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Sarawak ~ Mulu National Park

� History & People � Kuching � Longhouse & Visits � Bintulu & Sibu � Sarawak National Parks � Miri � Mulu National Park �

� Flora and Fauna � Mulu Caves � Treks and Climbs � The People of Mulu �
� Accommodations � Getting There �

Gunung Mulu National Park is the largest and the crown jewel of Sarawak�s national parks. Covering 544 sq km of primary rainforest, criss-crossed by fast flowing rivers and clear jungle streams, Mulu is dominated by three mountains - Gunung Mulu (2,376 m), Gunung Api (1,750 m) and Gunung Benarat (1,585 m), the latter still unclimbed.


Most of the park was unexplored until Britain's Royal Geographic Society surveyed it in the late 1970s. Its 15 different types of forest contains a wealth of wildlife and thousands of species of ferns, fungi, mosses and flowering plants.

Flora and Fauna
The vegetation on its lower slopes consists of peat swamp, heath, and dipterocarp forests while in the upper regions, moss and mountain vegetation can be found. There are 1,500 species of flower�ing plants, including 170 species of orchids and 10 species of pitch�er plants. The diversity of fauna is equally impressive, with 47 species of fish, 67 species of mammals, 74 species of frogs, 262 species of birds, and 458 species of ants.

So diverse is the plant and insect life that there are species still waiting to be discovered. Considering Mulu�s spectacular scenery and its biological significance, it was not surprising that Mulu was successfully listed as a World Heritage site.

Mulu Caves
Mulu's greatest attractions however lie deep below the surface. Hidden underneath the forested slopes of these mountains is one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world. This system, a breath-taking natural wonder, contains a number of record breaking caves. With the world's largest cave passage, the world's largest natural chamber, and the longest cave in Southeast Asia, it is not surprising that Mulu is now world-famous.

Treks and Climbs
The best way however to experience adventure and to appreciate the amazing variety of life in Mulu National Park, is to go on jungle and mountain treks that require overnight stays at jungle camps. If you feel really fit you can go on a climb to the summit of Gunung Mulu, Sarawak's second highest mountain, or trek to view the popular Pinnacles on Gunung Api. You can also do the Headhunter's Trail trek which combines upriver travel, jungle trekking and experience an overnight stay at an Iban longhouse.


The People of Mulu
Whether you travel through the park on foot or by longboat you will interact with the local people, Ibans, Berawan, or the still nomadic Penans who live off the jungle. Here in the mountains the local people are known as Orang Ulu, �up river� people. They are a diverse group of many tribes � Kayan, Kenyah, Berawan and Penan. Three longhouses are found close to Park Head quarters � the Penan communities at Batu Bungan and Long Iman and Berawan at Long Terawan. Longhouse life centres around the Melinau and Tutoh Rivers for transport, washing, food, play and for simply watching the world go by. Travelling along the Melinau River to Wind and Clearwater Caves gives visitors great insight into the everyday activities of these communities.


Accommodations
Accommodation facilities within the park consist of chalets units, hostel-style rooms and a camping ground. Kitchen facilities are provided so that visitors can prepare their own meals. In addition to the park accommodation, there is the Royal Mulu Resort, an international class hotel, and also a number of guesthouses situated along the Melinau River, adjacent to the park.


Getting There
The best way is to fly in from Miri (30 Minutes flight) or from Kota Kinabalu. MASwings a subsidiary company of Malaysian Airline Services operates regular flight services � http://www.maswings.com.my/

The park can also be reached by boat (via Marudi). However, there is no regular boat service on the last section of the trip so longboats must be chartered. This is best done in a group to save cost. You can also opt for more adventurous way in by trekking the Headhunters Trail starting from Limbang and ending up at the Park HQ


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