I am sure that when we were first born, we were not afraid of anything! As a baby, we were not afraid of climbing out of the cradle. We were not afraid of falling down because we had not experienced pain from falling. Try putting a baby at the rooftop and I am sure the baby will be enjoying himself while we adults suffer from panic attacks!
So it seems that this fear of heights or acrophobia is a learned reaction. Somewhere along the way, we may have experienced pain from falling, or we had adults putting this fear in us by constantly drumming into us not to climb the stairs or out the window.
One way to cure acrophobia is to go for hypnosis. This method will help us trace back to our childhood and find the cause of our phobia. I thought this was time consuming and probably costly as I may need to engage a hypnotherapist.
Another way is to practise behaviour therapy. One kind of behaviour therapy is to gradually exposing yourself to your fear. You may start with climbing up a short ladder, then progress to looking out the window of a tall building, to climbing up the rooftop and so on.
Another kind is to immediately expose yourself to your most fearful situation without gradual steps.
I decided to go for the latter. By going canopy walking at FRIM.
I know, I know. It's just walking on a suspended bridge. Thousands have probably walked on it without any unfortunate incident. How dangerous can it be?
Well, those who do not suffer from acrophobia will never understand someone with acrophobia. I tell you, walking that suspended bridge is like risking my life!
Confucius once said "A journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step". And so with much hesitancy, I placed my right foot forward.
And I just walked without looking down. The bridge was pretty sturdy, I thought. I walked with the help of the ropes by the sides.
And then I reached the middle part of the bridge. I did not know why but I decided to look down. Oh my God! My heart almost popped out! I was very high up, as I could see the top of the trees below me. Falling down below would spell instant death!
My legs were turning a little rubbery like and I felt slightly dizzy.
Even then, I was thinking, should I take some photos here? I found myself saying, "Are you mad? You can't even stand steadily with both hands holding onto the ropes, you want to let go of the ropes to take some God damned photos?"
And so I steadied myself and walked on. I could see a wooden platform at the end of the bridge. I made myself walked a little faster to reach it. When I finally stepped onto the platform, I heaved a sigh of relief.
I looked back at the bridge I just walked, bent down and took this photo.
I rested for a while at this platform. I realised I did not dare go too near the edge of the platform as standing near the edge made me feel dizzy again. I was so glad there was no one near me at that time as the platform could only take the maximum load of 4 persons!
I have to say the scenery around me was quite beautiful. But I did not take any photos as I was more interested in crossing the next bridge.
I proceeded to step onto the second suspended bridge. This time, I felt braver and calmer. When I reached the middle, I decided to stand there and enjoy the view. It was great! But I still could not bring myself to take any photos!
Then I reached the second platform which was slightly bigger than the first one. No wonder it could take up to 8 persons!
On top of this platform, I saw some breathtaking views and could not help taking some photos.
And then I was off again onto another suspension bridge and another platform. I would not say that my fear of heights had completely disappeared, but it had certainly reduced to a level that I felt was manageable.
Finally I reached the end of the canopy walkway, after walking all 150 metres of it! Yes, I made it!! It was a good feeling indeed!
Now that I have conquered the canopy walkway at FRIM, what's next?
Well, I am thinking about going for the longest canopy walkway in the world! Do you know where that is? Believe it or not, it's right here in Malaysia, in one of the oldest rainforests in the state of Pahang. Yes, it's none other than Taman Negara National Park!
The canopy walkway at Taman Negara is 500 metres long, which is more than 3 times the length of the one I've just walked in FRIM. And it's also higher, at 40 metres above ground as compared to FRIM's 30 metres.
Anyone interested to join me?
FIRST COMMENTER
WOW!
To conquer your own fear will be the happiest moment in your life! I don;t know about you, but at least "yes" for me!
Thanks for sharing. Hopefully one day I can step on it?! Haha!
Cheers!
That's an interesting walk! I want to try too.
And I heard so much about Taman Negara!
Ah missed again!!!!
Wah congrats to you Foong for conquering the walkway! I think i'm too much of a scaredy cat to join u at Taman Negara though he he! :)
Well...you made it!! Another walk again?? Hehhe.
Did they tell you that once on the canopy walk there's no backtracking i.e. no walking back to where you started? So fear or no fear..you just got to keep walking until you reach the exit point. In a way, this serves as an encouragement to keep walking even though in fear!
Eyew...just looking at ur pics, my legs already turn to jelly! Hahahahahaha!!! They have that in Sabah too - at the Porim Hot Springs. Went with friends once, all went up - except me! LOL!!!
