Impressive geological features, exceptional biodiversity and a whole range of activities to suit everyone from families to adrenaline junkies make Mulu National Park one of Borneo’s must-see destinations. With 295 km of explored caves providing both a spectacular sight and a home to millions of cave swiftlets and bats, it is easy to see why Mulu National Park has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sarawak Chamber in Deer Cave is the largest known cave chamber in the world and with a width of over 400m, is large enough to park 8 jumbo jets side by side! “The Pinnacles”, tall, jagged limestone outcrops with steep trails, rare orchids and a treacherous route to the summit provide a challenging and unique trek for those in search of more adventure.
Caves & Activities In Mulu
The “show caves” – Deer, Lang’s, Wind and Clearwater caves – are easily accessible thanks to boardwalks, railings, paths and lights, though a guide remains mandatory to enter any of the caves. At sunset, the impressive bat exodus from Deer & Lang’s cave can be watched from a bat observation platform nearby, and optional night walks reveal more of the park’s nocturnal wildlife. The canopy skywalk offers a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest, or you can stay on the ground and explore the park’s forest trails. “The Pinnacles” are reached via a longboat trip up the river to Kuala Litut followed by a 9km hike to Camp 5, passing Wind & Clearwater cave along the way; from Camp 5, the climb up Gunung Api scrambles over razor-sharp rocks and metal ladders to reveal a stunning vista of limestone outcrops rising out of the surrounding forest. An alternative route from Camp 5 follows a section of the headhunter trail through Kerangas forest, with views of Melinau gorge. Whilst most visitors spend 2 or 3 nights in Mulu, it is also possible to stay for a week or longer to explore the headhunter trail, try adventure caving, or combine a visit with other trips in Borneo.
Getting To Mulu National Park
Mulu National Park is in a remote area of the Malaysian state of Sarawak, close to the border with Brunei. All access to the park is via flight to the tiny Mulu airport (MZV). MAS Wings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, provides flights to Mulu from Kuching, Miri or Kota Kinabalu. If you are arriving from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or further afield, you will need to take a connecting flight via one of these 3 cities. Most flights arrive before 1pm, allowing visitors to join a 3D2N or 4D3N tour the same day they arrive.
