Mystical Mulu & Miri

East Malaysia Is a Natural Paradise That Is Closer Than Many Think. David Bowden Explores Sarawak’s Gunung Mulu National Park and Nearby Coastal Miri.

- David Bowden

Sarawak’s Gunung Mulu National Park holds some of the world’s largest caves, and is one of Malaysia’s most exciting eco destinations that can be combined with some exciting attractions in coastal Miri.

Miri Airport is Sarawak’s northern air gateway to eco-adventures in national parks such as Mount Mulu, Lambir Hills, and Niah Caves as well as some remote inland tribal communities like Bario and Ba’Kelalan.

TO THE BAT CAVES

Gunung Mulu National Park of 52,866ha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected for its outstanding ecological assets both above the ground and in several massive limestone caves beneath the surface. Lang, Deer, Wind, and Clearwater are the four principal public caves with Deer Cave being the world’s largest passage and Sarawak Chamber, the world’s largest chamber. A cave in Vietnam (Hang Son Doong, near Dong Hoi) that was only recently brought to the attention of the travelling public now holds the record as the world’s largest cave.

With guidance from an international management team, along with recently completed and comprehensive visitor facilities that include accommodation, toilets, souvenir shop and a café, the park is now a world-class attraction. The information displays are interactive and very detailed in providing excellent background information on the park’s many features.

Long, sleek boats are used to reach some of the caves and several other attractions. It is also possible to climb to the peaks of Mount Api (1,750m) and Mulu (2,371m) but both are a serious exercise that should only be considered by experienced climbers and, with the assistance of experienced local climbing guides.