With its spectacular mountainous rainforest, stunning caves and caverns, Gunung Mulu National Park is a world full of geological wonders and a natural playground for adventurers.
Known as the “Jewels in the Crown” of Sarawak, the National Park is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary caves, including the largest underground chamber, the Sarawak Chamber; the largest cave passage, Deer Cave; and the longest cave in Southeast Asia, Clearwater Cave.
From razor-edged pinnacles to some of the largest limestone cave systems in the world, Mount Mulu and its surrounding area were designated as a national park in 1974 and later recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000
Nestled within the 60-million-year-old rainforest are four show caves open to the public: Clearwater Cave, Wind Cave, Deer Cave, and Lang’s Cave.
Each cave tells its own unique story, captivating visitors with its natural beauty and geological significance.
The Bruneian, along with several representatives from other media outlets, recently embarked on an unforgettable 3-day adventure exploring the world record-breaking caves.
Day 1: Deer Cave and Lang Cave
Our adventure began at Deer Cave and Lang Cave, marking the start of a memorable journey through Gunung Mulu National Park.
This was my second visit to the park, the first being in 2023, and I was excited to see it again.
We started the journey with a 3km plank walk through the dense jungle, which took us about 45 minutes to an hour from the park headquarters, depending on our pace.
The long walk gave us an opportunity to observe the diverse rainforest and learn about the native animals, the flora and fauna that call this place home.
Along the way, we were lucky enough to catch glimpses of some wildlife, including a tiny bat creating a tent out of leaves.
During the tour, our knowledgeable guide, Henry, shared fascinating insights about the park’s many unique features. As a local with over 20 years of experience exploring the caves of Mulu, he was incredibly informative.
His passion for the caves and the surrounding wilderness was evident, making the experience even more engaging. We were not only learning about the natural wonders of Mulu but also about its cultural significance and the personal connection Henry has with the area.
When we arrived at the 146-meter-high entrance to Deer Cave, we were immediately impressed by the beauty of its natural architecture.
Mulu’s Deer Cave is the second-largest cave in the world, and its chamber is so huge that it could fit several full-size aeroplanes within its walls.
The cave was also once considered the largest until 2009 when explorers in Vietnam discovered the even larger Son Doong Cave.
However, the cave remains awe-inspiring in its own right, especially when you consider that an estimated 2-3 million bats across more than 12 species call it home.
According to our guide, their droppings, in the form of massive piles of guano, have created an ecosystem that sustains this impressive colony.
As you step inside the Deer Cave, you will be greeted by caverns decorated with unbelievable rock formations, some even resembling famous landmarks and faces.
One of the highlights is the silhouette of Abraham Lincoln can be seen at the Deer Cave entrance. However, many visitors have noted that it can also resemble the shape of Africa.
Next to Deer Cave is Lang’s Cave, which, though smaller than the other three show caves, boasts its own unique structure and a wealth of magnificent rock formations.
The cave was named after Lang, a local guide who played a key role in showing the cave to the cave explorers during the 1970s expedition.
The cave is known for its intricate formations, some of which appear like cascading curtains of stone, while others resemble sculptures or natural chandeliers.
We spent the next hour wandering through the network of tunnels and marvelling at nature’s wondrous artworks.
Around 6pm, a colony of Wrinkled-Lipped Bats living within the caves would exit every day in search of food, offering tourists a beautiful display of their exodus.
Unfortunately, on our first day at the Bat Observatory, the heavy rain prevented us from witnessing the bat exodus.
Day 2: Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave
On the second day of our journey, our next adventure took us to the Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave.
We set off on a long boat, cruising along the scenic Melinau River. With our life vests securely strapped on, we began our ride towards our destination.
Our first stop was at Batu Bungan, a Penan village located along the river where we explored the handicraft market.
From hand-woven bags to handmade blowpipes, we had a chance to bring home some unique souvenirs. We also had a chance to test out our blowpipe skills.
It was a perfect way to immerse ourselves in the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of their traditions and way of life.
Back on the boat, we continued our journey and arrived at the cave in about 5 -10 minutes.
The Wind Cave gets its name from the gusts of wind that can be felt in some of its narrower passages.
According to our guide Henry, the cave is actually just one part of the much larger Clearwater Cave system – which is widely believed to be the longest interconnected system of cave passages in the world.
He also shared that the entrance of the Wind Cave once served as an ancient burial ground.
Once inside, the cave becomes increasingly impressive as you go further into the chasms. Especially Its grand King’s Chamber that unveils a spectacular array of cathedral-like stalagmites and stalactites.
In the same hall, you will also see rock formations shaped like a hand dangling from the ceiling and the Titanic.
The next stop is the Clearwater Cave. It is one of the largest interconnected cave systems in the world, measuring over 230 km in length. It is the ninth-longest cave system in the world.
The journey to the cave itself is quite a workout, with 200 steep steps leading up to the entrance.
Near the entrance of the cave, we were fortunate enough to witness the rare and endemic one-leaf plants (Monophyllaea) hanging from the limestone ceiling. This elusive species is found exclusively within the Clearwater Cave, making it a truly unique sight.
Inside, wandering through the caves, we stood in wonder marvelling over its beautiful limestone formations, crystal-clear underground river and diverse ecosystems.
Day 3: The Canopy Walk
Our last adventure at Gunung Mulu National Park was walking the world’s longest tree-based canopy walk.
With 16 hanging bridges and a walkway measuring 420 meters in length, hovering 25 meters above the ground, the canopy walk offers breathtaking views and unparalleled wildlife encounters.
Standing at the top of the canopy walk and catching a glimpse of life above the jungle floor was truly an amazing experience.
In the distance, rugged limestone cliffs stood tall, while crystal-clear rivers wound their way through the landscape below.
The 20-minute canopy walk was the highlight of our Mulu National Park experience, truly the cherry on top of a memorable journey.
5-star luxury in the jungle
Our home away from home during our 3-night stay was the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa.
Located in the lush rainforest of Borneo, adjacent to the UNESCO-listed Gunung Mulu National Park, the hotel boasts an array of world-class facilities and amenities. These include a serene spa, on-site restaurants, fitness centres, an outdoor pool, and more.
The room, with its contemporary wooden design, blended perfectly with the natural surroundings, evoking a sense of being one with the rainforest. The peaceful ambiance made our stay feel like a true retreat into nature.
Reflecting, Mulu is a spectacular destination that offers travellers a unique side of Sarawak, filled with a wealth of diverse sights and experiences.
Whether you’re drawn to breathtaking green nature, thrilling adventure, or peaceful tranquillity, Mulu National Park truly has it all.
From watching thousands of bats swarm out of the mouth of Deer Cave to venturing through the vast Clearwater Cave, one of the largest cave systems in the world, every moment was unforgettable.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGWAN
