The Rainforest Skywalk is one of Sandakan's most popular tourist attractions in the Malaysian city of Sabah.

The canopy walkway at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok has been extended to more than 620 metres after its over 20 years of on-and-off construction and extension. The 250-metre extension was funded by the State Government under the 12th Malaysia Plan. 

Photo credit: The Borneo Post

According to Datuk Frederick Kugan, the Chief Conservator of Forests the walkway's development began in 2003, under the Eighth Malaysia Plan, with the building of two towers, according to Kugan. 

Kugan added, about RM13 million was spent for its entire construction, with early funding coming largely from the Federal Government and the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Due to funding constraints, construction was carried out over five phases, with the first phase being completed in 2014.

The Sepilok Skywalk is one of the key attractions at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), an environmental education facility run by the Sabah Forestry Department. 

Together with a well-maintained network of forest trails, they are the key amenities that draw birders from all over the world to the area.

The Borneo Bird Festival has not been held for the past two years due to movement restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Organiser Kugan is hopeful that with the extended Skywalk, the Festival will make a strong comeback in October this year.