Malaysia - Borneo: Gunung Mulu National Park 2024

Gunung Mulu National Park 2024 - UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2000).
A little over an hour’s flying from Kuching you land in the middle of almost nowhere in Mulu (population +- 2000). Your ‘only’ reason for being there is the ‘Taman Negara Gunung Mulu National Park’ with its impressive caves.There’s no road in, flying is your only option (although their goods come in by boat). Be aware, there is NO ATM in the whole of Mulu, not even at the ‘airport’, so take enough cash. The Park itself does accept bank cards though.
You can spend the nights in the Ntl. Park itself, but we spent our 3 nights there in the Benarat Lodge. Mr Anil was very friendly & helpful and arranged everything via swift WhatsApp contact. Expect simple but clean accommodation and a very (very) basic breakfast and other food. Also, the food in the Park offers little choice and it’s not great, but you’ll survive for 3 days ;-)
Most tours in the Park are mandatory guided tours which we generally do not prefer, but it’s worth it because it’s the only way for you to enter the GIANT caves and Canopy walk. Thankfully there are a few hikes you can take on your own. The tours and Park are not expensive and it is important to book them ahead of time via the National Park Website or you might not be on them… Also, if you book it all via your accommodation you could pay (way more than) double the price ;-)
The highlight of this Park for most people is the exodus of hundreds of thousands of bats at Deer-cave just before sunset. We were at the right spot for 3 nights in a row but sadly missed the exodus 3 times as it rained severely (and the bats tend to stay in the cave then) 🤨. Do take your rain jacket as you are in the RAIN forest! Overall a great Jungle experience with friendly and knowledgeable guides and helpful staff. Another one we can wholeheartedly recommend when in Sarawak Borneo.