"The story of Mulu National Park started so long ago, in a time span that is difficult for us humans to grasp – 40 million years ago – and to make it even more intriguing, the Mulu story began deep under the sea. The massive limestone formation, formed deep under the sea, was uplifted to form the landscapes of Mulu, of which the peaks of Api, Benarat and Buddha are so prominent.
The mystery and magic of Borneo has lured the cream of the scientific world since it was first discovered."
Mulu National Park is
Sarawak's largest national park. The
majestic Gunung Mulu, rising over a mass of sandstone, 2,376 metres above sea
level, dominates the Gunung Mulu National Park.
Mulu's major claim to fame is
its spectacular limestone caves. The caves of Mulu command a long list of
superlatives including the world's largest cave passage (the Deer Cave),
the world's largest natural rock chamber (the Sarawak Chamber) and the Clearwater
Cave, the longest cave system in South-East Asia
The spacious Deer Cave at
1000 meters wide and 120 metres high can contain London's St Paul's Cathedral
five times over. The 60 meters high "shower" continuously pouring from
the roof near the "Garden of Eden" is one of the many spectacular
views within the Cave.
The Sarawak Chamber can accommodate 40 Boeing 747
aircraft.
Most of the cave system is accessible only to proper caving expeditions with specialized
equipment. But four well-lit show caves are open daily to visitors. A longboat
trip from Park HQ takes you to Clearwater Cave and Wind Cave while a plank walk
leads through forest to Deer Cave and Lang's Cave.
Most visitors go to Deer Cave at
sunset to watch a black river of three million bats pour out on their nightly
forage for insects.
Lincoln's profile at the Deer
Cave of Mulu National Park
Mulu National Park is also a paradise for naturalists and adventurers who
love jungle trekking and mountain climbing.
Visitors can observe many species of the flora and fauna at the Park.
However, it can be quite tiring. The daily temperature is 24 degree
Celsius to 32 degree Celsius. It rains most of the time and the humidity
is very high, often 99%. Mulu receives 6,000-7,000 millimeters of rainfall
per year.
Ever since the 1930's the rich rainforest of the Mulu area has attracted
scientists.
Every expedition seems to discover something new - a plant or animal
species previously unknown to man, animal behavior patterns, a rainforest
remedy, etc.
Although these studies and expeditions have unearthed a mountain of
scientific facts, they have barely 'scratched the surface' of Mulu's
bio-diversity.
However, this 'barely scratched surface' includes an impressive
array of plants and animals.
The park is known to have -
1,500 species of flowering plants
170 species of Orchids
10 types of Pitcher plants
67 species of mammals
262 types of birds
8 species of hornbills
74 species of frogs
281 types of butterflies, hundreds of
species of fungi and insects
The spectacular Pinnacles,
sculptured and grooved by rain over the centuries rises to a height of 45
meters. It can be reached after a 3 hour climb that is challenging but
absolutely rewarding.
A variety of wild orchids and pitcher plants rarely seen
elsewhere can be spotted along your trek up the Pinnacles.
The Pinnacles at
Gunung Api and Benarat is one of Mulu's main attractions. Virgin tropical
forests cover the lower slopes of the area.
After a long day's trekking,
mountain biking or kayaking, you can ease those stiff muscles in the Jacuzzi at
the Royal Mulu Resort, a five-star hotel that has the park as its front yard.
If you want less luxurious
accommodation the Park HQ has air-conditioned chalets and local people run their
own chalet and hostel accommodation nearby. The jungle trails have camps with
basic huts. But, you need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Miri and Limbang are the two main entry points to
Mulu National Park. From Miri, visitors can either fly by scheduled Twin Otter
flights operated daily by MAS or take the express boat and motorized-longboat
all the way to Mulu.
There is a nominal entry fee for all National
Parks in Sarawak. Photo permits are also required. Check with the National Parks
and Wildlife Office in Kuching or Miri for the lastest fee structure.
