How to hike the Mulu Pinnacles, Borneo (Malaysia). Known as the “tombstones of the giants”, the sight of the jagged limestone karsts jutting out through the rainforest is well worth the somewhat gruelling hike to get there. (Although for me the way back down was actually worse!).
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Formed by millennia of erosion, the Mulu Pinnacles are so distinctive that they are even featured on Malaysia’s 100 Ringgit banknote. These towering stone spikes are not easy to reach, but the journey is quite the experience! Read on for how to hike the Mulu Pinnacles, Borneo.
Where are the Mulu Pinnacles Located?
The Mulu Pinnacles are located in Gunung Mulu National Park, in Sarawak, one of the two states in Malaysian Borneo. This tropical karst area is famous for its biodiversity and has even been made into a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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How do I Hike to the Mulu Pinnacles
The Mulu Pinnacles route is a guided hike, and it is not permitted to go there independently. First, you need to travel by long boat upstream from the Mulu National Park HQ. From the Kuala Litut jetty, you then walk 9km through the rainforest to get to Camp 5, where you stay the night. In the morning, you set off at daybreak to hike up the hill to the pinnacles. It’s a steep climb. Although the trail is only 2.4km, the elevation is 1,200m. Best avoided if you’re scared of heights. You’ll need to use your hands to pull yourself up, and there are ropes and ladders along the route to assist you.
How Hard is the Hike to Mulu Pinnacles?
The hike to the Mulu Pinnacles is hard but not technical. You do not need any specific technical climbing knowledge or equipment. But you do need a decent level of physical fitness. There are several checkpoints along the route to the Pinnacles. If you do not reach each checkpoint within a certain time frame, the guide will not let you continue with the hike. This is to ensure that everyone can safely complete the hike and return to Camp 5 before it gets dark. The way back down is challenging as it is steep and your leg muscles will be tired.
What are the 4 Pinnacles Hike Checkpoints?
- Checkpoint 1: Mini Pinnacles – 900 m | 400 m A.S.L You should reach this first checkpoint within 1 hour (we took 45 minutes).
- Checkpoint 2: Halfway Point – 1.2 km | 600 m A.S.L You need to cover the distance between checkpoints 1 and 2 within 30 minutes to be allowed to continue. It’s starting to get quite steep, but there are some ropes to help.
- Checkpoint 3: Danger Zone, First Ladder – 2 km | 1000 m A.S.L This is where you’ll need to start properly climbing up ladders. You can stop here and turn back if you feel unsafe.
- Checkpoint 4: The Final Viewpoint of the Pinnacles – 2.4 km | 1200 A.S.L The views over the Pinnacles are beautiful, especially if it’s a sunny day. There’s plenty of space to sit and a good rock for taking photos. Watch out for the cheeky squirrel-like animals that will be interested in your snacks!
What is the Duration of the Pinnacles Hike?
Although you’ll hike the Pinnacles themselves in 1 day, the full experience is 3 days and 2 nights as you need to factor in the time it takes to reach Camp 5.
What do I Need to Pack?
It’s a pretty tough hike, and the weather is very humid so you’ll need several changes of clothes. My t-shirt was soaking wet by the end! Other than the usual items for an overnight trip, I recommend also packing:
- Backpack for the hike (comfy for climbing)
- Hiking boots or grippy trainers
- Thin t-shirts
- Leggings (flexible for climbing and also to protect against leeches)
- Dry change of clothes for camp 5
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Sandals / flip flops for Camp 5
- Insect repellent
- RM100 note to take a photo!
You’ll also need to pack food for the stay at Camp 5 and snacks for the hike. There is a simple tuck shop (cash only) at Camp 5, but it’s cheaper to bring stuff with you. You need to bring 3L of water on the hike, and the guide will check this before setting off. (Sounds like a lot, but believe me, you’ll need it as the humidity makes you sweat!).
What is Camp 5 Like?
Camp 5 is basic but pretty well-equipped given how deep it is in the jungle. There is a fully equipped kitchen with gas stoves, so you can cook noodles etc. Drinking water supplied. There are male and female bathroom blocks with showers (cold water only) and flushing toilets. The rooms are simple with only rubber mattresses, but I slept very well. You can bring your own sleeping bag or hire a blanket from the National Park HQ. You can also hire a mosquito net (advisable!) and pillow.
The guide(s) will stay at Camp 5 with you and will give you a briefing when you arrive. There is a river next to camp 5 which is safe for swimming – very welcome at the end of the hike!
How Do I Book the Pinnacles Hike and How Much Does it Cost?
You can either book through a 3rd party tour provider who will take care of all the communication for you, or you can contact Mulu National Park directly using the form on their website. If you book direct it will be cheaper (MYR 455* at the time of writing). *Price per person including guide, boat and camp fees.
How do I Get to Mulu National Park?
Mulu National Park is only accessible by flight. MASwings operates regular flights between Mulu and Kota Kinabalu (1hr), Kuching (1.5hrs) and Miri (30 mins).
Is There Accommodation in Mulu National Park
There is accommodation in Mulu National Park (I stayed at the hostel there for one night before the Pinnacles experience and 2 nights afterwards) and well as several homestays and even a Marriott resort. Mulu National Park HQ has a cafe that serves breakfast (included with accommodation), lunch and dinner. There is also a small shop selling necessities and snacks.
Practical Guidance for Borneo, Malaysia
Hopefully you have found this guide on How to Hike the Mulu Pinnacles, Borneo useful. I have also included some practical guidance below so that you can get the boring stuff sorted and make the most of your trip!
Withdrawing Cash in Malaysia in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
To withdraw cash at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into Malaysian Ringgit (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then withdraw cash in Malaysia without hidden fees. Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).
Get your WISE card here.
Travel Insurance
Make sure that you have travel insurance to cover you for your trip. I can highly recommend Heymondo. I use them to cover me for all my trips and their app is very easy to use.
Purchase Heymondo travel insurance with a 5% discount here.
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