Lemanak River Adventure

LEMANAK RIVER ADVENTURE

 Lemanak is a tributary of the main Batang Lupar River. Many traditional longhouses can be found situated along the river.
Like Skrang, the Lemanak River is another exciting destination within easy reach from Kuching.
About 220 kilometres away from Kuching, Lemanak can be reached in about 5 hours by road. The journey passes through the scenic countryside, rubber and pepper plantations, padi fields, sago palms and followed by an hour motorised-longboat ride penetrating the tropical rainforest through meandering stream.

An overnight stay gives you an opportunity to have a glimpse of the lifestyle of the longhouse and its people. An evening entertainment by the longhouse folks is most interesting and educational. Traditional dances and music are the highlight of the evening entertainment.
Cock-fighting and jungle trekking on the following day are other highlights of the Lemanak River Safari.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

SEMENGGOH WILDLIFE CENTRE

The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre was established in 1975 to care for wild animals which have either been found injured in the forest, orphaned, or were previously kept as illegal pets. The centre is situated within the boundaries of the Semenggoh Nature Reserve, approximately 24 km from Kuching.

When established, the three main aims of the Centre were:

• To rehabilitate wild animals who have been injured, orphaned in the wild or handicapped by
• prolonged captivity, with the objective of subsequently releasing them back to the wild.
• To conduct research on wildlife and captive breeding programmes for endangered species.
• To educate visitors and the general public about the importance of conservation.

The Centre has been a resounding success, caring for almost 1,000 endangered mammals, birds and reptiles from dozens of different species. However it is the orang utan rehabilitation programme that has made the Centre famous. In one respect, Semenggoh has been too successful – so many orang utan have been successfully reintroduced into the surrounding forest reserve that the forest’s carrying capacity has been reached, and rehabilitation activities have been transferred to the Matang Wildlife Centre, part of Kubah National Park.

As a result of its success, Semenggoh’s role has changed and it is nowadays a centre for the study of orang utan biology and behaviour, as well as a safe and natural haven for dozens of semi-wild orang utan, graduates of the rehabilitation programme. It is also home to numerous baby orang utan, born in the wild to rehabilitated mothers, a further testament to the success of the programme.

A visit to Semenggoh is a once in a lifetime experience - a chance to see semi-wild orang utan, ranging from tiny infants and boisterous adolescents to dignified mature adults, enjoying life in a secure natural habitat.

ORANG UTAN IN THE WILD

The orang utan (pongo pygmaeus) is found in the rainforests of Malaysian Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah), Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) and North Sumatra. It is one of the world’s largest primates, and is almost completely arboreal (tree living). The word “orang” is Malay for “person” whilst “utan” is derived from “hutan” meaning forest. Thus, orang utan literally translates as “person of the forest”.

A mature male has large check pads and a pendulous throat sac. Adult males can reach a height of 150 cm (5 ft), weigh up to 100 kg (220lbs) and have an arm span of 240 cm (8 ft). Females are about three quarters of the height and half the weight of the males. Both sexes are covered with long reddish hair. Orang utan have a low reproductive rate, females usually giving birth to a single infant once every 7-8 years. Females reach sexual maturity at 12 years of age but generally don’t have their first offspring until two or three years later. Males reach sexual maturity at 15 but their cheek pads may not fully develop until a few years later. The life expectancy of orang utan in the wild is unknown but is thought to be less than in captivity, where some have lived to over 50 years of age.

Orang utan are primarily fruit eaters and spend most of the day roaming the forest foraging for food. They are particularly fond of wild figs and the pungent smelling durian. Although fruit is their most important source of food, they also feed on young leaves, insects, bark, flowers, eggs and small lizards. Each individual builds a new nest each night, a safe resting place 12-18 metres (40-60 ft) up in the roof of the forest.

Wild orang utan are generally solitary. However, adolescents often gather in pairs and females occasionally form temporary groups of four or five. This rather lonely existence stems both from the relative scarcity of food in the rainforest and from a lack of predators. A mature adult roams a vast area of forest every day in order to find enough food to satisfy its healthy appetite. Its huge size also eliminates the need for ‘group defence’.

