my ex-school mates was one of the happiest moments of my life. Memories of our closeness and friendship remain fresh and beautiful in my mind. We will be back to Fort Betau again and this times a longer route of rafting, perhaps.