MULU HIKING

Mulu National Park is famous for its caves and even more so for its pinnacles. This astonishing geological formation is the result of karstification in a limestone environment. Water continues to erode these 40-metre-high peaks, giving them a sharp-edged appearance against the green canopy. Other hikes lasting several days, but requiring good physical fitness, are also possible. A network of marked trails starting from headquarters, of much lesser difficulty, can be undertaken alone. In addition, over 200 km of underground galleries run through the cliffs, in some places forming vast, impressive natural caves.

The Pinnacles. This hike attracts travellers from all over the world eager to discover this geological curiosity. It is organized by Mulu Park and accompanied by professional guides. A high level of physical fitness is required, as the climb to the Pinnacles takes place over very uneven, slippery terrain, and is sometimes vertical. The trek takes 3 days and covers a total of 10 km, with 1,200 metres of ascent. The first day includes a pirogue ride to a native village and Clearwater Cave. From there, a 7.8 km jungle hike on flat riverbank terrain leads back to base camp, in a beautiful spot where you can enjoy a sunset and a refreshing swim after a long hike. The second day starts very early, as the ascent and descent take place in the same day, with 2.4 km of climbing for 2 to 5 hours, depending on the fitness of the participants. The terrain is steep, and the heat and humidity make the effort particularly exhausting. Once past the dipterocarp forest, the ground becomes covered with slippery moss, and some sections are climbed vertically up ladders. As the last part of the climb is dangerous in wet weather, it may have to be cancelled depending on the weather. Once you've reached the promontory, the view is truly breathtaking. You'll stay at the summit for about an hour to enjoy the view, recharge your batteries and have lunch. The descent can be even more difficult than the ascent, as the tired body has to hold its own weight to avoid slipping or falling. It takes between 5 and 10 hours, depending on the terrain and your state of fitness. You return to base camp for a second night. The third day is devoted to returning to the park office. Fee-paying excursion. Guide required (provided by the park or private). You'll need to bring your own meals, water to base camp, a change of clothes and sleeping gear, a rain poncho and mosquito repellent.

Headhunter's Trail. This tour is organized by local tour operators or large incoming agencies specializing in the destination. It combines boat trips up rivers, jungle trekking and an overnight stay in a traditional longhouse. It follows the route taken by Kayan headhunters during their murderous raids on the populations of the neighboring Limbang valley. Departure is from the park headquarters. The first day is similar to that of the Pinnacles trek. The second day is a 4-5 hour, 12 km trek through the jungle to Kuala Terikan. The afternoon is spent in a longboat to reach the Rumah Bala Lesong longhouse. After an evening and night with the locals, you continue downriver to Naga Medamit. From here, transfer by road to Limbang and Mulu. Fee-paying excursion. Private guide.

Gunung Mulu. The 2,377-meter ascent is undoubtedly the most difficult in Mulu and is only suitable for seasoned hikers. The entire hike takes 4 days and 3 nights. Paying excursion. Guide required. You'll need to bring your own food, cooking gear, change of clothes, sleeping bag and plenty of water. Huts along the way provide overnight breaks.

Wind & Clearwater Caves. These two caves overlook the Melinau River. Access is by longboat from the park. The first cave comprises two chambers with beautiful geological formations created by water erosion. They are linked by a narrow corridor where the wind rushes in, hence the name. A wide underground river flows through the second chamber. Paying excursion. Guide required. A caving trip organized by the park connects the two caves via a series of narrow underground corridors.

Langs Cave & Deer Cave. The caves are accessible from the park office via a well-marked 3 km platform. Start with the charming Langs Cave and work your way up to the immoderate Deer Cave. Most hikers opt for an afternoon visit, as at sunset thousands of bats emerge from Deer Cave to hunt, provided it's not raining too hard. You can watch this spectacle without paying a visit to the caves. Fee payable. Guide required.

Canopy Walk. For a gentler excursion, you can opt for the Canopy Walk, a 6 km walk, including 620 meters suspended above the canopy, lasting around 2 hours. A supplement of RM50 will be charged.