Gunung Mulu National Park

Mount Mulu | Mountain in Malaysia

Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rainforest, massive cave systems, limestone pinnacles, and diverse wildlife. Located near the Brunei border, this natural wonder is one of Malaysia’s top eco-tourism destinations.

“Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations.” – United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Mount Mulu (Malay: Gunung Mulu) is a sandstone and shale mountain. At 2376 m, it is the second highest mountain in the state of Sarawak, after Mount Murud.

Mulu World Heritage Area

This spectacular rainforest took 60 million years to create. It is one of the most important natural sites in South East Asia and will leave you in awe of its beauty. Discover the difference. Understand the importance.

Gunung Mulu National Park Overview

Feature	Details
Location	Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo (near Brunei)
UNESCO Status	World Heritage Site since 2000
Entry Fee	RM 30 (foreigners), RM 10 (locals), valid 5 days
Best Time to Visit	March – October (dry season)
Main Attractions	Deer Cave, Clearwater Cave, The Pinnacles, Canopy Skywalk
Wildlife	Hornbills, gibbons, bats, clouded leopards, diverse insects & reptiles
Getting There	Flights to Mulu Airport (MZV) or river boat from Marudi
Accommodation	Mulu Marriott Resort, park lodges, homestays

History of Gunung Mulu National Park

Established in 1974, Gunung Mulu was created to protect Sarawak’s most unique limestone formations and rainforest biodiversity. In 2000, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional geological features, extensive caves, and biological diversity.

Top Attractions

1. The Mulu Caves

• Deer Cave – One of the largest cave passages in the world, home to millions of bats.
• Clearwater Cave – Longest cave system in Southeast Asia with an underground river.
• Lang Cave – Small but richly decorated with stalactites and stalagmites.
• Wind Cave – Known for its cool breezes and limestone formations.

2. The Pinnacles

Sharp limestone spires rising dramatically from the forest – reachable by a challenging trek.

3. Canopy Skywalk

One of the longest rainforest canopy walks in the world, offering breathtaking aerial views.

4. Rainforest & Wildlife

Over 3,500 plant species and rare animals like hornbills, gibbons, and clouded leopards.

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Ticket & Entry Fees

The entrance ticket to Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak starts from RM10, and it is valid for 5 consecutive days, allowing plenty of time to explore caves, treks, and activities.

MULU WORLD HERITAGE 5 DAYS PASS

Details	Ticket Price
Foreign Adult	RM 30
Foreign Child	RM 10 (6 – 18 years) 5 and below no charge
Malaysian Adult	RM 15
Malaysian Senior	RM 7 (60 years and above)
Malaysian Child	RM 5 (6 – 18 years) 5 and below no charge

👉 Note: Adventure caving, Pinnacles trek, and guided tours require additional fees.

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Tours & Activities

Activity	Description
Guided Cave Tours	Explore Deer, Clearwater, Lang & Wind Caves with experienced guides
Adventure Caving	Crawl, climb, and wade through unlit passages for thrill-seekers
Jungle Treks & Night Walks	Discover rainforest trails and nocturnal wildlife
The Pinnacles Trek	Challenging 3D2N hike to razor-sharp limestone spires
Canopy Skywalk	Walk among the treetops on one of the world’s longest canopy bridges

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A Typical Day in Mulu

Each Mulu morning usually dawns with a clear sky and a temperature around 23 degrees. By early afternoon the temperature has risen to about 34 degrees and 60% humidity; around 13:00 – 17:00 it will start raining and the humidity increases to 90%. Showers may last 30 – 60 minutes, but after the rain the air is cool and fresh, the evenings are usually fine.

Mulu Survival Kit

Item	Purpose / Notes
Non-slip closed footwear	Essential for trekking, caving, and slippery trails
Raincoat	Sudden rain showers are common in Mulu
Torchlight	For night walks, caving, and low-light areas
Water bottle	Stay hydrated during treks and tours
Insect repellent	Protect against mosquitoes and insects
Hat / Sweatband	Sun protection and comfort during long treks
Cash (RM)	No ATMs in Mulu; needed for local purchases
Personal 1st aid kit / medicine	Essential for emergencies and minor injuries
Face mask	Mandatory for all tours; NO MASK = NO TOUR
Hand sanitizer	Maintain hygiene, especially in remote areas
Hand gloves	Required for adventure caving or extreme tours
Digi / Tone WOW SIM card	For 4G signal and connectivity in the park

How to Reach

• By Air: Flights from Miri, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu to Mulu Airport (MZV).
• By River: Scenic boat journey via Marudi and Long Terawan.

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Where to Stay

Category	Options	Description
Luxury	Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa	5-star resort with modern comforts, spa, and riverside views
Budget	Park Lodges & Dormitories	Affordable rooms and dorms located near the park headquarters
Local Culture	Village Homestays	Stay with local families for an authentic cultural experience

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (March–October): Best for trekking and cave exploration.
• Rainy Season (Nov–Feb): Lush scenery but possible trail closures.

