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Gunung Mulu National Park, known as the jewel in the crown, boasts the world's largest natural caves and a rare rock formation. In 2000, UNESCO designated Gunung Mulu National Park a World Heritage Site. Five hundred years ago, the Earth's crust uplifted, raising the basin to sea level. Subsequent natural processes shaped the dramatic limestone formations of today. Within the park, a cluster of natural caves is believed to be the largest in the world. The Deer Cave, Clear Water Cave, Visceral Cave, Wind Cave, and Sarawak Cave are now open for safe viewing. The Mulu Caves, with their underground rivers, direct sunlight, and natural rock formations, create a truly remarkable spectacle. The "Knife Rock Forest," recognized as the eighth wonder of the world, is the result of 1.5 million years of weathering and rain erosion. The towering peaks reach a height of 45 meters. Gunung Mulu National Park is renowned not only for its caves and knife rock formations, but also for its vast expanse of pristine tropical rainforest and natural ecosystems. The most unforgettable thing here is that at dusk, thousands of bats go out to look for food and fly out of the stone caves. This scene, which often appears in Western fantasy movies, always gives people a psychedelic feeling when it appears in front of our eyes.
The tropical rainforest climate has a dry season from March to November and a rainy season from November to February, but you can visit all year round.
Recommended travel time: 3 days and 2 nights
Recommended activities: Hiking in the rainforest to explore wildlife; exploring natural caves to see bats; and touring the Stone Forest.
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Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible limestone karst formations, extensive cave systems, and biodiversity. The park is named after Gunung Mulu, a mountain that is one of the highest in Borneo, and is home to some of the world's longest and deepest caves.
Gunung Mulu National Park is located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on Borneo Island. The park is accessible via a flight to Mulu Airport from Kuching or Kota Kinabalu, followed by a short drive to the park entrance. There are no metro or bus services, so taxis or hired cars are the best option for transport within the area.
The park is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the dry season from March to October, as trails and caves are more accessible and the weather is optimal for outdoor activities.
The entrance fee for the park is approximately RM 10 for Malaysians and RM 30 for international visitors. Tickets can be purchased at the park's visitor center upon arrival, or in advance through local tour agencies.
Booking tickets in advance is not required for general entry, but it is recommended for guided tours and cave excursions, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s best to book 1-2 weeks in advance.
To fully explore Gunung Mulu National Park, including visiting its caves, hiking trails, and participating in guided tours, a stay of 3-4 days is recommended.
Guided tours are available in English and Malay. Tours are conducted by knowledgeable local guides who provide insights into the area's natural and cultural history. Audio guides are not currently offered.
Start your visit with a walk through the park's visitor center to get an overview, then proceed to the Canopy Walk for an aerial view of the forest. Follow this by a tour of Deer Cave and Clearwater Cave. For an adventurous day, opt for a guided trek to Mulu Summit or explore other caves.
Night visits are available through guided nocturnal tours, where you can spot wildlife like bats, owls, and other nocturnal creatures. Special tours, including night safaris, are available on request.
The park can get crowded during the peak tourist season (June-August and December-January). The least crowded times are during the shoulder seasons, from March to May and September to November, especially on weekdays.
The park has basic facilities, including toilets, rest areas, and a small visitor center with food and water. There are no major shops, so it’s advisable to bring your own snacks and supplies.
While the park offers some accessible trails, many of the hiking paths, especially in the caves, are challenging. Elderly and disabled visitors should check with the visitor center for suitable routes. Children may enjoy shorter trails and the visitor center activities.
Cash is preferred for purchases inside the park, as credit and mobile payments may not be widely accepted. It's best to carry Malaysian Ringgit in cash for tickets, food, and souvenirs.
Inside the park, there are small cafés offering local meals and refreshments. In the nearby town of Mulu, you can find a variety of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options are available both inside the park and in nearby restaurants in the town of Mulu.
Yes, souvenir shops are available near the visitor center and in the nearby village, offering items like local handicrafts, t-shirts, and postcards featuring the park’s unique wildlife and landscapes.
The best transportation options include taxis, rental cars, or flights from Mulu Airport for onward travel to other destinations in Borneo, such as Kuching or Kota Kinabalu.
