By Nancy Nais
MULU, July 3: A group of 10 adventurous members from the Kuching Division Journalist Association (KDJA) recently achieved a significant feat after eight of them successfully conquered the Mulu Pinnacles, one of Malaysia’s most challenging and awe-inspiring hikes.
The Mulu Pinnacles Expedition 2025, held from June 29 to July 2, marked the fifth edition of the association’s annual climbing programme, which in previous years had typically brought participants to Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu.
This year, for the first time, the expedition took on the dramatic limestone spires of the Mulu Pinnacles, located on Mount Api in Gunung Mulu National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The climb received full support from Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The four-day journey tested their endurance, teamwork and determination as they ventured into the heart of Sarawak’s pristine rainforest and braved steep ascents, slippery trails, and rugged terrains of the mountain’s vast cave systems.
The group embarked on their journey with a sense of excitement and anticipation, aware that the trail ahead would be both physically and mentally demanding.
Their expedition kicked off with visits to Mulu’s Deer Cave, renowned for having one of the world’s largest cave passages and its dramatic bat exodus at dusk. This is followed by Lang’s Cave, filled with delicate stalactites and stalagmites.
They continued their adventure into the Clearwater Cave, which houses one of the longest underground rivers in the world and Wind Cave, named for the natural airflow that circulates through its chambers.
Each cave offered a glimpse into Mulu’s ancient geological history and unique biodiversity.
The journalists seized the opportunity not only to immerse themselves in Sarawak’s natural wonders, but also to document their experiences – gathering material for future stories and features that aim to promote eco-tourism and conservation efforts in the State.
Their journey continued with a scenic boat ride along the Melinau River to the trailhead at Kuala Litut, followed by a 9-kilometre trek through lush lowland rainforest and across suspension bridges to Camp 5 where their base is located for the next two nights.
Situated deep in the park and accessible only by foot or boat, Camp 5 is a rustic jungle shelter that serves as the starting point for the grueling ascent to the Pinnacles.
The true test of their endurance began the next morning. After a night’s rest, the journalists set off at 6am to tackle one of Malaysia’s most challenging hiking trails, a gruelling ascent that would push their limits both physically and mentally.
The climb, though only 2.4 kilometres in distance, ascends over 1,200 metres and demands trekkers to navigate through slippery roots, steep inclines, jagged limestone rocks, and vertical ladders.
Each participant had to pass four checkpoints at 900m, 1.2km, 2km and 2.4km within the set time for the safety and continuity of the climb.
Despite the physical challenge, eight members of the team persevered and successfully reached the breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Pinnacles at 10am.
It was a stunning sight to behold, with razor-sharp limestone formations jutting vertically from the forest floor, some as high as 45 metres. The panoramic view and the sheer magnitude of the formations made the demanding climb worthwhile, creating a profound sense of achievement and awe.
While two participants were unable to reach the summit due to time constraints, they nonetheless achieved a significant milestone by making it to the mini Pinnacle; a remarkable accomplishment that filled them with pride and demonstrated their determination.
The entire team returned safely to Camp 5 before dusk, where they spent a second night recovering before retracing the 9-kilometre trek back to the Mulu National Park headquarters.
In congratulating the team, KDJA president Ronnie Teo said “KDJA is very proud that over 90 per cent of participants managed to reach the Pinnacle summit, and all of them returned safely, bringing with them a deep experience, a closer team spirit and an appreciation for the beauty and uniqueness of Sarawak’s natural landscape.
“This expedition also reflects KDJA’s commitment to strengthening cooperation, building resilience and uplifting noble values among media practitioners, in line with the spirit of human development supported by the state government.”
He added that it also highlights the incredible natural treasures Sarawak has to offer, from its towering limestone spires to its mysterious underground worlds.
Meanwhile, the team, made up of reporters and photographers from various media organisations in Kuching namely Dayak Daily (Nancy Nais), Malaysian National News Agency (Zaphne Philip and Rozlin Rusharmeen Rosmin), See Hua Daily (Chong Kho Lee) Borneo Post (Roystein Emmor Entai), Utusan Borneo (Mohammad Faisal Ahmad), Suara Sarawak (Nick Fletcher Neha), Sin Chew Daily (Chong You Kiat), Cats FM (Karuna Sho Hei Pohim) and TVS (Jeeridyne-Eve Chan Sue-En).
They were also accompanied by an officer Mohd Sufri Alulakal from the Unit Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) of Fire and Rescue Department. — DayakDaily
