Langkawi Sky Bridge
About the Sky Bridge
If you have ever imagined walking on a footbridge which is hanging high up in the sky and soaking in the exhilarating views of mountains and the sea below, you can actually fulfill that dream in Langkawi. The sky bridge which is part of the master plan of Mount Mat Cincang Geo Park, has been designed and constructed to give you such experience which is otherwise impossible to attain.
Langkawi Sky Bridge supported by the blue pylon
It is a curved suspended bridge made of steel that hangs at an altitude of about 700 meters from the sea level and supported by a single pylon in the middle. The pylon which is a tall tower like structure, has a record breaking height of 82-meters from the point where it is grounded on a ridge and keeps the bridge suspended in an open space next to the peak of Mount Mat Cincang.
The curved sky bridge is 125 meters long and 1.8 meters wide. It is considered amongst the longest curved pedestrian bridges in the world. It hangs in the space over virgin mountain forest offering unbelievable views. On a clear day you get views of the Andaman sea and its islands, and even some parts of Thailand.
There are two triangular platforms at two ends of the bridge, which are wider and serve as resting and viewing areas for the tourists. The curved shape of the bridge gives a unique feeling as you walk along. It provides different perspectives of the surroundings with every gentle turn you take. The bridge actually connects Mt. Matcincang with a neighboring mountain.
Photo: Phalinn Ooi, flickr, cc by 2.0
The skybridge is quite safe for visitors. It has two solid steel railings on two sides as well as steel wire mesh below. So you can not fall off.
Langkawi Sky Bridge Facts
You must be wondering how such a suspended curved bridge was constructed and installed so high up in the sky. Yes, it is considered one of the engineering marvels in the world. It had to take into account so many factors like balancing from the top of a single pylon, the optimal load and its correct distribution throughout the bridge, pre-fabrication of the bridge and how to install at such difficult high terrain. In fact after fabrication, the entire bridge was lifted by helicopter up to the peak of the mountain and then fitted into the pylon.
Total length of the bridge is 125 meters;
Height of the pylon or the only supporting structure is 82 meters;
The pylon is grounded at a height of 605 meters above sea level;
The top of the pylon is therefore at an altitude of 687 meters (82 + 605) above the sea level;
Maximum capacity of the bridge is 250 persons at the same time;
The area of the bridge is 500 sq. meters;
The sky bridge was constructed and commissioned over 12 months and between Aug 2003 to Aug 2004;
It was opened to public on 27th February 2005.
Photo: Khalzuri Yazid, flcikr, cc by-sa 2.0
Open Hours & Entry Fee
Skybride is open 10am to 5pm daily.
Entry: RM6 for adults and RM4 for child. This is separate from the cable car ride. You can purchase tickets at the ticket counter located at the top station.
Tips
If it is cloudy around the bridge and the peak of Mt. Mat Cincang, you won't get any views. So see from the base (i.e. Oriental Village) if there is any cloud formation before you buy your tickets. The taxi drivers can help you.
There can be a long queue at the cable car ticketing counter as well as at the gondola waiting area. The total waiting time can be well over an hour depending on the time and day of the week. So go early before the counter opens.
Update February 2015:
The main structures of the Sky Bridge have been replaced with steel. There is a new 10-meter long glass made walkway at the middle section so that tourists can get stunning views of the valley and rainforest below.
Getting to the Sky Bridge
So where is the skybridge and how can you reach there? The bridge is located at the peak of Mt. Mat Cincang. You will need to take the
Cable Car Ride from
Oriental Village in Pantai Kok area, go up to the top station and then access the bridge through a stairway. That is the only way you can reach the skybridge.
From the cable car you get spectacular views of mountains, rain forests, beautiful valleys, the Andaman sea and the islands on it. From the top station, there is an approach way through the jungle and a steep flight of stairs leading to the bridge (takes about 10 minutes one-way). It could be a tedious climb on the way back up for some and not suitable for those having mobility issues.
Note:
Now there is SkyGlide which is essentially a glass paneled elevator which operates from the top station of the Cable Car and traverses a track of 94-meters to reach you to the Sky Bridge in less than 2 minutes. This is a comfortable ride but requires a separate ticket which you can buy from the Top Cable Car Station (adult ticket is RM16 bothway and chld ticket is RM11). SkyGlide can accommodate 12 persons at a time.
Location & Contacts
Address: Langkawi Cable Car, Oriental Village, Burau Bay,
07100 Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
It's located at the north western side of Langkawi in Patai Kok area. You can take a taxi or a rental car to reach the cable car which operates from the Oriental Village.
Map location of Langkawi Cable Car / Sky Bridge
Related Articles
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Oriental Village: All other attractions & activities in Oriental Village complex.
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Pantai Kok Guide: All about Pantai Kok including activities, hotels, restaurants, shopping etc.
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