Explore East Malaysia's National Parks: Gunung Mulu & Niah - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Miri, Visit Tusan Beach

Welcome to Malaysia! Get ready to explore the spectacular nature of the country's Sarawak state on the island of Borneo. Your adventure begins by flying to the coastal city of Miri, the second-largest city in Sarawak and a gateway to many surrounding national parks.

Settle into your accommodation, then head to Tusan Beach, located a short drive south along the coast. At this beautiful beach, you can sip on coconut milk and feel the breeze of the South China Sea. Walk along the surrounding cliffs for panoramic views, then wander down a path that brings you to the shore, where you can enjoy waves splashing on your feet.

If you're visiting between September and December, you may have the chance to see the unique "blue tear" phenomenon. Caused by a type of bioluminescent algae known as dinoflagellates, the blue tear makes the sea shimmer with blue-green light at night for an unforgettable sight! 

Day 2: Fly to Mulu, Explore Deer Cave & Lang Cave

This morning you'll take a short domestic flight to Gunung Mulu National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and karst features. The park is dominated by Gunung Mulu, a 7,795-foot (2,376 m) high sandstone pinnacle, and is also home to the Melinau Limestone Formation. Begin your explorations at Deer Cave, one of the world's largest cave passages, which can be reached by following a 2-mile (3 km) plank walk, which passes through peat swamps, alluvial flats, and limestone outcrops. There is much to see on the journey, including superb rainforest, jungle streams, and an ancient Penan burial cave.

Next, head to nearby Lang Cave. This relatively small and well-lit cave offers good opportunities to see some of its inhabitants, such as bats, swiftlets, and snakes. Afterward, head to the Bat Observatory via a 2.5-mile (4 km) trail through the lush forest. Twelve species of bats have been recorded within Deer Cave, including a large colony of wrinkled-lipped bats.

Day 3: Explore Wind Cave & Clearwater Cave

Today you'll visit Clearwater Cave, one of Asia's longest caves, with a length of 66 miles (107 km). There are two ways of reaching Clearwater: hike along a 2.5-mile (4 km) nature trail or ride a longboat along the Melinau River, usually stopping off at Wind Cave along the way. Wind Cave is home to many impressive stalactites, stalagmites, flow rocks, helictites, and rock corals, some of which are illuminated in the King's Room chamber.

Once you've taken some time to explore, follow a plank walk or take a boat to a picnic area near the entrance of Clearwater Cave. After touring both caves, climb back down the steps to the nearby picnic area, where you'll find a crystal-clear pool filled with water. This is a great place to stop for a refreshing dip. If you're not up for a swim, simply relax on the picnic benches and admire the rainforest scenery, watching the swarms of butterflies that flutter around the river bank (keep an eye out for the bright-green Rajah Brooke butterfly). 

Day 4: Free Day in Gunung Mulu National Park

Today you'll have a free day to explore the national park at your leisure. There are many scenic options for hiking here, including the Kenyalang Loop, Paku Valley Loop, and Botanical Heritage Loop trails. If you take the Paku Valley Loop trail, be sure to take a few moments to sit by the Paku Waterfall, a small waterfall located in an atmospheric grove. You could also take a short walk from the park headquarters to reach the Tree Top Tower, where you can watch for colorful tropical birds perched in the rainforest canopy. 

Day 5: Leisurely Canopy Walk, Fly to Miri

Kick off your day with a wander along the Mulu Canopy Walk, a 1,378-foot (420 m) walkway suspended 82 feet (25 m) above the forest floor. This is one of the longest tree-based canopies in the world. Weave between the lush tree tops, and keep an eye out for the nearby limestone cliffs and the tranquil river below. When you've finished your adventure, head back to your hotel and prepare for your flight back to Miri, where you'll have free time to relax at your hotel and spa.

Day 6: Day Trip to Niah National Park

Today you'll take a day trip to Niah National Park, which is located less than two hours from Miri. Here you'll explore Niah Archaeological Museum, tour an Indigenous Iban longhouse, and visit impressive caves such as Niah Cave and Painted Cave. Niah Cave is located on the northern edge of a limestone mountain called Gunung Subis (Mount Subis). The cave is an important prehistoric site and is home to the oldest recorded human settlement in eastern Malaysia, dating back 40,000 years. The Painted Cave is located in a smaller limestone structure and is home to rock paintings that are around 1,200 years old.

During the tour, you'll also learn how the caves are well-known for the swiftlets' nests located on their ceilings. Sections of the cave ceiling are privately owned by collectors who come to scrape off and harvest the nests twice a year, which are then used for birds' nest soup and traditional medicine. Harvesters climb up a single pole to the cave ceiling and scrape off the nests by candlelight. 

Day 7: Depart Miri