Gunung Mulu National Park is one of Malaysia鈥檚 most iconic and spectacular natural attractions. Located in the northern part of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its extraordinary limestone cave systems, rich biodiversity, and rugged mountain landscapes. Covering an area of about 544 square kilometers, it is the largest national park in Sarawak and home to some of the world's largest and longest caves. Whether you are an adventure seeker, nature lover, or just looking for a unique travel experience, Gunung Mulu National Park offers something unforgettable.
Getting to Gunung Mulu National Park is an adventure in itself due to its remote location in the heart of Borneo鈥檚 rainforest. The most convenient and common way to reach the park is by air.
By Air: The fastest and most reliable way is to take a flight from Miri, Kuching, or Kota Kinabalu to Mulu Airport (MZV). MASwings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, operates regular flights. The flight from Miri to Mulu takes about 30 minutes.
By River and Land (Alternative Route): For the more adventurous, it is possible to reach the park by a combination of road and river travel from Miri, but this can take many hours and is not recommended during the rainy season.
Gunung Mulu experiences a tropical rainforest climate, meaning it is hot and humid throughout the year. Average daytime temperatures range between 23掳C to 32掳C. Humidity levels are high, and rainfall is frequent, especially from November to February. The best time to visit is during the dry season from March to October, when cave tours and hiking are more enjoyable.
Gunung Mulu National Park is open daily, including public holidays. The main park office operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, many guided tours, especially for caves and trekking, start in the morning, so it is advisable to arrive early or plan an overnight stay.
Multi-day activities like the Pinnacles Trek or climbing Gunung Mulu need advance booking and typically start early in the morning.
Gunung Mulu National Park is globally renowned for its incredible limestone karst formations and cave systems. It is home to some of the world鈥檚 most impressive natural wonders:
These features make Gunung Mulu a magnet for scientists, caving experts, trekkers, and eco-tourists from around the world.
All visitors must register at the park headquarters upon arrival. Entrance fees are required and can be paid on-site or through the official website. Fees (as of the latest rates) are:
Many attractions within the park can only be visited with a licensed guide or as part of a guided tour. Tours must be booked in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Gunung Mulu was first surveyed in the 1970s by a British Royal Geographical Society expedition. Since then, it has been the site of continuous scientific research and exploration, particularly focused on its cave systems. The park was officially established in 1974 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 due to its outstanding biodiversity and geological features.
The park鈥檚 natural "architecture" includes vast underground chambers, towering limestone cliffs, jagged Pinnacles, sinkholes, and karst towers. Sarawak Chamber, inside the Good Luck Cave, is the largest known cave chamber in the world by area鈥攊t could fit about 40 Boeing 747 aircraft inside!
There鈥檚 no shortage of exciting activities in Gunung Mulu. Here are some of the top things to do:
Gunung Mulu National Park is a true natural wonder in the heart of Borneo. With its awe-inspiring cave systems, stunning limestone formations, and rich biodiversity, it offers one of the most unique national park experiences in the world. Whether you鈥檙e venturing into the world鈥檚 biggest caves, watching bats fill the sky, or hiking through dense jungle to the sharp limestone Pinnacles, Mulu promises adventure and inspiration. A visit here is not just a journey through nature鈥攊t鈥檚 a walk through geological and biological history. Be ready to explore, learn, and be amazed.