8 canopy walks in Malaysia that are perfect for any adventurous soul

Poring Canopy Walk holds the record as the highest canopy walk in Sabah. — Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia has no shortage of attractions for people who love heights, aka acrophiles, especially in forested areas where elevated walkways can be built and consequently enjoyed by visitors who would love to experience the sensation of walking above trees.

From the east to the west, here are our nation’s canopy walks or skywalks that every height-loving adventurer or nature lover should visit.

Rainforest Skywalk (and several others), Sabah

It took two decades but Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Sandakan finally completed its skywalk in early 2022. Its final 250m addition earned the now 620m Rainforest Skywalk the title of Sabah’s longest canopy walkway.

From its 25m height and three towers – Bristlehead, Trogon and Hornbill – visitors get to appreciate not only the trees up close but also the wildlife, such as orang utan, flying squirrel and various birds.

Sabah is a land rich with canopy walks, as aside from the aforementioned, there are also the 373.6m-long Poring Canopy Walk (the highest in Sabah at 41m-43m high) at Poring Hot Spring, the 231m-long Bukit Gemok Titian Selara Canopy Walkway in Tawau, the 400m-long Maliau Basin Sky Bridge and the 300m-long Danum Valley Canopy Walk.

The latter two are only open to guests staying at the accommodations in Maliau Basin and Danum Valley, respectively.

Mulu Canopy Walk, Sarawak

Located in Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri is a 420m walkway snaking through the tall, dense trees. At 25m high, Mulu Canopy Walk – also referred to as the Mulu Skywalk – offers a bird’s-eye view of the lush greenery and tranquil rivers below.Designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2000, the park is a popular tourist attraction. Booking ahead is a must to avoid disappointment, as only guided tours are allowed on the canopy walk, and visitors without reservation will not be granted access. Birders are advised to book an early morning slot, the optimal time for birdwatching in the area.

Langkawi Sky Bridge and Tree Top Walk Sungai Sedim, Kedah

Whenever skywalks are mentioned, no doubt Langkawi Sky Bridge (cover pic) is among the first ones that Malaysians will picture in their minds.

And rightfully so, since the cable-stayed bridge does boast an impressive design. Standing majestically 100m above the lush greenery of Mount Machinchang, the 125m long structure is the longest free span and curved suspension bridge in the world.

Anyone wishing to walk one of the world’s longest rainforest canopy walks can head to Kulim. Nestled within the Sungai Sedim Recreational Park is the Tree Top Walk, which measures 925m long and 26m high.

There are also other activities here to experience, such as nature camp where jungle survival skills are taught and paintball sessions that include target practice and war games.

FRIM Canopy Walk, Perlis

Expect to see Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) appear twice on this list. For this particular canopy walk, it is located inside the Mata Ayer FRIM Research Station in Padang Besar, Perlis. Locals at times refer to it as the SPF Mata Ayer Canopy Walk.

Measuring 100m in length and 17m in height, the canopy walk was established in 2011 for the purpose of research in the park. It comes with the added benefit of promoting ecotourism, as it has become one of the must- visits for anyone visiting the state.

Taman Negara Canopy Walk, Pahang

Located in Taman Negara National Park, this is touted as the longest canopy walkway in the world with its impressive length and height of 530m by 40m.

Its height provides a sweeping view of the lush greenery below, perfect for admiring the various trees and vegetations. Do note that it will be periodically closed depending on the weather, so checking ahead prior to visiting is recommended.

It can be explored sans guide, but a guided tour does offer a more in-depth look at the flora and fauna found at the largest national park in Malaysia, which technically straddles three states: Pahang (where the majority of the park is), Kelantan and Terengganu.

Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk is one of the two elevated walkways set atop Penang Hill. — The Habitat Penang Hill

Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk and Langur Way Canopy Walk, Penang

With its iconic shape, the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk at The Habitat Penang Hill is immediately recognisable in aerial view. At 100m long and 13m high, the elevated walkway features a 360° viewing platform, which is also the highest public viewing point in Penang.

The nature preserve set atop Penang Hill also boasts another walkway above the trees, namely the Langur Way Canopy Walk. Named after the langur monkey, it sets record as the world’s longest two-span stressed ribbon bridge (and is the only one nestled within a rainforest), measuring 230m long and 40m high.

There is also a canopy walk in Penang National Park, but it has been closed for a few months now.

Boulders from Sungai Gombak and Sungai Batu are used to create the man-made river under the Titiwangsa Canopy Bridge.

FRIM Forest Skywalk and Titiwangsa Canopy Bridge, Selangor

FRIM makes an appearance again, this time for the Forest Skywalk in its Kepong Botanic Gardens (KBG) location. Opened in 2020, this is the second canopy walk in the park following the closure of the first one in 2017. Comprising 11 towers and eight bridges, it stretches 250m across the sea of green, with varying heights ranging from 18m to 50m, providing a view of the park from various elevation.

Another fun canopy walk experience can be found at the Titiwangsa Lake Park. Called Titiwangsa Canopy Bridge, what’s unique about this 60m elevated walkway is the man-made stream that winds underneath it. Artificial mist fills the air, lending a mystical touch while mimicking the look and feel of a cool highland.

KL Forest Eco Park Canopy Walk, Kuala Lumpur

For those unable to travel further out than the city centre but crave the canopy experience, KL Forest Eco Park is the place to visit.

Conveniently located right next to KL Tower, it is accessible by public transport and a stroll in the park will lead visitors to a 200m long and 21m high canopy walk, which offers a great way to explore nature amidst a urban landscape.