By Vishnu Krishnan
Gunung Mulu National Park can only be described as pure magic. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has a plethora of animal and plant species that dwell within the confines of its lush primary forests, dozens of caves and Mulu Mountain.
One of the most unique features of this national park is its vast cave system that is centuries old.
The Wind Cave system, as its name suggests, is famous for the strong winds that gust through its chamber. The crowning glory of Wind Cave is the cathedral-like cluster of stalagmite and stalactite formations in the King’s Chamber.
A chamber for Kings
(Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/visitmalaysia/4677581017)
Take a 400 metre suspended plank walk to Clearwater Cave. Here you’ll get to see the mighty Clearwater River gushing through the cavernous expanse that leads to a clear pool at the end. The locals believe that swimming in the pool will rejuvenate your youth.
Clear Water is an emerald dream!
(Source: http://mulupark.com/tours-activities/advance-level-adventure-caving/clearwater-connection/)
To get to the next cave system, you need to cross the world’s longest suspension bridge between trees. The Canopy Skywalk stands 30 metres high and is 480 metres long.
On the other end, you’ll come across an ancient Penan tribal burial ground. Beyond that is one of the greatest caves in the world, Deer Cave. The cave dimensions are hard to fathom until you step into the 122 metre tall gaping hole.
In the middle of the cave, is perhaps the most gorgeous sight in the world, the Garden of Eden. Imagine a pristine patch of forest illuminated by the evening sun, shining brilliantly like emeralds. It’s a slice of paradise!
You don’t get much closer to heaven then at the Garden of Eden
(Source: http://www.wondermondo.com/Countries/As/Malaysia/Sarawak/GardenOfEden.htm)
Once you exit Deer Cave, don’t rush off yet. Stay until 6pm to see billions of bats streaming out of the cave to feed. If you have a pair of binoculars, watch the cunning owl hawks swoop on their prey.
Sarawak Chamber is one of the largest known cave chambers in the world by area and the second largest by volume after the Miao Room in China. Its surface area is a whopping 162,700 square metres with a volume of 9,579,205 cubic metres.
Experts say it is so large you can fly a jumbo jet through the middle of the cave without touching the walls. Crazy! The trail to the chamber takes about three hours before reaching the mouth of Gua Nasib Bagus or Good Luck Cave.
The Sarawak Chamber is basically the gaping mouth of the world!
(Source: http://afwan.blogspot.my/2006/03/sarawak-chamber.html)
The primary forests of Mulu are among the best places in Malaysia to observe local flora and fauna. The primordial serenity of these jungles are so tranquil and vast. If you are lucky, you can spot bearded pigs, hornbills, clouded leopards, vipers, tarsiers and even tigers.
The trees are extremely tall and beautifully buttressed. If you trek deep enough, you’ll be able to see pitcher plants and many other exotic species.
Finally, for the more adventurous trekkers, Gunung Mulu Mountain is a tough but exciting climb. The rock pinnacles of Gunung Api and Benarat are unique jagged rock formations that tower above the landscape and add to the mystical feel of the park.
The Pinnacles of Mulu Mountain
(Source: https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/borneo/exp/gunung-mulu-national-park)
For more information on Gunung Mulu National Park, including where to stay and how to get there, head to their website: http://mulupark.com/
Article source: http://blog.tourism.gov.my/feed/
