This is part four of a five-part series on the natural wonders of Mulu.
As one of Malaysia’s greatest natural wonders, Mulu National Park continues to draw adventurers from around the world, enticed by its mystique, biodiversity, and sheer beauty.
Mulu National Park was recognised as a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage site in 2000.
It was inscribed under four criteria: exceptional beauty, major changes in Earth’s history, significant ecological and biological processes, and rich fauna.
As such, Mulu National Park is no ordinary tourist destination — it is a place where nature, culture, and conservation intersect.
For many, the trip to Mulu is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, taking them deep into the heart of a thriving rainforest with intricate cave systems and remarkable landscapes.
With visitor numbers steadily climbing, the national park’s management faces the delicate balancing act of working tirelessly to preserve its untouched allure while accommodating eager travellers.
Park manager Hein Gerstner said that maintaining Mulu’s pristine environment amid rising visitor numbers requires careful planning and a strong commitment to conservation.
“Our responsibility is not only to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors but also to ensure that this incredible place remains unspoiled for future generations,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Managing Visitor Capacity and Demand
In 2023, Mulu National Park saw over 21,000 visitors travelling from far and near to witness and experience this slice of heaven on Earth for themselves.
This year’s visitor numbers are closely matching last year’s, and the park management is optimistic that interest will continue to grow.
Gerstner said Mulu’s management plan caters to about three times the current number of visitors.
“After 22 years of management, it is evident that the national park’s infrastructure can cope with approximately 35,000 to 38,000 visitors maximum before infringing on the remote experience and sense of place. Mulu is somewhat ‘artificially’ regulated by the number of available flights and the number of resident guides available to provide the experiences.
“It is important to note that the national park’s accessibility and key products mostly revolve around a guided experience, so the number of guides is crucial for growth,” he said.
Noting how guides play an essential role in ensuring that Mulu’s story is told effectively, Gerstner pointed out that UNESCO mandates all World Heritage sites to offer comprehensive interpretation.
Through the Discovery Centre and interpretive storyboards scattered throughout the national park, Mulu National Park strives to provide visitors with an authentic sense of place and a deeper understanding of its ecological and cultural significance.
A Nature-Based Approach to Sustainable Tourism
Although the term “ecotourism” is widely associated with destinations like Mulu, Gerstner takes a more critical view and favours the term “nature-based tourism”.
He described Mulu’s approach as a concerted drive toward nature-based tourism, guided by sustainability guidelines.
“There’s nothing truly ‘eco’ about humans entering sensitive environments and charging money for it. Our approach is one of measured mitigation and careful management, where we determine acceptable levels of change and know when to adjust our approach in response to natural shifts or degradation, such as those caused by climate change.
“We also proactively monitor to detect any human impact before it becomes significant,” he explained.
Since 2016, Gerstner said, Mulu National Park has been programmed with a type of strategic adaptive management.
This means the national park’s management approach is intentionally designed to be flexible and responsive to changes.
Strategic adaptive management involves regularly assessing environmental and visitor impact data, then adjusting policies and practices accordingly.
This approach allows the park to make informed and proactive decisions in response to challenges like visitor impact, environmental shifts, and climate change, thus ensuring sustainable conservation efforts that adapt over time.
“For instance, a rare colony of naked bats near Deer Cave was threatened by visitors using a lookout point, so the pathway was promptly rerouted. We strive to maintain acceptable levels of change.
“By monitoring ecological shifts, climate impacts, and visitor effects, we can alter strategies as needed to prevent degradation and protect the national park’s biodiversity,” he said.
Gerstner stressed that this adaptable approach goes beyond traditional ecotourism, aiming for a model that genuinely respects and preserves the environment.
Monitoring the Environment
In an environment as sensitive as Mulu’s, constant monitoring is crucial.
Gerstner said a range of technologies is employed to keep track of changes in the park’s ecosystem — from temperature and humidity sensors in the showcaves to camera traps that record rare nocturnal animals.
“Mulu’s weather station, located near Deer Cave, provides critical data for understanding the park’s climate patterns and adapting to shifting conditions. This data-driven approach extends to biodiversity management as well.
“The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) works closely with our team, using data from camera traps and environmental monitors to identify and protect key species. By keeping a close eye on temperature, humidity, and species presence, we can respond quickly to any ecological disruptions,” he explained.
Gerstner said one of the primary goals is to maintain the delicate balance of the national park’s ecosystem.
He said this is to ensure that the national park’s ecosystem remains intact for generations to come.
“This adaptive approach also serves as a model for other conservation sites, showcasing how technology can support and enhance traditional conservation methods,” he said.
