My Very First Canopy Walk At FRIM (Part 1)

Posted by : foongpc | Friday, March 6, 2009 | Published in

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I have acrophobia. If that sounds alien to you, well, it actually means a fear of heights.

Somehow, I don't think my phobia is that serious, but I do get dizzy when I am somewhere high looking down. Like on top of a building, or a mountain, or a bridge.

So yesterday, I decided to face my fear. Yes, either I fight it or I allow it to haunt me for life!

What did I do?

Well, I went to FRIM in Kepong. If you don't already know, there's a canopy walkway in the jungle at FRIM, which is like a suspended bridge about 150 metres long and about 30 metres above ground.

Now, I am a lover of nature. I love the forests and the sound of wildlife around me. I love the smell of plants and I like to hear the sound of river flowing in the distance. That's the reason why I love to go FRIM to jog and to walk the jungle trails.

Although I've been there many times, and passed by the canopy walkway each time, I have never tried going up the canopy before, probably because I have this fear of heights! Well, all that changed yesterday.

I could not find anyone free to accompany me. It's a working day, by the way. Who in their right mind would follow me to go walking in the jungle and climb up a suspended bridge in the late morning? So I guess I had to face my fear all alone! No one to help me if I suddenly go paralysed with fear in the middle of the bridge! Boo hoo! Well, so be it!

I arrived at FRIM at about 11.15am. After paying RM5 at the guardhouse, I drove my car inside. Oh, just driving along the road made me feel so relaxed. The vast greeneries seemed to welcome me with open heart. For a moment, I forgot about the canopy walk.

Everytime I go to FRIM, I always thank God for the forests and the nature that God bestowed upon us. I don't understand why humans would want to cut down the trees and log the forests. It breaks my heart each time I see trees being chopped down in the name of development!

After parking my car, I went straight to FRIM's One Stop Centre to purchase the ticket for the canopy walkway. After being briefed about the walkway, I registered and paid RM5 for the ticket. The lady told me the walkway will be closed by 2.30pm so I should not wait too long to go there.

I left the One Stop Centre and walked a short distance to enter the Rover Tracks after passing the mosque. I often go jogging here, so this place was like my backyard to me.


Map courtesy of FRIM

Here's how the Rover Track looks like, with greeneries all around.





I really think my blood pressure drops a few notches when I am surrounded by these trees and plants! Somehow, I just feel so comfortable being with nature.

After walking for about 900 metres, I reached an open space area where I saw this signboard directing the way to the Canopy Walkway.



The steps you see are the beginning of the jungle trail.



Inside the jungle trail, it was really shady as the trees blocked out most of the sunshine. You could hear sounds of animals and birds here.

As I went deeper, the steps became steeper and it was getting harder to climb. In fact, when I first came here, it was physically demanding for me, and it still is, though I'm slightly fitter now. If you have never exercised before, you will definitely find the jungle trail a huge challenge!



At one point, it was very steep and you just keep going up and up with no end in sight! If you have leg pain and heart problems, this may not be the place for you. But don't let me scare you! As long as you are quite healthy, you should give this jungle trail a try! It may leave you breathless, but you will be much fitter for it.

Some parts of the trail had wooden planks on the ground as a small stream ran below the planks.



I was in awe with some jungle sceneries here I just had to capture them on my handphone camera.





Finally, after about 15 minutes climbing the steep jungle trail, I reached the entrance hut to the Canopy Walkway. I entered the hut and passed the ticket to the person in charge.

As I stepped onto the suspended bridge, I could feel the fear coming. Somehow, I got to do this. And do it alone! To some people, this is no big deal. But to me, who have a fear of heights, it was a big deal.

I held on tight to the ropes as I put my right foot forward.



Will I make it? Find out in my next post coming right up!


FIRST COMMENTER

(51) Comments

  1. Anonymous

    Nice pictures. My dogs would love to run loose in there, heh. They wouldn't be that keen on the rope bridge thing though... not sure I would either. :P

    March 6, 2009 at 6:14 AM
  2. Anonymous

    Hey I can accompany you next time if you don't have a buddy to go with you..hehhe :)

    I have a fear of heights too but I am proud to say that I conquered the canopy walk..woohoo!!

