Challenge Yourself Zipping Across Penang Highest Rainforest @ The Habitat Penang Hill

Have you ever thought of zipping across the Penang 130 million years old rainforest canopy at the top of Penang hill with elevation about 800m from sea level?

Yes, now you can take up this challenges at "The Flight of the Colugo", which began its operation in the end of 2018. Named after the Sunda Colugo aka The Malayan Flying Lemur (which you can spot them if the luck sides with you at Penang Hill), the entire adventure course comprises of 5 zip lines, 1 abseil and 1 rope bridge. It may sounds scary to zip through at such height but the team at The Habitat Penang has put stringent safety procedures in place. 

Thanks to The Habitat Penang Hill for extending the invitation for us to try.

From our personal experiences, the zipping is more skewed toward a leisure type with minimal adrenaline rush. At the same time, the friendliness and affection of the accompanying guides in explaining the surrounding allowed us to learn a bit of the nature wonder in Penang Hill!

The Habitat is located deep inside Penang Hill. In order to get to Penang Hill, you can hike up from various available hiking way but taking the funicular railway is the most convenient option (easiest and fastest). Alternatively, taking a jeep from Botanical Garden is another option.

Once you reach Penang Hill, head to The Habitat booth at Penang hill square in the center and the crew on duty will guide you to take a jeep ride to The Habitat. 

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Aside from the popular activities such as The Canopy Walk or Sunset Walk in The Habitat, the latest  attraction that you must try out is "The Flight of the Colugo" that let you zip through the amazing rainforest canopy at the Penang Hill.

We tried it and absolutely had a fun time during the entire process. Not only we get to have a different perspective of Penang hill, we also learn a bit more on the nature of Penang hill.

To enjoy "The Flight of the Colugo", you will need to purchase the ticket to The Habitat Penang separately.

Note: Every last Sunday of the month will have 50% discount on the entrance ticket to The Habitat!

"The Flight of the Colugo" will run the first zip at 9.30am and last zip at 4.00pm, depending on the weather condition. The Full Experience that covers the entire course is RM 99 per pax, and there is another zip - Honeymoon Zip that has 2 people zipping together cost RM 30. For your information, part of the income will go into the conservation projects carried out by The Habitat Group.

Prior booking is required to prevent disappointment as "The Flight of the Colugo" is extremely popular! Maximum guest per session is 8, thus plan ahead if you are coming in big group.

We reached The Habitat early in 9.30am and get ourselves prepared both physically and mentally to take up this challenge. After underwent the safety procedures briefing and equipped ourselves with the equipment, we embarked on the challenge!

Gear Up

Safety briefing before begin the fun

Initially, we were tremendously anxious. However thanks to the experience guide, they managed to put us at ease and we got to know the entire zipping line was not as scary as we thought! Aside from the stringent safety procedures, there will be a guide catching you in another end and ensure you will land on the platform accordingly. Furthermore, the speed was throttled and we get to relax while enjoying the surrounding during the course line.

i) The Honeymoon Zip

The Honeymoon Zip is the first zipping station - the longest zip line, and the one with double zip that runs concurrently. Therefore, couple like us can zip together while holding hand and this is indeed an unique experience.

For those who wish to have a trial on the zipping experience, you can opt to go through this station only at the fees of RM 30. However, stopping the fun factor abruptly after enjoying a bit is so demotivating, thus we encourage you all to go for a full zipping course that covers 5 zipping line, 1 abseiling and 1 rope bridge.

ii) Abseiling

After finishing the second zip, we were required to abseil down from the platform. Again, it sounded scary but the fact it was a relaxing trip. It was not a free fall but the speed was throttled. We were abseiled to the ground with a constant slow speed that allowed us to enjoy the entire process.

iii) The Rope Bridge

After a few zips, we were required to walk across The Rope Bridge. The bridge can only support one person at one times but it was solid with minimal shake. Walking on top of the canopy is really an unique and fun experience!

Before we cross the Rope Bridge, we are told we are standing near to the untouched and protected natural site of Penang Hill, where the trees, flora, fauna and creatures have been existing here for millions years. This is an unique location to be at, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Instead of the concrete jungles we see everyday, this is the true jungle that The Habitat Penang has been doing a great job in preserving it!

At the same time, the strategic location here also allows you to have the unprecedented view of the Andaman Sea. Sometimes if the weather is good and the sky is clear, you can see the highest hill of Kedah - Gunung Jerai too!

iv) Finishing the Zip 

Then we continued and finished the remaining zip lines, and head back to the starting point. The entire zipping course probably took an hour, depending on the speed of each individual.

At the second last or last zip platform, you can even see the natural latex coming from Pokok Jelutong! It was a popular item in older time where it was being used to make candles and other stuffs.

Although the entire zipping line is built within the forest protection zone, strict procedure is being adhered to prevent any damage to the natural habitat. For instance, no trees shall be damaged and the management of The Habitat adopted an unique "tree hugging system" that latch that platform to the trees.

On top of that, any changes or modification to any trees or habitat within Penang Hill also require special approval from the forestry department to ensure the sustainability of the forest.

If you ask us how is the entire experience, we would say it is a fun, worth-trying and unparalled experience that no where else can offer. It was value for money and suitable for weekend escapade from the urban life and unwind yourself. 

Furthermore, there are many other activities that you can explore in The Habitat!

The Habitat Penang Hill

The Habitat Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Penang, Malaysia.

Tel: +604 - 826 7677; Whatsapp: +6019 645 7741

Email: [email protected]