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The
Pinnacles Trail (Park Guide essential)
The pinnacle formations of Gunung Api and Benarat are
spectacular examples of this type of karst feature. The
Pinnacles have been formed in the limestone which occurs
at the edges of the plateau or valleys from water percolating
through the soil. The reason for the spectacular nature
of the formations at Mulu lies in the consistent nature
of its limestone beds and the high levels of rainfall
that has stripped the soil and exposed the jagged peaks.
Today the pinnacles tower above the surrounding landscape,
some reaching heights of 40 to 50 metres. As water
has continued to erode and dissolve the rock, the formations
have taken on their razor-like appearance.
Plan to visit Clearwater and Cave of the Winds on
the way to Kuala Litut. If you are in luck and the
river level is high you will arrive at Kuala Litut
without pushing the boat too many times. The 3 hour
walk is on a well marked, level trail getting you to
Camp 5 before dark.
Camp 5 sits besides the Sungai Melinau and faces the
spectacular Benarat cliffs. This comfortable jungle
accommodation has fully equipped kitchens, dining room
and bathrooms. You need to take your own food with
you. Settle in for the night on a sleeping mat in one
of the 5 open space rooms and look forward to getting
up at dawn.
The trail to view the Pinnacles is only 2.4 km long
but rises 1,200m and the last section is near vertical
with ropes and ladders to climb. Slow down, take time
to enjoy the limestone forest, glimpse the tree shrews
running past and as you reach the higher altitudes
see some spectacular pitcher plants and rare orchids.
Fit, experienced trekkers may
reach the top in 2–3
hours, the not so fit around 4–5 hours. For many,
the descent is more difficult and can take 5 hours
or more. Back at camp relax, cool off in the river
and rest those weary legs in preparation for the return
walk to Kuala Litut in the morning.
Accommodation |
RM25 Per person
per night |
Park
Guide to climb |
RM400 group of 1
- 5 persons
Extra person RM80, maximum of 8
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Longboat return |
RM370 group of 1 - 4 persons |
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Alternative to climbing
Consider exploring the Kerangas Forest or Melinau
Gorge both a short walk from Camp 5, both require a guide.
The poor sandy soils of the Kerangas are the ideal habitat for pitcher plants. Also see
the ‘dancing
grounds’ of the Great Argus, hear their calls
and hopefully catch sight of one. Taking your time
to look around this 4.5km loop walk will take about
4 hours.
Walk beside the Melinau
River,
a short (30 minute) walk takes you to the ‘pools’,
another 1 hours walk in the river and over the rocks,
careful
they are slippery, and you arrive at the spectacular
Melinau Gorge.
Park
guide |
RM25
per hour group of 1 - 5 persons |
Click
here for trail map
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