The orang utan is an endangered species and is totally protected by law in Malaysia, Indonesia and internationally. Today, there are an estimated 20-27,000 orang utan left in the wild (perhaps 20,000 or so in Borneo and the rest in Sumatra). Deforestation, human encroachment on their habitat, indiscriminate hunting and the live animal trade: all are factors that have contributed to a decline in their numbers. To gain a better understanding of the orang utan and re-introduce rescued animals into the wild, both the Indonesian and Malaysian authorities have set up rehabilitation programmes. Sarawak’s centre at Semenggoh is open to the public so visitors can find out more about these highly intelligent creatures of the rainforest.

SEMENGGOH’S OTHER ATTRACTIONS

In addition to the orang utan, visitors will be able to see other endangered species at Semenggoh. The centre’s wildlife population varies, so it is difficult to say exactly what animals you may encounter on your visit. However, the centre has housed a wide range of wildlife, including rescued gibbons, porcupines, crocodiles and river terrapins. In the surrounding forest you will certainly hear the cries of rehabilitated gibbons, as well as the songs of a host of wild bird species. Brightly coloured lizards and various species of squirrel are also frequently encountered.

The wildlife rehabilitation centre is part of the Semenggoh Nature Reserve. The other major component of this conversation project is the Botanical Research Centre (BRC). With ethnobotanical gardens, wild fruit orchards, a “Fernarium”, a Rheophyte garden and more, the BRC has much to offer the visitor. Five nature trails and a plankwalk have been laid out to allow visitors the opportunity of seeing the various gardens. The trails are all relatively short with trekking times ranging from 5-30 minutes, whilst the time required for the plankwalk is approximately 30 minutes. A plant identification system has been created alongside the plankwalk so that visitors are able to familiarise themselves with some of the better known trees and plants. For example, Dipterocarps such as Meranti and Engkabang are highlighted, as are wild fruit trees such as Cempedak (jackfruit) and the infamous Durian.

BAKO NATIONAL PARK

BAKO NATIONAL PARK

With its rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, interesting plant life, secluded beaches, panoramic rocky shoreline, bizarre rock formations and extensive network of trekking trails, Bako National Park offers visitors an excellent introduction to the rainforest and coastline of Borneo. Bako may not have an instantly recognisable star attraction, but there can be very few places in the world that pack so much natural beauty into such a limited area, all just 37 km from Kuching. Its accessibility - and its sheer range of attractions and activities - have made Bako one of the most popular parks in Sarawak. Gazetted in 1957, Bako is Sarawak’s oldest national park, covering an area of 2,727 hectares at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula. It is one of the smallest national parks in Sarawak, yet one of the most interesting, as it contains almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo. The well-maintained network of nature trails - from easy forest strolls to full-day jungle treks – allows visitors to get the most out of this unique environment.


THE RAINFOREST AND OTHER VEGETATION
Bako contains an incredible variety of plant species and vegetation types, and this is one of the park’s great attractions. At Bako it is possible to see almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo. 25 distinct types of vegetation form seven complete eco-systems - Beach Vegetation, Cliff Vegetation, Kerangas or Heath Forest, Mangrove Forest, Mixed Dipterocarp Forest, Padang or Grasslands Vegetation and Peat Swamp Forest. It is easy to explore these eco-systems via the jungle trails. The contrasts are so distinct that you do not have to be a scientist to notice the differences. Furthermore, most of the different vegetation types are found close to the park HQ at Telok Assam.

WILDLIFE

Bako is probably the best place in Sarawak for wildlife experiences. The park has been a protected area since 1957, so the animals are less wary of humans. Visitors, especially those who stay overnight, will have countless opportunities to observe and photograph various types of wildlife.