Fast Facts & Highlights of Gunung Mulu National Park

General Information

• Area: 85,671 hectares
• Elevation: 27 m (floodplains) → 2,377 m (Mulu Summit)
• Topography: Flat floodplains, steep slopes, vertical limestone cliffs
• Rainfall: Avg. 4,500 mm/year; no real dry season
  • Highest: April–May & October–November
  • Lowest: July–September
• Temperature:
  • Lowlands: 23–26°C
  • Summit: 14–18°C

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Biodiversity (Estimated)

• Plants & Fungi:
  • 2,000 flowering plant species
  • 450 fern species
  • 1,700 mosses & liverworts
  • 4,000 fungi species
• Animals:
  • 122 mammal species
  • 305 bird species
  • 200 reptile & amphibian species
  • 48 fish species
  • 20,000+ insects & other invertebrates

Note: This is a dynamic list; continuous research adds more species.

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Biodiversity vs Species Abundance

• Rainforests have high biodiversity (many different species) but low species abundance (small populations).
• Animals are shy and tend to hide; spotting them requires patience and quiet.
• Avoid wearing strong scents, making noise, or smoking—animals sense humans early.

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World Heritage Status

Mulu is a natural World Heritage Site in Malaysia and meets all four UNESCO natural criteria:

1. Outstanding example of major stages of Earth’s history
2. Significant ongoing ecological and biological processes
3. Important habitats for species of universal scientific/conservation value
4. Exceptional natural beauty & phenomena

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Caves & Geological Importance

• Classic underground geomorphology, 1.5+ million years of evolutionary history
• Giant doline “Garden of Eden” shows karst collapse process
• Exceptional study opportunities for cave faunas
• Energy transfer from forest to caves via bats & swiftlets
• Ancient invertebrate cave species

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Scenic & Wildlife Highlights

• Deep canyons, wild rivers, rainforest-covered mountains, limestone pinnacles
• Millions of bats and swiftlets create a spectacular wildlife show
• Rich lowland & montane forests with high plant diversity & endemism
• One of the richest sites globally for palm species
• Home to 54 bat species and highly diverse cave fauna

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Visitor Guidance

• Enjoy the park responsibly and protect this World Heritage treasure
• Follow rules for wildlife safety and conservation

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Responsible Visitor Behaviour

Letter	Guideline
A	Accept responsibility for the environment you travel in.
B	Be aware of your impacts on the environment and local community; minimize them.
C	Choose wisely when deciding which activities are right for you.
D	Don’t do things you would never do at home.
E	Explain to others why you behave positively.
F	Find out and learn more about Mulu.
G	Guide others by setting a good example.
H	Help protect Mulu for future generations.

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Visitor Safety Tips

• Follow instructions and heed warnings.
• Inform staff when you leave, your destination, and return time.
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes.
• Carry plenty of water and a snack.
• Bring your personal first aid kit.

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Rules for Mulu’s Protection

It is an offense to:

• Enter the park without a permit.
• Fish inside the park.
• Kill, capture, poison, or disturb any animal.
• Cut, remove, or damage plants; light fires.
• Litter — carry all waste out.
• Bookings are essential for all guided walks.

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Cancellation Policy

• Full refund: If trek canceled before leaving Park Office.
• No refund: Once trek starts (reasons: fitness, water levels, sickness, accidents).
• 50% fee: If you cancel within 24 hours of departure.

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Guided Walks & Activities

Activity	Duration	Details	Booking
Canopy Skywalk	2 hrs	480m long, world’s longest tree-based walkway; 10–30m above forest floor; view riverine forest, understorey, treetops, limestone cliffs	Daily departures; max 8 people per group; bookings essential
Night Walk	2 hrs	Explore nocturnal wildlife; see species hunting, nesting, raising young	Starts 7:00–7:30 PM; bookings essential
Mulu Summit Walk	4 days / 3 nights	24 km climb to 2,377m; montane forests, pitcher plants, rhododendrons; basic forest huts; must carry own food/water/sleeping bag	Minimum 3 nights; guide and porter recommended; bookings essential
Camp 1 Overnight Trek	1 night	For visitors with limited time; experience rainforest overnight; same arrangements as summit trek	Guide-led; bookings essential

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Contact Details

• Mail: P.O. Box 2413, 98008 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
• Tel: +60 85 792600
• Fax: +60 85 792605
• Email: enquiries@mulupark.com
• Web: https://mulupark.com/

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💡 Key Reminders:

• All treks require advanced bookings and availability of guides.
• Guides are not porters or cooks — carry your own essentials.
• Forest between floodplains and Camp 1 is dangerous without a guide.

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Unguided Walks & Trails – Gunung Mulu National Park

Trail / Activity	Distance / Duration	Highlights	Notes
Botanical Heritage Trail	1.5 km loop	Intro to plant evolution and tropical rainforest plant families	Branches left off Deer Cave path, 450 m from Park Office
Kenyalang Loop	Varies	Explore a quieter rainforest area; picnic-friendly	Unguided; meet Deer Cave tour guide later if desired
Paku Valley Loop	8 km (5–6 hrs)	Discover birds, insects, ferns, fungi; chance for solitude	Concrete section along Melinau River can be slippery; small stream crossings; register plans with Security staff before heading out
Paku Waterfall	2–3 hrs	Swim at waterfall on route to Deer Cave	Turn left toward Summit, then return same way
Long Langsat River Walk	3–4 hrs	Walk along Sungai Melinau & Sungai Tutoh; swim in clear waters; meet local Penan community	Guide optional; pristine environment—carry out all rubbish
Kuala Litut + Camp 5	90-min boat + 3-hr walk	Overnight stay at Camp 5; well-trodden path	Day trips possible; booking of boat & sleeping space essential

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)