7D Birds & Bats, Loagan Bunut & Mulu National Parks, Sarawak, Borneo

This is a short adventure trip which allows one to commune with nature in 2 diversely varied surroundings.Tucked away on the upper reaches of Sungei Bunut in the Miri Division is the Loagan (Lake) Bunut, which was gazetted as a National Park in 1991. Named by the local Berawan (one of the ethnic tribes of Sarawak) fishermen, Loagan Bunut houses Sarawak’s largest natural lake covering an area of 6,500 hectares of the 10,736 hectares of the National Park.

The traditional method of the Selambau fishing is still practiced by the Berawans today, a technique developed by the fishermen to harvest the migrating fish during the fluctuating water levels. A rich variety of flora and fauna composed mainly of peat swamp forest supports a large and varied birdlife (egrets, darter, herons, eagles, hornbills, kingfisher, etc) in this area. In the months of May through to August and during dry spells, the lake’s water level drops drastically and it is exceptionally spectacular to witness the employment of Selambau fishing. During this time, the whole lake becomes a vast expanse of dry cracked mud. Highlights of the first part of this trip are bird watching and fishing.

A little further afield, near to the Sabahan border stands the world famous Mulu Caves – a supernatural wonderland created by the forces of rock, water and wind.The tours to the 4 show caves in Mulu are designed to cater to travelers from all walks of life and age groups.Easy wooden boardwalks, lighted steps with handrails take you around the main caves and traveling to them is done in comfortable native-style longboats. With luxurious hotel facilities to pamper you at night, you don’t have to rough it out unless you want to.

Day 01 / Arrive Miri 

Arrive Miri, meet/greet by our guide and transfer to Dynasty Hotel. The rest of the day is free.

Day 02 / Miri – Loagan Bunut 

After breakfast, we drive to 3 hours to Loagan Bunut National Park HQ. The drive will take us through rich forests and pass rice fields, pepper plantations, beautiful gardens and swidden farms. From the National Park HQ , we take a short boat ride to Loagan Lodge (or we can walk on mud flats during the dry season).After lunch we attend a briefing covering the safety, ecology and cultural aspects of the Park.Late afternoon go on a lake and river cruise to observe birds and other wildlife, flora, some cultural sites or just enjoy the environment. Observe the unique selambau fishing technique (when in season). Sunset viewing followed by dinner. Rest of evening at leisure. Overnight at Loagan Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 03 / Loagan Bunut 

Early morning cruise up the Bunen River and specific sites along the lake.
Breakfast at the lodge. Rest of morning is at your own leisure and activities. Guided trekking and canoeing are among the available optional activities.
Lunch at noon. Rest of the afternoon is at your own leisure. Continue with optional activities. Dinner. Rest of evening at leisure. Overnight at the lodge.

 

Optional activities available include

• Tinggang Jungle Trek
• Canoeing
• Night Jungle Trek
• Night Wildlife Spotting Cruise
• Extension Teru Longhouse Visi

Day 04 / Loagan Bunut – Miri
 

Breakfast and own leisure time. Transfer by boat to Loagan Bunut National Park for return journey to Miri. (B/L/-)

Day 05 / Miri – Mulu
 

After breakfast we transfer to airport for flight to Mulu. Upon arrival, we transfer to Royal Mulu Resort. (B/-/-)

 

Day 06 / Mulu – Deer & Lang’s Caves
After breakfast, we proceed by longboat or by van to Park Headquarters. From the Park HQ, take a scenic 3km plank walk through primary rainforests to the entrance of Deer Cave. Deer Cave has the world’s largest cave entrance and is the largest single cave passage in the world – about 120 – 150m in diameter, (image that it can fit St. Paul’s Cathedral under its massive archway). The cave has a moon-like landscape and from one vantage point, a perfect profile of President Lincoln can be observed. Most evenings at sundown, a spectacular exodus of about 2 million of bats can be observed as they leave the cave in search of food. Next to Deer Cave is Lang’s Cave. The stalactites and stalagmites inside this cave are representative of the very best limestone formations in the Park. Return to our hotel by torchlight. Stay at the Royal Mulu Resort. (B/-/-)

Day 07 / Wind & Clearwater Caves – Miri
After breakfast, proceed by longboat upriver to Wind Cave with its impressive ‘King’s Chamber’. Here, stalactites and stalagmites with delicate lace-like patterns are found. A short walk along a plank walk suspended to the limestone cliff leads to Clearwater Cave. Like most caves in Mulu, Clearwater Cave is the habitat of unique species of plants. One of them, the one-leafed plant can only be found at Mulu; rare species of orchids and pitcher plants can be seen in many locations and photo-sensitive algae grow on certain rocks and have produced needle-like formations that point towards the source of light. Clearwater Cave has a wonderful swimming area shaded by giant rainforest trees. Enjoy a simple picnic or packed lunch, swim, relax and explore the caves before returning to your hotel. Transfer to Mulu airport for departure flight to Kuching via Miri. (B/L)

Tour Cost

·        MYR 3420.00/PAX

·        MYR 2839.00/PAX

Tour Cost Includes

• Domestic flights Miri – Mulu – Miri
• All land/boat transfers
• Twin-share hotel stay (except at the lodge) with daily breakfast
• Other meals as indicated
• All tours as indicated
• Local English-speaking guide

Tour Cost Excludes

• International and connecting flights into Miri
• All airport taxes
• Insurance
• Table drinks including mineral water & alcoholic beverages
• Optional activities & tours
• Other incidentals
• Tips & gratuities for guide & drivers, etc.
• Emergency transfers