The best times for seeing wildlife at Bako are just after dawn and just before dusk, when the animals are at their most active. You are more likely to see animals on the trails if you go in small groups, walk slowly, keep as quiet as possible, and listen out for sounds and movements in the forest. For example, you are likely to hear a strange grunting sound or the crash of leaves long before you actually see a proboscis monkey.

Telok Assam, the area around the HQ, is a great place for seeing wildlife. Long-tailed macaques, silvered langurs or leaf-monkeys, common water monitors, plantain squirrels, wild boar and mouse deer are all found here. Watch out for the macaques as they are possibly the most fearless monkeys on earth. They will raid dustbins and kitchens in the resthouses, or scamper into the canteen to steal food or an unguarded bag. Keep all doors locked and never encourage them by offering food. In contrast to the unruly macaques, the silvered leaf-monkey or silvered langur is a docile and attractive creature. Adults have silver-grey fur and a spiky crest of head hair, whilst the infants are covered in bright orange fur.

Bako is also home to approximately 275 rare proboscis monkeys, found only in Borneo. The male is an odd-looking creature, with a huge pendulous nose and a large pot-belly, weighing in excess of 20 kg. Both male and female are covered in reddish-brown fur with grey limbs and a white tail. They are mostly arboreal (tree-dwelling), moving about the forest or mangroves in small groups and feeding on young leaves, shoots, sour fruits and seeds. Although it requires some patience, an encounter with a group of proboscis is likely to be the highlight of your trip to Bako. The best times are early in the morning or in the hours before dusk. Telok Delima and Telok Paku are the best trails for viewing the proboscis. The mangroves at Telok Assam are also a good place for viewing proboscis monkeys.

Otters are delightful creatures to watch, and two species are found at Bako - the oriental small-clawed otter and the hairy-nosed otter. They spend most of their time in the water, feeding on fish, frogs and other small animals. Oriental small-clawed otters are occasionally seen at Sungai Assam, swimming in the river or running across the mud searching for food. Hairy-nosed otters are sometimes seen early in the morning around the mangroves at Telok Assam.

The Bornean bearded pig, Bako’s largest mammal, is distinguished from other wild pigs by prominent bristles either side of its snout. Bearded pigs are often found around the park HQ scavenging for food or wallowing in mud.

The largest of Bako’s many lizard species is the common water monitor, olive green in colour and reaching a length of 2 metres. Young monitors are green with yellow spots and therefore easier to see. They are strong swimmers and can stay submerged for a considerable length of time. Monitors are scavengers, feeding on carrion and occasional live prey. They are often found near the accommodation area or near the boat jetty, scavenging for scraps of food. You may also see their tracks at the park’s beaches.

The small, brownish grey skink or sun lizard is often seen basking on rocks at the beach or scurrying away from the paths. The attractive green crested lizard, common throughout the park, is usually bright green but is capable of changing colour if alarmed. Flying lizards are occasionally seen launching themselves from tree trunks and gliding through the air.

Bako is home to a number of snakes, most of which are harmless. They are well camouflaged, and usually slide off into the undergrowth at the first sign of danger. The grass green whip snake is easily recognised by its bright colour, pencil-thin body and long snout. The paradise tree snake’s black upper body is marked with green spots whilst its underside is yellowy-green with red spots. The only poisonous snake that is occasionally seen is the Wagler’s pit viper that, like all pit vipers, has a broad, flat, triangular head.

Bako is a fascinating place for bird watching, as over 150 species have been recorded here. Although many of these can be seen around the accommodation area, you need to hit the trails to appreciate the full variety of Bako’s bird life. The mangroves at Telok Assam are an excellent place to start. Serious bird watchers should take a good pair of binoculars and the Pocket Guide to the Birds of Borneo, which is widely available in Kuching.

Rock pools and mangroves are good places to search for small animals such as mudskippers and crabs, especially sky-blue fiddler crabs and shell-dwelling hermit crabs. Bako also has its fair share of insects. Watch out for them on the forest floor and hear them everywhere.

