The Pinnacles Trail
The Pinnacles Trail
4.5
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  • Katrin
    Bern, Switzerland10 contributions
    Mulu, Pinnacles & Headhunter Trail with Heart of Borneo Tours were a highlight of our Borneo trip.
    We hiked the Pinnacles and the did the Headhunter trail the next day. Before that we spent two days at the park to explore the caves and the self-guided trails, canopy walk etc. in the park. It was a real adventure and so amazing from beginning to end. The hike to the pinnacles was less challenging than we thought, but also we are quite used to hiking steep trails. We booked the whole package with Heart of Borneo Tours. I would definitely recommend booking through them for this special itinerary, even though it might be slightly more expensive than if you book the activities directly through the park. But it takes quite some logistics (longboat transfers etc.), plus the park doesn‘t offer the headhunter trail. Other than other tour operators they are based in Miri and really know the region and have the best guides available for Mulu. Lovely Rona Sultan from Heart of Borneo Tours organized the whole itinerary for us and personally picked up our luggage at Miri airport to store it until the end of our trip. We just took a small backpack on this trip because we had to carry everything with us. Rona was simply the best. So structured, well-organized and friendly. Best tour operator we had on our 5-week stay in Borneo (and there were many). We even had lunch with her twice when we dropped & collected our luggage. For our actual trip in Mulu we had the most awesome guide, Anderson „Andy“ Gawan. We always went to the caves before the other groups and were alone. Andy is a true man of the jungle with a huge knowledge about caving, history and the flora and fauna. He was also our cook and made us the most amazing dishes in our jungle camp. After the Headhunter trail we stayed in a Homestay near the Longhouse in Kuala Medalam. The locals welcomed us with so much warmth. Thank you for everything! Mulu was one of our big highlights in Borneo.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 December 2022
  • KC Chen
    Bayan Lepas, Malaysia77 contributions
    Amazing rainforest trail, rewarded with mother nature architecture
    Will say a must visit in Borneo. Awesome rain forest trail. Consist of 9km flat trail consist of 2 suspension bridge, 2nd suspension bridge marked half of the journey (4.5km). Leeches found on the trail. Camp5 sited next to freezing cold rive with awesome mountain cliff as backdrop. 2.4km hike to 1.2km height is tough due to sharp edge's stones and steep hill. The final hike consist of ladders, some are 90 degree climb without any safety rope (extra precautions needed). At the end rewarded with sharp Pinnacle structure (like the photo behind 100 Malaysia ringgit note). Descent is even harder, took longer time. Daily afternoon rain shower is expected during wet season of Borneo. Slightly above average fitness are required.
    Visited December 2019
    Travelled solo
    Written 6 January 2020
  • Mika
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia441 contributions
    Amazing guided trek!! Recommend!
    It was a challenge and it is technical, slippery and dangerous- BUT AMAZING! If you are not use to scrambling or climbing, then this would be a difficult challenge for you. It is steep, but I think that is the least of your worries, as it is very rocky and slippery. It is good that the guides emphasise this, because I can imagine a lot of people would underestimate the technicalities of this trek. However, the challenge for us was so much fun, we took a relaxed pace for us climbing up and made a careful descent. We left camp at 6:30am, got to the top where the majestic pinnacles were at 10:30am, ate lunch there and left at 11:30am. We then got back to camp at 3pm. Generally I think it takes larger groups a couple hours longer, it was only 2 of us with our guide. We did have to pay more for only having the 2 of us, but there were no other people to join with and we were the only ones up on the top. Worth paying the extra- it was like a private tour!! This was such a highlight of my year! The trek, the magical view and natural wonder at the top and the challenge! I would definitely do it again! Oh and swimming in the beautiful river at the end of our hike was such a highlight! We slept very well that night back at Camp 5! Thanks to Peter our awesome guide!!
    Visited July 2020
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Vishal yadav
38 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
It was hard , actually not hard but it was toughest. All you do is leg exercise for 6 hours back to back. Your legs are killed. But all you experience is heart touching. You will never forget this. People you meet. The kindness of them. Nature's beauty 😍
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katrin
Bern, Switzerland10 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We hiked the Pinnacles and the did the Headhunter trail the next day. Before that we spent two days at the park to explore the caves and the self-guided trails, canopy walk etc. in the park. It was a real adventure and so amazing from beginning to end. The hike to the pinnacles was less challenging than we thought, but also we are quite used to hiking steep trails.

