A limestone passage estimated at 120 to 150 metres wide gives Deer Cave its extraordinary sense of scale. Known locally as Gua Rusa, the cave lies within Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, where vast underground chambers form part of one of Borneo's most remarkable rainforest environments.
The experience changes towards sunset. Deer Cave is home to millions of bats and cave swiftlets, and large numbers of bats can emerge from the cave in sweeping formations as they head into the rainforest to feed. It brings together two sides of Mulu in one visit: the immense limestone landscape below ground and the wildlife that depends on it.
Highlights
- Inside Deer Cave: Walk into an enormous limestone passage estimated at approximately 120 to 150 metres wide and experience the scale of Gunung Mulu's underground landscape.
- Gunung Mulu National Park: Deer Cave forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Gunung Mulu, known for its caves, mountains and rich rainforest ecosystem.
- Cave Wildlife: Millions of bats and cave swiftlets inhabit the cave, making wildlife an important part of the experience alongside its geological features.
- Evening Bat Flight: Around sunset, large numbers of bats may leave the cave in swirling formations as they begin their nightly search for food in the surrounding rainforest.
- The Story of Gua Rusa: Gua Rusa means "Deer Cave" in Malay, a name traditionally linked to deer that once came to the area for shelter and to lick mineral-rich rocks.