    I do agree about being fit before attempting the climb up to reach the canopy walk.

    March 6, 2009 at 8:28 AM
  3. HEALTH NUT WANNABEE MOM said...

    It is amazing and beautiful! I am proud of you for facing your fears. I am afraid of heights too!

    March 6, 2009 at 9:16 AM
  4. levian said...

    yes you'll make it! :D i share your fear of height as well. i conquer my fear during my visit to miri. but then again, it's not like the fear is gonna go away after that either. :p

    March 6, 2009 at 9:16 AM
  5. Anonymous

    i went to Taman Pertanian at shah alam and they offered something similar... maybe u should pay a visit there also... :D

    March 6, 2009 at 9:56 AM
  6. Anonymous

    i would stamp whenever i cross this kinda bridge to, u know annoy da hell out of people like u! :P
    i sound so mean :S

    March 6, 2009 at 10:30 AM
  7. iamthewitch said...

    Haha suspense! Of course you'll make it! I have faith in you! :)

    March 6, 2009 at 10:32 AM
  8. Anonymous

    I know you'll make it but I don't wanna spoil the fun in your next post by saying anything just yet...;)

    March 6, 2009 at 10:41 AM
  9. Anonymous

    It's very brave of you to walk there despite your acrophobia.

    Reminds me the time we walked at the Mac Ritchie reservoir here in Singapore...don't you just love the smell of the forest?

    March 6, 2009 at 10:52 AM
  10. Borneo Falcon said...

    I always fancy this type of nature walk

    March 6, 2009 at 11:33 AM
  11. eastcoastlife said...

    Hey, I like this place immediately!
    That would be fun to explore!

    March 6, 2009 at 12:29 PM
  12. eastcoastlife said...

    I have a fear of heights too but this will be an awesome experience.

    March 6, 2009 at 12:29 PM
  13. eastcoastlife said...

    Congrats for being FC on EastCoastLife! :D

    March 6, 2009 at 12:30 PM
  14. lina said...

    didn't meet any guy singing in the jungle kah this time. Hehehe...

    Nice. Been awhile since I last do any nature walk. Must do one soon, but maybe after the rainy season lah. Err... got pacat or not?

    March 6, 2009 at 1:32 PM
  15. Merryn said...

    not scared of mozzies eh?

    very brave of u to go thru it alone! congrats!

    i know, u'll sure make it.. if u can stand on the canopy n holding a cam on da other hand.. apa lagi? sure can do! ;)

    March 6, 2009 at 1:37 PM
  16. Anonymous

    Eyew...no, thank you! Anyway, I don;t think it can stand my weight! LOL!!!

    March 6, 2009 at 2:29 PM
  17. Rad Sujanto said...

    Love the nature too! I used to live in a city of jungle where the city was basically surrounded by a jungle. So cool!

    You've typed this story down here and said "...Well, all that changed yesterday.", how would you not make it?

    March 6, 2009 at 3:02 PM
  18. [SK] said...

    though a bit scary, but i think that was fun walking on the canopy leh.. hahaha!!

    March 6, 2009 at 5:57 PM
  19. Pike-chan said...

    It was fun walking the canopy! I walked there a few times already... and nice FRIM pics u got there.

    March 6, 2009 at 7:11 PM
  20. Angie Tan said...

    I can't wait for your 2nd post!

    I'm also afraid of heights. I don't think I'll be able to keep my mind off the height.

    If I went with some friends who are naughty, am sure that they will shake the ropes and walkway. Haha

    March 6, 2009 at 7:20 PM
  21. foongpc said...

    lindsay, thanks. I'm sure your dogs would love it there! You and your dogs have acrophobia too? : )

    mei teng, really? Good! Next time I'll ask you to go canopy walking with me. Haha!

