How to Book a Canopy Skywalk or Nature Trekking at FRIM

A Practical Guide for First Timers

Located just outside Kuala Lumpur, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) offers an incredible opportunity for nature lovers to explore lush greenery through its canopy skywalk and nature trekking options. Whether you are a local or a tourist, these activities provide a perfect escape from the bustling city life.

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is one of those places that many people say they want to visit, but are not quite sure how to organise. The booking process is not complicated, but it does require some planning, especially if you are going as a group.

Here is a step-by-step guide based on my recent experience.

Step 1: Decide Which Activity You Want

There are two separate activities at FRIM:

1. Canopy Skywalk at Taman Botani Kepong
2. Nature Trekking with a Guide at FRIM Campus

You do not have to do both. You can choose one, depending on your group’s interest, fitness level, and time available.

IMPORTANT: The two activities take place in different locations. Plan your transport accordingly. There is no direct public transport so carpooling is recommended. 

Step 2: Write to FRIM Early

Start by emailing FRIM and let them know:

• Your preferred date
• Number of participants
• Which activity you want to do
• Plan at least two weeks ahead. FRIM requires participant details for registration and indemnity purposes, and this is often the most time-consuming part because people need reminders to fill in forms.
• All payments must be made online and upfront.

Telephone: +603-62797649
E-mail: [email protected]

IMPORTANT: Keep the confirmation letter from FRIM in your phone and share it with all participants. The security team will ask to see this at both locations. You will be asked to scan a QR code and enter your details. 

Step 3: Fees and Entry

• Entrance fee: RM1 per person
• Parking fee: RM5 per vehicle
  

Once you are in Taman Botani Kepong, you can freely use the facilities. However, to access the Canopy Skywalk, there is an additional charge:

• RM15 per Malaysian
• RM40 per non-Malaysian
  
• There is also an optional 50 m tower climb along the canopy route, which comes with an extra fee. 

You can find the full and updated fee table on the FRIM website: https://skywalk.frim.gov.my/

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE CANOPY SKYWALK

• You must be hands-free. If your bag is heavy, leave it with the guides at the starting point.
• Only 5 people are allowed on the walkway at one time. 
• There is no safety harness, but railings are installed
• The view is spectacular, but it is very high. If you have a fear of heights, DO NOT attempt this.  
• Drink water or an isotonic drink before you start.
• The staircases are steep and they sway. Focus on your safety and do box breathing to stay calm.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE NATURE TREK

For nature trekking, you must book a guide through FRIM.

1. The number of guides depends on group size.
2. For our group of 15, we were assigned two guides at RM150 per guide, making it RM300 in total.
3. There are multiple trekking routes. The one we took was about 800 metres, mostly uphill, and took around 1.5 hours.

The guides shared:

• Survival skills
• How to mark paths if lost
• How to signal rescuers
• Edible plants and clean water sources
• Basic first aid using native plants
• The history of FRIM and the forest
  

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING

1. Wear suitable shoes with good grip or hiking shoes. Running shoes are not good for this actvity. Some parts are steep and uneven.
2. A hiking stick helps a lot, especially on slopes.
3. Bring a light waterproof jacket. Consider keeping a change of clothes in your car case of heavy rain.
4. Use mosquito repellent or eucalyptus oil and spray them before you enter the trek.
5. Wear long socks and long pants. We did not encounter leeches, but they may appear after rain.
6. Bring water. I find that 500 ml of water is not enough. Please have breakfast before you go, there is no food inside and don't attempt this on an empty stomach. We started at 9.30am and ended at 1.30pm.
7. Bring rubbish bags and do not litter. I used a ziplock bag and kept it til I could safely dispose all the rubbish in a bin.
8. Carry a fully charged phone or camera.

RESPECT THE FOREST

Follow your guides’ instructions at all times. Although FRIM is a man-made forest, it is still a tropical rainforest where wildlife thrives. Do not touch, break, or remove plants or branches.

FRIM is a protected UNESCO site and a valuable biodiversity research resource.

Leave only footprints and take only photographs.

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