Criteria 1: UNIQUENESS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURAL HERITAGE.

1. Significance of ecological systems and natural habitats
   
   

   Gunung Mulu National Park contains a wide range of land forms including steep ridges and escarpments, karst phenomenon (towers, caves, terraces and floodplains). Other natural phenomena include the Terikan River hot springs and many waterfalls, particularly in Melinau Paku Valley.
   
   The Park is extremely rich in cave resources - some of the largest found anywhere in the world and are superb examples of tropical river caves. Over 350 kilometers of the caves in the Park have been explored and mapped, and a number of them are globally unique. Deer Cave (Gua Payau) is the world's largest cave passage; Sarawak Chamber is the world's largest chamber. The 130Km. long Clearwater Cave system is the tenth longest cave system in the world and contains the largest examples of photo-karst in the world.
   
   

   As well as caves, razor-edged "pinnacles" are a feature of the mountains.
   
   The wide range of soil types and altitudes occurring in the Park result in a wide diversity of vegetation formations. Seventeen vegetation zones have been recognized with over 3,500 plant species listed and 1,500 flowering plants identified. The site is considered to be a Global Centre of Plant Diversity (WWF & IUCN, 1994-1995).
   
   
   

2. Undisturbed environments or environments demonstrating natural processes at work.

   The 55,000Ha within the Park includes two very distinct environs the surface environment- which comprises the mountains, valleys, floodplains and rivers, each with their associated forest types and the subterranean environment.

   
   

   5,000Ha of the surface which has been legally defined as the tourism zone much of this is inaccessible to even the most intrepid of visitors and less than 25Ha has any form of physical development. Of the remaining 50,000Ha defined as conservation zone, access to 30,000Ha. of it is prohibited to all people except those with traditional access privileges. The remaining 20,000Ha is wilderness zone where no human activity which could impact on the natural ecological processes is allowed.
   
   The subterranean environment is measured either linearly or by estimated volume rather than by area because of the diverse structure and dimensions of the caves. At present the known length of cave passages is more than 350Km. which includes the four caves (total length of 2Km.) which have been developed for public access and six caves (total length of 23Km.) in which a limited number of "cave exploration" tours are provided.
   The remaining 220Km. are restricted access areas where natural geological and biological processes are allowed to continue undisturbed.
   
   

3. Existence of rare and unique species present.

   The multi-storied mixed lowland dipterocarp forest represents one of the most diverse forests in Malaysia. Four species of Rhododendron and Vaccinium and the pitcher plants Nepenthes lowii, N. tentaculata and N. muluensis are endemic to the Park. Many endemic limestone dependent species of flora are found here and the limestone flora is one of the most diverse and best preserved in Southeast Asia. Examples of such species include Gesneriaceae Sp., Monophyllae beccarii, M. horsfieldii, Cytandra spp. and the palm Salacca rupicola.

   With another 110 species present, Gunung Mulu National Park is considered to be one of the richest sites in the world for palms and several species such as Eugeissona utilis; Iguanura melinauensis, Licuala lanata; Calamus Neilsonii, Salacca rupicola and Areca abdulrahmanii are endemic. Of the 1,700 species of liverworts and mosses which have been recorded many are either endemic or very rare. There are also a great number of spore producing plants occurring in the Park. To date 442 species have been identified, many of which are ferns. In addition 4,000 species of fungi have been recorded.
   
   This great diversity of land forms and associated vegetation types provides many different habitats for fauna including 81 mammalian species, 270 species of birds, 20,000 species of invertebrates, 55 reptile species, 76 species of amphibians and 48 species of fish, but this is only a smalll proportion of the total number of estimated species yet to be identified.
   
   Important mammal species such as the Malayan Pangolin Manis javanica, two species of endemic Borneo squirrels, the tufted ground squirrel, Rheithrosciurus macrotis, and the plain pigmy squirrel Exilisciurus exilis have been identified in the Park. The smallest mammal in the world, the Savi's pigmy shrew, Suncus etruscus, weighing only 2 grams is also found.
   
   

   To date 28 species of bat have been identified in the Park, one of the highest number in South East Asia. Deer Cave contains one of the world's largest bat colonies, the wrinkle-lipped bat Charrephon plicata, numbering approximately three million. This cave also contains the largest number of different bat species in any cave, 12 have been identified to date. The lesser tailless round leaf bat and the orange-tube nosed bat have not been seen anywhere else in Borneo.
   
   Of the 29 endemic Borneo species of birds, 26 have been recorded in the Park and the World's largest colony of cave Swiftlets (Aerodramus sp.) is found here.
   

   Cave fauna including many troglobitic species is also abundant, with over 200 species recorded. Many of the cave fauna species are endemic, with 41 on the endangered species list.
   
