Visiting Mulu caves: a first-timer's guide
How to get to Gunung Mulu, which caves to see first, and why you should stay for the bat exodus at dusk.
Gunung Mulu National Park in northern Sarawak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for some of the largest cave passages and chambers on Earth.
Getting there
Mulu has no road access for visitors. Most people fly in from Miri or Kuching; flights are short but limited, so book early.
The show caves
- Deer Cave: one of the world's largest cave passages, reached by a 3 km boardwalk
- Lang's Cave: smaller, with beautiful stalactites
- Wind and Clearwater caves: reached by longboat, with a swim at the spring afterwards
Don't miss the bat exodus
Around dusk, on most dry evenings, millions of bats spiral out of Deer Cave to feed, a twisting ribbon that can last for half an hour.
How long to stay
Two nights is the minimum; three lets you add the canopy skywalk or an adventure cave. Our Mulu Caves Explorer covers the highlights.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Mulu National Park?
Most visitors fly to Mulu Airport from Miri or Kuching. There is no public road access.
How many days do you need in Mulu?
Plan at least two nights to see the main show caves and the bat exodus. Allow four nights if you want to trek to the Pinnacles.
