Have you ever wanted to walk through a Bornean jungle and commentate ‘here in the heart of Borneo’ in your best croaky David Attenborough voice? Well I have, and I did, probably way too many times but I simply couldn’t help myself. Gunung Mulu National Park is one of the most surreal environments you will ever experience.
This renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2000) is crawling with cave systems, mud, crazy amounts of rain and adventure. The amazing ecosystem also provides extensive biodiversity, from the popular bat exodus, over 270 species of birds, greenery in every direction, and spectacular fireflies!
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A few important tips you MUST know before you embark into this Gunung Mulu jungle paradise:
- Mulu is extremely remote and the only way to access it is by flight
- Flights often get cancelled
- Bring supplies and cash (there are no shops or ATM’s)
- June-September is the extremely busy holiday season (I would suggest going in off-season)
- Limited accommodation options that fill up quickly (Kenny’s BnB, Mulu Diana Homestay & the Marriott)
- Read our article ‘Things to know before visiting Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo’ to find out more.
Here are 10 things to do in Gunung Mulu National Park:
1. Deer & Lang Show Caves
The National Park offers a 3-hour Deer & Lang caves tour for 35 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) ($8 US). All show cave tours have a boardwalk that you will follow your guide on. This tour takes you through Lang Cave where you will see plenty of mineral formations of calcium carbonate both hanging down like icicles from the ceiling (stalactites) and building up from the floor (stalagmites) in every direction within the cave.
You will then go to Deer Cave, which is home to over 3 million wrinkled lipped bats, catch a glimpse of the garden of Eden, and then sit and wait at the observatory to hopefully see the bat exodus. This is where all the bats exit Deer Cave at any time from 4pm – 6pm to feed on insects. However, this phenomenon does not always occur for reasons which can’t quite be explained. You could be waiting for 2 – 3 hours here so patience is key. Note: You do not need to pay for a tour to watch the bat exodus from the observatory.
2. Clearwater Cave & Cave of the Winds
This 4-hour morning tour can be arranged via the Marriott or the park centre headquarters and costs 67 MYR ($16 US). This day will start with a longboat cruise up to a market at Batu Bungan where you can buy local crafts such as bracelets and blow darts, and if you’re lucky even see a lady play a flute with her nose! You will then get to explore the cave systems starting with cave of winds followed by clearwater cave which stretches over 220km (one of the world’s largest cave systems). After this exploration you can take a swim in the freshwater natural pool nearby filled with fish swimming.
3. Canopy Skywalk
Explore the jungle’s tree tops 25m up in the air on one of the world’s longest tree-based canopy walks for 45 MYR ($11 US). Be surrounded by trees and see the park from a new angle as you look below at the jungle floor and cross over streams. Remember a poncho as you will often you will get caught in a shower or two! This is a great experience that isn’t too strenuous, so it is appropriate for all fitness levels and most ages, except for those who of course don’t do well with heights.
4. Paku Waterfall
This is a fairly easy walk, however, make sure you have proper shoes and you aren’t afraid of getting a little muddy! There is no need for a guide, meaning it is a free trail to follow to the waterfall where you can also have a swim. With a water bottle and a few snacks, this activity makes for a good half day out.
5. Night Walk
Catch a glimpse of the amazing fireflies, if the conditions are right, as you walk to the park HQ to start your night walk. On this 2-hour walk see the nocturnal animals come to life and feel like you are in your own wildlife documentary as you listen to each unique sound and call. You will be advised by the guide to not wear too much insect repellent as it will scare the wildlife away. Don’t forget your head torch! – This tour costs 22MYR ($6 US)
6. Pinnacles Hike (3 Days – 2 Nights)
This is regarded as an extreme climb, rather than a trek, more on the rougher side of things. I’m talking limited bedding, no insect nets, and a very steep gradient with sharp limestone rocks. Camp 5, where you will sleep, offers very basic accommodation with thin mattresses, just something to keep in mind. Basically, do not attempt this hike if you do not have above average fitness levels and no experience. Aside from all of this you get a great view of the pinnacles and feel an awesome sense of accomplishment! – 433 MYR ($104 US)
7. Summit Hike (4 Days – 3 Nights)
A level up from the pinnacles, the Summit hike is also an extreme trek which is regarded harder than the nearby Mt. Kinabalu, and some even say more strenuous than Kilimanjaro. This trek adds an extra day onto the pinnacles hike allowing you to make it to the summit. Again, experience, preparation, and great fitness is required. This one would be a story to tell! – 650 MYR ($155 US)
8. Adventure Caving
The park offers 5 different adventure caving options ranging from intermediate to advanced levels if you really want to immerse yourself in the depths of the cave systems. They also offer an overnight caving expedition for advanced cavers. If you do not have any caving experience you can still book any of the intermediate adventures: 160 – 310 MYR ($38 – $74 US).
