Gunung Mulu National Park | Miri

Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Malaysian Borneo state of Sarawak, Malaysia. Known for its remarkable karst formations, caves, and biodiversity, the park is one of the most significant natural attractions in the region. Covering an area of approximately 528 square kilometers, it is home to the Gunung Mulu mountain, which is the tallest peak in the park, standing at 2,376 meters (7,795 feet).

History and Significance

Gunung Mulu National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 due to its outstanding universal value, particularly in terms of its biological diversity and geological formations. The park is one of the most important conservation areas in Malaysia and is globally renowned for its caves, which are some of the largest and most spectacular in the world.

• Gunung Mulu National Park is located in the Kalimantan region of Borneo, in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. It was first established as a national park in 1985 and later received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000 for its remarkable natural attributes.

Key Highlights of Gunung Mulu National Park:

Biodiversity:

• The park is home to an incredibly rich diversity of flora and fauna, with over 3,500 plant species, 262 bird species, and 105 mammal species recorded.
• The Mulu rainforest is one of the world's most biodiverse rainforests, and the park's varied ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife, including orangutans, clouded leopards, proboscis monkeys, and bats.
• The park is also an important area for botanical research and conservation.

Geological Features:

• Gunung Mulu is particularly known for its limestone karst formations, which create dramatic cliffs, caves, and pinnacles. These formations were created over millions of years through the erosion of the limestone by water and wind.
• The park is home to some of the largest and longest caves in the world, including the Sarawak Chamber, which is considered the largest cave chamber by area.

Main Attractions in Gunung Mulu National Park

1. Mulu Caves

The caves of Gunung Mulu National Park are among its most famous features and attract visitors from around the world. These caves are not only known for their sheer size but also for their stunning beauty and the complex ecosystems within.

Deer Cave:

• Deer Cave is one of the world’s largest caves and is famous for its bat populations. The cave’s entrance is large enough to fit a jumbo jet inside, and the cave itself is over 2 kilometers long. It is named after the deer that once roamed the cave's entrance area.
• The cave also features a bat exodus in the evening, when millions of fruit bats leave the cave at sunset to forage for food. This spectacle is a major attraction for visitors.

Lang's Cave:

• Lang's Cave is a smaller but beautiful cave known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is relatively easy to explore and offers visitors the chance to experience the formations up close.

Clearwater Cave:

• Clearwater Cave is one of the longest caves in the world, stretching for over 200 kilometers. The cave system is notable for its clear, flowing waters, and visitors can take a boat ride along the Clearwater River to access the cave's entrance.

Wind Cave:

• The Wind Cave is famous for its unique airflow patterns that create eerie wind sounds, hence the name. It is home to a variety of bats and features impressive limestone formations.

Sarawak Chamber:

• Located inside Deer Cave, the Sarawak Chamber is considered the world’s largest cave chamber by area. The chamber is so large that it could accommodate several jumbo jets inside. It is a key highlight of the park’s cave system.

2. Pinnacles

The Mulu Pinnacles are another highlight of the park. These limestone spires rise dramatically above the rainforest and are considered one of the most iconic geological features in Borneo. Visitors can trek to the Pinnacles, which requires a challenging 3-day trek through the jungle, including a climb to the summit. The view from the top is breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

3. Gunung Mulu

At the heart of the national park stands Gunung Mulu, the tallest peak in the park at 2,376 meters. The summit of Gunung Mulu is often shrouded in mist, creating a mystical and scenic atmosphere. While the summit is difficult to reach, there are several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the mountain and surrounding rainforest.

• One popular trek is the Gunung Mulu Summit Trek, which typically takes several days to complete and requires a guide.

4. Rainforest

The Mulu rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, with diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to montane forests. Visitors can explore the park’s rainforest via marked trails, where they can observe a wide variety of plants and wildlife, including orchids, ferns, and endangered species.

Activities in Gunung Mulu National Park

1. Trekking and Hiking:

• The park offers numerous trekking opportunities, ranging from short walks to multi-day expeditions. Popular hikes include the Pinnacles Trek, the Gunung Mulu Summit Trek, and the Headhunters Trail, a historical trek that follows the ancient route used by local tribes.

2. Caving Adventures:

• For caving enthusiasts, Gunung Mulu provides world-class opportunities for exploration. There are several caves to visit, including Deer Cave, Lang's Cave, and Clearwater Cave. Some caves also offer guided caving tours that allow visitors to explore the underground world safely.

3. Wildlife Watching:

• The park is rich in wildlife, and birdwatching is particularly popular. Visitors can spot species such as the hornbill, Bornean orangutan, and proboscis monkey. Night safaris offer the chance to see nocturnal animals, including flying squirrels and civet cats.

4. Boat Rides:

• The Clearwater River offers a serene boat ride to the entrance of Clearwater Cave, providing visitors with a scenic view of the park's lush rainforest and karst formations.

5. Photography and Scenic Views:

• The park offers incredible photographic opportunities, from the majestic Pinnacles to the vast cave systems and rainforest canopies. The combination of dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique geological formations makes Gunung Mulu National Park a photographer's paradise.

How to Get There

The main gateway to Gunung Mulu National Park is the town of Mulu, which can be accessed by flights from Kuala Lumpur or Kuching. Mulu Airport is the closest airport to the park, and it is served by regular flights from Kuching and Miri. From Mulu, it is a short drive or boat ride to the park’s entrance.

Conclusion

Gunung Mulu National Park is a natural wonderland that offers a combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and remarkable geological formations. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply someone who enjoys experiencing the beauty of the natural world, Gunung Mulu National Park offers an unforgettable experience. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site further highlights its importance as one of the planet’s most unique and protected ecosystems.