[MALAYSIA] SELANGOR - Ultimate Guide to the FRIM Kepong Forest Skywalk

08:00 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong, Selangor, is one of the world's leading institutions in tropical forestry research. Spanning 545 hectares adjacent to the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve, it is not just a prestigious scientific hub, but also the largest and oldest man-made tropical forest in the world. Here is everything you need to know before you lace up your sneakers.

What looks today like an ancient, primeval jungle was actually a completely barren wasteland just a century ago. In the early 1900s, the area we now know as FRIM was heavily degraded. It had been stripped completely bare, exploited intensely by tin mining operations, and taken over by casual vegetable farming. In 1926, a visionary colonial forest officer named Dr. F.W. Foxworthy established a forest research nursery on this site. Starting in the late 1920s and into the 1930s, botanists and foresters began meticulously planting native tree species. In less than 100 years, the soil quality, canopy layout, and biodiversity of FRIM are virtually indistinguishable from a virgin, undisturbed rainforest.

Its immense ecological and historical significance earned the FRIM Forest Park Selangor official status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025, making it Malaysia's sixth listed treasure.

The Forest Skywalk is FRIM’s second canopy walkway which is located at Kepong Botanical Gardens (KBG). The highest point of the structure is 141 m above sea level. It isn't just a simple rope bridge; it’s a solid, engineered structure made of aluminum and reinforced with steel tubes, fully secured by guy wires.

Adults: RM 15.00 (MyKad Holders), RM 40.00 (Non-Malaysians)

Students (7–17 years): RM 8.00 (MyKad Holders), RM 25.00 (Non-Malaysians)

Senior Citizens (60+) RM 10.00 (MyKad Holders), RM 40.00 (Non-Malaysians)

Optional 50m Tower Add-on: + RM 5.00 (MyKad Holders), + RM 10.00 (Non-Malaysians)

Age limit: 7 & above for Forest Skywalk; 13 & above for 50 m tower

Park Admission: RM1 (Malaysians) / RM5 (Non-Malaysians)  

Car Parking: RM5 per entry

Camera Fees: If you plan on bringing a serious rig (SLR or DSLR camera), there is a nominal RM5 commercial/professional camera fee at the entrance.

Saturday to Thursday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Last entry times may vary)

Friday: CLOSED (The skywalk and botanical gardens close on Fridays for maintenance).

It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance via the official FRIM website, as slots can fill up, especially for the cooler morning sessions. There are only 40 slots for skywalk and 6 slots for 50m tower for each time slot (8:30am, 9am, 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, 3:30pn). You will still to exchange for ticket at the ticket office.

Website: https://skywalk.frim.gov.my

Note: The skywalk is entirely unsheltered, so it will close temporarily during heavy rain or thunderstorms for safety. It was raining heavily during my 9am time slot, so it was closed temporarily. After the rain stopped around 10am, I was able to get in.

Go Early: The morning slot (8:30 AM) is easily the best. The air is crisp, the sun isn't punishing yet, and wildlife is much more active.

Dress Appropriately: You will be turned away from the Skywalk if you wear sandals or slippers. Snug, covered sports shoes or hiking shoes are mandatory.

Pack Light, Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle to beat the humidity, but keep your hands free. You’ll want your hands available for holding onto the railings and holding your phone tightly while taking photos!

From the Forest Skywalk office, you need to walk 100 m along an easy trail. 

Only one person can climb each flight of steps. And no more than 5 person could stay on the skywalk at one time. Once on the skywalk, visitors can spend 30 to 40 minutes to complete the loop.

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