Caving in Mulu

Whilst in the park, you are obligated to follow rules and regulations written up by the park authorities, they are friendly rule that help sustain the park so that more people can enjoy. One of the common rule here is guide, all caving activities must be accompanied by a license guide. There are independent guide available however some tour such as Garden of Eden can only be done by using the park's ranger.

This is our first trip to Mulu, and didn't know the available option, so we did all our tour using the park's. Deer and Lang Caves are a must do caving activities in Mulu, this tour is @ RM20 per person.

These show caves are situated 150m apart from each other and if I estimate correctly, it is about 2.5km away from the park office.

Both cave has it's uniqueness where Lang is the smallest of the 4 show caves available at this moment. From Lang, you may expect to see a lot of amazing formation such as stalactites and stalagmites where in contrast Deer cave is not only the biggest show cave in Mulu, it also has the largest cave passage in the world which was form by underground river that once flowed through this area yonks years ago !

Entrance to the Lang

One of the many cave formations

This is the impressively huge Deer cave, in this picture is a formation that look like a giant turtle.

The infamous Abraham Lincoln's profule, we did it our way, adding my friend's profile... just for fun

Following every Lang and Deer caves tour is the bat exodus observatory, that evening it was pouring with heavy rains so obviously the bats are getting a day off work. We walked back to our dorm in the rain and got ourselves all wet. Anyway since this bats exodus is such an iconic scene to witness, my friend and I did went back to the observatory deck the next day and saw some small tiny bit of the exodus, definitely not near to 3 millions but better than non.

At the desk, the view that we stared at for hours, waiting for those bats

Now, a little further away from the park, approximately 15mins boat ride to this absolutely stunning clear water and wind caves. The tour prize for this is slightly higher comapred to Lang and Deer caves that is @RM50 per person.

The trip started from the traditional village of the Penan people, where there is a small morning market where local villagers showcasing their handicrafts for sales here.

The boat ride

After stopping by at the village for about 30mins, we then head straight to the caves which is about another 5-10mins boat ride.

Wind cave is one that's similar to Lang cave where there are a lot of beautiful formation, additional to that you will feel its cooling winds as you walk through. 

Entrance to the wind cave

Clearwater cave is name after it's crystal clear river that flows through 180km of the cave's passages. These water in the cave is very clean, our guide even brought us to a spot where we can all fetch some fresh river water to fill out our water bottle. They maybe cleaner than those water that are filter out from 'diamon' water filter that cost a fortune?

Another unique feature of this cave is where there is this special plant that grew out at the entrance of the cave. Can you see those single leaf plant in this picture, they are the single leaf monophyllaea plant that's only available here at Clearwater cave

The beautiful interior

The other side of the interior, also the way where we fetch river water

As you may see, there are a bit more steps in/out this caves but is an easy walk :)

Here's the reward after the stairs climb in/out cave, be sure to be prepared with you swim wear and chill in the pool! I didn't get ti dunk myself in the pool cos I have not gotten my swimsuit :(

Out of the 4, Clearwater got to my favorite cave, as this seems to have a bit more landscape and smell least of guano compared to the other 3. Not a fan of caves or bats.

Prep before you fly in to Mulu. Be sure to pack a pair of water proof hiking boots, hiking sandles, rain coat and dry fit clothing is most suitable as the forest is very wet and you will struggle with lots of moist from the weather.

While food and water are very pricey here, cheapest RM10 for a meal, to save your budget, you may want to pack some dry food for some meals. For water, if you don't want o pay RM5 for each 1.5 litre, do pack your own water tumbler, do bring one that can fit warm/hot water, cos in the dorm, there's no guarantee that you can let ur water cool in the shared pantry area.

Overall I like Mulu, and hopefully soon I could return to do the Pinnacles climb.