The last stretch of the river journey to Mulu was to take a longboat the final 24 miles, the last 4 miles being on the Melinau river. It's 12 miles in a straight line from Long Terawan to the Mulu Park Headquarters, but 24 miles with the twists and turns of the river.
Each boat change was necessitated by the rivers getting narrower and shallower. On this final stretch there were also several rapids to navigate.
Best I can remember, the man in the brown shirt was my guide. I say that because he appears in other photos of mine taken during the few days I was at Mulu.
I'm reasonably sure this photo was taken on the Melinau because the river is so narrow (comparatively). All-in-all it took me a day to get up-river from Miri to Mulu. Sometimes it takes longer if the boats get delayed, the river's low or you can't find a longboat to charter. Through my contacts in brunei, I had everything arranged for me in advance so my boat changes were planned and I was expected.
Strange thing is, I have no memory of where I stayed. From internet research, back in 1989 there was a hostel in the park so I guess I stayed there. Now there is more choice and a range of different accommodation styles. The 30-minute flight from Miri to Mulu also saves you a bunch of time at the cost of a pretty unique experience.
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