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3. Adventure Tours
The true concept of adventure actually lies in exploring and discovering
Mulu National Park and its spectacular surrounding areas:
The Pinnacles (Guided)
As a series of serrated limestone ridges that sit majestically on the slopes of Gunung Api, The Pinnacles assume a mysterious character guarding a virtually impenetrable landscape. Vegetation here is sparse although orchids, rhodendrons and pitcher plants thrive in this area.
The Pinnacles has been described as the park’s most striking above ground feature. They cannot be climbed without special aids and the route requires considerable fitness.
The trails to the Pinnacles is usually done as a 3days/2 nights
trek. The trek entails a boat ride to Kuala Litut and to Camp 5.
An overnight stay at Camp 5 (comfortable jungle accomodation) is
necessary. The trail to the Pinnacles from Camp 5 is 2.4km in length
(the low land dipterocarp forest) but rises 1,2000 metres (steep-ish
moss forest). The last section of the trail is near vertical with
rope sections and aluminium ladders to aid the climb.
Long Langsat River Walk
A longboat ride down the Melinau River will lead you to where crystal clear waters cascade down a narrow valley between steep slopes of lush rainforest plants.
On the way pass by a hospitable Penan community
at Long Iman where you could visit and gain an insight into their
customs.
Kerangas Forest (Guided)
Kerangas is an Iban word which implies poor
soils. However interesting and beautiful plants such as the pitcher
plant have developed special adaptations to survive in such hostile
environments. The grounds of the Kerangas are also home to the Great
Argus Pheasant.
This 4.5km loop walk may take about 4 hours.
Melinau Gorge
The Melinau River flows between the Api and
Benarat mountains through the Melinau gorge. A short 30 minute walk
beside the Melinau River takes you to the ‘pools’ (taking a dip
may be an irresistable option) and another 1 hour walk in the river
and over the rocks and you will arrive at this spectacular gorge.
The Hunters Trail
The trail has been described as a great way
of entering and leaving the park. The trail runs between the park
and Limbang, a picturesque town on the Limbang River (north of the
Park). Trekkers can start from either end, but if taking the route
from park HQ all arrangements must be made before leaving Camp 5.
From Camp 5 the trail to Kuala Terikan is 11.3km
long and 4-5 hours walk through the virgin jungle where there is
a change you will see wildlife such as giant porcupine, wild boar
or macaques in their natural environment.
A longboat will meet you at the Kuala Terikan and take you downstream
to a local longhouse for an overnight stay. (Depending on river
levels the long boat trip is 2-5 hours but expect to push the boat
at least a few times). A 1 ½ hour boat ride next morning
takes you to Medamit to catch the van to Limbang.
The Gunung Mulu Summit
The toughest organised trek in the Park is undisputably, to the summit of the dramatically imposing Gunung Mulu.
This trek involves a 4 days/3nights 24 kilometers climb of 2,377 metres. Along the way are a great variety of habitats, montane forest with pitcher plants, conifers, orchids and colourful rhododendrons through to the summit plants and magnificient views.
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