Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NORTHEASTERN SARAWAK
Gunung Mulu National Park
Also known as the
Gunung Mulu World Heritage Area
( 085-792300;
www.mulupark.com
;
adult/child for 5-day pass RM30/10; HQ office 8am-5pm)
, this
park is one of the most majestic and thrilling nature destinations anywhere in Southeast
Asia. No surprise, then, that Unesco declared it a World Heritage site in 2005.
Few national parks anywhere in the world pack so many natural marvels into such a
small area. Home to
caves
(
www.mulucaves.org
)
of mind-boggling proportions, other-
worldly geological phenomena such as the Pinnacles, and brilliant old-growth tropical rain-
forest (the park has 17 different vegetation zones), this is truly one of the world's wonders.
Among the remarkable features in this 529-sq-km park are its two highest peaks,
Gunung Mulu (2376m) and Gunung Api (1710m). In between are rugged karst mountains,
deep gorges with crystal-clear rivers, and a unique mosaic of habitats supporting fascinat-
ing and incredibly diverse wildlife. Mulu's most famous trekking attractions are the Pin-
nacles, a forest of razor-sharp limestone spires, and the so-called Headhunters' Trail, which
follows an old tribal war path down to Limbang.
Some cave tours (especially the more difficult ones) and treks (especially the longer
ones) are booked out well in advance.
The park's facilities are managed by Borsarmulu, a controversial private company partly
owned by the sister of Sarawak's chief minister.
Sights & Activities
When you register, park staff will give you a placemat-sized schematic map of the park on
which you can plan out your daily activities. HQ staff are generally very helpful in plan-
ning itineraries and are happy to (try to) accommodate special needs and interests (eg for
family-friendly activities).
All the plankwalks (eg to the entrance to the Deer Cave) are wheelchair-accessible but
cave interiors are not.
The park's excellent website (
www.mulupark.com
)
and the brochures available at park
HQ have details on walks and boat trips not covered here.
