Mulu National Park is the crown jewel of Sarawak's growing system of national parks and a true wonder of the natural world. There are many rivers and pristine jungle streams running through the park's 544 square kilometres of primary rainforest, making it the biggest national park as well. Gunung Mulu (2,376 m), Gunung Api (1,750 m), and Gunung Benarat (3,023 m) are the three tallest peaks in Mulu (1,858 m). However, many of Mulu's most fascinating features are hidden under the ocean's surface. These mountains conceal one of the world's biggest limestone cave systems, hidden under their wooded slopes.
An incredible natural phenomenon, this system is home to many caverns that set new world records. With Southeast Asia's longest cave (Clearwater Cave), the world's largest cave passage (Deer Cave), and the world's biggest naturally occurring chamber (Sarawak Chamber), it's little wonder why Mulu has gained so much international attention. So far, more than 360 km of cave tunnels have been mapped, with 60% to 70% of the area yet to be fully explored.
About 5 million years ago, when the Earth began to shift laterally, forming both limestone and sandstone mountains, the earliest of Mulu's known caves began to develop. The massive underground network we see today was shaped over millions of years by the action of rivers and rushing water. Dripping water forms new rock formations, limestone is gradually worn away, and subterranean rivers cut and shape the caves, carrying limestone debris to the cave entrance or spreading it throughout the system.
The name "Mulu" may conjure images of caverns, but there is enough to see and do above ground for those who want to have a "Mulu experience" as well. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Pinnacles, a group of 45-meter-tall, razor-sharp limestone spikes that rest magnificently on the slopes of Gunung Api, may be seen by hiking a hard route through the jungle.
Mulu's great bio-diversity and renowned caverns provide an exciting cave and rainforest experience that is unparalleled anywhere on Earth.
A three-kilometer plank trek through peat bog, alluvial plains, and limestone outcrops leads to Deer Cave. Fantastic rainforest, rushing jungle streams, and an old Penan burial cave may all be seen on the walk to the cave.
There is no mistaking the fact that you are standing at the entrance of the world's longest cave corridor. Deer Cave is enormous, stretching for more than 2 kilometres with a width that is never less than 90 metres. With a width of 174 metres and a height of 122 metres, the main room is partially illuminated by natural light. The name is inspired by the native Penan and Berawan people who called this place Gua Payau or Gua Rusa—both local terms for "deer"—as it was once a former haven for the region's deer population.
The cave's entrance is marked by a walkway that curves within, following the cave's organic topography. Although there is illumination along the way, a flashlight is helpful for exploring the guano-covered cave floor and its bug population. The route culminates in the "Garden of Eden," where a beam of light streams in through a breach in the cave ceiling. The unmistakable likeness of Abraham Lincoln stands watch above the cave's southern entrance.
As could be expected, Deer Cave serves as a refuge for many different kinds of bats. Depending on the weather, between 5 and 7 o'clock in the evening, visitors may be treated to the incredible sight of a black cloud of free-tailed bats coming from the cave mouth in quest of food. Researchers had estimated that hundreds of thousands of bats resided in this cloud, but new research puts that number at over a million.
Most people who go to Deer Cave also go to Lang's Cave, the entrance to which is just a few yards away. The granite patterns of Lang's Cave make it the most compact of the exhibition caves. Stalactites and stalagmites are made more alluring by carefully placed lighting. The cave is tiny and well-lit, so it's possible to observe some animals that live there, like bats, swiftlets, and even snakes that normally live in dark places.
The length of the Clearwater Cave system, the longest in Asia, is an astounding 215 kilometres (of explored area). A portion of its underground river is even boatable. You can get to Clearwater in two different ways: either take the 4-kilometre nature route that can be completed in about 1.5 hours or take a long boat down the Melinau River, where you can also visit Wind Cave. Normal boat travel time to Wind Cave is roughly 15 minutes. If the water is low, the boatman will have to get out and push, adding extra time to the trip.
Wind Cave, so called for the chilly winds that may be felt at the narrow areas of the cave, is reached by a plank walk from the riverbed. The "King's" Room in Wind Cave, a component of the Clearwater system, is showered in natural light and has many spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, flow rocks, helictites, and rock corals.
A picnic deck close to the entrance of Clearwater Cave may be reached from Wind Cave by a plank walk or a boat ride. The trip, in any direction, won't take more than 5 minutes. The entrance to Clearwater Cave is located in the forest at the top of 200 steps. Clearwater is an exciting cave to explore because of the subterranean river it contains. This is made simple and pleasurable by the presence of plank walks, walkways, and little floating bridges. Cave photographers willing to wait for the perfect shot will be rewarded.
Follow the cave tour with a descent to the picnic deck. Clear subterranean water flows from the cave into a pool by the deck. Many tourists come to this area to cool down in the crystal-clear waters. Those who would rather take it easy may lounge around the picnic tables and take in the sights of the tropical rainforest or observe the fluttering of the many species of butterflies that can be seen along the riverbank. You might even see a Rajah Brooke butterfly if you're fortunate, named for its enormous size and vivid green wings.
Meet upon arrival at Mulu Airport and transfer to accommodation for check-in.
In the afternoon, take your lunch before assembling at 1400hrs for a safety briefing conducted by our local guide.
The 3 km of almost-flat raised plank walks take you to the Bat Observatory (40 minutes to 1 hour).
Walk another 500m to reach one of the world's largest cave passages, home to more than 3 million Wrinkle Lipped bats.
You will first visit Lang's Cave with its wonderful limestone shawls, stalagmites and stalactites.
