Miri: The lush greenery of the tropical rainforests in Mulu National Park offers a refreshing escape, particularly for those accustomed to the exhaust fumes of vehicles and constant hustle and bustle of urban concrete jungles. Situated in the Miri division of Sarawak, the 52,864-hectare park is dominated by Mount Mulu, majestically reaching the clouds at a height of 2,736 meters. This peak also encompasses a cave system spanning some 295 kilometers, explored so far by researchers, and is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity, including cave swallows and bats.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts researchers eager to expand their knowledge as well as visitors seeking recreational or adventurous activities, whether in its rugged gorges or fast-flowing rivers. A team of 21 media representatives, including participants from France, Brunei, and Indonesia, were invited to participate in the Mulu Sarawak Exploration and Media Dinner Programme from December 5 to 10, organized by the Sarawak Tourism Board.
Shortly after the group landed at Mulu Airport, surrounded by pristine rainforest, they were taken to their accommodation at the Mulu Marriott Resort and Spa, located along the banks of the Melinau River near the border between Malaysia and Brunei. During the 20-minute journey, they passed through a Penan village, offering a glimpse into this indigenous community’s unique way of life. According to tour guide Henry Lah Lucin, who is himself a Penan, there are only two Penan villages in Mulu: Kampung Long Iman, home to about 400 residents, and Kampung Batu Bungan, with a population of 360.
The media group’s first day in Mulu National Park began with an exploration of two of its four famed caves, Deer Cave or Gua Rusa and Lang Cave, located about a 15-minute drive from the resort. The Deer Cave’s lush tropical rainforest, brimming with rare flora and fauna species, was mesmerizing. The two-kilometer-long Deer Cave has minimal natural lighting and serves as a sanctuary for various species of bats. However, unlike in movies, swarms of bats did not fly out dramatically in response to human presence when the journalists stepped into the cave.
Lang Cave, meanwhile, is dominated by striking formations of stalactites and stalagmites of varying sizes, offering a surreal experience for tourists, especially for geo-tourism enthusiasts. Visitors are advised to bring essentials such as a flashlight, raincoat, and drinking water, and wear appropriate attire, including rubber-soled shoes.
On their second day in Mulu, the journalists embarked on a ride on the Melinau River in a longboat steered by a local villager. Their first destination was a Penan village market located on the riverbank. At the Kampung Batu Bungan market, they were warmly welcomed by the Penan community, who showcased an array of handmade crafts for sale. Henry also introduced his father, Lucin Jeluman, a traditional blowpipe maker, explaining that blowpipes are typically made from belian wood due to its hardness.
Next on the itinerary was Wind Cave or Gua Angin. Henry explained that the cave earned its name because of the gentle breeze one can feel in a narrow passage inside. This passage leads visitors to an open chamber resembling a gallery, called ‘King’s Room,’ which is adorned with geological wonders like stalagmites and limestone columns. A five-minute boat ride from Wind Cave is Gua Air Jernih (Clear Water Cave), said to be the longest cave in Asia, stretching an impressive 107 kilometers from the entrance. This natural marvel is home to an underground river system, with the soothing sound of rushing water audible from afar.
The world’s longest canopy walkway, spanning 480 meters and soaring 20 meters above the forest floor, marked the final highlight of the media programme at Mulu National Park. The suspended walkway, built across a canopy of lush trees, has its supporting structures firmly anchored to sturdy forest trees like meranti, ara, and tapang.
Though the visit to Mulu National Park was brief, it was fulfilling to witness the unparalleled beauty of nature. The unique landscapes and rich biodiversity, with fauna and flora found only in Mulu National Park, are treasures that must be preserved and safeguarded. For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, Mulu National Park is an unmissable destination.