Vibrant life thrives along Sungai Melinau Paku, where the river serves as the bustling water gateway to Kuala Baram.
Gunung Mulu National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking tapestry of towering limestone pinnacles, ancient rainforests and awe-inspiring cave systems.
Nestled in the heart of Sarawak, this natural wonder, granted world heritage status in 2000, draws adventurers and nature enthusiasts from across the globe.
One of the park’s most accessible and rewarding excursions is the 3.8km trek to Deer Cave and Lang Cave – a walk that harmoniously combines the tranquillity of the rainforest with the grandeur of the underground world.
The adventure begins at the park office, where a well-marked trail leads visitors into the emerald depths of the rainforest.
A flat and straightforward plank walkway leads to Lang and Deer Caves, offering an easy and comfortable walking experience for visitors.
The mostly flat and straightforward path caters to a wide range of fitness levels, though a moderate degree of stamina is needed for the 45-minute journey.
As you tread the trail, the rainforest springs to life. The rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds and the gurgling of streams create a soothing symphony, while the earthy scent of the forest floor mingles with the sweet aroma of wildflowers.
Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled patterns along the way.
A long boat journey to one of the Mulu caves on Sungai Melinau Paku.
Though large animals remain elusive, the forest teems with smaller marvels.
Crested lizards dart across the path, frogs hop along the way and an array of critters – like spiral-patterned millipedes and quick-footed centipedes – abound.
The first destination is Lang Cave, an intimate space adorned with delicate limestone formations.
Stalactites and stalagmites form intricate shapes, glistening with water droplets that sparkle like jewels.The cool air, faintly tinged with the scent of guano, provides a refreshing reprieve from the humid forest.
As dusk falls, millions of bats emerge from deer cave, forming swirling black ribbons that twist and turn against the twilight sky as they embark on their nightly hunt in the surrounding forests.
A short walk from Lang Cave leads to the crown jewel: Deer Cave, home to one of the largest cave passages in the world.
Its vast limestone chamber stretches over 2km long and rises 125m high, a size so immense it could house multiple cathedrals.
A spiny stick insect blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
Formed over millions of years, the chamber owes its grandeur to geological and hydrological forces. Tectonic activity uplifted ancient marine deposits, while acidic rainwater dissolved the limestone, carving out this massive cavern.
Underground rivers further sculpted its form, while periodic roof collapses created unique skylights that illuminate its depths.
Entering the cave’s gaping maw, visitors are awed by its scale and the cacophony of bats roosting in the high ceilings.
These bats play a vital role in the Mulu ecosystem, their guano supporting a complex network of cave-dwelling organisms.
Crystal-clear waters reveal a mesmerising scene of graceful Kelah fish gliding effortlessly through the tributary rivers leading to the Mulu Caves.
As dusk falls around 6.30pm, the highlight of the journey begins. Millions of bats stream out of the cave in swirling black ribbons, a mesmerising nightly exodus.
Wallace’s hawk-eagles join the spectacle, swooping through the air in dramatic aerial chases. This natural phenomenon, with its precision and scale, feels like a choreographed performance that never fails to captivate.
Deer and Lang Caves are part of an intricate limestone network that has developed over millions of years.
A green-crested lizard can often be spotted lazing along the trail or darting between branches.
This ecosystem is both a geological marvel and a vibrant hub of biodiversity, where every organism, from cave invertebrates to bats, contributes to the delicate balance of life.
For those with greater stamina and time, Gunung Mulu offers the challenge of The Pinnacles – a climb to razor-sharp limestone spires on Mount Api, considered one of the park’s most iconic and gruelling adventures. But that’s a story for another day.
Gunung Mulu National Park is more than just a destination; it’s an invitation to explore the heart of nature’s grandeur.
So lace up your boots, pack your sense of wonder, and let Mulu’s wonders guide you on an unforgettable journey.