    Oh, yes! Definitely have to be quite fit to climb that steep, steep jungle trail! : )

    health nut wannabee mom, thanks! You afraid of heights too? Maybe you should try this canopy walking too! : )

    March 6, 2009 at 10:39 PM
  22. foongpc said...

    levian, oh you have fear of heights too? Looks like this phobia is quite common! LOL! Will read about your experience in Miri : )

    nic, I went to Taman Pertanian before, but didn't know they have canopy walk too! Oh, I will keep that in mind and go there next time! How long is the canopy walk there?

    annant, wah you so naughty one ah? Then I won't invite you to go canopy walking with me! : )

    March 6, 2009 at 10:52 PM
  23. foongpc said...

    iamthewitch, thanks for having faith with me! Gosh, I better have more faith in myself! Haha!

    mei teng, wow, you also have faith in me? Thanks! : )

    jade, thanks. I just wanted to face my fear of heights.I haven't been to Mac Ritchie reservoir in Singapore. Would love to go there! The smell of the forests is heavenly!! : )

    March 6, 2009 at 10:59 PM
  24. foongpc said...

    borneo falcon, really? Maybe we can meet up one day in the forests! haha! I love nature and walking in the forests or the parks are very therapeutic for me : )

    eastcoastlife, come and visit FRIM one of these days. If you love nature, you will love the place! And walking on the canopy is definitely a great experience!

    I am thinking of visiting Taman Negara in Pahang next - they have the longest canopy walkway in the world!

    Btw, great to be first commenter on your blog! : )

    March 6, 2009 at 11:08 PM
  25. foongpc said...

    lina, thank God, no! If I meet the same "guy" in FRIM, I'll die of fright! LOL!

    Didn't see any pacat. But saw lipan - quite big ones! : )

    merryn, surprisingly no mosquitoes there! Actually I'm scared but won't allow that to stop me from taking photos! Haha!

    suituapui, wah you so heavy meh? Think should not be a problem. It can take quite a lot of weight. But to be safe, I think I better not be walking on the canopy if you are on it! LOL!

    March 6, 2009 at 11:16 PM
  26. foongpc said...

    rad, a city surrounded by jungle? I think I will definitely love staying in such a city! So you think I will make it? I hope so. Haha!

    SK, yeah it's fun and scary at the same time. Maybe it's scary that's why it was fun! LOL!

    pikey, you walked the canopy a few times already? So no fear of heights for you I guess! : )

    March 6, 2009 at 11:21 PM
  27. foongpc said...

    angie tan, looks like a lot of bloggers are also afraid of height. And I thought I'm the only one! Haha!

    You must go try this canopy walkway! Just make sure you go with someone who does not do naughty things like shaking the ropes and jumping on the walkway! : )

    March 6, 2009 at 11:24 PM
  28. Faisal Admar said...

    It looks like Penang Hill if you go hiking. Nature is always good... I love greeny environment a lot!

    Now you got FC too? Great!

    March 7, 2009 at 12:31 AM
  29. foongpc said...

    faisal, does it? I've been to Penang Hill and it's a nice place!

    Yes, now have FC so you can try to make it as my FC! : )

    March 7, 2009 at 1:18 AM
  30. Ayie said...

    Trekking is quite tiring but very rewarding. Walking around those towering trees and and all sort of plants is really nice.

    March 7, 2009 at 1:52 AM
  31. foongpc said...

    ayie, yes it is really rewarding and nice. We need to be with nature regularly. Staying in concrete buildings just isn't that healthy!

    March 7, 2009 at 2:26 AM
  32. Anonymous

    Oh hey.. You're not alone..
    I'm afraid of heights too..
    That was why I didn't dare to take a flight until about 6 years ago..
    But I think I'm getting better at it.
    I still have problems looking down though. But definitely much better than last time.

    By the way, I think you made it through the walk.. :)

    March 7, 2009 at 3:57 AM
  33. Robin CHAN said...

    nice pictures

    interesting walk..

    thanks for this post, now i know about this nature walk

    March 7, 2009 at 8:11 AM
  34. khengsiong said...

    I also have acrophobia...

    Haven't been to FRIM, but did go to Bukit Cahaya in Shah Alam.

    March 7, 2009 at 9:39 AM
  35. Anonymous

    Many of mine friends have acrophobia too!

    I think I need share your blog to them! :)

    March 7, 2009 at 10:39 AM
  36. Anonymous

    Wow, you're brave to go through that if you have a fear of heights. Great job Foong! In some countries, you can use a zip line to go through the jungle. Do you have that there?

