the world's BIGGEST cave

Back from the jungle again! This time to Mulu National park. Been hoping to go here to see some big assed caves since i was in transit from Cameron Highlands to Taman Negara back in mid January. It was not cheap. Nor was it the easiest thing to do. But, the one cave, Deer Cave, did not disappoint.

Beautiful underground structures

Mulu is famous for its huge underground network of caves, rainforest, flowers and hornbills. Apparently, its the most famous park in Sarawak and a must see for every spleunker out there. My reason to go there? To see the one massive cave. The largest cave passage in the world. Some stats via Malaysian tourist website. 1000m long, 120 m high. Of course that means nothing to you. In fact, it meant nothing to me as well. At least, before i entered the cave.

Lame boardwalks! I guess its for all the geriatric toursits!

But lets backtrack a little. I flew out of Miri (closet city to Mulu) via a Fokker blah blah. Its the smallest plane i have ever taken with just twin propellers taking us through a 30 min journey over the beautiful forests of Borneo. Beautiful flight primarily because of its low altitude. Great views of the river and trees below.

Zooom!

Arriving in the national park and heading to my hostel i was greeted with my first disappointment. All trails in the park were guided treks with the exception of a few lame circular routes on a boardwalk. A complete contrast to Bako which had all treks listed as self guided and actually through jungle paths. Whatever, i could use the break from treking hard i figured. And plus i'm here to see a cave (which also had a boardwalk and lighting, so what, i'm not here to work hard, not at this point anyways!). So I pay my fees and lower my expectations of this park just a little. I don't want to feel like i wasted all this money for nothing!


Fastforward to a few other caves i also saw. They are supposed to be some of the most beautiful
caves in the world. One had a river (apparently the longest in the world), and the other two ha very beautiful cave formations. I had to admit, all very nice, pretty caves which i tried to take lots of pics of (but they won't let you bring in tripods! How the hell are you supposed to take low light photos with out a tripod?).


Anyhoo, lets not talk about all the jungle stuff, other show caves, river ride, etc. I only have one thing to say. If you like caves, especially big ones, you must see Deer Cave in Mulu national park. I'm not going to bother describing it to you because its basically impossible to with words. Quite honestly, its equally impossible with pictures (but i will try). You have to be there to really see it. All i will say is:

"It is the LARGEST cave i have ever seen"

Take a close look at the pic. See the walkway? Guess what, its still bigger than you think it is

Ab Lincon. A very famous view in Deer Cave

It was so big, i don't even think i could have imagined something of its size. The only regret i have is that i wasn't a better caver. In the park, deep inside a mountain, is another formation. It takes 3 hrs just to trek there. After that, 3-5 hrs of caving before you enter the Sarawak chamber. The worlds largest chamber. According to the guides, its even larger than Deer Cave! And its just a chamber! But of course, without good proper lighting, it would be impossible to truly see the entire chamber. But then again, maybe its the effect of having good, powerful lights shine off into the distance to reveal nothing but darkness that is so amazing. Who knows. One day.