Last Updated On : Tuesday, November 24, 2020 01:17:14 AM


Malaysia has four World Heritage Sites recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (Unesco) World Heritage List.


1) Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley (AHLV) in Perak.
2) Historic cities of Melaka and George Town along the Straits of Melaka.
3) Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak.
4) Kinabalu Park in Sabah.

 


Mulu Tour  |  Gunung Mulu Park  |

 

Gunung Mulu National Park

a World Heritage Sites

 

Gunumg Mulu National Park is one of the 2 world heritage sites in Malaysia. The other being Kinabalu Park in Sabah.

The majestic Gunung Mulu, rising over a mass of sandstone and shale, 2,376 meters above sea level, dominates the Gunung Mulu National Park in the Miri and Limbang Divisions. The park covers 52,866 hectares of shale and sandstone, flanked by limestone outcrops with virgin tropical forests at the lower slopes giving way to montane vegetation in the upper regions. It was gazette as a National Park in 1974. The mix of natural habitats in all its diversity amidst such wild and rugged scenery makes it one of Sarawak's most popular destinations. Foremost among its attractions are the spectacular pinnacle rock formations tucked in the valley of Gunung Api and its cave complex which can only be described in superlatives. Despite its ruggedness, the park is easily accessible and there is a range of activities to keep everyone busy and happy.

• FLORA AND FAUNA

This area was miraculously unaffected by the last Ice Age which left it to continue with the evolution of its flora and fauna without any interruptions. This accounts for the extraordinary diversity of the plant life and wildlife to be found in its forests today. There are over 1,500 species of flowering plants, 170 species of orchids; and, 10 species of pitcher plants.

The lush vegetation of the lower slopes consists of peat swamp, heath and mixed dipterocarp forests. An interesting feature of the peat swamp forest is the massive roots of the Strangling fig tree, a name derived from the fact that it had in fact "strangled" the original host tree to death in its bid to reach the top! In the upper regions, the vegetation is characterized by limestone and moss vegetation and the stunted montane vegetation of the summit.

There are 67 types of mammals roaming the forests; 262 species of birds. The latest addition to this group is the newly discovered Borneon frog with the beautiful name - "Rana mgeri" Also to be seen swinging nonchalantly from the branches are the small tree dwelling Bornean gibbons. All these plus 281 varieties of butterfly and hundreds of insects and fungi make up the inhabitants of the park.

• PLANNING AN ITINERARY

Plan for a minimum of two to four days stay at the park in order to fully appreciate all that it has to offer.

Day Trips To The Show Caves : These caves have been illuminated to focus on certain special features within its dim interior. Special paths enable visitors to move around easily and also protect the delicate geological structures from accidental damage. They are accessible from Park Headquarters via a 3 km walk through the jungle on specially constructed plank walks.

Lang's Cave : Named after the man who first introduced speleologists to the cave in 1978, it features a variety of intricately sculptured stalactites and stalagmites, delicate and transparent helictites and spectacular rock curtains. Footprints embedded in the rocks at the entrance to the caves indicate that it was once inhabited by wild boars.

Deer Cave : As its name suggests, this cave was in days long gone, a shelter for hordes of deer. It also served as a human burial ground. However, it has now been taken over by millions of bats which can be seen flying out in formation in search of food, as night approaches. You might get to witness this magnificent display of mass exodus on fine evenings. Other inhabitants include swiftlets usually seen circling the entrance; and the earwigs, centipedes and cicadas. Its 160-metre wide mouth resembles a 'colossal stone jaw' earning it the distinction of having the largest cave entrance. Another unique feature is the 'Adam & Eve's shower'/ a cascade of water falling down 120 meters from the cave roof.

Wind Cave : Approached by way of the Melinau river, steps lead from the river bank up to the cave entrance. A refreshing breeze greets you as you approach the cave which perhaps explains the origin of its name. Within is the King's Chamber with its magnificent display of stalactites and stalagmites of all shapes and sizes. The Chamber is said to be haunted!

Clearwater Cave : Measuring over 100 km, this is acknowledged to be the longest cave in South-East Asia and the 7th longest in the world. Moss covered stalactites greet you as you approach the entrance. Venture inside into Lady's Cave with the stalactite resembling the Virgin Mary. 50 steps lead down to underground rivers in a labyrinth of caverns and passages formed millions of years ago. The crystal clear water is said to possess mysterious powers to restore youth!

Adventure Caving : For something more challenging than admiring the evidence of nature's intricate craftsmanship in the show caves, don protective helmets and miners' lamps and follow a trail, away from the cement paths and electric lights, down into the depths of Clearwater and Wind caves, under Gunung Api! Crawl with the centipedes and earwigs and be prepared to come face to face with other inhabitants of the cave floor!

The Pinnacles Of Gunung Api : Take up the challenge to view the pinnacles, located in a shallow valley 1,200 meters above sea level. The adventure begins with an exciting 2-hour boat trip over rapids. On days when the water level gets low, be prepared to help shove the boats over the rock strewn rapids. A 3-4 hour trek through virgin forests brings you to a park hut on the bank of the Melinau river where you stop for the night. The next morning begins with a4-hourclimb, up 1000 meters via a steep path to a viewing point overlooking the pinnacles. The smooth razor edged pinnacles measure 20 meters wide at the base and 45 meters in height. Separated by deep fissures and low bushy mountain forest, they present a spectacular sight when viewed from above.

On The Trail Of The Headhunters : The trail once taken by the legendary warriors on their head- hunting spree in days long gone, goes through the lowland forests and down mighty fast flowing rivers. This is recommended for those with an unquenchable thirst for adventure and excitement. Follow the headhunters trail and live out your fantasies in the rugged terrain of the Sarawak wilderness.

The Mulu Challenge : If that is still not enough, there's still the challenge of doing the Mulu summit. Take on the mighty mountain and scale its rough sandstone and shale heights to reach the summit. It may be lonely at the top but the view is fantastic!

• ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation facilities at the park include chalets, a hostel and a rest house.

- VIP Chalet - VIP room

- Chalets - Hostel

6 units of chalet and 2 rooms/unit


- Rest house

(5 beds per room)

• OTHER FACILITIES

These include mountain huts, public toilets and washrooms, a canteen, an information centre and video shows.

Applications for permits and reservations for accommodation can be made at the National Parks and Wildlife Office, Miri.

• HOW TO GET THERE

Mulu is accessible by air from either Miri, Limbang or Marudi.

It is also accessible by river. However, visitors wishing to make the journey by river are advised to liaise with a tour agency as there is no regular boat service to Mulu.

ENQUIRIES

National Parks Booking Office (Miri)
Sarawak Visitor Information Centre
452 Jalan Melayu 98000 Miri
Tel: 085-434180

Mulu National Park
Sungai Melinau, Baram
Miri

Tel: 085-434561


INDEX of Kuching City  November 24, 2020 01:17:14 AM

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