GUNUNG MULU NATIONAL PARK
GUNUNG MULU NATIONAL PARK
Sarawak ’ s jewel in the crown .
The UNESCO World Heritage listed Gunung Mulu National Park , which featured on David Attenborough ’ s Planet Earth series , is one of nature ’ s most spectacular achievements . Covering 210 square miles of primary rainforest , criss-crossed by fast flowing rivers and clear jungle streams , Mulu is dominated by three mountains – Gunung Mulu , Gunung Api and Gunung Benara . However , perhaps Mulu ’ s greatest attraction is the gigantic cave system lying deep below the extensive forest canopy . These amazing limestone caves of unbelievable proportions are said to be the world ’ s largest , even big enough to hold 37 jumbo jets ! They include four ‘ show caves ’, Wind , Deer , Clearwater and Lang , all accessible by wooden walkways and paths . At dusk , you may also be treated to the incredible sight as bats emerge from Deer Cave to go in search of food . Above ground , there ’ s a 1,570 feet rainforest canopy skywalk and fabulous jungle or mountain hikes , including the challenging trek to see the Pinnacles , the razor sharp limestone spikes that sit majestically on Gunung Api ’ s slopes .
Getting there : Flights from Kota Kinabalu take an hour , while from Kuching the flight time is 1½ hours .
Premier recommend : Adding on to an escorted tour or before heading to a beach .
Best time to go : Mulu is not strongly affected by the monsoon season that much of the region experiences . However , July-September are the driest and hottest months and October-January and May-June are the wettest .
82 BORNEO
Standard room
The Mulu Pinnacles
2 night escorted tour from £ 499pp
Deluxe rainforest room
MULU MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA
5H Mulu National Park
Beautifully designed in the style of ethnic longhouses this enchanting resort is elevated on stilts , connected by wooden walkways . After exploring the nearby Gunung Mulu National Park or the world famous Mulu Caves , relax in the spa , pool or on your private balcony overlooking the lush rainforest or river . Later , unwind at the bar before dining at the Marriott Café .
MULU CAVES EXPERIENCE
2 NIGHT ESCORTED TOUR
Clearwater Cave
DAY 1 Kota Kinabalu or Kuching / Mulu
Fly to Mulu , deep in the Borneo rainforest and transfer to your hotel . This afternoon , head to Gunung Mulu National Park and walk for around 45 minutes along a wooden boardwalk through riverine and lowland limestone forest to Lang Cave . Here , you ’ ll view beautiful stalagmites and stalactites before visiting Deer Cave . Head to the bat observatory platform and if weather permits , witness millions of bats as they emerge from the cave in spiralling black streams . Return to the resort for dinner .
DAY 2 Mulu
Morning departure by longboat to visit a Penan Settlement , where you can learn about their formerly nomadic lifestyle and perhaps purchase handicrafts from the small market . Travel onwards by longboat to Wind Cave , where you can sometimes feel a slight breeze , hence the cave ’ s name ! Here also is the beautiful King ’ s Chamber with its astonishing rock calcite formations . Continue on foot for ten minutes to Clearwater Springs for a short rest before climbing the 200 steps to Clearwater Cave , which is probably the most impressive of all the caves . Lunch is picnic style on the banks of Clearwater Spring after which you can enjoy a swim . After lunch , return to the resort for an afternoon at leisure .
DAY 3 Mulu / Kota Kinabalu or Kuching At leisure before your flight to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching .
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Daily from Kota Kinabalu or Kuching for a minimum of two passengers .
Accommodation : In deluxe rainforest rooms at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa .
Meals : Half board . Picnic lunch is also included on day 2 .
Tour price : The price shown includes return flights from Kota Kinabalu or Kuching , two nights accommodation , entrance fees , transfers and services of an English speaking guide .
A good level of fitness is required for the tour especially on day 2 and is therefore , not recommended for the less mobile .
Long Cave prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !