Mulu Caves, Malaysia

Mulu Caves

SarawakMalaysia

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Why You'll Love Mulu Caves

Have you ever wanted to explore a world of underground wonders? If so, the Mulu Caves in Malaysia are a must-visit destination. These caves will blow your mind with their incredible formations and size.

The caves are located in the Gunung Mulu National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This huge natural complex is full of caves, limestone cliffs, and stunning rainforest. As you wander through the caves, you'll see stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear streams. Watch out for the bats and other creatures that call the caves their home!

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try activities like cave exploring, canoeing, and hiking. One of the most popular activities is the "via ferrata" - a thrilling day trip that involves traversing the cliffs and going deep into the caves.

The Mulu Caves are accessible by flight or boat from major cities in Malaysia like Kuala Lumpur and Kuching. It's best to visit between March and September, when the weather is dry and sunny. With such an amazing natural wonder waiting for you, why wait? Make a plan to explore the Mulu Caves today!

Getting to Mulu Caves

The nearest airport to Mulu Caves is the Mulu Airport. From the airport, you can take a 10-minute taxi ride to Mulu National Park where the caves are located. Alternatively, you can also take a boat ride along the Melinau River from the town of Marudi, which is approximately a 3-hour drive from Miri.

The closest city to Mulu Caves is Miri, in Sarawak.

Travelling from Mulu Airport to Mulu Caves

When to Visit

The best time to visit Mulu Caves, Malaysia is between March and September when the weather is drier and the cave systems are more accessible. However, be prepared for high temperatures and humidity during this time. It is also recommended to avoid visiting during the monsoon season from October to February, when heavy rain and flooding can occur.

Weather and Climate

Mulu Caves experiences a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity and frequent rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature in Mulu Caves ranges from 23°C to 28°C throughout the year.

From November to February, Mulu Caves experiences its monsoon season with heavy rainfall and storms. This period is characterized by increased humidity, frequent rains, and cooler temperatures.

From March to October, the weather is drier and less rainy, with a mix of sunny and overcast days. The temperatures during this period are warmer with occasional heatwaves. However, the humidity remains high.

Overall, Mulu Caves experiences a generally wet and humid climate throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfalls typically occurring from November to February.

Costs When Visiting

In Malaysia, the currency is the Ringgit (MYR).
Some sample costs when travelling around Mulu Caves are:

- Food:
- Local street food: RM5-10 per meal
- Restaurant meals: RM20-50 per meal
- Hotel or resort meals: RM50-100 per meal

- Accommodation:
- Hostels and budget guesthouses: RM40-100 per night
- Mid-range hotels and resorts: RM200-400 per night
- Luxury resorts: RM1000-2000+ per night.

Safety Rating

Generally, Mulu Caves in Malaysia is considered a safe destination with low crime rates. Women should take basic safety precautions, as with any destination. Malaysia is a multiethnic and multicultural country, and the locals are generally tolerant and accepting of different races and religions. However, LGBTQ tolerance is not as high as in some other countries. It is advised to be respectful of local culture and customs.

Local Population

The population around Mulu Caves in Malaysia consists primarily of the indigenous Borneo tribes, including the Iban, Kelabit, and Penan, who together make up approximately 70% of the population. The remaining 30% of the population are Malay or Chinese descent. Islam is the predominant religion, followed by Christianity and traditional religions of the indigenous tribes. Malay and English are the official languages, with many also speaking indigenous tribal languages. There is a relatively equal gender breakdown. Racially, the population is predominantly Southeast Asian.

Things to Do

Some of the activities which are common for tourists at Mulu Caves, Malaysia are:

1. Exploring the vast network of caves: Mulu Caves are some of the largest and most impressive limestone caves in the world. Tourists can go on guided tours to explore these cavernous wonders.

2. Witnessing the "Bat Exodus": At sunset, millions of bats swarm out of the caves to begin their nocturnal hunt for food. This is an incredible natural spectacle that visitors can witness.

3. Trekking through the rainforest: Mulu is located in the heart of Borneo's rainforest, so visitors can go on guided treks to see the incredible flora and fauna of this unique environment.

4. Climbing Mount Api: For the more adventurous, climbing Mount Api is a challenging and rewarding experience. It's the highest mountain in Mulu, and offers incredible views of the surrounding rainforest.

5. Visiting the Deer Cave and Lang Cave: These two caves are some of the most popular in Mulu, and are famous for their stunning formations and cavernous chambers.