A small twin engine airplane is the only way to get to Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak Borneo, and looking out the window you will be overwhelmed with the vastness of the jungle that lay below. Once you have landed on the isolated runway, you truly feel in the middle of nowhere.
The most magnificent sight in Gunung Mulu would have to be the Pinnacles. Several people trek out to see them daily and they will not disappoint. The pinnacles are a cluster of 45 meter high limestone formations, standing tall like sentries in the jungle.
You can book your trek at the park headquarters. Check with other arrivals to see if they want to join your party. It is a great way to save on costs and to enjoy other peoples company. Once you are booked and ready to go, you can settle in for the night to arrange everything that you will need for the following days trek.
You have to bring your own food with you, so if you did not bring anything on your flight, you can go to the canteen to stock up. Pack lightly because you have to carry everything on your back. After being dropped off by boat 2 hours into the jungle, you will have to hike 8.9 km to your camp. Make sure to bring enough to eat for 3 days and remember to carry all of your waste back out.
Don't forget to tell your driver how long you will be at the Pinnacles. Give them an approximate time and exact day that you will meet them for a ride back to park headquarters. They will be ready and waiting for you when you emerge from the jungle.
It is now that you begin the 8.8 km jungle hike. It is an adventure to say the least.
The trail is well marked and easy to follow, but you will have to cross a couple of rivers. Make sure to check for leaches after each time in the water. They are fast and latch on quickly.
Your destination, Camp 5 is in a beautiful location surrounded by large cliffs, a quiet stream and lush jungle. Here is where you will relax for the night before your climb. Be sure you bring an ample supply of food with you, because there isn't any provided. There is a kitchen so you can cook whatever you bring, just be sure to take the waste with you when you leave.
The accommodations are very rustic and basic, but that is the appeal of going to the Pinnacles. Everyone sleeps in one room on a row of vinyl mats placed in a raised wooden platform. Nobody sleeps well however, because of the anticipation and excitement of the climb.
Waking before the sun comes up, you will get everything together that you will need. Extra water bottles, snacks and lunch need to be carried and you need to do all of this quickly because leaving early is essential. If you don't make it to the beginning of the last section before 11:00 am, you will not be allowed to summit.
Many people that try to climb the Pinnacles do not summit. It is not a high climb, but it is a technically challenging climb without safety ropes. You cross crevasses on metal beams and balance on rocks while holding onto a rope over head. It is a challenge, but the payoff is definitely worth the effort.
Coming off of the trail and turning a corner, you are treated to one of the most spectacular sights on the planet.
Giant white stones, jutting out of the jungle like sharks teeth, the Pinnacles are majestically poised for your viewing. The silence is unsettling and soon, clouds and mist roll in making the pinnacles even more ominous. They turn to a darker shade of grey and take on an even more dramatic look as they tower over the trees.
After eating your lunch and gaining your strength it is time to climb down before the sun goes down. It is even more difficult to let gravity take its course. One false step and you will take a tumble. Luckily there is cool water and showers waiting for you at camp 5 and if you were smart, you will have taken a fair amount of food to cook up after your long day on the trail.
To explore everything in Gunung Mulu National park could take months. The Sarawak Chamber, the largest cave chamber in the world, rock climbing, the head hunters trail, The summit of Gunung Mulu and the Bario and Kelabit Highlands are just a few of the things that you can do at Gunung Mulu. But rest assured, whatever you choose to do in Sarawak, it will definitely be and adventure.
The most magnificent sight in Gunung Mulu would have to be the Pinnacles. Several people trek out to see them daily and they will not disappoint. The pinnacles are a cluster of 45 meter high limestone formations, standing tall like sentries in the jungle.
You can book your trek at the park headquarters. Check with other arrivals to see if they want to join your party. It is a great way to save on costs and to enjoy other peoples company. Once you are booked and ready to go, you can settle in for the night to arrange everything that you will need for the following days trek.
You have to bring your own food with you, so if you did not bring anything on your flight, you can go to the canteen to stock up. Pack lightly because you have to carry everything on your back. After being dropped off by boat 2 hours into the jungle, you will have to hike 8.9 km to your camp. Make sure to bring enough to eat for 3 days and remember to carry all of your waste back out.
Don't forget to tell your driver how long you will be at the Pinnacles. Give them an approximate time and exact day that you will meet them for a ride back to park headquarters. They will be ready and waiting for you when you emerge from the jungle.
It is now that you begin the 8.8 km jungle hike. It is an adventure to say the least.
The trail is well marked and easy to follow, but you will have to cross a couple of rivers. Make sure to check for leaches after each time in the water. They are fast and latch on quickly.
Your destination, Camp 5 is in a beautiful location surrounded by large cliffs, a quiet stream and lush jungle. Here is where you will relax for the night before your climb. Be sure you bring an ample supply of food with you, because there isn't any provided. There is a kitchen so you can cook whatever you bring, just be sure to take the waste with you when you leave.
The accommodations are very rustic and basic, but that is the appeal of going to the Pinnacles. Everyone sleeps in one room on a row of vinyl mats placed in a raised wooden platform. Nobody sleeps well however, because of the anticipation and excitement of the climb.
Waking before the sun comes up, you will get everything together that you will need. Extra water bottles, snacks and lunch need to be carried and you need to do all of this quickly because leaving early is essential. If you don't make it to the beginning of the last section before 11:00 am, you will not be allowed to summit.
Many people that try to climb the Pinnacles do not summit. It is not a high climb, but it is a technically challenging climb without safety ropes. You cross crevasses on metal beams and balance on rocks while holding onto a rope over head. It is a challenge, but the payoff is definitely worth the effort.
Coming off of the trail and turning a corner, you are treated to one of the most spectacular sights on the planet.
Giant white stones, jutting out of the jungle like sharks teeth, the Pinnacles are majestically poised for your viewing. The silence is unsettling and soon, clouds and mist roll in making the pinnacles even more ominous. They turn to a darker shade of grey and take on an even more dramatic look as they tower over the trees.
After eating your lunch and gaining your strength it is time to climb down before the sun goes down. It is even more difficult to let gravity take its course. One false step and you will take a tumble. Luckily there is cool water and showers waiting for you at camp 5 and if you were smart, you will have taken a fair amount of food to cook up after your long day on the trail.
To explore everything in Gunung Mulu National park could take months. The Sarawak Chamber, the largest cave chamber in the world, rock climbing, the head hunters trail, The summit of Gunung Mulu and the Bario and Kelabit Highlands are just a few of the things that you can do at Gunung Mulu. But rest assured, whatever you choose to do in Sarawak, it will definitely be and adventure.
About the Author:
Deb Corbeil is one half of Canada's Adventure Couple. Together with her spouse Dave Bouskill they have trekked, hiked, biked and climbed to over 30 countries all over the globe. Visit their website theplanetd for great tips, advice and information on travel and adventure locations. To see their photo gallery click on PictureThePlanet
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