www.jumbothai.co.th

Swaying over the treetops

Despite the name, visitors do not exactly brachiate from tree to tree like real gibbons. Nonetheless, gliding down 2-kilometer long zip lines hanging some 30-meter over the canopy of a tropical forest must produce a similar feeling to that enjoyed by a swinging primate. The trip begins with a 50-minute ride from Chiang Mai, with the last leg up the serpentine road of the Mae Kampong hills. There is a choice between going early in the morning, at noon, or during the late afternoon. The whole excursion takes about three hours. The temperature suddenly drops on entering the densely vegetated area, and the fun begins there.

After gearing up with straps and helmet, visitors are taken to the first of 15 station-wooden platforms built on the tree top, and briefed on safety procedures. A sample first flight follows, on a short zip line, to acquaint customers with the equipment and motion. Of course, an adrenaline surge is the main aim of zip-lining, but equally wonderful is the sight of the diverse shades of green and mountain-lined horizon seen while waiting to whizz from station to station. The deeper one goes inside the forest, the more impressive the size and formation of the trees. The flight concludes with a drop from a gigantic tree, in which one can choose to fall head or feet first.

Fun with Benefits

What is greatly appreciated about this adventure is how the company is conscious about community and environmental issues. Before signing the disclaimer form, the staff make sure that visitors go
through the recommendations for good environmental practices. In the area around the office, signs give information about the vital roles ofthe tropical rainforest ecosystem. The company also claims that 10% of its profits go to conservation projects.

Before being driven back to the city, visitors are served lunch, with a stroll at the Mae Kampong Waterfall as dessert. The Waterfall is medium-sized with seven tiers, and it takes about 15 minutes to climb to the top. At the entrance to the waterfall, a number of trees with saffron-coloured strips of cloth tied around the trunks may be seen. These trees are ‘ordained’ and become sacred, so that no poacher would have the heart or dare to cut them down - a perfect example of utilizing folk wisdom as a conservation strategy.

Discover

The zipline ofthe Flight of the Gibbon hovers over the rainforest of the Mae Kampong area, allowing one to observe the vegetation from a bird's-eye view, accompanied by thrilled screams from fellow visitors.

Feel

The Flight o fthe Gibbon Center is located high in a lush, mountainous area
which provides a lovely setting for the activity. The staff is hospitable, although their command of English may be a little shaky.

Share

The company collaborates with FORRU (Forest Restoration and Research Unit) at Chiang Mai University in reforestation projects and has organized activities for volunteers in 2008 and 2009.