    March 7, 2009 at 11:05 AM
  37. eiling lim said...

    I have been there but did not go for the canopy walk. The bridge looks interesting... hmm..

    March 7, 2009 at 11:28 AM
  38. HappySurfer said...

    I haven't been to FRIM but would love to someday. I understand there is a limit to the number of people on the Canopy Walkway at one time.

    I walked on one at Stone Mountain (think that's what it's called) in Kuching. That one is like three times broader than this one and is shaky. How is the one at FRIM?

    Foong, for practice nearer than Taman Negara, you might want to try the one at Sunway Lagoon or Gentings.

    It's nice to be able to get off work any time to go forest-trekking. Btw, are there many mosquitoes at FRIM?

    March 7, 2009 at 2:01 PM
  39. Anonymous

    ooh... i have not been to frim. but would love to!

    March 7, 2009 at 10:15 PM
  40. Robo said...

    That's really beautiful! I love the greeneries!
    I have to salute for trekking alone and even step on the suspension bridge! You are the man!

    Please post the part 2 as soon as possible! I love to see the pictures!

    March 8, 2009 at 1:03 AM
  41. foongpc said...

    cashmere, I'm afraid of heights but never afraid to take the plane. Maybe because inside the plane you don't really feel that you are so high up! I'm only afraid if it's an open area like the edge of a cliff or on a bridge or on a high balcony.

    It's a good thing you are able to take flights now, otherwise you won't be able to travel overseas! : )

    March 8, 2009 at 4:54 PM
  42. foongpc said...

    robin, thanks! Also thanks for dropping by! : )

    khengsiong, I have been to Bukit Cahaya in Shah Alam, but didn't realise there's a canopy walkway there too. I really must go there one of these days! : )

    tiny, oh you are iWalk! I didn't realise you are using another name! It seems a lot of people have acrophobia. Didn't realise it is so common! : )

    March 8, 2009 at 4:57 PM
  43. foongpc said...

    babette, thanks! Wow! I would love to take the zipline! Will feel like Tarzan swinging from tree to tree! But sadly, no zipline here. They should introduce it here! : )

    eiling, oh you should try it! It's fun! : )

    March 8, 2009 at 5:03 PM
  44. foongpc said...

    happysurfer, yes they limit the number of people on the bridge at any one time. I have never been to Stone Mountain. It's shaky? Gosh, I think I will have problem walking there. With acrophobia, I don't like shaky bridge at all! The one at FRIM is not too shaky, at least I can still take it : )

    Oh, I know about that one in Sunway Lagoon - scary!!

    I purposely go on a weekday, cos if go on weekend, there'll be a lot of people and I wouldn't want people to shake the bridge while I'm walking on it! Haha!

    Surprisingly, I've never been bitten by any mosquitoes at FRIM! So I can safely say you won't be troubled by mosquitoes there : )

    March 8, 2009 at 5:09 PM
  45. foongpc said...

    renaye, yeah you should go and have a good time! : )

    robo, thanks! Actually I've been there many times so the jungle trail is no problem to me. Only afraid of the canopy walkway, but I guess I have to face it!

    I think we are both lovers of nature and the outdoor greeneries : )

    March 8, 2009 at 5:12 PM
  46. Monica said...

    oh now only I know there's a canopy walkway in Kepong!

    March 9, 2009 at 6:25 AM
  47. foongpc said...

    monica, aha! Now you know! So will you go there and try the canopy walkway? : )

    March 9, 2009 at 2:40 PM
  48. Monica said...

    Foong, I cannot stand mosquitoes! lol

    March 10, 2009 at 5:42 PM
  49. foongpc said...

    monica, good news - there's no mosquitoes at FRIM. At least I don't remember getting bitten every time I went there! : )

    March 11, 2009 at 12:35 AM
  50. Tekkaus said...

    Hi nature lover. Sorry I didn't comment for such a long time. Something it's going on with my streamyx and firefox! =(

    30m above the ground is really high! Yupe, you'd better face what you fear! FEAR FACTOR! =)

    March 18, 2009 at 1:37 AM
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