9. Garden of Eden Valley Walk
This is a full day 12km hike which requires enclosed shoes. You will go through Deer Cave to enter the Garden of Eden, which even in the worst of weather still looks mesmerizing. A swim and lunch stop in rock pools and you will then make your way back to the observatory to hopefully catch your first, or another, glimpse of the bat exodus: 120 MYR ($29 US)
10. Mulu Botanical Heritage Trail
This is a free walk you can do without the need of a guide! There are two loop options you can take, one being the short loop and the other being about 5kms. Each loop will amaze you with the number of different shades of green you can see. This is a great option to start off your Gunung Mulu adventure to really get a feel for the park.
So there you have it! 10 things to do in Gunung Mulu National Park. You will get a spectacular taste of what Borneo has to offer! If you are adventurous and a nature/wildlife lover I have no doubt you will love your time here and be wanting to go back! However, preparation is a MUST and there are some things that you need to know before your trip to Mulu – check them out here.
For any bookings and enquiries go to the Gunung Mulu National Park website https://mulupark.com/.
*All prices are from 2019
Check out ‘8 things to know before going to Gunung Mulu National park’
Where to stay?
Luxury/Mid-Range
I highly recommend staying at the Marriott. Enjoy the perks of having a great restaurant, a pool, a day spa, and more in the middle of the jungle. Tours will also be organised by the Marriott and start right from the river near the reception. If you stay here in low season, like I did in January, you might even find you have the whole resort to yourself and score a free upgrade! Check availabilities here!
Note: If you choose to stay at the Marriott, the hotel will also have their own tour guides for activities such as the show cave tours and river cruises. (this post is not sponsored by the Marriott, I just really enjoyed it!)
Booking.com
What to pack:
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Don’t get caught on the track kilometres away without a rain jacket.- Get it here!
Water Bottle (eco-friendly)
This is a must have in Gunung Mulu and even better you won’t have to spend money on single use plastic bottles (even though we try to reuse them it never happens) – this eco-friendly stainless steel bottle is the way to go! – Get it here!
Head Torch
I highly recommend getting a head torch for all of the show cave tours and if you get caught walking back to you accommodation in the dark. There are hardly any lights or street lights in Mulu. – Get it here!
Insect Repellant
Gunung Mulu has plenty of mosquitoes! Don’t go too crazy with the repellant though. – Get it here!
Portable Charger
A great travel necessity, especially towards the end of those long days in the jungle when you realise your phone is on 1%. – Get it here!
Dry Bag
Keep all your valuables more than secure and safe from the rain and rivers in a handy dry bag. – Get it here!
Gopro HERO 7 Black
The most compact, easy to use action camera to capture your adventures on. – Get it here!
Sunscreen
Even though there is a lot of rain, the sun can still be extremely hot and strong. – Get it here!
Poncho
Another backup or a cheaper option in case of those heavy showers – Get it here!
First Aid Kit
A must have at the bottom of any adventurers backpack. – Get it here!
Hat
Always an essential item to be packed for any kind of adventure! Sun Safety! – Get it here!
Joggers
Closed in shoes (joggers will be fine, unless you plan to do the pinnacles or summit hike) – Get it here!
Sunnies
Everyone needs a good pair of sunnies, better yet get some polarized ones! – Get it here!
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must and provides you with a backup in many different situations whether you are travelling for a few days or months at a time! We always use World Nomads on all of our trips and they have helped us with some tricky situations!
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