Oooh, that is high! Good thing you had it all for yourself. I would be more nervous if there are other people in the bridge.
waaaaaaaaaaaah! i hate heights toooooo!
huhuhu! missed FC here! :(
*cry* *cry* *cry*
wah..congrats..u have finally overcame your phobia :)
wow, the essence of greeny is so captivating. :)
i want to embrace the challenging walkway someday.
i also had similar walk this year in Batang Ai Resort. It's a great walk.
Quite interesting they had a suggestion box at the end of the walk
robo, yes you are right. I am so happy I managed to do it! Now setting my sights on more challenging walk like the one in Taman Negara!
I'm sure you'll be stepping on this canopy walkway one fine day! Then I'll read about it in your blog : )
Btw, congrats for being the first commenter! : )
eastcoastlife, do you have such canopy walk in Singapore? You should give it a try. Come to Malaysia for a holiday and visit Taman Negara! : )
mariuca, haha! Never mind, can try again. One day I'm sure you'll be my FC! : )
Too scared to walk the canopy walkway? You also scared of heights like me? I'm amazed almost half of the bloggers who commented here said they are afraid of heights too!
mei teng, yes, I made it as you have predicted! Haha!
Oh, I didn't know you can't backtrack once you are on the bridge. Is there such a rule? But I won't backtrack cos I already paid RM5 for it! LOL!
suituapui, you are afraid of heights too? Wow! I think half of the bloggers commented here they are afraid of heights!
babette, I absolutely agree with you! If too many people on the bridge, and they rock the bridge, I'd be really nervous! : )
gagay, haha! try again next time. You have acrophobia too? Join the club! : )
annant, thanks! I don't think I've completely overcome my fear of heights. I have just brought it down to a more manageable level, but make no mistake - I'm still afraid of heights! : )
life ramblings, you like the greeneries too? Then you must really try the canopy walkway. You'll love it! : )
borneo falcon, have never been to Batang Ai Resort. Would love to go there! Anywhere with canopy walk and nice jungle trail is great for me! : )
oooo I wanna go Taman Negara to, but perhaps a walk at FRIM first, eh?
got to start upping my exercise (or non-existent of it) routine before hitting the canopy walk though. :P
What a view! Reminds me of being up at Gentings looking down at the distance. One can just take in that sight like forever. Mesmerising!
Talk about Gentings, on my way back from dinner last night, Gentings looked like a city from afar. I was told that there are now street-lights after Gohtong Jaya so night-driving is a lot safer now.
Oops! I digress. Foong, pls take a look at photos #6 and 7. Is that a carving on the tree trunk? It looks like a long-haired woman with sunglasses in some sort of a fur-coat or something. Or is my imagination running wild? Take a look. It's kinda creepy..eewwwww
Woohoo! SEE! I told you I have faith in you. :) Congrats! :) Keep on doing this for a few more times and you'll have no more acrophobia at all ;)
I suffered from the same phobia as you too. I have also walked the canopy at Sarawak and I thought I was so brave until I reached the middle where it was the shakiest...
Count me to the people who fear heights as well, lol. I'm also claustrophobic and I wish I can overcome these fears someday. That canopy walkway looks like a great experience to try. Happy Sunday to you!
Wow this is fantastic and some wonderful pictures.
What an adventure...wtg and good for you!!:-)
We have one in Singapore but I think it is quite a short bridge.
I'll try to post my Singapore experience when I have the chance. :)
lina, yeah, better do some exercises first before going to FRIM. The jungle trail is quite challenging. But you can always go to FRIM and walk the Rover Trail without walking the jungle trail first.
Oh, yes! I also think it's better to experience the canopy walkway at FRIM before attempting Taman Negara : )
I looked at the photo that Happysurfer mentioned and it is creepy. Eeeee.....
happysurfer, yes very breathtaking view from the canopy walkway!
I'm glad they have street lights on the Genting road now, at least it'll be much safer to drive!
I didn't notice about the long haired woman in sunglasses until you mentioned it! Looking at the photos, I can now see it too! How come I didn't notice it before? That's creepy all right!
Probably lighting and shadows playing trick on us, I think that's most likely. Other than that, I don't think I want to know! Haha!
happysurfer, on the other hand, maybe I should just go there again to see if I can see this ghostly image on that tree trunk! : )
iamthewitch, thanks for having the faith in me! : )
I may just go back there again to walk a few more times and also to check out this weird image of a long haired woman in sunglasses on the tree trunk! : )
DC, you have the phobia too? Of all phobias, this must be the most common phobia! Haha!
mira, oh join my acrophobia club! Haha! I think I can start a club and I will instantly have over 20 members! LOL! You should try the canopy walkway too! : )
shinade, thanks for dropping by! Thanks for the encouragement - it's indeed an adventure for me : )
eastcoastlife, look forward to read about your experience! : )
lina, you see it too? Yeah, I didn't notice it until happysurfer pointed out to me. I hope it's just our imagination. Cos if it's not, I don't know what to think....!
what about the one in grand canyon?? i thot that one is pretty scary also..
