Maneeya Dhammataree
If you've ever dreamed of swinging – Tarzan-style – from one tree to another through lush, tropical jungle, your fantasy is now virtually attainable thanks to the launch of a new attraction at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
Known as the Flight of the Gibbon, a system of cables and pulleys, which allow you to swing through the trees, was installed by engineers from New Zealand, while Tree Top Adventure Company is responsible for ensuring the zip line system is operated safely and effectively.
The easiest way to reach Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which is located near Si Racha in Chon Buri province, is by car. The drive will take you about one hour in total.
Safety first
Once you sign a waiver, you'll be escorted deep into the jungle to the launch site.
On arrival at the Flight of the Gibbon center, a member of staff helped us get kitted out with all the necessary equipment, including a helmet. Then we met the two guides who would ensure we were made aware of all the relevant safety matters, while providing words of encouragement, if required. For a group of eight participants (the maximum allowed in a single group), two guides will look after the group.
The first station is about one kilometer from the center. The cable was secured towards the base of a tree, about five meters off the ground. My gentle passage down the zip line brought me a good deal of relief and, thanks to the pleasant, gentle ride, I felt confident I would be able to complete the whole course (25 stations) without too much difficulty.
Dizzier heights
Once everyone is safely congregated at the second station, you have to climb a narrow, spiral, wooden ladder to reach a platform, which is located at about the same height as the fifth floor of an apartment block. This might test your mettle, depending on your head for heights.
Watching the guides carry out their work was an interesting experience in itself, as they follow a strict protocol, one step at a time. One guide would head for our next destination and wait for us there, while the other guide would prepare the zip line and send us off down the cable, one by one.
While the guides make sure you are well looked after, there are a few basic 'dos and donts' worth highlighting. Firstly, do have faith in the equipment, and don't worry, since the guides are there to provide any assistance you may require. Secondly, do feel free to swing your legs or position them in different ways, but don't touch the zip lines. If you're in any doubt whatsoever, remember that there is also a safely cable attached to your overalls.
After a while, I began to feel a lot more comfortable after seeing the smiles of fellow participants and recognizing that our guides were ensuring we were in safe hands.
Once I'd gone through several stations, I became less concerned by the height. While I chose to close my eyes initially as I headed from one station to the next, the feeling of the breeze on my face usually forced me to open them so I could really enjoy the scenery.
Swing-along-a-lot
Once it becomes clear that everyone's confidence has increased, the guides might try to add a bit more spice to the proceedings by swinging the zip lines as you're traveling along them. They also encouraged us to try new postures, such as emulating animals or superheroes, as we made our way through the forest.
At some stations, you have to do a kind of short abseil by jumping from one platform to another level. Don't worry, all the necessary safety equipment will be provided by one of your guides. One station features two parallel cables, so two people can set off at the same time, while another features some rope bridges.
But the most challenging part of our aerial experience was yet to come.
Located about 40 meters off the ground, this particular station is the highest of all and features the longest cable. Our guides pointed out that it was possible that if the force from our weight was insufficient, we may not achieve sufficient momentum to reach the next station. I faced this exact situation, coming to a halt about 100 meters before the end of the cable. As I waited to be rescued, one of the guides urged me to enjoy the view. Adopting a slow, deep breathing rhythm, it occurred to me that this experience was certainly an eventful, adventurous, and very enjoyable one.
For further information, or to make a reservation, call Tel: +66 (0)89 970 5511.
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