Bako’s nocturnal creatures include the flying lemur, pangolin, mouse deer, various bats, tarsier, slow loris and palm civet. If you take a night walk through the forest near the Park HQ you may catch sight of some these creatures, as well as spiders that shine when a flashlight is played on them, glow worms and fireflies, You will certainly hear crickets, cicadas, frogs, and maybe owls. The beach by the park HQ is also a great place for a night walk. If the tide is out you may see crabs, prawns, anemones, starfish, annelid worms and young shrimp in the small pools.

MIRI PETROLEUM MUSEUM

MIRI PETROLEUM MUSEUM

Location

Petroleum Museum Miri is undoubtedly located in Miri, the second largest state in Sarawak, in East Malaysia. It is situated at one of the famous attractions in Miri, Canada Hill, or better known as Bukit Tenaga by the locals.

Overview

Petroleum Museum Miri was opened to public officially in the year of 2005, 20th of May. The museum opens every day except Mondays and every public holiday. It is opened from 9.00am to 4.30pm and the admission fee is free of charge. In the museum, there are various exhibits displayed that shows us the history of the petroleum industry in Sarawak and of course in the whole Malaysia. All displays are related to the petroleum industry including its contributions to the country. What not to miss is the popular Grand Old Lady located just outside of the museum. The Grand Old Lady is the first oil rig discovered and erected in Miri. This is one of the historical monuments in Miri. This famous monument has produced barrels and barrels of oil for a long 62 years from 1910 to the year of 1972. Then, you will see a model named the Nodding Donkey which is used to erect the crude oil. Next you have the site of Time Capsule. There are many exhibits and modals in the museum include a scaled oil platform, tools used back in the days to extract crude oil and definitely, the products made. History and the processes involve the extracting of the crude oil to the process and end products are all written down. On the top of Canada Hill, out of the museum, you can enjoy the fresh air and scenic view of Miri.

Accommodations in Miri have not much difference than other cities. Popular hotels include Mega Hotel, Parkcity Everly Hotel, and Imperial Hotel, just to name a few. All hotels provide good services with affordable rates and prices. When it comes to shop for souvenirs, the best shopping place is Miri Handicraft centre. There are uncountable local made beads work, crafts and simple t shirts offered in the heritage centre. Moreover, the prices are negotiable especially when you purchase many craftworks. Besides places for souvenir, there are various malls in the town including Bintang Mall, Merdeka Mall, Boulevard Mall and etc. All malls are equipped with various brand outlets with food court and restaurants available.

Transport

You can reach Petroleum Museum Miri either by foot or by a taxi ride using the street named Jalan Setia Raja. After SJK North, drive along the road and you will spot it on the right hand side of Jalan Miri - Pujut.

Pesta Kaul Mukah

PESTA KAUL MUKAH

 Kaul is a traditional festival celebrated by the Melanau living along the coast of Sarawak. In the past, Kaul was looked upon as a religious ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, land, forest and farm making it the most important festival in the Melanau calender. The festival is a ritual of purification and thanksgiving as well as one of the propitiation for good fortune. Its marks the beginning of the Melanau calender which begins at the end of the Northeast monsoon. Kaul takes place in third week of the month of April every year.

The festival site is on the right bank of the Mukah river estuary. During a week festival, the organiser has line up many activities which include ethnic stalls selling traditional foods, entertaiment programs, traditional games and the highlight will be Serahang (decorated flat round basket made from sago leaf which raise on a bamboo pole) procession lead by local Melanaus' community leader. 
Some of the activities that not to be missed include DIY the Giant Swing (Tibow) and enjoying the Melanau's traditional food serve on the log (Keman Baw Bateng @ Makan Beradat).

