Mulu Exploration

The Summit

The mountainous nature of Mulu sets the scene for one of nature’s most spectacular rainforest vistas. The mountains leap out of the surrounding plains rising vertically in places with sheer cliffs and exposed rock faces. Upon seeing the park from the air, visitors are awed by its inaccessible steep mountain sides, plunging gorges and collapsed caves, all covered in an impenetrable sea of rainforest. Most imposing of all is Gunung Mulu itself, which dominates the landscape.

This 4 day/3 night 24 kilometres steep climb to 2,377 metres is perhaps the most difficult challenge Mulu has to offer.

A great variety of habitats, montane forest with pitcher plants, conifers, orchids and colourful rhododendrons through to the stunted summit plants and magnificent views are your reward on this climb. The leeches are just a bonus! Be prepared to sleep in basic forest huts with basic cooking facilities. You need to provide and carry your own food, water, sleeping mats and bags. Share the camp cooking jobs with your guide who is experienced in ‘roughing’ it in the jungle. If you want help to carry the load, local porters can be hired. Enquire at the office when making a reservation or upon arrival in the park.

Long Langsat (guide optional)

If you would like to see more of the park and its surrounds, it is possible to combine a boat ride with some forest trekking.

A longboat trip takes you down the Sungai Melinau and up the Sungai Tutoh to the small Long Lansat stream.

Crystal clear waters cascade down a narrow valley between steep slopes. Lush rainforest plants crowd in over the water; the soft sounds of birds, insects and the stream relax you. Take your time enjoy a river walk and a swim in this secret and precious part of Mulu. Why not visit the Penan community at Long Iman on the way and learn a little about their customs?

Time	3 - 4 hours
Longboat cost	RM50 Per person - minimum of 3 persons

The Pinnacles Trail (Park Guide essential)

The pinnacle formations of Gunung Api and Benarat are spectacular examples of this type of karst feature. The Pinnacles have been formed in the limestone which occurs at the edges of the plateau or valleys from water percolating through the soil. The reason for the spectacular nature of the formations at Mulu lies in the consistent nature of its limestone beds and the high levels of rainfall that has stripped the soil and exposed the jagged peaks.

Today the pinnacles tower above the surrounding landscape, some reaching heights of 40 to 50 metres. As water has continued to erode and dissolve the rock, the formations have taken on their razor-like appearance.

Plan to visit Clearwater and Cave of the Winds on the way to Kuala Litut. If you are in luck and the river level is high you will arrive at Kuala Litut without pushing the boat too many times. The 3 hour walk is on a well marked, level trail getting you to Camp 5 before dark.

Camp 5 sits besides the Sungai Melinau and faces the spectacular Benarat cliffs. This comfortable jungle accommodation has fully equipped kitchens, dining room and bathrooms. You need to take your own food with you. Settle in for the night on a sleeping mat in one of the 5 open space rooms and look forward to getting up at dawn.

The trail to view the Pinnacles is only 2.4 km long but rises 1,200m and the last section is near vertical with ropes and ladders to climb. Slow down, take time to enjoy the limestone forest, glimpse the tree shrews running past and as you reach the higher altitudes see some spectacular pitcher plants and rare orchids.

Fit, experienced trekkers may reach the top in 2–3 hours, the not so fit around 4–5 hours. For many, the descent is more difficult and can take 5 hours or more. Back at camp relax, cool off in the river and rest those weary legs in preparation for the return walk to Kuala Litut in the morning.

Accommodation	RM25 Per person per night
Park Guide to climb	RM400 group of 1 - 5 persons Extra person RM80, maximum of 8
Longboat return	RM370 group of 1 - 4 persons

Alternative to climbing
Consider exploring the Kerangas Forest or Melinau Gorge both a short walk from Camp 5, both require a guide.

The poor sandy soils of the Kerangas are the ideal habitat for pitcher plants. Also see the ‘dancing grounds’ of the Great Argus, hear their calls and hopefully catch sight of one. Taking your time to look around this 4.5km loop walk will take about 4 hours.

Walk beside the Melinau River, a short (30 minute) walk takes you to the ‘pools’, another 1 hours walk in the river and over the rocks, careful they are slippery, and you arrive at the spectacular Melinau Gorge.

Park guide

RM25 per hour group of 1 - 5 persons