Gunung Mulu National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sarawak, Mulu is famous for its spectacular limestone karst formations, immense caves, and rich biodiversity. While known...

Gunung Mulu National Park at a Glance

Location
Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
4.086868, 114.894690
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
March to October for Peninsular Malaysia parks. Year-round for Borneo.

Getting to Gunung Mulu National Park

Nearest airport: Kota Belud Airport, 308 km away.

Big Five in Gunung Mulu National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Rhinoceros Hornbill.

Wildlife in Gunung Mulu National Park

Home to 12 recorded species including 6 iconic birds, 2 tropical birds, 2 waterbirds, 2 birds of prey.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Gunung Mulu National Park

7 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

mid-range

Similar Parks in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Visitor Tips - Gunung Mulu National Park

We love the sheer scale and ancient majesty of Mulu's caves; they are truly a geological wonder that feels both humbling and exhilarating. The nightly bat exodus from Deer Cave is a sensational, unforgettable spectacle, a living testament to the park's vibrant ecosystem. It's a place where you truly feel immersed in a timeless, wild Borneo.

Gate Times

The Mulu National Park office operates from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, but access to the major caves and trails is strictly via guided tours. We strongly recommend booking your tours and accommodation well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as visitor numbers for certain caves and treks like the Pinnacles are limited. Permits are required and are typically arranged when you book your guided activities.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Malaysia but is always appreciated for excellent service. For your park guides on a full-day cave tour, we suggest around RM20-30 per person. For multi-day treks or particularly exceptional service, a higher amount is appropriate. We recommend handing tips discreetly at the end of your tour or trek.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Malaysia

Travel advisory for Malaysia

Gunung Mulu National Park FAQs

When is the ideal time to visit Gunung Mulu National Park to best enjoy its caves and jungle activities?

The dry season, typically from March to October, offers the most favorable conditions for exploring Mulu's extensive cave systems and trekking its jungle trails. While rain can occur year-round, these months generally have less rainfall, making outdoor activities more comfortable and accessible.

Besides the spectacular bat exodus, what other unique wildlife can I hope to encounter at Mulu, and what are the best ways to spot them?

Mulu is home to diverse unique species, including various hornbills, civets, flying lizards, and a vast array of insects and amphibians, particularly during night walks. Engaging a park guide for specific nature walks, especially at dawn or dusk, significantly increases your chances of spotting these elusive creatures.

What are the primary transportation methods for reaching Gunung Mulu National Park, and how do I navigate once inside the park?

The most common way to reach Mulu is by flying directly into Mulu Airport (MZV) from Miri, Kota Kinabalu, or Kuching. Once at the park, most attractions are accessible via well-maintained boardwalks and trails, with longboat transfers often used for reaching more distant cave entrances or starting points for treks.

What types of accommodation are available for visitors at Gunung Mulu National Park, and is advance booking essential?

The park offers a range of accommodation, from basic hostel dorms and bungalows to more comfortable chalets, and there are also a few private lodges just outside the park boundary. Due to the park's popularity and limited options, especially during peak season, booking your stay and guided tours well in advance is highly recommended.

Beyond general cave exploration, what are the truly unique and signature adventure experiences offered at Gunung Mulu National Park?

Mulu's signature adventures include the challenging Mulu Summit trek, the thrilling Headhunter's Trail, and the exhilarating 'Show Caves' like Deer Cave (home to the bat exodus) and Clearwater Cave, which features a stunning underground river. For the adventurous, there are also advanced 'Adventure Caving' tours that delve into undeveloped cave sections.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.