Kuching Waterfront

KUCHING WATERFRONT

Aptly called The People Place, Kuching Waterfront was built for the people of Sarawak and visitors alike. It is their place to enjoy, to entertain and be entertained. A heritage to be proud of, and a legacy to pass on to generations to come. Stretching approximately 1 km, with a riverside walk linking the hotel precinct with downtown Kuching, the Waterfront is 'self-contained' with facilities for entertainment, refreshment, relaxation, cultural enjoyment and arts appreciation. It is also a great place for family gatherings, corporate outings and school and community projects.
Coolies bustling over berthed junks. Hawking of wares, Indian chettiars haggling. Natives selling jungle produce. That was Sarawak River to Kuching. Then time intervened. Sarawak River was not what it used to be. Quietness settled in. The godowns deserted, the merchants shifted.
Thus, Kuching Waterfront was rebuilt to return the frontage to the people. Officially opened in 1993, it spans about 1 km, each step rich in local history and culture.
Structures are preserved. The frame of the amphitheatre was originally part of a godown built in 1929. Other testimonies of this endeavour are the buildings of Sarawak Steamship Company and Chinese Museum.
Tradition radiates from the Chinese Pavillion. Each step of the way is paved with mosaic panels depicting ethnic motifs.
Kuching of by-gone days is revealed on plaques along the promenade floor. Trace the White Rajah’s reign. Read about rebellions. And piracy.
Come evening, see the abstract Hornbill Fountain, and try some of the wide variety of food there.

The structures and facilities at the Kuching Waterfront represent a blend of existing historical buildings and additional modern facilities set in a beautifully landscaped background. The features also reflect a combination of local culture and modern technology and are characterized by the use of raw materials and designs unique to the Kuching Waterfront only. Examples include granite slabs and sets; copper roofing; granite and marble mosaics; cast aluminium and "belian" Kuching Waterfront railings; Kuching Waterfront rubbish bins; insect-repelling promenade lights; sculptures; etc.

Square Tower	Waterfront Square	Chinese Pavilion	Hornbill Fountain

Square Tower
Built in 1879 it was formerly a fortress, a jail and then converted into a dance hall. It is currently undergoing a refurbishment exercise.
Waterfront Square
An open space for martial arts training and demonstrations such as Silat, Tai Chi, Wushu, Taekwando. Also for assembly and large group activities such as mass aerobics.
Chinese Pavilion
A relic of the past, it was dismantled from its original location in front of the old courthouse, restored and transported to its present site. Chinese cultural music serenade the romance of the evening.
Hornbill Fountain
The Land of The Hornbills is translated into modern art in this water-cascading metallic sculpture.
Godown Amphitheatre
It is an open space mini-amphitheatre with seating capacity for approximately 200 persons. The Amphitheatre is regularly used for cultural performances, talent shows, product launchings, singing competitions, colouring contests and many more activities.
Floating Pontoon
Bob along with the waves, and watch the colourful tambangs.
Orangery
A canopy for special promotions and exhibitions.
Food Outlets
A wide variety of snacks, pastries, local favourites, hawker delights, fruits, tit-bits and beverages.
Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF)
Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) office is located next to the Kuching Waterfront Management office.

Sarawak Museum

SARAWAK MUSEUM

The Sarawak Museum Old Building was built in 1891 and was extended to its present form in 1911. The building was especially built to permanently house and display local native arts and crafts and collections of local animals as mainly encouraged by the famous naturalist, Alfred Wallace, who was then collecting specimens in the country.

Since its inception, the building has undergone several renovations and alterations. It is rectangular, 44' x 160' with walls and pillars of bricks and roof of belian and concrete. It has European architecture of imposing edifice in Queen Anne style (Victorian period). The galleries are lighted by dormer windows on the roof which thus allow a great area of wall space.

During the Japanese Occupation, the museum was put under the direction of a sympathetic Japanese Officer. As a result, the museum suffered very little damage and remarkably little looting.

Today, with carefully planned renovation and proper maintenance, this old building is used as the centre to exhibit collections on the natural history of Sarawak. The ground floor of the museum holds the natural history collection and specimens of Sarawak fauna - reptiles, mammals, birds, etc, all expertly prepared and mounted for display. The west wing of the museum houses Shell exhibition - petroleum industries of Sarawak.

