How many days for the caves?

Question

OK we're a young 55/65 - can walk up to 10km a day in New Zealand - but much less in the tropics!   I have somewhat stuffed knees so I'm a bit wary of slippery slopes - but so long as they are OK with me using a walking pole I'll probably be OK We're travelling in June and I've read  here that we'd be better off booking the cave tours in advance (we want to do the show caves not the advanced ones or the pinnacle walk) .

I'm struggling with how to combine the tours though - as most of them seem to be only 3-4 hours. I'd hoped to get the  direct Kuching-Mulu flight but that isn't scheduled to arrive unti  12:55pm -  is that too tight to make the Deer/Lang Cave tour that pm (leaves at 2:30pm) - would they let us "catch up" with the group if we were a bit late?

How much actual outdoor (ie hot) walking  is involved with the other 2 tours: Clearwater and Fast Lane?  Is it realistic to combine the 2 on one day?  Or should we get the earlier flight which will get us to Mulu by 11am (via Miri)

We're not in a particular hurry - so I could spread the tours out over 3 days - but  is there anything else to do - can we walk anywhere ourselves?  Although the accommodation looks pleasant - I don't really want to be stuck in the cafe for hours at a time with nothing else to do?

staynaway · Accepted Answer

G,DAY,

We spent 5 nights at Mulu last year staying at the Marriott, we were in no rush and wanted it slow so we did one cave or trek each day and spent the rest of the day in the pool or the bar or both. Most of the walks to the caves are on boardwalks so not much slippery slopes but a few treks to the waterfalls are muddy in places. To reach the caves you have to meet the guide at the office and then head off as a group, we generally like to stroll along and take in the view but our groups were always young people 20+ and they just raced ahead we felt we were on a forced march.

To enter the caves you need a guide but you can walk any where you like, the first night we went to the cave to see the bats it rained but they didnt come out so the next night we just walked to the entranced and saw the bats. My best tip is to take a good torch and check out all the critters on the walk back from the caves at night.

Edited: 6 years ago

Elisabeth S · Answer

Hmmm, yeah the 20-yos can just wait for us LOL I was planning on staying at hte headquarters because they get such good reviews (and I don't like American chains outside of the US) - but I wonder if you can pay for pool access?

staynaway · Answer

G,DAY, Yes other people that were staying at a homestay across the river would come and use the pool and sit around the bar at night.

esorlegin · Answer

FYI - take a rain poncho or 'brolly - bat pee stinks.

Elisabeth S · Answer

Yes I was planning on ponchoes - we find them generally better to wear in the tropics than raincoats anyways

307christinen · Answer

I have the same hesitation. I am also flying from Kuching to Mulu and I am hesitating as to whether the stay 2 or 3 nights. I will continue to search more on the web Christa

Elisabeth S · Answer

I'm heading towards 4 days at the moment - but haven't booked anything yet - when are you travelling?

307christinen · Answer

I will be there in August. First landing in Kuala Lumpur, then flying to Kuching (doing quite a few days trips) and then flying directly to Mulu. It looks like 2 nights might be enough. I am still hesitant.

What about you? When are you travelling?

leopang · Answer

2 nights is just nice to see the caves.

To get to Mulu .you need to fly to Miri

Airasia fly to Miri.

But the Mulu sector is only by Maswing(Miri -Mulu)

https://www.maswings.com.my/en

(a)Kuching- Mulu(certain day)

(b)Miri to Mulu(daily)

(c)KK to Mulu via Miri

Edited: 6 years ago

Elisabeth S · Answer

@lepang - no you can fly direct with MAS Wings as well as via Miri - I'm debating whether doing the direct - as it doesn't get you there until about 12:45pm - which may be a bit late to do the pm cave trip.

@Christine - we're travelling mid June - we're doing the 4 previous nights in Kuching in order to do day trips and sample the food. I'm think 3 or 4 nights in Mulu - will make a decision in the next week or so.

How many days for the caves? - Gunung Mulu National Park Forum

How many days for the caves?

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