   Many invertebrates including cave fauna are endemic to the Park.
   Butterflies and moths are particularly well represented with 80 percent of Borneo species recorded here. A total of 25 snake and 27 lizard species have been recorded, and two-thirds of all known amphibian species occurring in Borneo can be found in the Park. Of particular significance is the frog Philautus spp. that only breeds in the fluid of the pitcher plant.

Issues of carrying capacity in terms of environment, facility and social considerations are addressed by a combination of physical intervention or policy implementation to:

• Protect the visitors from the Park
• Protect the Park from the visitors
• Maximize their experience by managing their activities in terms of space and time.

1. Existence of management control measures to absorb tourism activities.

   Access to intensely visited areas such as the tourist caves is facilitated by the provision of well made and regularly maintained walkways through the forest to protect it from proliferation of tracks and subsequent soil erosion. Toilet facilities provided at key attractions were designed to cater for 50% more than the permitted maximum daily visitation.

   Remote area accommodation facilities such as Camp 5, the base camp for those climbing the Pinnacles, and Camps 1, 3 and 4, the shelters used by those climbing the Mulu Summit, have a physical capacity of 25% more than the maximum group size allowed for the sake of environmental and social capacities.

2. Implementation of preventive measures and management mechanisms to minimize degradation of resources.

   Access within the developed caves is only permitted with controlled limits to the number of people in a group (20) and the total number of people in the cave at any given time.
   

   Access within other public access caves is only permitted in groups of 6 to 8 depending on safety issues. Visitors must stay on the pathways within caves at all times.
   
   Visiting the Mulu Canopy Skywalk is only permitted in groups of no more than 8.

1. Appropriate tourism activities compatible with local heritage, values and character. The only activities which are encouraged within the Park are those which directly link:
   
   • to the Parks' specific geological and ecological values or -the culture of the local community
     
   • and contribute to fostering a proper understanding of the Parks' purpose and significance.
     
   
   

   This is reflected in the Parks' standard marketing and promotion by-line "Discover the Difference. Understand the Importance". Other activities which may not specifically meet these criteria but are in keeping with the character of the Park (e.g. Competitive events linked to the physical environment of the Park) are only permitted if it can be demonstrated that any potential environmental impact can be mitigated.
   
   Primary activities include:
   

   • Visiting the tourist caves to learn about the origin of the caves, the development of speleothems and the significance of caves as habitat.
   • Visiting the permitted wild caves to understand the geological processes and experience the excitement and challenge of cave exploration.
     
   • Participating in jungle trekking to discover interest plants and animals and learn about forest ecology and animal/plant relationships.
     
   • Exploring the forest canopy using the Mulu Canopy Skywalk to learn
     about specific values of the canopy layer.
     
   • Participating in the Plants for Life walk to learn about the various plants that local people use for food, medicine and general building materials.
     
   • Trekking to the Pinnacles to learn about the karst geology of Mulu.
     
   • Climbing the Mulu Summit to discover and learn about the vegetation changes with increasing altitude.
   
   
2. Involvement of local communities in the development and the management of the site.
   
   Of the 95 people employed in the Park, 85 are from the immediate area and only 3 are not from the region of the Park. Employees at all levels except the most senior management comprise a mix of indigenous people including Berawan, Penan, Kelabit, Iban, Lun Bawang, Bisayah, Kiput, Kayan, Saban and Kenyah. All contribute their knowledge of the forest and cultural beliefs to the development of programs for visitor experiences and appreciation of the Park and the cultural groups associated with it.
   
   Of the 80 or more guides and boatmen working in the Park but not directly employed by Park Management, and the 85 people employed in the nearby Royal Mulu Resort, more than 50% are drawn from the immediate area and the remainder from nearby towns.
   
   
3. Creation of jobs that encourage the use of local knowledge, skills and traditions.

   The range of jobs created by tourism opportunity in Mulu National Park varies remarkably from grounds men and gardeners, housekeepers, cooks and waiting staff, tour guides and Park Guides, reservation and accounts clerks, security guards, boat and van drivers, plumbers, carpenters, cleaners and general handymen.

   While not all of these, like the guides, the boatmen and even cooks and waiters, have direct opportunity to share local knowledge and skills with visitors, all are encouraged to contribute to the development of relevant activities for visitors. Traditional Knowledge workshops help each of the groups understanding of one another while developing activities for Park visitors to learn about local culture in general.
   
   

4. The use of appropriate off-site and on-site interpretive media to educate visitors.

   Signage has been developed and provided in key areas of the Park:
   

   1. To orientate and direct visitors
      
   2. To inform visitors about their responsibility while visiting the Park and
      
   3. To educate visitors about the Park's purpose and significance as both an ASEAN Heritage Park and a World Heritage Site.
   
   Trackside panels are provided to support guides providing verbal interpretation of the Park's general and specific values.
   
