Gaya Travel Magazine 14.2

Page 90

The Hidden Jewel Of

Mulu UNESCO World Heritage Site Te x t b y FA R A H N A D I A H

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to the plants of Mulu. There are many different trails open for leisure walking in Mulu, the free ones being Kenyalang Loop, Paku Waterfall and Paku Valley Walk. After the walk, you may try the Mulu Canopy Skywalk, suspended 20 metres above the forest floor. It is built among the lush treetops with a tranquil river streaming underneath, providing a panoramic view of the different types of trees that occupy Mulu and surrounding area. It is also the best place to see macaques, hornbills, flying lizards, squirrels, insects and a range of rainforest birds that frequent Mulu Canopy Skywalk to eat figs. The 1.5-kilometre journey to the Canopy Skywalk takes about 30 minutes from Mulu Headquarters.

I m e g e s b y S A R AWA K T O U R I S M B O A R D

Among the famous trekking trails in Gunung Mulu National Park are the Mulu Pinnacles and the Mulu Summit.

Situated on the island of Borneo, Gunung Mulu National Park is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since November 2000. The significance of Gunung Mulu National Park is undeniable as it satisfies not just one, but all four requirements for it to be qualified as a world heritage site.

Mulu Pinnacles

Gunung Mulu National Park’s concentration of caves, including its geomorphic and structural characteristics, provides better understanding of the history of Mother Nature and opportunities for ecological studies. Mulu also has outstanding scenic values, ranging from jagged limestone pinnacles to humongous caves to deep gorges and hidden valleys. Rainforest Experience Being the largest national park in Sarawak, Gunung Mulu National Park covers 544 square kilometres of primary rainforest. Rich in bio-diversity, a diverse range of flora and fauna species are recorded in Gunung Mulu National Park. Among others, 111 species and 20 genera for palms, 1,700 species of liveworts and mosses, 28 species of bats, 270 species of birds, 20,000 species of invertebrates, 55 species of reptiles and 48 species of fish. Of the 29 endemic Borneo bird species, 26 have been recorded in the park area. Eight of Borneo’s hornbill can be found in Mulu. For maximum rainforest experience, one can walk along the plankwalk and admire the plants, some of which are endemic to Mulu. Even for a novice like me, the presence of informative signage along the Botany Loop provides insights

Those who are physically fit may challenge themselves by climbing up to the viewpoint on the unique karst rock formation known as Mulu Pinnacles. Standing at 45 metres high, these limestone needles cling to the side of Gunung Api, forming a forest of razor-edged limestone surrounded by lush vegetation. The trek includes a steep ascend and scaling a 90-degree steel staircase to a small viewpoint overlooking the Mulu Pinnacles.


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