LOCATION:
This unique steel bridge is located some hundreds of feet below the Top Station of Langkawi Cable Car. To get here, one needs to disembark at the Top Station from the cable car, and then head down on a clearly marked jungle trail for about 10 minutes.
The Langkawi Cable Car base station is located inside the Oriental Village compound in Teluk Burau (or Burau Bay).
DESCRIPTION:
In all honesty, I was not aware of this spectacular structure which was introduced in 2005 as a part of the master plan for the Machinchang Geopark. Only after seeing the suspension bridge photos from some travel brochures online that I realised this steel structure is something of an engineering marvel that worth a visit while in Pulau Langkawi.
Its construction commenced in August 2003 in a joint venture project undertaken by a local outfit that goes by the name of Alam Langkawi Sdn Bhd, Wyss Planning Consultants and an engineering design company called Hoeltschi & Schurter of Switzerland. The construction cost for the suspension bridge stood at RM2.45 million and with a total involvement of 100 personnel and the structure was completed by October 2004.
The statistics are rather staggering. The 125-metre curved pedestrian crossing stood at 687 metres above sea level and the overall steel structure is supported by a single pylon measuring at a height of 82 metres from the deep gully down below. The critical design element of this imposing bridge includes a total of eight load-balancing cables that distribute the overall weight on the single pylon.
So, what does it feel like to be walking along the curved path high above the deep valleys of Machinchang Range? To me, the feeling was subtle, a mixture of thrills, frightening and of course, fun! It goes without saying that the views are fantastic - the majestic and cragged peaks of the mountain system straight ahead, and the sublime view of the wide open Andaman Sea to the north. If you have the guts, try to peak over the steel railing into the valley for an amazing view of the 500 million years old rainforests.
While it is completely safe, one does feel the bridge to be slightly swayed even during mild wind condition. There should be nothing to worry about. It does take a lot of guts to be leaning against the metal rail for that picture-perfect pose which will tell those back home of your spine-tingling experience on walking above clouds over the geological marvel that is Machinchang Range. A good tip is to look straight ahead instead of trying to peak what lies underneath through the small gaps of the crossing path.
MY VERDICT:
Highly recommended! Something to tell the story about when returning home. Truly an engineering marvel and fabulous view throughout. A very unique attraction for Pulau Langkawi.
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