Mount Mulu (Gunung Mulu)

2,376 m (7,795 ft)

The trek to Gunung Mulu’s summit and back is 48 km (29.8 mi) return and takes 4 days.

Day 1: ±8-10 hours of trekking

Day 2: ±4 hours of trekking

Day 3: ±5-6 hours of trekking

Day 4: ±6 hours of trekking

This is a challenging multiday trek which involves endurance and difficult terrain. 

Day 1: 

The first day starts at Park headquarters and ends at Camp 3. The trail starts off on a wooden boardwalk with rainforest on either side for about 30 minutes. On day 1 you’ll pass a waterfall, cross several rivers (some easy, some requiring wading through the water), climb steep inclines, go through mossy forest, and climb slopes with ropes. It takes about 3 hours to get from the start to Camp 1 and 1.5 hours from Camp 1 to Camp 2, which is little more than a clearing. At this point, you will have hiked 7 km (4.3 mi). From Camp 2 to Camp 3 takes about 3-4 hours. On this stretch, you’ll encounter some of the difficult terrain mentioned above and enjoy a view of Mount Api.

Day 2: 

Day 2 starts with some great views of the surroundings at Camp 3. You’ll traverse a flatter ridge section, with many downhill sections, navigating obstructions in the trail and mud. It takes about 4-5 hours to get to Camp 4 where you’ll stop for the day. 

Day 3: 

On day 3 trekkers wake up early to reach the summit of Mount Mulu in about 2.5 hours before the clouds set in. The trail gets very steep and you’ll need to climb the almost 90-degree slopes with the help of ropes and ladders in some places. At higher altitudes keep an eye out for the endangered pitcher plant, endemic to Borneo.

The summit affords you gorgeous views of the neighbouring mountains and land below. 

It takes about 2 hours to get back to camp 4. From Camp 4 back to Camp 3 involves a lot of uphill and takes about 3-4 hours.

Day 4: 

On day 4 you’ll return to Park HQ from Camp 3 using the same trail. It should take roughly 6 hours; 3-4 hours to Camp 1 and 2-3 hours from Camp 1 to Park HQ.

The weather in this region is generally humid, rainy and overcast. The temperature generally ranges between 23°C and 33°C (73°F and 91°F).

Between January and mid-March is a good time to visit for hiking as this period is drier, clearer and cooler than the rest of the year. Late June to the end of August is also a cooler, relatively drier period of the year and is suitable for hiking.

The coolest period of the year is between mid-December and mid-February, though high temperatures still reach 31°C (88°F) in this period. The hottest period is between mid-March and the end of June when the highs reach 33°C (91°F). 

The rainiest times of the year are between September and December and between mid-March and mid-June.

You’ll need to take a sleeping mat to use in the shelters at the respective camps, gloves to protect your hands when climbing and insect repellent to deter the leeches and sand flies. 

You’ll also need a torch, comfortable hiking boots, warm and waterproof clothing and a first aid kit.

There are several rivers along the way where you can collect water to drink. The last one is just after Camp 1. At Camp 3 and Camp 4, there are tanks which collect rainwater, this water can be consumed after boiling.

Camps 1, 3 and 4 all have basic facilities such as a restroom, cooking area (including a small gas stove – gas not included), and shelter. 

Camp 2 is just a clearing with a small stream nearby which is only useful for drinking water outside of the dry season.

You are required both to have a guide and a minimum of 4 people on the expedition. Porters are optional, so long as your group meets the minimum number of people.

Gunung Mulu National Park can be found in Malaysia in the northern part of Borneo and Sarawak province. It is a 4-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur (the capital of Malaysia) to Mulu Airport, which is very close to the park entrance. 

It is also possible to get to the park using 3 boats; the first boa is from Miri in Sarawak, up the Barum River to Marudi, the second boat from here to Long Terawan town via the Tutoh River, and the third from there to Mulu up the same river.

The starting point is at the Park HQ which is very close to the entrance and Mulu Airport.

This is not a popular trek, with only about 5 groups summiting it per year. The trail takes trekkers into a very remote area and is known for a couple of specific dangers; swarms of bees at Camp 4, and the Fire-Lipped Keelback snake along the trail, especially at the higher altitudes and at the summit. The effects of the venom of this snake are not well documented, so caution is necessary. 

Be sure to take a first aid kit.