The walkway follows a roughly rectangular shape and crosses the river twice.
It is located in the unspoilt scenery of the Sungai Sedim Recreational Park, about a 30-minute drive from the town of Kulim in Kedah.
The walkway took 14 months to build and was completed in March 2005. It is a substantial structure made from steel pylons and trusses which together weigh a massive 422,214 kg according to a notice in the ticket office.
Some might argue this is more like a pedestrian suspension bridge and not a proper canopy walk since it is not attached to the trees.
However, it does provide a bird’s eye view of the roof of the forest and, since it is self-supporting, does not damage the trees.
Also, even though the walkway is made of a sturdy steel grille, it does sway and wobble somewhat – something children will enjoy but vertigo sufferers will find disconcerting.
Canopy walks in Malaysia
Malaysia must be the canopy walk capital of the world.
Canopy walks have become popular eco-tourism attractions in countries such as South Africa, Australia, Costa Rica and the US but no country on earth can compare with Malaysia when it comes to the sheer number and size of rainforest canopy walks.
There are 10 canopy walks in Malaysia:
• Tree Top Walk Sungai Sedim (Length: 925 m; Height: 26 m)
• Taman Negara (Length: 530 m; Height: 50 m)
• Mulu National Park (Length: 480 m; Height: 25 m)
• Danum Valley, Sabah (Length: 300 m; Height: 26 m)
• Penang National Park (Length: 250 m; Height: 15 m)
• Bukit Gemok, Tawau (Length: 231 m; Height: 26 m)
• KL Forest Eco Park (Length: 200 m; Height: 15 m)
• Poring, Sabah (Length: 175 m; Height: 43 m)
• FRIM, Selangor (Length: 150 m; Height: 30 m)
• Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sabah (Length: 147 m; Height: 28 m)
Other Attractions at Sungai Sedim:
Hiking: According to a map next to the Tree Top Walk, there is a trail to Gunung Bintang, 1,862 m, via Lata Riau. The distance shown is a very challenging 14.2 km (one way).
Another trail passes a number of Lubuk (swimming holes) including the intriguingly named Lubuk 3 Beradik (three sisters).
White water rafting: The turbulent Sungai Sedim offers exciting white water rafting opportunities for the adventurous.
Abseiling and paint-balling: Various fun or team-building type activities such as all-terrain vehicles, abseiling, paint-balling, fishing and camping etc can be arranged here. The canopy walk is ideal for bird enthusiasts and butterfly lovers.
Opening hours and admission charges
The Tree Top Walk is open daily from 9am to 5.30pm, weather permitting.
Entrance is RM10 for adults and RM6 for children aged seven – 17. Concessions are available.
How to get to Tree Top Walk Sungai Sedim
If you are driving, find the K115 highway between Kulim and Mahang and look out for signs to Sungai Sedim not far from Karangan.
Accommodation
There is a resort located next to Tree Top Walk, the Sedim Rainforest Resort. They have chalets (that look very nice), dormitory accommodation and camping facilities. They also arrange activities and team-building packages.
Details of these activities can be found on their website.
If you prefer to be closer to “civilisation”, you can find hotels at discounted rates in nearby Kulim on Agoda’s website.
This article first appeared in malaysia-traveller.com