'''Gunung Mulu National Park''' (''Taman Negara Gunung Mulu'', [http://www.mulupark.com/]) is in Sarawak on the island Borneo, near the border with Brunei.

Understand

History

Landscape

Named after the 2,377m '''Mount Mulu''' (''Gunung Mulu''), the park is famed for its limestone '''karst''' formations both above ground and underground. The massive cave systems, which contain the 12 million cubic meter '''Sarawak Chamber''' (the world's largest), are still in the process of being mapped. Clearwater Cave at 151 km (Feb 2007) is the 10th longest cave in the world. thumb|400|The pinnacles of Mulu

Flora and fauna

Climate

Get in

By plane

Gunung Mulu National Park has a small airport '''(code: MZV)''' which actually lies just outside the national park boundary. Most tour operators pick up passengers from the airport and bring them to their respective accommodations. Independent travellers can either thumb a lift from these operators or take a boat ride to Park Headquarters.

'''MASWings''' [http://www.maswings.com.my], took over the rural air services links, which includes flights in and out of Mulu from Fly Asian Xpress (FAX)], on October 1, 2007.

  • '''To/from Miri:''' Twice daily flights, leaving Miri at 09:20 and 14:35 and leaving Mulu at 10:10 and 15:25. Flights cost RM84 one way before taxes and surcharges and journey time is about 30 minutes. No advance purchase discount. There are also two Twin Otter flights per week between Miri and Mulu, leaving on Wednesdays and Sundays. Fare is RM69 one way before taxes and surcharges and journey time is 35 minutes.
  • '''To/from Kota Kinabalu:''' Flights between Mulu and Kota Kinabalu run three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight leave Kota Kinabalu at 10:05 and from Mulu at 11:25. Fare is RM179 (or RM154 if purchased 7 days in advance)one way before taxes and surcharges. Journey time is 55 minutes.
  • By land

    This option is certainly for the more adventurous. In fact, by land is a bit of a misnomer because this option usually requires a combination of going by road, boats and maybe even some hiking.
  • '''To/From Miri:''' You need to go by road to '''Kuala Baram''' along the Miri-Brunei border road (see Miri page for bus connections), then taking a boat up the Baram River to '''Marudi'''. Here, you have to take a series of boats up the Tutoh River to reach Gunung Mulu National Park. The Miri-Marudi leg can also be cover by plane. See Miri page for flight details.
  • '''To/From Limbang:''' This option basically requires you to hike the [http://www.mulu.info/2007/01/29/the-headhunters-trail/ '''Headhunter's Trail''']. See details of the trek under the "Do" section below. There are no longer flights between Mulu and Limbang.
  • Fees/Permits

    Get around

    See

    Most visitors come to Mulu for the caves, but there are also good jungle and mountain trekking options in the area. '''Guides are obligatory''' for all cave visits and most treks.

    Caves

  • Clearwater and Wind Caves
  • Turtle Cave
  • Deer and Langs Caves thumb|250|Deer cave
  • The Garden of Eden
  • Bat Exodus
  • Trekking

  • Paku Waterfall
  • The Pinnacles
  • '''The Summit'''. A challenging 4-day, 3-night climb to the top of Mt. Mulu itself.
  • Adventure Caving

  • Racer Cave
  • Lagang Cave
  • Clearwater Connection
  • Stone Horse Cave
  • Sarawak Chamber
  • Do

  • '''Trekking to the Pinnacles'''
  • '''Trekking the Headhunters' Trail'''
  • Buy

    Eat

  • '''Cafe Mulu''', Park HQ. Basic but cheap local eats.
  • Drink

    Lodging

    The Park HQ offers lodging for visitors in several categories:
  • '''Longhouse Rooms''', with air-con and en-suite bathroom, from RM125 twin share.
  • '''Rainforest Rooms''', with fans and en-suite bathroom, from RM66 twin share.
  • '''Dormitory''', 21 beds with fan and shared bathroom, RM25 per night.
  • '''Royal Mulu Resort [http://www.borneoresorts.net/]''', offers upclass lodging for visitors with many of the basic ammenities one would need.
  • '''Just outside the Park''', near the Park HQ, the third group of houses along the river has beds for only RM20 per night. Very basic but if you are on a tight budget it is much cheaper than the resort. Hey, all you need is just a bed for the night, right?
  • Camping

    Camping is permitted only at Park HQ, but is not really recommended due to the soggy rainforest conditions. RM5/person.

    Backcountry

    Stay safe

    Get out