Deer Cave Mulu: Bat Exodus and Show Cave Guide
Deer Cave is the showstopper of Gunung Mulu National Park in northern Sarawak. Its main passage ranks among the largest in the world, with ceilings over 100 metres high, and more than 3 million wrinkle-lipped bats roost inside. For most visitors the Deer Cave Mulu experience is two things: a guided walk through the vast chamber in the afternoon, and the bat exodus at dusk.
The Deer and Lang Cave tour
You can only enter the cave with a park guide. The Deer and Lang tour leaves park headquarters daily at 2pm or 2.30pm and costs RM35 per person including the guide, on top of the park entry pass. The first 3 km follows a raised plank walk through rainforest to the Bat Observatory, taking 45 to 60 minutes, then the route continues into the caves. In total the outing covers about 9 km.
Inside Deer Cave you walk past scalloped walls and an ancient riverbed beneath swirling swiftlets. About 800 metres in, light floods in from the Garden of Eden valley, and water pours from the roof in the falls known as Adam and Eve’s Shower. Neighbouring Lang Cave is smaller and more decorated, with stalactites, stalagmites and limestone curtains.
Watching the bat exodus
The bats usually leave between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, spiralling out in ribbons that can last for many minutes while bat hawks hunt from the cliffs. On rare evenings they leave earlier or not at all. You can watch from the Bat Observatory without a booking; it is free to walk there, but going into the cave itself requires the paid tour. If the bats fly, expect to be back at headquarters around 6.30pm to 7pm, so bring a torch.
Fees and booking
Every visitor needs a park pass, valid for five days. At the time of writing foreign adults pay RM30 and children RM10, with Malaysians paying RM15 and RM5. Tours and guides are limited, so book accommodation and activities ahead, especially from June to September and in holiday periods. Details are on the official Mulu park website.
Getting to Mulu
There is no road access. Flights reach Mulu from Miri in about 30 minutes, and from Kuching and Kota Kinabalu in around 1 hour 20 minutes and 55 minutes respectively. Heavy rain can cancel flights, so keep a buffer day in your plans. See our Mulu National Park guide for accommodation and other caves.
How it fits your trip
Deer Cave is usually done on your first afternoon in Mulu, leaving the following days for Clearwater and Wind Caves or the canopy walk. Most travellers spend three nights. It works as an add-on from Kuching or as part of our 2-week Malaysia itinerary; the Sarawak guide has more ideas.
Tips for visiting Deer Cave
- Book the Deer and Lang tour as soon as you arrive at park headquarters, or in advance in busy months.
- Bring a torch for the walk back after the bat exodus.
- Wear non-slip shoes and carry a poncho; the cave floor and walkway get wet.
- Carry cash in ringgit for tours and the observatory kiosk.
- Build a spare day into your plans in case rain delays flights.
Deer Cave: frequently asked questions
What time is the bat exodus at Deer Cave?
The bats usually leave between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, though they occasionally go earlier or stay in. Watch from the Bat Observatory, a plank walk of about 3 to 4 km from park headquarters that takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Can you visit Deer Cave without a guide?
No. Entry to Deer and Lang caves is by guided tour only, which costs RM35 per person and departs daily in the early afternoon. Walking to the Bat Observatory to watch the exodus does not need a guide or booking.
How much does it cost to visit Mulu National Park?
A five-day park pass costs RM30 for foreign adults and RM10 for children aged 6 to 18 at the time of writing. Guided cave tours and other activities are charged separately.
How do you get to Gunung Mulu National Park?
Mulu has no road connection, so most visitors fly. Flights take about 30 minutes from Miri, around 55 minutes from Kota Kinabalu and about 1 hour 20 minutes from Kuching.
How long should you spend in Mulu?
Three nights lets you see Deer and Lang caves, Clearwater and Wind caves and the canopy walk without rushing. Add more time for the Pinnacles climb or adventure caving.
