KOTA KINABALU: One of Sandakan district’s most iconic landmarks, the Rainforest Skywalk is finally complete after almost 20 years of on-and-off construction and extension.

       The canopy walkway, which is now 620m long after the completion of its final extension of 250m, would serve as a safe and perfect amenity for visitors and researchers, as well as bird watchers at the Rainforest Discovery Center in Sepilok.

       Presentation of Certificate of Practical Completion to Buildtech Enterprise, by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan (2nd left), accompanied by Dr Robert Ong (right), Deputy Chief Conservator (R&D) and other Forestry officers, with the Hornbill Tower at the background.

       State Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said this structure is one of the main attractions at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), an environmental education facility run by the Sabah Forestry Department.

       He said the Skywalk traverses amongst the tall jungle trees some 25 meters off the ground.

       “Together with a well-maintained network of forest trails, they serve as the key amenities which draw birders from all over to Sepilok.

       “It is also not unusual to see orangutans along the Skywalk, particularly during the fruiting season,” Kugan added.

       He said other wildlife sightseeing including watching flying squirrels at dusk is another popular activity along the Skywalk.

       Following the completion of this skywalk, he hopes to see the inaugural Borneo Bird Festival which had in the past attracted heaps of enthusiasts to Sandakan, make a strong comeback this October.

       “The festival was not held the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic so we hope to see it return strong this year,” Kugan said.

       The construction of the walkway began during the period of the 8th Malaysia Plan in 2003, with the building of two towers.

       Due to funding constraints, construction was carried out over five phases, with early funding coming largely from the Federal Government.

       The last part of this project, which is the 250m extension skywalk worth RM4mil, is funded by the state government under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

       In total, about RM13mil has been spent for its entire construction, Kugan revealed.