Tucked-in just behind Brunei, and hidden high
amidst the equatorial rain-forests of northern
Sarawak, is the World Heritage listed Gunung
Mulu National Park.
If Borneo had a heart it would definitely
be found deep within one of the spectacular
cave systems in this remote natural treasure.
Set amidst vertical cliffs, hidden gorges,
and limestone pinnacles - much of it blanketed
in impenetrable forest - The Gunung Mulu Heritage
Area is an astonishing storehouse of geo-
and bio-diversity.
There are no roads into the park, so travelers
must journey by air from the coastal town
of Miri, or undertake a 10 hour boat trip
up the river.
Besides the incredible diversity of species
that can be found here, visitors come to Mulu
to experience some of the world's longest
and most spectacular cave systems. Winding
and twisting their way through the mountain
ranges are subterranean passages, rivers,
and chambers so large they defy description.
Professional park guides, drawn from the local
rainforest and river people, are on hand to
share their knowledge of Mulu. The Rainfall
Discovery Walk takes visitors through lush
forest, along tumbling rivers, and into the
towering chambers and ancient riverbed of
Deer Cave. Nearby, the smaller but more intimate
Lang Cave awaits, with its otherworldly stalagmite
and stalactite formations.
Every sunset, visitors gather at the Bat Observatory
to witness the mesmerising bat exodus.
Millions of bats, representing 12 species,
swarm from the cave entrance in cloud-like
formations in their nightly search for insects
and fruit.
The park offers much to see and do, including
the longest tree based canopy walk in the
world, guided treks and longboat trips to
hidden valleys and longhouse villages, as
well as advanced caving expeditions for experienced
cavers.
