Gunung Mulu National Park

Taman Negara Gunung Mulu

One of Malaysia's most spectacular national parks featuring massive cave systems including the world-famous Deer Cave, rainforests, and the distinctive Mulu Mountain peak. It offers adventure caving, trekking, and unparalleled biodiversity exploration for outdoor enthusiasts.

Things to do

• Deer Cave Exploration — Trek through one of the world's largest cave passages, home to millions of bats and featuring a massive natural skylight known as the Heaven's Light.
• Lang's Cave Tour — Explore this smaller but intricate cave system decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, often combined with Deer Cave on guided tours.
• Mulu Mountain Summit Trek — Undertake a challenging multi-day climb to the distinctive 2,376m peak offering panoramic views of the Melinau Gorge and surrounding rainforest.
• Melinau Gorge River Walk — Hike along a riverside trail through pristine rainforest featuring crystal-clear waters, hanging bridges, and spectacular limestone cliffs.
• Clearwater Cave System — Navigate through Malaysia's longest cave with an underground river, featuring stunning formations and the opportunity to swim in subterranean pools.
• Canopy Walkway Experience — Cross suspension bridges suspended 30 meters above the rainforest floor to observe canopy wildlife and experience the ecosystem from above.
• Bat Exodus Photography — Witness the spectacular evening emergence of thousands of bats from Deer Cave at dusk, a natural phenomenon best viewed from designated platforms.

Food to try

• Sarawak Laksa — A spicy noodle soup flavored with coconut milk, shrimp paste, and local chilies, often served at park lodges and nearby settlements.
• Midin Fern Tips — Young fern shoots stir-fried with garlic and shallots, a popular wild vegetable delicacy in Sarawak showcasing local jungle produce.
• Terubuk Fish (Freshwater Barramundi) — Locally-caught fish grilled or steamed with traditional spices, reflecting the culinary traditions of indigenous Penan and Berawan communities.
• Jungle Rice with Wild Boar — Indigenous-style cooked rice with locally-hunted wild boar and forest herbs, occasionally available through park guides or homestays.
• Sayur Manis (Bitter Melon Stir-fry) — Bitter melon cooked with shrimp paste and garlic, a common side dish reflecting Sarawak's diverse culinary influences.

Local customs & good to know

• Hire Licensed Local Guides — All cave explorations and treks require registered park guides who are knowledgeable about safety, wildlife, and indigenous history, contributing to local employment.
• Respect Indigenous Territories — The park overlaps with ancestral lands of the Penan and Berawan peoples; maintain respectful behavior and follow guide instructions regarding sacred sites and community boundaries.
• Prepare for Wet Conditions Year-Round — Sarawak's equatorial climate means rain is possible any time; wearing waterproof gear and proper footwear is essential and shows respect for local guides' safety advice.
• Support Park Conservation Efforts — Purchase permits and fees through official channels to fund habitat protection and benefit local communities; avoid unofficial guides or unmarked trails.