SK, I have never been to Grand Canyon, so I really don't know! Hope I can go there one day! : )
Hi Friend.. Interesting post.. Nice blog.. Keep up the good work.. Do visit my blog and post your comments.. Take care mate.. Cheers!!!
wow you made it! congrats Foong! ;-)
oh that is so scary
hahaha I dun think I can stomach to walk so high up without having the phobia!
The view is breathtaking to be sure but I am afraid I would have had a nervous breakdown up there!
beautiful view foong! this is really nice. if i have more time in kl next time, i want to go too :)
the scenery is so wonderful!
Wow..
Some of the platform can take only 4 people? Hmmm... I'm about the weight of 2 people.. LOL!!
Anyway, it looks really good. I think I should give it a try. I've got a fear of heights too. Ironically, I'm working in one of the tallest buildings in the world.
Foong, yes, please go back there again to 'investigate', shall we say? I too am curious of the truth. They say cameras don't lie. So, when ar? haha... kidding! Take your time. She may still be there since the scenery is so lovely. LOL! Or perhaps, it's just the bark of the tree trunk that looks like what we see. Still, I'm rather nervous about it. You dare or not? Bring along Mei Teng la. She wanted to go with you, remember? Mei Teng, eh?
Come to think of it, it's not possible that she's who we think she is because it's in the daytime and we know these don't show up in the day, or do they? *shudder*
Another thought. You may want to enlarge this portion so you can see clearer as to whether it's just the pattern of the bark playing tricks on our eyes. Who knows, it might just be much ado about nothing. *sigh* LOL!
Bravo!!!
The feeling is GREAT ya? Being on top of the world hehehe.... looking at the canopies. ahhh
hey, good therapy! You learnt hypnotise before~~?
sri, thanks for dropping by! Will visit your site soon : )
monica, thanks! : )
lisalicious, don't tell me you also have acrophobia? Gosh, half the bloggers here are afraid of heights! Welcome to the club, lisa! : )
heidi, haha! I was afraid of that too, but luckily I didn't break down! Maybe you should try going with someone who does not have a fear of heights! : )
quachee, yes it's beautiful up there. Next time you come to KL, let me know so we can go together! : )
renaye, yes very nice view up there! : )
angie tan, you're about the weight of 2 people? Then you must either go alone or invite another 2 more poeple only. Haha! You don't want the platform to give way, do you? : )
You work in KLCC right? But I think working inside a tall building is all right, as long as you don't climb out of the window, at least to me : )
happysurfer, now not only I have to face my fear of heights all over again, but also the fear of ghosts! Gosh, double phobias to tackle may be too much to handle! Haha!
But seriously, I am all for going there again! Somehow I think it's just the lighting that's playing a trick on our eyes, but should I hope to be proven wrong? My blog will definitely be more interesting if I'm proven wrong. LOL!
I will enlarge the photo and see what I make out of it! Actually, should I even do it? Don't know what I'll see! *Gulp!*
che-cheh, thanks! Yes, the feeling is like on top of the world! Haha!
michi, no, have never learnt hypnosis before. Have read books about self-hypnosis but haven't tried it out yet! : )
I live so near to FRIM
wow, you are good at handling fear :P
I went there before. Quite fun actually. I do not scared of height one. so no problem to me at all. :)
Breathtaking view. It is all worth it!
Wah so much I missed during my one-week hiatus hahahaha!!!
So your offer for us to join you - is that for real? Haha :P
eh i think uve overcome yr acrophobia... being able to turn here and there to take photo is something brave to do on that bridge!
Thanks for the link! :)
relax, really? Then next time we can go jungle trekking in FRIM together : )
keeyit, it's fun alrite! Even though I have fear of heights, I actually find it fun too! : )
a common singaporean, yes it's worth it! Btw, thanks for dropping by! : )
JL, yes it's for real. Do you want to join me go Taman Negara?
nic, I actually only took the photos from the platform where it's stable. Didn't dare to take any photos while standing on the bridge! Haha!
robo, you are welcome! : )
If it's for real, that sounds like a deal! Maybe work out the details in the future?
JL, yes why not? Will let you know when : )
I want to go to...if my wife will let me too. Ha =) I have that fear of height too...to a certain degree of course. But I'm sure if we can get used to it, it wouldn't be a problem anymore. =)
tekkaus, why you need your wife's permission to go holiday? Bring your wife along lah! : )