The rocky peaks of Gunung Mulu National Park are one of the most exciting natural sites in Malaysia (Tourism Malaysia)
Ashraf AboArafe reports
The advertising material below belongs to Tourism Malaysia and does not represent the views of Al Jazeera Media Network Foundation.
Where can you find enchanting caves and towering peaks, rich biological and cultural diversity, in addition to islands and beaches that provide you with fun and relaxation? And where can you immerse yourself in rainforests and see rare animals, perhaps not seen anywhere else in the world? All this and more can be found in Malaysia, specifically on the island of Borneo.
The Mulu Caves are located in Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak State on the island of Borneo. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and embraces amazing natural scenery and fascinating biodiversity.The Sarawak Cave is considered one of the largest caves in the world, with a volume of 16.8 million cubic meters, equivalent to the area of 23 football fields, and it is large enough to easily accommodate a Boeing 747.
The cave contains amazing rock formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, in addition to its massive walls.
Deer Cave is one of the most famous caves in Gunung Mulu Park (Shutterstock)
The Clear Water Cave, also known as the “Clear Water Cave”, is one of the most famous caves in Gunung Mulu Park. Visitors are amazed by the two underground rivers that run through the cave, which explains its unique name.
The clear water cave extends for more than 220 kilometers and is home to a unique environment that includes rare organisms, including unique species of fish and invertebrates.
Visitors can enjoy a boat tour through the underground river to explore the natural beauty of the cave, or walk on the designated paths to view the rock formations up close.
* Bats at Dusk
If you want to witness a huge gathering of bats emerging at dusk in a magical scene, then Deer Cave is the perfect destination. This cave is one of the most prominent landmarks of Gunung Mulu National Park.
Measuring 122 meters high and 174 meters wide, Deer Cave contains amazing rock formations that have been formed over thousands of years by natural erosion.
The cave is famous for its huge gatherings of bats that emerge at dusk in huge flocks, which attract many visitors. Swiftlets can also be seen nesting inside the cave.
Honeymooners can enjoy a romantic tour of Deer Cave, one of the largest caves in the world, which features stunning views and amazing natural architecture. At sunset, visitors can watch a stunning natural display of bats leaving the cave in a whirlpool-like scene.
The Mulu Caves offer an exciting adventure for children and adults alike, especially in the Wind Cave, where a cool, refreshing wind blows through the passages.
Caving is a popular activity in Malaysia, with many caves shrouded in myth and mystery. Archaeological research has revealed evidence of early humans at several sites within Malaysia’s caves.
* Gunung Mulu Park
Gunung Mulu Park is one of Malaysia’s most impressive natural sites, famous for its unique rock formations known as “The Pinnacles”, which are sharp limestone formations that rise dramatically above the surrounding rainforest. These peaks have been formed over thousands of years by natural erosion, carving the limestone rocks into the sharp and striking shapes we see today.
Gunung Mulu National Park in Malaysia Source: Tourism Malaysia
Gunung Mulu National Park is one of the most amazing natural areas in Southeast Asia (Tourism Malaysia)
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the park, most notably hiking tours that extend through the dense rainforest to the peaks. These trips require good physical fitness and usually take about 3 days.
In addition to exploring the Mulu Caves, visitors can go rafting in the rivers that run through the park, giving them the opportunity to see rare wildlife and plants.
Another must-see experience in the park is learning about the local culture by interacting with the indigenous people, such as the Penang and Kelabit tribes.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, near Miri, covers an area of 52,865 hectares and features a rich ecosystem of rivers, streams, rainforests, rocky peaks, cliffs and valleys.
The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including dozens of species of beautiful birds, such as the moustachioed cuckoo, black partridge, crested partridge, white-headed trojan and white-headed broadbill.
Miri is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Malaysian state of Sarawak (Shutterstock)
Gunung Mulu National Park is the second largest national park in Sarawak and can be accessed by foot or small boat.
* Borneo: The Enchanting Diversity
The Malaysian part of Borneo offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the amazing biodiversity that characterizes this region. The island is home to many rare species, such as the orangutan, the long-nosed monkey, the pygmy elephant, and the saltwater crocodile.
In addition to its natural diversity, Borneo has a rich human and cultural diversity. Sabah, located in the north-east of Borneo, is home to more than 30 indigenous groups, each with its own traditions, culture, customs, and even languages.
A view of the Sabah Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where visitors can see the creature in its semi-natural habitat (Shutterstock)
Although these communities now live in modern conditions and enjoy the facilities of modern life, their ancient practices and cultural heritage are still carefully preserved and highly respected.
To enjoy a slice of this cultural diversity, you can visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village.
Trekking in Sukau
Located on the banks of the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Sukau is an ideal place for wildlife viewing. Early morning or sunset river cruises add a magical touch to the experience.
Kinabatangan River Cruise Offers Tourists the Opportunity to See Rare Birds of the Island
Kinabatangan River Cruise Offers Tourists the Opportunity to See Rare Birds (Tourism Malaysia)
Upon arrival in Sukau, you can stay at an eco-lodge on the riverside, where you can enjoy guided river boat rides to explore the wildlife. These river cruises are often included in the accommodation package.
The Kinabatangan River is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, its lower basin contains the largest forested floodplain in Malaysia, and the river stretches for 560 kilometers.
During the river boat trip, you can discover many small villages scattered along its banks, such as Belet and Sukau. In addition, the trip provides the opportunity to see many rare birds, such as the stork-billed kingfisher, the blue-eared kingfisher, and the black and yellow broadbilled kingfisher.
Sabah Islands and Beaches
Tourists can spend a day on Pulau Mabul or Sipadan Island, located near the coast of Borneo, which are considered some of the best diving sites in the world.
Sipadan Island is one of the best diving destinations in the world due to its huge marine biodiversity (Shutterstock)
These islands are known for their scenic beauty, making them an ideal honeymoon destination. The island features beautiful landscapes including its mountains and rivers, and is popular for sports such as kayaking and cruises on cruise ships.
Sabah’s beaches offer recreational areas for children and a variety of water activities, such as boating and jet skiing. Children can also watch turtles and dolphins on Sipadan Island.
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Islands are part of the region’s precious marine heritage, with extensive coral reefs. The proximity of these islands to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, makes them a favourite destination for water sports enthusiasts, sun seekers, swimmers and divers.