We booked the whole package with Heart of Borneo Tours. I would definitely recommend booking through them for this special itinerary, even though it might be slightly more expensive than if you book the activities directly through the park. But it takes quite some logistics (longboat transfers etc.), plus the park doesn‘t offer the headhunter trail. Other than other tour operators they are based in Miri and really know the region and have the best guides available for Mulu.

Lovely Rona Sultan from Heart of Borneo Tours organized the whole itinerary for us and personally picked up our luggage at Miri airport to store it until the end of our trip. We just took a small backpack on this trip because we had to carry everything with us. Rona was simply the best. So structured, well-organized and friendly. Best tour operator we had on our 5-week stay in Borneo (and there were many). We even had lunch with her twice when we dropped & collected our luggage.

For our actual trip in Mulu we had the most awesome guide, Anderson „Andy“ Gawan. We always went to the caves before the other groups and were alone. Andy is a true man of the jungle with a huge knowledge about caving, history and the flora and fauna. He was also our cook and made us the most amazing dishes in our jungle camp. After the Headhunter trail we stayed in a Homestay near the Longhouse in Kuala Medalam. The locals welcomed us with so much warmth.

Thank you for everything! Mulu was one of our big highlights in Borneo.
Written 12 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Karen L
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia58 contributions
Aug 2022
Prior to this trip, I read tons of blogs about what to expect and what to bring. Perplexing at the time, as I am worried I will not be able to reach the CP1 –the fake pinnacles in 1 hour. As this is going to qualify, whether you are going to proceed with the expedition to the pinnacles. Moreover, this is going to be a tough climb, not a casual hike that I usually do. Fingers crossed, the weather going to behave at the time when we need it.

3 days 2 nights of disconnect-to-connect with nature and people. Taking flight, car, the boat then walking for 9KM x 2 return trip to the based camp for Mulu Pinnacles seems possible. Settle down for the 18 people dorm with a river at the side. I was impressed by those who flew all the way to climb Mulu Pinnacles. Some are even more well-versed in Sarawak than I do (psspt, Sarawakian here). Moment of truth, this is my first hike in Sarawak.

Here we are first introduced to our guide, Suki-ya, and Jonas also Mona, the caretaker of the camp. We gathered in the dorm for a briefing, formed a buddy system, and signed a waiver of liability form. Trying to break my sleeping cycle by hitting the sack at 9 PM is a challenge. I woke up at 11 PM taking a glimpse at a firefly dancing on the ceiling, decided to take a walk, and happened to discover the Milky Way. I always appreciate small moments like these; it is like a beautiful dream come true.

Wake up at 4:30AM, getting ready to hike at 6:15AM. Here it goes, no turning back. Our group managed to reach the first two CPs earlier than expected. Thanks to our guide, Suki-ya. After the second CPs, the next gathered point would be by the first ladder, knowing that there are 17 ladders more to climb. The 2.4KM vertically flat climb is unforgivable. Always go at your own pace. Got a little lost for 10-15 mins but thanks to the team that is going slow, leading three little kitties back on track.

The route starts to get rockier when it is coming near the first ladder. Rather than saying I am fear of height, I will say I am fear of death. As one misstep will send you to the hospital else the heaven situation. Luckily, to tag along Pei and KS, I made it to the summit. Well, I always think about descent later after I made it to the top. Got lots of cut and bruises that make me much alive. The advice I got along the way: take a deep breath and use the rope as the guide. Grateful to come back in one piece.

Much love to my friends and my loved one for your meaningful support, encouragement and love.

p/s: 1-1.5L water to camp 5, water is refillable at only camp 5. To hike up the pinnacles, 3L is minimum requirement. Things you need such as good grip hiking shoes and boots are recommended, small day bag filling up with energy bars and snacks.
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mika
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia441 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
It was a challenge and it is technical, slippery and dangerous- BUT AMAZING! If you are not use to scrambling or climbing, then this would be a difficult challenge for you. It is steep, but I think that is the least of your worries, as it is very rocky and slippery. It is good that the guides emphasise this, because I can imagine a lot of people would underestimate the technicalities of this trek.
However, the challenge for us was so much fun, we took a relaxed pace for us climbing up and made a careful descent. We left camp at 6:30am, got to the top where the majestic pinnacles were at 10:30am, ate lunch there and left at 11:30am. We then got back to camp at 3pm. Generally I think it takes larger groups a couple hours longer, it was only 2 of us with our guide. We did have to pay more for only having the 2 of us, but there were no other people to join with and we were the only ones up on the top. Worth paying the extra- it was like a private tour!!