The first floor displays exhibits of ethnographic artifacts such as models of longhouses of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak, musical instruments, various kinds of fish and animal traps, handicrafts, models of boats and others.

Mount Santubong Sarawak

MOUNT SANTUBONG KUCHING SARAWAK

Mount Santubong (Malay: Gunung Santubong) is a mountain in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. It is located about 35 km north of the state capital Kuching.
On a clear day, it can be seen from Kuching. The mountain and its surrounding area is a popular tourist attraction.

 A legend often associated with the mountain is of two beautiful princesses of heaven, Santubong and Sejinjang. Santubong was an expert weaver while Sejinjang was an excellent rice tresher. When war broke out between two villages, Kampung Pasir Puteh and Kampung Pasir Kuning, the King of Heaven sent the princesses to keep peace in both villages. The villagers saw both beautiful princesses and stopped the war. After the war, both princesses taught the villagers their expertise and both villages began to trade and became prosperous. Many princes heard of them and came from the whole island to marry them, but all was denied by them. One day, a handsome prince came, and the princesses had a quarrel and exchanged blows because both of them fell in love with the prince. Sejinjang swung her tresher which hit Santubong's cheek. Santubong threw her weaver at Sejinjang, hitting her in the head. Putting an end to the quarrel, the King of Heaven cursed both of them into mountains. Santubong turned into Mount Santubong while Sejinjang was turned into Mount Sejinjang. It is said that both mountains resembles women lying on their back and a crack on Mount Santubong was the scar on Princess Santubong's cheek.

 In 1855 a British naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace who was collecting animals in Santubong, wrote a paper called "Sarawak Law" which can be considered as a precursor to the biological theory of evolution. A year later, Wallace left Sarawak and wrote another article on evolution based on his years of observation in the Far East, that was sent to Charles Darwin and was simultaneously published by the Royal Society. Similar to Galapagos, Mount Santubong should be considered as a scientific world heritage in biological science and should be preserved for the future generations. Unfortunately, the proposal to established the area as a national park never materialise and human settlements as well as touristic development (hotels, golf course and condominium) are claiming most of the low lying areas. It is suggested the world community to set up a fund to buy back the land and save Mount Santubong that is very important in the development of concepts and theories in biological sciences.

Pesta Benak Sri Aman

PESTA BENAK SRI AMAN

Discover & Experience the Unique Tidal Bore Phenomenon at Batang Lupar, Sri Aman.
The annual Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Festival) will make a return along the mighty Batang Lupar with two new activities from Oct 18 to 20.
This year, the festival will include a bodybuilding competition (Mr Benak) and a hot air balloon ride.
The Festival is to promote harmony among local community and to introduce Sri Aman town through tourism. Tidal Bore or locally known as Benak accurs everyday with different warelenght and heights. During spring tide, tidal bore with high magnitudes can be observed clearly. The Benak continues its journey another 30km inland, ending near the small village of Engkilili in Sri Aman.

How to get there:
Sri Aman town is located about 194km from Kuching and the journey takes about two and hald to three hours by road.  Public transportation like express buses and taxis are available from Kuching to Sri Aman town.

SKRANG RIVER ADVENTURE

SKRANG RIVER SAFARI

 

SKRANG RIVER ADVENTURE

Skrang River is one of the must-visit destinations in Sarawak to experience the authentic Iban lifestyle and culture in a longhouse. Skrang is an exciting destination which is famous for once housing the notorious pirates and head-hunters.

The early Iban settlers who migrated from Kalimantan set up home in the river valleys of Skrang River, and along other rivers, such as Batang Ai, Saribas and Rajang. During the Brooke White Rajahs era in the 1800s, there was a great uproar in among the community at Skrang River, when James Brooke took action to eliminate the Ibans at Skrang because he thought the they were pirates. Rentap, the leader of the Iban community at Skrang then, rebelled against Brooke by attacking his fort at Skrang River called Nanga Skrang. Eventually, though Rentap was defeated, he never once gave in to surrender. Thus, he went down in history as a national hero and freedom fighter.

