Mulu Pinnacles (Gunung Mulu National Park)

1200 m (3,937 ft)

This is a 3-day 2-night trek. the distance up to the Pinnacles is about 11.5 km (7 mi) one way. The first and last days are used to get to and from Camp 5, the base camp. The second/middle day is used to conquer the pinnacle stretch.

The trek up to the pinnacles is very difficult, especially on the main pinnacle section towards the end. Experienced mountaineers describe the trek as more difficult than Mount Kinabalu. However, do not be deterred from climbing if you are healthy, fit, and determined. Just be sure to prepare mentally and physically by training before attempting the climb.

Day 1:

Day 1 starts with a boat ride to Kuala Litut, a small jetty on the fringe of the jungle. From here the hiking begins. The first section, from the starting point to Camp 5 (the base camp) is a long 9 km (5.6 mi) stretch of fairly even terrain through the jungle. You’ll cross a few suspension bridges and cross a few rivers. This part is quite easy but can be slippery when wet. It takes 3-4 hours to reach Camp 5. 

Camp 5 will treat you with an amazing view of the starry night sky and a beautiful sunrise over the river.

Day 2:

On day 2 you’ll do the pinnacle stretch. The distance is only about 5 km (3 mi) in total, 2.4 km (1.5 mi) one way, but it takes 8-10 hours (return) due to the difficult terrain. The regulations for this stretch are strict; You have to reach certain points on the trail in certain amounts of time otherwise your guides will tell you to turn around and go back to Camp 5. This is for everyone’s safety. 

The hike on day 2 starts with a steep incline of about 45 degrees ascending through the very wild jungle. You’ll have to use ropes to help pull yourself up in some areas. The first 2 km (1.2 mi) takes 3-4 hours.

There are parts where you have to climb up vertical rocky inclines and metal ladders using your hands and knees, as well as hop from boulder to boulder to make your way. 

In the last 0.4 km (0.2 mi) you will enter the ‘Danger Zone’. This last stretch is particularly precarious. You’ll have to climb 17 ladders, hop over boulders and navigate tricky metal grates bolted to rocks for you to step on, before reaching the top. Closer to the pinnacles you’ll see mossy forest, typical of the Malaysian jungle at higher altitudes. This section takes about an hour.

Once you reach the pinnacles viewpoint you’ll enjoy the view for 30 minutes to an hour and then start making your way back down to Camp 5. The way back is more difficult than the ascent and takes much longer.

Day 3:

On day 3 you’ll make your way back to Kuala Litut and then take a boat ride back to the 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. We suggest steering clear of this trail in these periods, even if you are an experienced climber.

Gloves, insect repellent and quality hiking boots are imperative for this trek. Since there is a lot of climbing, the gloves will protect your hands from scrapes, and the insect repellent is for spraying on your ankles to deter leeches from attaching.

You’ll also need warm clothing, and a light rain jacket, as well as a first aid kit. It would be advantageous to wear long pants or tights for this trek to protect your legs from scratches and scrapes.

You do not need to take a tent, however, you should bring a sleeping bag for sleeping in the cabin at Camp 5.

The trail is well maintained.

Multiple rivers are crossed in the first 9 km (5.6 mi) to Camp 5. It would be better not to rely on this water and bring your own. If you do drink from the rivers, however, it would be best to use a water filter bottle. 

There is one camp, Camp 5, which has most amenities such as a dorm to sleep in with thin mats provided, a cooking area, and cold showers. There is a small store which only sells 1 or 2 things at a premium, and mosquito nets are available for renting. There is no place to charge devices.

You can do the first 9 km (5.6 mi) to Camp 5 without a guide, however, to climb to the pinnacles themselves, a guide is required and absolutely necessary.

It is best to do this trek through a tour company as there are many things to arrange such as booking accommodation at Camp 5, meals, the boat to the starting point and a guide.

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 and 10 hours of your time; the first boat 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.

You’ll take another boat from Park HQ to get to the starting point at Kuala Litut. Your tour company usually arranges this.

The latter part of the pinnacle trek also called the ‘Danger Zone’ is very treacherous, as the name implies. Unfortunately, there have been cases where people have fallen and passed away due to injuries sustained or lack of timeous aid due to the inaccessibility of the location to helicopters during unideal weather. There have also been some close calls with hikers who refused to turn around, after ignoring the guide’s instructions, ending up caught in bad weather and risky situations at night on the trail. 

There are strict safety regulations that the guides and hikers must follow on this trail. Some of these include cut-off times to reach certain points in the trail and an age restriction of 16. Be sure to adhere to these rules for your own safety. Guides have the prerogative to turn the group around before reaching the pinnacles based on their discretion.