Today, we’re around two hours north-east of Kota Kinabalu in Kinabalu National Park, that’s proud to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s famous of course for the imposing and majestic 4,095 metres high Mount Kinabalu that is the 20th most prominent mountain in the world, and one of the highest that you can reach the summit without specialist climbing skills. To make a summit attempt on Mount Kinabalu is the primary reason why many visitors, both local and international visit the National Park however there are many other attractions for climbers and non-climbers alike to enjoy and today we focus on the Poring Canopy Walkway.

Poring Canopy Walkway in Kinabalu National Park

Getting to Poring Canopy Walkway, Kinabalu National Park

The walkway(s) are located in the same area of the National Park as Poring Hot Springs, a hot sulphur spring that’s believed to have therapeutic properties that will be focus of a future blog. The Canopy Walkway actually consists of two walkways; the first was opened in May 1990 whilst the second opened around 2005/6 specifically for bird watchers to take advantage of the hundreds of species found in Kinabalu National Park. This second walkway is slightly lower and is the walkway we’re enjoying today with the original walkway closed for maintenance.

The height of the walkways ranges from around 20 to over 40 metres above the rainforest floor and the walks are around 175 metres long. It’s about a 1km walk to the entrance, as you’d expect uphill most of the way and culminates in a lots of steps, slippery when wet so wear some good walking boots or shoes with lots of tread.

The path that leads to the entrance of Poring Canopy Walkway

Walking on the Poring Canopy Walkway

After your ticket is checked by the friendly rangers, the first steps onto the walkway are an experience, especially for someone like your blogger who suffers from mild vertigo! However, I follow my own advice, (most of the time!) which is not to look down but just to focus on savouring the rare and privileged feeling of walking through the millions of years old rainforest and enjoying the same view that the birds and smaller mammals enjoy.

Some of the trees, including the ones securing the Canopy Walkway are simply huge with massive girths and include the Menggaris tree (Koompassia excelsa). The walk takes around 20 minutes to complete, may be longer as time passes so fast then it’s time to slowly descend back to the pathway back to the main Poring Hot Spring area.

The National Park recommend that anyone with “Heart ailments, hypertension or height phobia” refrain from taking the canopy walk – you do require a reasonable level of fitness so may be something to give a miss if you’ve reduced mobility or you’re elderly.

But all in all, a tremendous experience and a rare opportunity to get ‘up close and personal’ with the rainforest canopy.

Top Tip

Wear walking boots or shoes with plenty of tread.

Blue Kinabalu tours to Kinabalu National Park, both climbing and non-climbing always include an opportunity to experience the Poring Canopy Walkway.

About Martin

Martin is a British expat living in Kota Kinabalu who arranges tailored tours within Sabah primarily for British and Western tourists on behalf of Blue Kinabalu Travel Agency.