Gunung Mulu National Park in Miri, Sarawak, is the largest national park covering a size of 52,865 hectares and encompassing primary forests, rivers, cliffs, cave systems, and an uncountable variety of flora and fauna. Therefore, it is not surprising that Gunung Mulu National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

The park can be accessed by plane or by boat from Miri, one of the administrative divisions of Sarawak, Borneo. I was excited to visit the place and experience for myself the various caves that I have heard about from my friends: Deer Cave, Lang Cave, Clearwater Cave and Wind Cave. I chose to stay within the park area in one of the Longhouse rooms offered by the Gunung Mulu National Park headquarters.

My requirement for an accommodation is first and foremost cleanliness. The Longhouse twin room they gave me and my colleague was definitely clean with simple furnishings, which was fine. Room facilities include air conditioning, ceiling fan, private bathroom and tea and coffee making facilities. Overall, the Longhouse room felt comfortable. For those who require more privacy, Garden Bungalow rooms with their own private patio would be a better option.

Second on my list is convenience. I just stepped out of my room and I was right in Gunung Mulu National Park. Don’t worry about having to organize a transfer to and from the park. I could relax or read on the terrace, swim in the Melinau river, sunbathe in the garden and connect with nature. And whenever I felt like it, I could walk into my Longhouse, take a shower and nap on a soft bed in the cool of the room.

The next thing on my list, which would be the third reason, is budget. I found the room rates to be reasonable. The Longhouse Shared Double Room started at RM180 per night, while the Garden Bungalow Shared Double Room started at RM230 per night, and the rates included breakfast. By staying inside the Gunung Mulu National Park headquarters, I also saved by paying the RM10 entrance fee to the park just once, the first day. Guests staying outside the park had to pay this fee for each entry.

Safety is the fourth reason. In the event that I encountered any danger, real or imagined, I was reassured to know that there are security personnel on duty 24 hours a day to monitor the park and provide assistance if needed to guests staying there. There were also individual lockers for rent in the room for RM5 per day in case I wanted to lock up my t-shirt or shorts or something more valuable. This facility would be useful for foreign visitors who wish to consider storing their travel documents in a more secure location.

I didn’t forget about the food, which is number five on my list of reasons. I wasn’t expecting shark fin soup or fresh oyster bar or some special cuisine in the woods. I followed the concept of … when you are in Mulu, do what the Mulu-ans do. Café Mulu served a variety of local food, for example, the jungle fern, Paku, which turned out to be one of my favorites, especially stir-fry with belacan (spicy shrimp paste). But it’s understandable that the Cafe caters to foreign guests by offering a Western menu as an alternative. I could also savor my food with a glass of wine or relax with a cold beer.

Lucky number six is ​​service. Being away from home and a familiar environment can be exhausting for some people. The friendly and helpful staff at the Gunung Mulu National Park headquarters made me feel right at home. This reinforced the warm and hospitable spirit for which the people of Sarawak are known.

My seventh reason had to do with expectations. It is almost an unspoken rule that it would bring back memories to give to close family and friends. I couldn’t bring you flowers, leaves or twigs from Gunung Mulu National Park, if I valued my life. But fear not … the gift shop at the park headquarters sells local crafts, wood carvings, T-shirts, postcards, and other things that would make interesting and memorable gifts.

In Gunung Mulu National Park, there are numerous scenic spots for beautiful photo shoots. The only thing I would complain about is why it usually turned out to be a tiny figure in photos. I will have to choose my photographer wisely next time.

There you have it, my top 8 reasons to stay at Gunung Mulu National Park headquarters: clean, convenient, affordable, safe, lots of food and drink, friendly service, fond memories, and a photography paradise. What more could a person ask for, except maybe another trip back to see the other attractions I have yet to see in the Park, such as the Sarawak Chamber in Gua Nasib Bagus (Cave of Good Luck), the most underground chamber biggest in the world? Which could house 40 Boeing 747 planes!