Thursday, 22 August 2013

Gunung Mulu National Park

Gunung Mulu National Park can be reached by car (12 hours in a 4x4 along logging roads), boat (four altogether, and only if the river is high enough and there is someone willing to take you) or plane. Most people go by plane - two by two seats and steps which fold out of the side of the plane itself. We take off and the seat belt signs are off for fifteen minutes before they're turned on again for descent. The airport consists of a large hall, where all the bags are dumped in a pile.



There are two roads in Mulu, arranged in a 'T' shape. Along the top of the 'T' are various home-stays, guest houses and cafes, dead ends either way. The other road lead to the park HQ, reached via a rope bridge. It is here that we receive our five day wrist bands, giving us access to the park, and sign up for all the activities we want to do. There are four 'show' caves, which are open for anyone to go on a guided tour. They are lit, have wooden walkways and helpul signs. The three 'adventure' caves are for experienced cavers only and there are also guided walks, such as the night walk and canopy walk, unguided walks around the jungle, a waterfall and a bird hide. We spend a good half hour reading leaflets, making a timetable and signing up for trips, summer camp style. Every slot of our three days is filled, down to where we have lunch.


No comments:

Post a Comment