Highlights
- Explore one of the world's largest cave passages at Deer Cave
- Visit an Indigenous Penan village and learn about the local lifestyle
- Experience Gunung Mulu's flora, fauna, and limestone formations
- Reward yourself with a spa treatment after the hiking adventure
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Miri, Visit Tusan Beach | Miri |
| Day 2 | Fly to Mulu, Explore Deer Cave & Lang Cave | Mulu |
| Day 3 | Visit a Penan Settlement, Explore Wind Cave & Clearwater Cave | Mulu |
| Day 4 | Hike to Gunung Api | Mulu |
| Day 5 | Hike to Long Litu, Transfer to Hotel | Mulu |
| Day 6 | Fly to Miri, Free Day | Miri |
| Day 7 | Depart Miri |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Miri, Visit Tusan Beach
Welcome to Malaysia! Get ready to explore the spectacular nature of Malaysia's Sarawak state on the island of Borneo. Your adventure begins in the coastal city of Miri, the 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 coconut milk and feel the breeze of the South China Sea. Walk along the scenic cliffs and then take a path down to the shore, where you can enjoy waves splashing at 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
Today 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 its namesake, Gunung Mulu, a 7,795-foot (2,376 m) high sandstone pinnacle, and is also home to the Melinau Limestone Formation. Begin your hike 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, jungle streams, alluvial flats, and limestone outcrops.
Next, head to nearby Lang Cave. This relatively small and well-lit cave offers 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 rainforest. Twelve species of bats have been recorded within Deer Cave, including a large colony of wrinkled-lipped bats. From here, you'll transfer to your accommodation in the park, offering a mix of rooms and chalet-style units.
Day 3: Visit a Penan Settlement, Explore Wind Cave & Clearwater Cave
Today begins with a visit to an Indigenous Penan village located on the Melinau River. While the Penan tribe is one of the last remaining semi-nomadic peoples of Malaysia, most Penan people here live in semi-modern longhouses, which the government provides. These amazing homes can house from 30 to 100 families. The Penans are known to hunt, fish, farm, and occasionally build boats for a living, which you'll learn about during your visit.
Next, continue on to 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 traditional longboat along the Melinau River, usually stopping off at Wind Cave along the way. Wind Cave is home to many impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and rock corals, some of which are illuminated in the King's Room chamber. When you've finished with your cave exploration, hike onward to Camp 5, a rustic campground where you'll stay for two nights.Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Hike to Gunung Api
Today you'll take a scenic hike to Gunung Api (Mount Api), a limestone mountain located inside the national park. Neighboring Mount Benarat and Mount Buda are part of the same mountain range, and the jagged limestone karst formations are known as The Pinnacles. The mountain is also home to many caves, with passages linking to the massive Clearwater Cave system. A diverse array of verdant flora, including eight species of pitcher plants, can be found on the mountain. After an exciting day of hiking, return to your campground.
Day 5: Hike to Long Litu, Transfer to Hotel
Today, you'll hike from Camp 5 to the village of Long Litu and then take a boat to Clearwater Cave. Take some additional time to explore the caves and get one last glimpse of this scenic natural spot. Afterward, enjoy a local lunch and then transfer to an airport hotel and spa, where you can relax before your flight back to Miri tomorrow.
Day 6: Fly to Miri, Free Day
Today you'll fly back to Miri and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Relax at your hotel, take a stroll by the water, or visit some local attractions. For example, you could head to the Petroleum Museum on Canada Hill to learn about the region's oil history. You'll also be treated to some great views from the top. While there, keep an eye out for the Grand Old Lady, an oil well and local landmark from 1910. You could also visit Tua Pek Kong Temple, a Chinese temple that is the oldest in the city, or head to some of Miri's outdoor markets for fresh produce and handcrafted souvenirs.
Day 7: Depart Miri
More Great Malaysia Itineraries
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