Adventure to the Wild – Mulu National Park (East Malaysia)

Living in a cosmopolitan city where we are surrounded by concrete jungles, why not head out to the wild to recharge one soul. Mulu National Park is located in East Malaysia and is listed as a World Heritage site in November 2000. The main highlight is often the 3 majestic large caves. Personally, having visited quite a decent number of caves in other parts of the world, these caves in Mulu stands out as the best so far.

How to get there? 

Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur are often the international gateway airport. One have to take the domestic airline (MAS Wings) before arriving into Mulu.

By the way, it was an enjoyable ride on MAS Wings twin turbo engine aircraft. Please factor in possibility of flight delay or even next day arrival into Mulu just like how it had occurred on my trip. As there are bats flying near Mulu airport from late afternoon time, all flights into Mulu have to arrive by a certain time. After which, one have to wait till the next morning to fly into the town. I was given 1 night free accommodation due to flight delay.

Accommodation 

There are two main types of accommodation offered in this rain forest region. Most people would stay in the Park HQ where there are longhouse, bungalow, chalet, hostel style. I had obviously chose the longhouse style where strangers sleep in common longhouse room. It provides the much interaction between different visitors, chatting late up into the night with different nationalities , exchange of interesting travel stories. Of course, when it was in the middle of the night, one could hear various kinds of snores as well.

If you are feeling rich and want privacy, one may opt to stay in Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa.

June, July, August and September are often the peak season travel in Mulu National Park and strongly recommend to book way in advance. Beds are limited and are on a first come first serve basis. The good thing is they are building more rooms now and will be ready by Year 2016.

Essential Items to Bring 

Hats, Sunblock, sturdy shoes, slippers (for showering purposes), own toiletries (Towels, soap, etc). If you are staying in the long house, one have to be self sufficient. Your room only comes with a simple bed-sheet cover which one have to lay yourself before sleeping. Insect repellent and rain coat is a must together with good binoculars to view birds or small little creatures encounter during rain forest walk.

Activities 

The main attraction would be exploring the 3 famous caves in the region mainly: Clearwater Cave, Deer & Lang Cave.

The usual itinerary to get the best out of such caves would be as follow. Meet at the Park HQ at either 8.45am or 9.15am for the tour of Clearwater Cave. This tour would often lasts 4 hours. Early morning, cruise up the Melinau River in a longboat.

Along the way, visit the local tribe village and learn the indigenous way of life. Follow by tour of the Clearwater Cave where by its cooling wind within the cave will be welcoming. Waters flowing through had travelled over 170km before reaching the caves. *Tours do not include lunch.

Picture credits: Mulu Park Website

Gentle note: There are many caves cockroaches, scorpions and other creatures (E.g. Snakes) on the cave ground. Just stay on the track and one should be safe. But having said that, the reason why one visit such place, isn’t it to see such tiny creatures as well?

Picture credits: Mulu Park Website

In the afternoon, join the Deer & Lang Caves ( World’s largest cave passage) discovery tour. These tours start from the park HQ at 2pm or 2.30pm and takes up to 3 hours. This tour is time to coincide with bats exodus whereby one can witness the beauty of bats flying out in the evening at one go.

Its an awesome sight to behold when the bats are on flying display. And if one feeling more adventurous, this is the place to try out cave climbing! Other than that, if you are feeling fit and ready for the challenge, register for the 3 Days/2 Nights Pinnacle Hike. This hike is tough to conquer but its worth every bit of effort when you get to the top.

Picture credits: Mulu Park Website

Categories: Asia Region