Gunung Mulu

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Gunung Mulu National Park, located in the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo, is renowned for its extensive limestone cave systems and striking limestone pinnacles. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a place of outstanding natural beauty and biodiversity. Established in 1974, the park is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, with its karst formations and tropical rainforest offering a unique ecosystem. Geographically, the park lies in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, bordered by lush dense rainforest and mountainous terrain.

Gunung Mulu holds significant cultural importance for the indigenous Penan and Berawan people, who have lived in harmony with the environment for centuries. The park plays a role in their spiritual beliefs and practices, often featuring stories and legends passed down through generations. Visitors to the park can explore intricately detailed cave formations, such as the world's largest cave chamber, Sarawak Chamber, and the spectacular Deer Cave, which houses a bat exodus at dusk that attracts nature enthusiasts from around the world.

The climate in Gunung Mulu is tropical, with high humidity and frequent rainfall, supporting its rich biodiversity. The natural features of the park include more than 295 kilometers of explored caves and an extensive underground river system. Notable landmarks within the park also include the Pinnacles, a series of razor-sharp limestone spikes, and Mount Mulu itself, which is the park's highest peak at 2,377 meters. Famous events connected with the area include eco-tourism fairs and guided spelunking expeditions that engage with responsible tourism practices.

An interesting fact about Gunung Mulu is that studies suggest the Batu Bungan village within the park was established as a resettlement area for the nomadic Penan people, providing insight into the local community's adaptive lifestyle. Moreover, the park continues to serve as a key location for scientific research and exploration, offering countless opportunities for discovering new species and understanding subterranean ecosystems.