Poring - Canopy Walkway Bridge

We were not attracted by the hot spring in Proing, but very eager to experience the Canopy walkway. Poring Hot Springs is in the Kota Kinabalu Park (Sabah state in the Malaysian Borneo) and it is one of the World Heritage sites.

We had to make a short hike to reach the bridge and on the way we could get a glimpse of the canopy high, almost on top of the gigantic Menggaris trees.

Except for the collage, you can click on the pictures to enlarge.

Placed my signature on the bridge, so that you identify it!

Close-up

Now, I was a bit concerned and wondered on how much weight could the bridge tolerate!

Canopy walk entrance...inlaid pic on top shows restrictions...

When we saw the warning in the ticket that declared we climb the bridge at our own risk, we thought it was just a mandatory stuff...but after seeing the bridge and hearing the wild shrieks from a couple of ladies who were crossing the bridge, I was anxious...

Go or not to go!?

Canopy walkway is a series of rope and steel cable suspension bridges built on top of very tall and strong manggeris trees. The bridge is made of aluminum ladders bolted together and suspended horizontally from cables. The open rungs of ladders are covered with wooden boards, which are creaky. At a time, only 6 persons are allowed to walk on it for safety reasons. Approximate height is 41 mts from the forest floor, so the minute you step on it, it starts swaying and try walking fast it rocks like cradle!

There are 8 bridges to cross. Actually, this walkway is meant for enjoying the top level flora and fauna of the jungle. But until I was in the middle of the 3rd bridge, I dared not to look up or down as I was busy trying to balance while walking. Then, slowly I turned sideways and took this 1st shot...

After a strong sway, I realized that if I keep my feet apart, I could balance well with least swing, so now I managed another close up...

I felt wonderful to watch the deep forest from the top!

Scenic Sunday

SOOC

The Helix - A Tribute to DNA, Life, Growth

After visiting Universal Studios, Singapore, (will post about this fantastic experience soon) we heard that a new pedestrian bridge named The Helix was opened with big fanfare in the Marina Bay area. As we stayed in Singapore for a week with friends, we decided to spend an evening at The Helix. When you see it from the National Stadium, you would get a full view...

Basically, it is a pedestrian bridge that links the Marina Center and the Bayfront areas. This 3.5 KM bridge is still under construction. But, they have officially opened the completed segment! The completed part has a couple of viewing decks facing the national floating stadium. At the entrance of the bridge, there was an interesting explanation for this design and here is an excerpt from the description...

Design Symbolism - ...This resembles the double helix structure of DNA and symbolizes 'life and continuity', 'renewal', 'everlasting abundance' and 'growth', reflecting the key aspirations of Marina Bay.

Engineering Feat - The double helix structure is a world's first for a curved bridge.

Lighting Concept - At night the bridge is illuminated by programmable, low energy lights that express the beauty of the structure and enhance the visitors' experience. Colored symbols on the walkway represent the four bases found in DNA.

Besides, it was a good idea that the whole helix is covered to protect the pedestrians from sun and rain.

As mentioned earlier, the lighting was superb and it was on when there was still day light...

Luckily, I took the above picture with natural light as the ones that I took after dark did not come out well:(

On the whole, The Helix was a great experience, where we had the spiral chips for the first time:)