The Ibans celebrate Gawai Dayak on June 1, to mark the end of the harvest season and to usher in another year of bountiful goodness. It is a feast with colourful rituals, traditional music, food and games. One of the best places to experience this festival is at the Iban longhouse by the Skrang River.

There is also a longhouse safari available, which begins with a 4-wheel drive to the banks of the Skrang River. From there, the safari continues by motorised longboat down the shallow Skrang River, occasionally "shooting the rapids". A thrilling journey along this scenic river brings you to a series of wooden Iban longhouses.

Visitors may also choose to extend their trip by spending the night at a longhouse to experience the traditions and customs of the Dayak Ibans. The highlight of the Skrang River Safari is an evening of entertainment by the longhouse residents, featuring traditional dances and music. Tuak, a specially brewed rice wine, will be served during the evening's entertainment.

The surrounding jungle is also available for exciting trekking and exploration.

The journey to Skrang is about 232km from Kuching. It takes about 5 hours by road, followed by a 90-minute longboat journey along the Skrang river.

Gunung Mulu at Miri Sarawak

GUNUNG MULU NATIONAL PARK MIRI SARAWAK

Deer Cave is located near Miri, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo and is a show cave attraction of Gunung Mulu National Park. It was surveyed in 1961 by G.E. Wilford, of the Malaysian Geological Survey, who predicted that Mulu would yield many more caves in the future (Wilford, 1964). The cave, which is also known as Gua Payau or Gua Rusa by the local Penan and Berawan people, is said to have received its name because of the deer that come to the cave to lick salt-bearing rocks (Tsen, 1993) and shelter themselves.
The cave was surveyed for the first time in the year 1978, producing measurements of 174 m wide and 122 m high in one section that passed through the mountain for a distance of one kilometer. Subsequently a next survey increased the acknowledged passage length to 4.1 kilometers and connected Lang Cave, another show cave within the park, to the Deer Cave System. This survey made in 2009 by the Hoffman Institute Of Western Kentucky University revealed the maximum cross sectional area to be in the large southern passage. This was documented at 169 m wide with a ceiling height of 125 m. The northern passage registered the greatest ceiling height at 148m with a cross sectional width of 142 m. The main entrance of Deer Cave was measured at 146 m.

                                                                       
Gunung Mulu National Park near Miri, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, is a UNESCO World Herritage Site that encompasses caves and crust formations in a mountanious equatorial rainforest setting. The park is famous for its caves and the expeditions that have been mounted to explore them and their surrounding rainforest, most notably the Royal Geographical  Expedition of 1977–1978, which saw over 100 scientists in the field for 15 months. This initiated a series of over 20 expeditions now drawn together as the Mulu Caves Project.
The national park is named after Mount Mulu, the second highest mountain in Sarawak.


Gunung Mulu National Park is famous for its limestone crust formations. Features include enormous caves, vast cave networks, rock pinnacles, cliffs and gorges. Mount Mula is a sandstone mountain rising to 2,376 m (7,795 ft).
Gunung Mulu National Park has the largest known natural chamber or room - Sarawak Chamber, found in Gua Nasib Bagus. It is 2,300 feet (700 m) long, 1,300 feet (396 m) wide and at least 230 feet (70 m) high. It has been said that the chamber is so big that it could accommodate about 40 Boeing 747s, without overlapping their wings. The nearby Deer Cave was, for many years, considered the largest single cave passage in the world.


Other notable caves in this area are Benarat Cavern, Wind Cave, and Clearwater cave; which contains parts one of the world's largest underground river systems and is believed to be the largest cave in the world by volume at 30,347,540 m³.
Mulu's limestones belong to the Melinau Formation and their age is between 17 and 40 million years (Late Eocene to Early Miocene).
Stratigraphically below the limestones, and forming the highest peaks in the south east sector of the Park including Gunung Mulu, lies the Mulu Formation (shales and sandstones). The age of these rocks is between 40 and 90 million years (Late Cretaceous to Late Eocene).