Bats are easier to see in this smaller cave, and you will be very close to the shimmering webs of threadworm larvae, another little wonder of Mulu Caves.
The next cave is the Deer Cave. A large number of swiftlets also roost here, where the high cave ceilings (more than 100m in some places) provide a safe haven against predators.
Enjoy the sheer size of this limestone passage, an ancient riverbed, and see the force of water carving the scalloped walls.
Once you reach the green oasis of the Garden of Eden, you have walked 800m inside Deer Cave. Enjoy the unique showerhead formation of Adam and Eve's showers, spouting water columns 30m to the riverbed below.
The tour coincides with the bat exodus, which could start anytime after 1700hrs.
A small kiosk at the Bat Observatory sells drinks and snacks until 1730hrs. Please bring your empty tins/packaging back to Park HQ as per World Heritage guidelines.
Toilet and designated smoking area are available.
Return to your accommodation after the amazing bat observation/exodus.
Dinner will be served (based on your accommodation selection)
Batu Bungan - Penan Settlement / Cave of the Winds & Clearwater Cave
After breakfast, assemble at 0800hrs at the resort lobby or Park HQ (depending on your accommodation).
Take a longboat from Park HQ or Resort (depending on your accommodation)
Cruise up the Melinau River on a longboat and visit a Penan Longhouse & market at Batu Bungan (the market is not open on Sundays).
You may try your hand at a blowpipe.
Spend quality time at the local handicraft & arts market in Penan Settlement before continuing your cave visit.
Stop over at Cave of the Winds (Wind Cave), where you must walk along a long ramp and a few stairs.
The last stop is Clearwater, where the subterranean river emerges from the cliff face. Take 200 steps to the cave to marvel at the Monophilia Pendula endemic to Mulu.
Clearwater Cave is one of the biggest cave systems in the world, measuring over 220km in length.
Swimming inside the cave is not permitted. However, you can cool down in the crystal-clear waters at the picnic deck. Float with the fish and enjoy the rainforest around you.
Enjoy a picnic lunch from our local guide at the Clearwater Rest Hut.
Toilet and designated smoking area are available.
After your leisure water activity, return to your accommodation.
Free time at your own leisure, or you may wish to explore the unguided trails/walks.
Dinner will be served (based on your accommodation selection)
02 Breakfasts, 02 Lunch, 02 Dinner
(Breakfast & Dinner venue subject to your choice of accommodation)
Includes
Meals as stated, 02 Nights' Accommodation, Entrance Fee, Return Airport Transfer (Seat-In-Coach), Return Boat Transfer, English Speaking Guide, English Support Team & Optional Mulu Domestic Return Flight Ticket (Please check with sales person)
Accommodation
02 Nights' at Mulu national Park Stay - Longhouse (1-5 Pax) / Garden Bungalow (1-3 Pax) / Rainforest Lodge (1-2 Pax) OR 02 Nights' Stay at Mulu Marriott Resort & SPA
*Optional extension night is available (please check with sales person)
Excludes
Airfares (unless mentioned), Porter Fee, Carbonated & Alcoholic Beverages, Optional Guide Tippings, Malaysian Tourism Tax (applicable to foreign passport holder and payable to hotel directly upon check in at MYR10/room/night) and any items not mentioned.
Reviews
D
Desi See
We had an amazing 3D2N Mulu Show Caves Tour. The booking was done through Anthony Wong who was extremely patient and accommodating with our various changes. Anthony was very responsive both on emails and WhatsApp throughout our exchange even after office hours. It was a breeze to work with him and I highly appreciate his professionalism.
The visit to various caves was awesome, especially the bat exodus which was something we could only see from a documentary show.
I will also highly recommend an upgrade to Mulu Marriott Resort and Spa. The room was very comfortable and nice. It's a place where you can rest well and get a spa after the tour.
We had an amazing 3D2N Mulu Show Caves Tour. The booking was done through Anthony Wong who was extremely patient and accommodating with our various changes. Anthony was very responsive both on emails and WhatsApp throughout our exchange even after office hours. It was a breeze to work with him and I highly appreciate his professionalism.
The visit to various caves was awesome, especially the bat exodus which was something we could only see from a documentary show.
I will also highly recommend an upgrade to Mulu Marriott Resort and Spa. The room was very comfortable and nice. It's a place where you can rest well and get a spa after the tour.
Please take note: All clients who enter Mulu Park must bring along 1) their Passport / ID Cards and 2) a photocopy of their Passport /ID Cards to present it to the park management office upon check-in & registration.
Please ensure you are holding air ticket to Mulu.
Notes for late arrival on Day 1:
For arrivals after 13:00 Hrs, lunch will be changed to packed lunch.
Guests should be prepared to begin the tour immediately upon arrival, with hotel check-in taking place after the tour.
Please pack a separate day bag for easy access upon arrival, and make arrangements for your own lunch before departing for Mulu.
We recommend that at the end of this tour, you fly from Mulu to Miri/Kuching with an additional night stay in either city to maximise your holiday. This is due to the unfavourable flight timings from Mulu back to Kota Kinabalu.
Kindly note that all guests are advised to pack extra clothing in their carry-on baggage should there be any unforeseen circumstances upon arrival in Mulu.
Mulu is Malaysia's First World UNESCO Heritage National Park
Deer & Lang's Caves are open daily from 3PM - 6PM.
Caves of the Winds & Clearwater Cave are open daily from 9AM - 2PM.
The rainy/monsoon season is November - January (please bring an extra poncho/raincoat).
Plenty of unguided walks are available to spend your leisure time or with extending night stay.
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