Mulu Pinnacles Trek & Showcaves 4D3N

Itinerary

The Mulu Pinnacles are a collection of 50-metre tall, jagged limestone rocks that emerge from the jungle half way up the slopes of Mount Api. The trek to see these razor-sharp, limestone spikes is tough and challenging. However, those who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with a stunning view of the stone spikes and a real sense of achievement.

The Pinnacles climb is normally done as 3 day / 2 night trek but most tour packages also include visits to the show caves making it a 4 day / 3 night trip.

The trail to the karst Pinnacles is only 2.4 kilometres long but it rises some 1,200 metres from Camp 5 to the viewpoint which overlooks the tooth-like rocks. Owing to the step slope and humidity you need to be relatively fit to do the Pinnacles trek.

The beginning of the trail passes through lowland dipterocarp rainforest. As you progress up the slopes the habitat changes to moss forest and the trees become smaller. Slippery green moss covers rocks and everything else at this level. Limestone rocks and debris cover the trail and it can be slippery so you need to proceed with care and get your footing right.

The latter stretches of the trail are very steep and near vertical in parts, with rope sections and ladders positioned among the rocky outcrops to help trekkers ascend. Orchids, rhododendrons and pitcher plants thrive at these upper elevations and can be spotted along the trail.

The viewpoint area is a rocky outcrop of pinnacles, boulders and vegetation. After enjoying the views, taking a few photos and a short rest, its time to head back down the trial.

The trek from Camp 5 to the Pinnacles and back takes between 5-10 hours depending on fitness levels. Fit people usually take 2-3 hours to reach the lookout point whilst 4-5 hours is not unusually for people of average fitness. Most trekkers will spend around an hour or so at the viewpoint before beginning the descent. The descent is often more difficult than the ascent as tired legs and the limestone gravel that litters the trail make for slow progress.

Day 1 Arrive Mulu National Park – Deer & Lang Caves

Pick up from the airport and transfer to Gunung Mulu National Park and check in to your accommodation.Free at leisure to explore the Mulu Park’s interpretation centre and have lunch (on own account). 1415 hours depart the park HQ and begin a scenic 3 km plankwalk through primary rainforest to the entrance of Deer Cave. Deer Cave is the world’s largest cave passage. Its scale is impressive and you are in no doubt how huge it is when you arrive at the cave entrance. The entrance of the cave is 150 m wide and 120 m high. Nowhere in this massive cave is the roof less than 90 m high. The cave has a moon-like landscape and from one vantage point, a perfect profile of President Lincoln can be observed. Next to Deer Cave is Langs Cave. The stalactites and stalagmites inside this cave are representative of the very best limestone formations in the park. After viewing the two caves, proceed to the Bat Observatory outside Deer Cave. Most evenings at sundown, a spectacular exodus of about 2 million of bats can be observed as they leave the cave in search of food. Then trek back to the park HQ by torchlight and return to accommodation.

Day 2 Wind & Clearwater Caves – Camp 5 (B/L/D)

0845 hours depart the park HQ and proceed by longboat upriver to Wind Cave with its impressive ‘King’s Chamber’. Here, stalactites and stalagmites with delicate lace-like patterns are found. A short walk along a plankwalk next to the limestone cliff followed by a climb up approximately 250 concrete steps and you arrive at the entrance to Clearwater Cave. Like most caves in Mulu, Clearwater Cave provides a habitat for unique species of plants.  One of these, the one-leafed plant can only be found at Mulu. Photo-sensitive algae grow on certain rocks and produce needle-like formations that point towards the source of light. Near Clearwater Cave there is a wonderful swimming area shaded by giant rainforest trees. Enjoy a simple picnic or packed lunch. After lunch proceed to Long Litut (1 hr boat ride). Start trekking to Camp 5 (3 hrs) through a mixed dipterocarp and riparian forest. Overnight at Camp 5 which offers basic dormitory accommodation with common toilet facilities. Camp 5 is located next to the Melinau River and is a great place to swim and relax before and after your climb.

Day 3 Gunung Api / Mulu Pinnacles (B/L/D)

Following breakfast, start your trek to the Mulu Pinnacles by climbing Gunung Api. The climb is very challenging and taxing and will take about 4-5 hours. Arrive at the Pinnacles’ viewpoint in time for a packed lunch. Descend back to Camp 5 and overnight.

Day 4 Camp 5 – Mulu Airport (B/L)

Depart Camp 5, and trek to Long Litut. Proceed downstream to Park HQ. After lunch, drop off at the airport for departure flight in the afternoon.

To learn more about what to expect each day and the various experiences and activities on this trip, see Our Trek to See The Pinnacles, an article from one of our guests.