Borneo escapade with Mulu Pinnacles trek
Few landscapes on earth reward the well-traveled eye quite like Borneo. This expertly guided journey through Sarawak's Gunung Mulu National Park takes you deep into one of the world's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests, navigating ancient river systems by boat and venturing into cathedral-like cave systems of extraordinary scale.
The ascent to the iconic Mulu Pinnacles demands a strong level of fitness, but those who make the climb are rewarded with views that defy description. After dark, the rainforest canopy gives way to a Milky Way of rare clarity. The journey concludes in Kuala Lumpur, a city of compelling contrasts best discovered with a local who knows it intimately.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in double or twin rooms
- Daily breakfast & select meals as per the itinerary
- Domestic return flight: Kuala Lumpur - Mulu
- Airport & land transfers as per the itinerary
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
Excluded:
- International flights
- Early check-in or late check-out charges
- Travel insurances
- Climbing permit charges
- Local taxes
- Climbers below 16 years of age
Optional:
- Canopy walk, 1 hour per person (min. 2 people)
Itinerary at a Glance
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Welcome to Malaysia!
Mulu
Flight to Mulu on Borneo Island
Mulu
Cave Exploration and a Bat Exodus
Mulu
Long Boat Cruises and Jungle Trekking
Mulu
Trek to Incredible Mount Api and the Pinnacles
Mulu
Hike the Daring Headhunter's Trail
Kuala Lumpur
Morning Nature Walk and Afternoon in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Time to Go Home
Detailed Itinerary
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Day 1: Welcome to Malaysia!
Welcome to Malaysia! Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, your friendly representative will meet you at the airport and take you into town.
Freshen up for tonight’s Cultural Dinner Night where you will be introduced to a wonderful cultural show of Malaysian Traditional Dance while enjoying a rich buffet of local delicacies while watching the show. There are many ethnicities in Malaysia such as Malay, Chinese, Indian as well as some Eurasian cultures, along with cultures represented by indigenous groups of the Peninsular and Malaysia Borneo. In this show, you'll learn about all the Malaysian cultural groups through an exciting evening out!
Mulu
Day 2: Flight to Mulu on Borneo Island
After breakfast, we need to take a domestic flight to Mulu Airport, the East of Malaysia also known as part of Borneo Island. Up from the sky, you can see the landscape of Mulu with only pristine, lush jungle and a tropical river snaking through it.
Upon arrival in Mulu, you are free to roam and wander around yourself. Take some short nature walks around your jungle hideaway accommodation before having dinner at the lodge. You'll want to rest early because you have a big and exciting day coming up tomorrow!
Mulu
Day 3: Cave Exploration and a Bat Exodus
Today after breakfast, prepare yourself with necessary documents for the registration at Mulu National Park headquarters. Mulu is special because it contains approximately 12 million cubic meters of space in the Sarawak Chamber (the world's largest cave), which at present, are still in the process of being mapped. Clearwater Cave itself stands tall at 151 km and is the 10th longest cave in the world.
After registration in the park, we will go on a walking plank hike for 3 km before arriving at the Deer Cave followed by the Lang Cave. If the weather permits, our journey continues to the Bats Observatory Centre, to observe bats flying out of the cave entrance during the late evening. This incredible bat exodus is not to be missed!
Mulu
Day 4: Long Boat Cruises and Jungle Trekking
After breakfast, our visit will start off visiting the Penan Settlement at Batu Bungan. Discover the lifestyle of the Penan Tribes as well as some handicrafts which you could purchase as a souvenir.
Next, we will travel by a long boat along the Melinau River, usually stopping off at Wind Cave along the way. You'll have a thrilling tour of this cave with your guide.
Our journey continues with the exploration of limestone formations at the Clearwater Cave. We will enjoy our picnic lunch upon arriving at Clearwater Summer Huts. We will then proceed to take a longboat to Long Litut followed by a three-hour jungle trek before arriving at Camp 5. We will have our dinner and sleep overnight in the jungle.
Mulu
Day 5: Trek to Incredible Mount Api and the Pinnacles
Wake up from an overnight sleep at Camp 5, located just at the base of Mount Api, a place where mount climbers camp a day before embarking on the Pinnacles climbs in Mulu National Park.
After breakfast, we will ascend to Mount Api over approximately three hours of climbing for a breathtaking and magnificent view of Mulu Pinnacles. Along the climbing trail, you will see various flora and fauna in this virgin jungle of Borneo.
Enjoy a packed lunch once arriving at the Observatory Point of Mount Api. We will descend back to Camp 5 after having lunch. This trek might be challenging, but it is definitely rewarding!
Mulu
Day 6: Hike the Daring Headhunter's Trail
After breakfast, we will return to the Longhouse via The Headhunter’s Trail, an adventurous route through the jungle. Our trekking journey starts with the 11.3km trail to Kuala Terikan, the lowland forest to Terikan River.
After enjoying our packed lunch, we continue to travel by longboat for approximately three to four hours to reach the longhouse where we will relax and have a fun, easy-going evening. Freshen up as we will have a dinner celebration to celebrate the successful hike of the incredible Pinnacles! You'll spend your overnight at longhouse.
Kuala Lumpur
Day 7: Morning Nature Walk and Afternoon in Kuala Lumpur
Your breakfast today will be very special as you will have it in a longhouse, a truly unique experience. Take an early morning nature walk with your local guide who will point out some of the most incredible species of animals and plants along the way.
It's time to take the flight in the afternoon from Mulu to Kuala Lumpur but prior to that, we will have a short en-route stop at Limbang Town. You'll have a little time to look around here while we wait for our transfer to Kuala Lumpur. We hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed your exciting Borneo experience. The island will be happy to welcome you back again soon!
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Day 8: Time to Go Home
After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure and see any last-minute sites or go shopping around the hotel area. Enjoy the morning to the full in the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur. Stroll through the streets, eat some delicious last meals, and do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Soon, it will be time to pack your bags. Your friendly driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. It may be the end of your trip, but you'll have memories from your amazing vacation in Malaysia that will last you a lifetime. We hope you return home with wonderful and great memories and visit us again.
