5D Mulu Caves & The Headhunters’ Trail,
Mulu, Sarawak, Borneo
Deer Cave, one of 4 show caves in Mulu
Sarawak’s massive limestone outcroppings are honeycombed with caves, carved over millions of years by the run off from tropical downpours. The world’s most extensive cave system so far discovered is in the Mulu National Park. So far, 310 kilometres of passages have been surveyed and this is thought to be only one third of the passages that exist. Exploration is continuing.
The well-lit and plank-walked Wind and Clearwater Caves are popular with visitors but no serious deep exploration has been done of other limestone formations.
While most of the caves are for serious and well-equipped cavers only, sections of the more accessible passages have been equipped with lights and marked paths for tourists.
The Deer Cave sees the exodus of 2 million bats at dusk everyday, a sight most visitors has the most lasting impression of.
Then trek the trail of the headhunters, developed over a century ago by the Kayan tribe during the days of headhunting. Overnight at camp 5 shelter, at the base of the Pinnacles.
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Itinerary
Day 01 / Arrive Mulu – Deer & Lang Caves (B/L/D)
Arrive Mulu airport in the morning and transfer to accommodation for check in. In the afternoon, proceed to the park headquarters and enjoy a scenic 3 km plankwalk through primary rainforest to the entrance of Deer Cave. Deer Cave is the world’s largest cave passage. Its scale its awesome and you are in no doubt how huge it is when you arrive at the cave entrance. The entrance of the cave is 150 m wide and 120 m high. Nowhere in this massive cave is the roof less than 90 m high. The cave has a moon-like landscape and from one vantage point, a perfect profile of President Lincoln can be observed. Next to Deer Cave is Langs Cave. The stalactites and stalagmites inside this cave are representative of the very best limestone formations in the park. After viewing the two caves, proceed to the Bat Observatory outside Deer Cave. Most evenings at sundown, a spectacular exodus of about 2 million of bats can be observed as they leave the cave in search of food. Then trek back to the park HQ by torchlight and return to accommodation.
Overnight at Mulu.
Day 02 / Mulu – Clearwater & Wind Caves – Camp 5 (B/L/D)
In the morning, proceed by longboat upriver to Wind Cave with its impressive ‘King’s Chamber’. Here, stalactites and stalagmites with delicate lace-like patterns are found. A short walk along a plankwalk next to the limestone cliff leads to Clearwater Cave. Like most caves in Mulu, Clearwater Cave provides a habitat for unique species of plants. One of these, the one-leafed plant can only be found at Mulu. Photo-sensitive algae grow on certain rocks and produce needle-like formations that point towards the source of light. Near Clearwater Cave there is a wonderful swimming area shaded by giant rainforest trees. Enjoy a simple picnic or packed lunch. After lunch proceed to Long Litut (1 hr boat ride). Start trekking to Camp 5 (3 hrs) through a mixed dipterocarp and riparian forest.
Overnight at Camp 5 which offers basic dormitory accommodation with basic common toilet facilities.
Day 03 / Camp 5 – Gunung Api / Pinnacles (B/L/D)
Following breakfast, start to scale Gunung Api for the limestone pinnacles. The climb is very challenging and taxing and will take about 4-5 hours. Arrive at the pinnacles’ viewpoint in time for a packed lunch.
Descend back to Camp 5 and overnight.
Day 04 / Camp 5 – Kuala Terikan – Iban Longhouse (B/L/D)
Trek to Kuala Terikan (5 hours). Proceed down river by boat to Rumah Penghulu Sigah or Rumah Bala Lasong, both Iban longhouses. The journey takes 2-3 hours, depending on the water level.
Overnight in the Iban longhouse.
Day 05 / Longhouse – Nanga Medamit – Limbang
Depart from the longhouse by boat (1½ hours) to Nanga Medamit. Then proceed to Limbang Town (1 hour ) by van. Drop off in the early afternoon at Limbang airport for departure flight out. (B/L/-)
Note
Camp 5: Basic dormitory accommodation with basic common toilet facilities.
These prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Single person: Surcharge will apply, please contact us for more information.
Land Cost
Prices in SGD $
- SGD $ 924 Twin
Upgrade to Royal Mulu Resort on Day 02
- SGD $50 Twin/Triple
Validity
- Jan 01 – Dec 31, 2012
Inclusions
- Airport, land/boat transfers
- All tours as mentioned with entrance fees
- 01 night in Mulu National Park Chalet
- 02 nights at Camp 5 (bedding and mosquito nets provided)
- 01 night in Iban Longhouse
- All meals as indicated in itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
Exclusions
- Airfare to Mulu and from Limbang
- Table drinks including mineral water & alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities & tours
- Camera/Video fees
- Tips & gratuities for guide & drivers, etc.
- Insurance & Emergency transfers
Note
In order to keep our prices down this tour is operated on the principle that you may be touring with a small group of other travellers. Please check with us the pick-up time for the tour departure (these times are generally fixed); details will be reconfirmed to you before you start your tour.
We can, of course, organise this as a private group for a group starting with 02 persons. Please check with us for prices.
Validity
- Jan 01 – Dec 31, 2012
Camp 5 on the Headhunter’s Trail