Making like a money

Most tourists to Phuket head to the island to lounge on the beach, swim in the Andaman and maybe enjoy some snorkelling and scuba diving as well as a few rounds of golf and even a spa treatment or two. There’s shopping too, not to mention cultural attractions galore plus, for the more adventurous, bungy jumping, go-karting and jungle trekking.

But adrenaline junkies will probably find the best thrills at Flying Hanuman, an eco-adventure tour that takes visitors through the island’s thick forests on a zip line. Located on 80,000 square metres of virgin forest and named after the monkey character in Ramayana epic, Flying Hanuman is designed to provide travellers with exceptional service, enjoyment, excitement and memories without impacting the natural balance within the forest environment surrounding it. 

The course features 28 platforms of different lengths along with 15 ziplines, 2 abseil points, 2 sky bridges, 3 spiral staircases, 1 sky rail, and a 20-minute wilderness walk. 

Minimal drilling was used in the construction of the platforms leaving almost all the trees exactly as they were before Flying Hanuman was set up. Most equipment is attached to the exterior of each tree and drilling was used only where necessary for safety reasons. 

Ziplines meet international safety standards and the equipment used by visitors to Flying Hanuman is made by the French manufacturer, Petzl, and provides the highest standards of safety and comfort. Each piece can carry over 2 tonnes and every guest has a double safety mechanism. 

Two professional guides accompany each group, with one guide sending each member from the platform to his partner at the next platform. 

The adventure starts with a 15 to 20 minute walk up a hill to the first platform. If you are a small or medium sized person, you will fly at a normal speed. Those who don’t weigh very much may need a little help from the guides while heavier people tend to travel much faster and will be shown how to brake before leaving the platform. 

Being small and light, I didn’t having the necessary weight to make it from one platform to another but was quickly rescued from my predicament by a cheerful guide. A fellow adventurer whose weight was propelling him forward at a much faster speed than required was able to apply the brake safely and confidently and came to no harm. We completed all the platforms and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. 

Flying Hanuman is suitable for individuals in good health between the ages of 10 and 60 provided. If is not recommended for younger children, pregnant women or anyone with back or neck problems.

Dress sensibly in comfortable but not tight clothing, remove sharp jewellery and do remember to wear insect repellent.

 

      If you go

Three packages are available: Journey A (Bt3,490) features a 28-platform adventure with a meal and seasonal fruit set); Journey B (Bt3,250) is a 28-platform adventure with seasonal fruit set/no meal); while Journey C (Bt2,350) is a 16-platform ride with seasonal fruit set/no meal.

There are four flights a day at 8am, 10am, 1pm and 3pm.

Flying Hanuman at 89/16 Soi Katu Waterfall, Wichitsongkram Road, Katu, Phuket. Call (081) 979 2332 or visit www.FlyingHanuman.com.