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Miri > Gunung Mulu National Park

Sarawak Chamber

Covering some 544sq km, the Mulu National Park contains perhaps the most spectacular cave systems in the world. Among the 26 major caves, the Sarawak Chamber is the largest which is big enough to house 40 Jumbo jets. However the Sarawak Chamber is not accessible to tourists. Other caves includes Deer Cave, Clearwater cave, Lang Cave and Cave of the Winds. Deer Cave has the world's largest cave passage which is said to be able hold England's St. Paul's Cathedral five times over. Clearwater cave is the longest cave in Southeast Asia measured at 107km.

From left: Clearwater Cave, Deer Cave, Lang Cave

Mulu's four Show Caves were selected for their uniqueness or sheer beauty. They can all be visited as day trips from the park HQ and are accessible by plankwalks and well-lit concrete paths. Strategically positioned spotlights highlight the unique features of the individual caves. A plankwalk leads through the forest to Deer and Lang's Cave whilst Clearwater Cave and Wind Cave are reached by taking a longboat up the Melinau River, or by following a 4 km nature trail. The more adventurous can do Adventure Caving.

Sector Adventure Caving Charges (RM)
A group of 1 - 5 persons A group of 6 - 10 persons
Connection of Wind to Clearwater Caves
(Day Trip)
88 96
Sarawak Chamber
(Day Trip)
88 96
Drunken Forest Caves 88 96
Simon Caves or "Racer Caves"
(Day Trip)
66 72
Lagang's Caves
(Day Trip)
66 72
Stone Horse Caves 66 72

* Sub-Camp 3, 4 & 5 @ RM8.00 per person per night
* All guides charges due to the park are non-refundable whether you reach your destination or not.

Equipment
No camping equipment is supplied by the Park. Light sleeping bags for Camp 5 are sufficient, but for the Summit Trail, warmer equipment is recommended. Caving equipment is not supplied by the park, visitors for Adventure Caving must bring their own caving equipment e.g. carbide lamps, helmets and SRT equipment where appropriate.

Some of the Mulu Caves open for Adventure Caving have been equipped with fixed ropes on short descents, climbs and traverses, but some rigging equipment, SRT and climbing ropes may be useful.

Another attraction is the awe-inspiring pinnacles along the Pinnacles Trail to Gunung Api. The pinnacles rises over 50 metres above the canopy.

Mulu is very rich in flora and fauna. There are not less than 20,000 animal species (mostly insects and over 3,500 plant species, not including 8,000 types of fungi).

Mulu has three adventure treks, all of which require a certain level of physical fitness. Basic camping gear is useful as overnight stays in jungle base camps are required. Trekkers must be accompanied by offical park guides. Most tour operators can assist with travel arrangements for these treks and can also supply any necessary equipment and food.

The Pinnacles Summit Trek

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles Summit Trek (3D2N Trek)
Day Trail Duration Notes
1 Boat trip along the Melinau River to Kuala Berar 1 - 2 hours If water is low, boat need to be pushed over rocky sections.
1 7.8 km walk from Kuala Berar, following flat jungle terrain toward Camp 5 2 - 3 hours There is hostel-style accommodation at the camp, and cooking facilities. The Melinau river in front of Camp 5 is crystal clear and ideal for a swim after the trek from Long Berar.
2

Follow a 2.4 km in length trail that rises some 1,200 metres from Camp 5 to the viewpoint.

 

2 - 5 hours depend on trekkers' fitness level Beware of slippery green moss. The last section of the trail is near vertical, with rope sections and 15 aluminium ladders strategically positioned to help with the climb.
2 After some photo shooting and a short rest, start decending to Camp 5 for 2nd overnight stay. 5 - 10 hours depend on trekkers' fitness level Decending is more difficult for many trekkers.

The Head-Hunter's Trail

The trail itself follows the route taken by Kayan headhunting parties who paddled up the Melinau River to the Melinau Gorge. They then dragged their longboats through the forest for 3 km until they reached the banks of the Terikan River, where they launched headhunting raids against the people of the Limbang area.

  Trail Duration
1 Take a boat from the park HQ to Kuala Berar and then trek for 2-3 hours to reach Camp 5 2 - 3 hours
2 Follow the 11.3 km trail to Kuala Terikan 4 - 5 hours
3 Rest and spend the night in the accommodation units at the ranger station at Ng. Mentawai (about 15 minutes from Kuala Terikan), or travel by longboat for 3-4 hours (depending on boat engine and water level) to reach the longhouse (Rumah Bala Lesong)  
4 Continue the journey by boat downriver to Nanga Medamit  

Gunung Mulu Summit Trek

The climb to the summit of Gunung Mulu (2,376 m) is the toughest organised trek in the park. It requires a high level of fitness and a sense of adventure.Today's trek follows the route discovered in the 1920's. It involves overnight stops at jungle camps and offers a chance to experience the rainforest and perhaps see some rare animals and birds, including various species of Hornbill. The trek is usually done as a 4-day hike, but experienced trekkers can do it in less. A number of wooden huts are positioned along the trail and provide shelter for overnight stops. Trekking schedules and overnight camping arrangements can be worked out beforehand with your guides. Trekkers should go prepared. Good walking shoes are essential, as is a sleeping bag (or blanket) as it can get cold. Food supplies, cooking utensils and sufficient water must also be taken. The park guides and travel companies can arrange this.

ADMISSION FEE: Please refer Entrance Fee of Sarawak National Parks.
TEL: +6082 248088 (The National Park & Wildlife booking office)
FAX: +6082 248087
GETTING THERE:

Miri, in Northeast Sarawak, serves as the main gateway for Gunung Mulu National Park. Malaysian Airlines operates scheduled services from Miri and Limbang to Mulu.

The park can also be reached by boat (via Marudi). However, there is no regular boat service on the last section of the trip so longboats must be chartered. This is best done in a group to save cost. Tour operators are able to arrange boat passage to Mulu if required.

Accommodation

Please refer to Accommodation at Sarawak National Parks.

 

 


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