Gunung Mulu National Park, located in the Miri Division of Sarawak, is a destination that feels worlds away from the bustle of modern life. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity and karst features, drawing travellers who want to witness some of the largest cave systems on the planet. Whether you are trekking through dense jungle or marvelling at subterranean chambers, the park offers an unparalleled look at the natural landscape of Borneo.
Key Takeaways
- Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its massive cave networks and limestone karst formations.
- The park is best accessed by flight via Mulu Airport, which connects to major hubs like Miri, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu.
- Key attractions include the massive Deer Cave, the crystal-clear waters of Clear Water Cave, and the challenging trek to the Pinnacles.
- Visitors must be prepared for a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year.
About the Park
The landscape of Gunung Mulu National Park is dominated by the Mulu, Api, and Benarat mountains, which are composed of dramatic limestone and sandstone. This unique geology has given rise to a vast network of underground caves, including the Sarawak Chamber, which is recognized as one of the largest underground chambers in the world by area. The park serves as a protected habitat for a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a critical site for conservation in Sarawak.
Planning Your Visit
The region experiences a tropical rainforest climate, meaning you should expect high humidity and rainfall regardless of when you arrive. It is important to note that the northeast monsoon season, which typically runs from November to March, can bring heavier rainfall that may affect river access to certain caves. Always check local conditions before your trip. Accessing the park is primarily done by air, as river transport is unreliable and not a standard method for travellers. Scheduled flights connect Mulu Airport to Miri, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu, making it the most practical way to reach the park.
Top Things to Do in Gunung Mulu National Park
Jump to a spot
- Gunung Mulu National Park (Penan Settlement)
- Gunung Mulu National Park (Headquarters)
- Deer Cave
- Clear Water Cave
- Pinnacles
- Lang Cave
- Cave of The Winds
- Mulu Tree Top Tower
Gunung Mulu National Park
This site features a local Penan community settlement where visitors can learn about traditional handicrafts and the indigenous culture, usually visited by boat.
Area: Mulu, Melinau River
📍 Address: Sarawak
📞 Phone: 085-792 600
⭐ Google rating: 4.8 from 1,619 reviews (as of August 2026)
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Gunung Mulu National Park
An accessible boardwalk trail near the park headquarters that showcases the diverse flora of the Mulu rainforest.
Area: Gunung Mulu National Park, Park Headquarters
📍 Address: Sarawak
📞 Phone: 085-792 600
⭐ Google rating: 4.8 from 1,619 reviews (as of August 2026)
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Deer Cave
Famous for its massive cave passage and the spectacular evening exodus of millions of bats, which requires a guided tour and is subject to weather conditions.
Area: Mulu, Gunung Mulu National Park
📍 Address: Gunung Mulu National Park, Taman Negara, Miri, Sarawak
⭐ Google rating: 4.7 from 233 reviews (as of August 2026)
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Clear Water Cave
Known as one of the longest cave systems in Southeast Asia, accessible by longboat and featuring a crystal-clear underground river.
Area: Mulu, Gunung Mulu National Park
📍 Address: 4°03'54. 114°49'53., 68100, Sarawak
📞 Phone: 085-427 751
⭐ Google rating: 4.7 from 168 reviews (as of August 2026)
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Pinnacles
A challenging trek to view sharp, limestone karst formations, requiring a high level of fitness and a mandatory licensed guide.
Area: Mount Api, Gunung Mulu National Park
📍 Address: Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak
⭐ Google rating: 4.6 from 51 reviews (as of August 2026)
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Lang Cave
Renowned for its intricate and beautiful cave formations, it is often included in the Deer Cave tour circuit.
Area: Mulu, Gunung Mulu National Park
📍 Address: Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak
⭐ Google rating: 4.7 from 42 reviews (as of August 2026)
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Cave of The Winds
Named for the cool breezes found near its entrance, this cave is famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, often visited alongside Clearwater Cave.
Area: Mulu, Gunung Mulu National Park
📍 Address: 馬來西亞 Sarawak, Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak
⭐ Google rating: 4.5 from 39 reviews (as of August 2026)
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Mulu Tree Top Tower
A 480-meter long canopy walkway suspended in the rainforest, offering visitors a unique perspective of the jungle canopy and wildlife.
Area: Mulu, Gunung Mulu National Park
📍 Address: Sarawak
📞 Phone: 085-792 600
⭐ Google rating: 4.2 from 9 reviews (as of August 2026)
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| Place | Town or Area | Known for | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gunung Mulu National Park | Mulu | Penan community and culture | Open in Google Maps |
| Gunung Mulu National Park | Park Headquarters | Rainforest flora boardwalk | Open in Google Maps |
| Deer Cave | Mulu | Cave passage and bat exodus | Open in Google Maps |
| Clear Water Cave | Mulu | Long cave system and underground river | Open in Google Maps |
| Pinnacles | Mount Api | Limestone karst formations | Open in Google Maps |
| Lang Cave | Mulu | Intricate cave formations | Open in Google Maps |
| Cave of The Winds | Mulu | Stalactites and cool breezes | Open in Google Maps |
| Mulu Tree Top Tower | Mulu | Canopy walkway | Open in Google Maps |
Conclusion
A trip to Gunung Mulu National Park requires careful planning, particularly regarding flight bookings and guided tour arrangements. Do not miss the chance to experience the evening bat exodus at Deer Cave or the breathtaking karst views at the Pinnacles for a truly memorable Sarawak adventure.