|
|
|
|
|
Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak |
|
|
The majestic Gunung Mulu, rising over a mass of sandstone and shale, dominates
the Gunung Mulu National Park in the Miri and Limbang Division. The park covers
52,866 hectares of the shale and sandstone, flanked by limestone outcrops with
virgin tropical forests at the lower slopes, seeing montane vegetation at the
upper region.
It was gazetted as a National Park in 1974. The mix of natural habitats amidst
such wild and rugged scenery makes it one of Sarawak's most popular
destinations. Among its attractions are the spectacular pinnacle rock
formations tucked in the valley of Gunung Api and its cave complexity.
|
|
|
Despite its ruggedness, the park is easily accessible
and is accompanied with a range of activities. |
|
|
Flora and Fauna |
|
|
This area was miraculously unaffected by the last Ice
Age, which continues to form the evolution of its flora and fauna without any
interruptions. This accounts for the extraordinary diversity of plant and
wildlife that is found in its forests. There are over 1,500 species of
flowering plants, 170 species of orchids and 10 species of pitcher plants. |
|
|
The lush vegetation of the lower slope consists of peat
swamp, heath and mixed diptercocarp forests. An interesting feature about the
peat swamp forest is the massive roots of the Strangling fig tree, a name
derived from the fact that it had in fact "strangled" the original host tree to
death to reach the top! In the upper regions, the vegetation is characterised
by limestone and moss vegetation. |
|
|
There are 67 types of mammals roaming the forests with
262 bird species. The latest addition to this group is the newly discovered
Borneon frog with the beautiful name - "Rana ingeri"! Also to be seen swinging
nonchalantly from the branches are the small tree dwelling Borneon gibbons, 281
varieties of butterfly and hundreds of insects and fungi. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Planning an Itinerary |
|
|
Plan for a minimum of 2-4 days stay so that you'll be
able to fully appreciate the park. |
|
|
Day Trips to Show Caves. These caves have been illuminated to focus on certain
features within its dim interior. Special paths enable visitors to move around
easily and also protect the delicate geological structures from getting damage
accidentally. It is accessible from the Park Headquarters, which requires a 3
km walk through the jungle on specially constructed plank walk. |
|
|
Lang's Cave. Named after the man who first introduced speleologists
to the cave in 1978, it features a variety of intricately sculptured
stalactites and stalagmites, delicate and transparent helicoids and spectacular
rock curtains. Footprints embedded in the rocks at the entrance of the cave
indicate that it was once inhabited by wild boars. |
|
|
Deer Cave. As its name suggests, this cave was a shelter for deer.
It also served as a human burial ground. However, it has now been taken over by
millions of bats that are seen flying out in formation in search of food when
night time approaches. Other inhabitants include swiftlets circling the
entrance, earwigs, centipedes and cicadas. Its 160-metre wide mouth resembles a
colossal stone jaw, making it popular as the largest cave entrance. Another
unique feature is the Adam & Eve's shower, a cascade of water falling 120
metres from the cave roof. |
|
|
Wind Cave. Using the Melinau River, a refreshing breeze greets you
as you approach the cave which explains the origin of its name. It contains
magnificent stalactites and stalagmites in all shapes and sizes. But the
exciting bit about the cave is that it is said to be haunted! |
|
|
Clearwater Cave. Measuring over 100 km, this cave is acknowledged as the
longest cave in Southeast Asia and the 7th longest in the world. Venture inside
into Lady's Cave with the stalactite resembling the Virgin Mary. Walk 50 steps
down to the underground rivers and observe labyrinth caverns and passages that
were formed millions of years ago. The crystal clear water is said to possess
mysterious powers that restore youth! |
|
|
Adventure Caving. For something more challenging, don protective helmets
and miners' lamps and follow a trail down into the depths of Clearwater and
Wind caves, under Gunung Api. Crawl with the centipedes and earwigs and be
prepared to come face to face with other inhabitants in the cave floor. |
|
|
The Pinnacles of Gunung Api. Take up the challenge to view the pinnacles, located in
a shallow valley 1,200 metres above sea level. The adventure begins with an
exciting 2-hour boat trip over rapids. On days when the water level gets low,
be prepared to shove the boats over the rock-strewn rapids. A 3-4 hour trek
through virgin forests brings you to a park hut on the bank of the Melinau
river where you can rest for the night. The next morning, begin with a 4-hour
climb and reach the viewing point that overlooks the pinnacles. The smooth
razor-edged pinnacles measure 20 metres wide at the base and 45 metres in
height. Separated by deep fissures and low bushy mountain forest, they present
a spectacular sight when viewed from above. |
|
|
On The Trail of Headhunters. The trail once taken by the legendary warriors on their
head-hunting spree goes through the lowland forests and down the mighty flowing
rivers. This is recommended for those with an unquenchable thirst for adventure
and excitement. Follow the head-hunters trail and live out your fantasies in
the rugged terrain of Sarawak wilderness. |
|
|
The Mulu Challenge. If that is still not enough, there's the challenge of
doing the Mulu summit. Take on the mighty mountain and scale its rough
sandstone and shale heights. It may be lonely at the top but the view is
fantastic! |
|
| Click here to check out more at Sarawak's interesting destinations |
|
|
|
How to get there |
|
|
Mulu is accessible by air from either Miri, Limbang or
Marudi. |
|
|
It is also accessible by river. However, visitors
wishing to make the journey by river are advised to liaise with a tour agency
as there is no regular boat service to Mulu. |
|
|
|
|