This was such a highlight of my year! The trek, the magical view and natural wonder at the top and the challenge! I would definitely do it again!

Oh and swimming in the beautiful river at the end of our hike was such a highlight! We slept very well that night back at Camp 5!

Thanks to Peter our awesome guide!!
Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KC Chen
Bayan Lepas, Malaysia77 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Will say a must visit in Borneo. Awesome rain forest trail. Consist of 9km flat trail consist of 2 suspension bridge, 2nd suspension bridge marked half of the journey (4.5km). Leeches found on the trail. Camp5 sited next to freezing cold rive with awesome mountain cliff as backdrop. 2.4km hike to 1.2km height is tough due to sharp edge's stones and steep hill. The final hike consist of ladders, some are 90 degree climb without any safety rope (extra precautions needed). At the end rewarded with sharp Pinnacle structure (like the photo behind 100 Malaysia ringgit note). Descent is even harder, took longer time. Daily afternoon rain shower is expected during wet season of Borneo. Slightly above average fitness are required.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jill W
Brisbane, Australia36 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
We couldn’t stop taking photos a amazing to see and worth the couple of hours drive from Perth. Topped it off with a feast from The Lobster Shack at Cervantes.
Written 11 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nic T
Sibu, Malaysia34 contributions
Oct 2019
Although we fail to reach the View Point, but the entire trail is just fascinating. The 9km trek, the climb and the relaxing stay at Camp 5 is the best way to escape the busy city life. The guides are simply the best cook around with their home cook dishes.
But please remember to train your body first before going on this trail because it really is a very challenging climb to the View Point. And try visit it around June or dry season as the hike may be called off if it rains.
Written 4 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

daveong
Penang Island, Malaysia13 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
Was indeed a very strenuous and tough climb with extremely dangerous segments towards the end. One missed step and it will be a long fall down. But the view at the peak is worth it, the pinnacles are majestic and simply awesome. A must do for the young and abled. All it needs is some physical strength, moderate fitness, stamina and lots of common sense.
Written 15 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jposs1972
191 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
Boat ride to start of walking trail was fun. Bring water shoes to help push the boat through shallow areas if the river level is low. Walk to camp 5 is mostly flat with just a few leeches spotted along the way.
Camp five is quite nice to spend a few nights. Good Swimming hole. Well kept facilities. Lots of bees around so keep sweaty clothes away from bed. I brought a blow up pillow along which was great and a light sleeping bag. It was a bit colder the second night with the rain. Very basic selection of instant noodles and soft drink available. Best to bring your own food in for variation.
Gloves are a must for the climb up and down. Makes gripping rocks and rope less painful. Going up was quicker than I anticipated as weather good. Ladders not so scary. If you slip on rocks anywhere however you are going to get some nice injuries. The rocks are very sharp. Everyone came down with bruising from even small knocks against them. Coming down from the view point is much slower than going up as you don’t want to slip and injury yourself. Don’t rush it. Enjoy the forest.
I wore exercise tights for the climb. This was good they didn’t catch on the rocks. I wore a pair of ascent shoes which had a bit more flexibility and grip and I was quite glad I did. They worked well.
I added rehydration salts to my water bottles to try and offset salt loss from excess sweating on way up. Not sure if it helped but made water taste good!
Don’t forget a small first aid kit and some pain medicines.
Overall the walk is quite achievable if you have average fitness, no knee problems and good balance.
Written 30 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Becky B
London, UK11 contributions
Aug 2019
Day 1: Boat and Trek to Camp 5 - great fun. Camp 5, a little rough as you should expect deep in the jungle, but a beautiful location and fun to stay overnight if you like an adventure!

Day 2: The climb. The safety notices are right... this is extremely dangerous! It is basically a form of rock climbing, and requires in some sections helmet and proper climbing equipment. Take on board the risks before signing up. View from the top was good, but busy and not much time to relax before the challenging decent.

Day 3: Trek back to camp - easy peasy after day 2!
Written 12 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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THE PINNACLES TRAIL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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