   

   A range of brochures seen in the following pages has been developed for both pre-visit (motivational) and on-site (orientation and interpretation) use.
   

   Audio presentations will be provided in the Visitor Interpretation Center currently under reconstruction and scheduled to reopen in April 2006.

   A comprehensive Mulu Guide-Book is available in the Park, at the Resort and in most good book stores in Sarawak.
   

   
   
5. Availability of well-trained local guides/interpreters.
   

   All tour company guides working in the Park are required to be licensed after completing an accredited training course.
   The Park also employs and provides competent guides who have completed formal courses - some at certificated "Local Nature Guide" level and others at a Diploma "Conservation and Eco-tourism in Park Management" level.
   

   
   

6. Introduction of codes of conduct to educate visitors
   

   In addition to the regulatory signage provided at the main entrances to the Park and the entrances to the particularly sensitive cave environments,all brochures developed for public use and enjoyment have a printed code of behavior to encourage appropriate respect and personal responsibility while visiting natural areas.
   
   The Park has a "carry in - carry out" policy to control litter in the Park which is reinforced at every opportunity, and visitors are encouraged to pack wisely when preparing for overnight trips because what they carry into the Park they are required to carry back out.
   
   All staff are taught the importance of picking up any litter as soon as it is seen, regardless of thier duties at the time.
   
   

7. Monitoring program in place to access tourism impacts
   
   The areas of the Park which are accessed by visitors have been defined into seven distict zones and seven of the more senior Park Guides have been assigned a "Special Duties" responsibility to monitor, report and recommend remedial action required for each zone. While other staff are involved in the process, the designated person is responsible for developing the procedure of inspection and monthly reporting to address all visitor safety, facility maintenance and environmental imact issues.

1. Provision of appropriate and sufficient waste management system
   
   With some 200 people (permanent employees and their families) living on site and a 35-40% occupancy rate in the 80 bed visitor accommodation facilities within the Parks headquarters, a substantial amount of waste is generated.
   Waste receptacles - one for food scraps and one for non-biodegradable waste - are provided at key points and are cleared and cleaned daily. Food scraps are collected each afternoon by local people to feed their pigs (away from the Park).
   
   Non-biodegradable waste is sorted and separated for appropriate disposal. Paper and cardboard is incinerated, aluminium is recycled and all other materials are bagged and transferred by boat to the nearest authorized land fill site - 4 hours down river in the regional center at Marudi.
   
   Negotiations are well progressed to established an (off-park) waste separation, recycling and transfer station to service the entire community living in close proximity to the Park.
   
   
2. Put in place waste water treatment
   
   Waste water treatment plants have been established in all high-use areas of the Park to meet Class A effluent discharge standards in environmentally sensitive areas. Waste water treatment in the Park Headquarters area is by means of septic tanks which meet Class B standards only, but this is scheduled to be upgraded to a Class A system during 2006.
   
   
3. Zoning Parking area and Control
   
   Zoning Parking area and Control regulate the entry of objects, materials and vehicles Vehicle access to the Park is not possible; therefore Parking is not a significant issue. Vehicle access by tour operators transferring visitors from/to the airport or the Resort however, is an issue, as is the use of motor cycles by resident employees. Access into the Park is by means of a single suspension bridge across the river which forms the Park boundary. The bridge is designed to cater for pedestrian and motor cycle traffic but not vehicles. Access to the bridge by motor cycles is strictly prohibited during core hours when visitors may be using the bridge.
   
   A "round-about" with nearby temporary standing for vehicles waiting for passenger pick-up has been established to facilitate safe drop-off and collection of visitors in an orderly manner. Separate Parking space is provided for company vehicles and staff motor cycles.
   
   Access to key areas within the Park is either by foot or by boat transfer provided by local people. A system of Parking of boats and the discharge and loading of passengers has been restructured to enhance visitor safety and prevent environmental impact to the river bank.

1. Sufficient infrastructure and facilities to enable easy and safe access.
   
   Mulu is a very remote area with no road access from any of the regional service centers. The primary means of access is by air transport from Miri and Kota Kinabalu and the transfer by vehicle or boat from the airport to the Park (3Km). Access within the site is primarily by foot, although alternative travel by boat between the Park headquarters and Clearwater Cave is available and is the preferred option for most visitors. Access to all other areas of the Park can only be achieved by:
   • Deer and Langs Caves - via a 3.5km raised timber plank-walk / concreted pathway through the rainforest with interpretive signage panels provided.
   
   As this is the site of the famous bat viewing opportunity provided each evening it is often quite dark when visitors are returning so a path lighting system is provided.
   Pedestrian pathways between Park Headquarters and the caves are inspected daily and swept to clear fallen leaves 3 times each week. Fallen trees and branches are removed immediately and all walkways are inspected weekly to identify and remove dead and damaged branches before they fall.
   All constructed walk-ways have either been treated with a special non-slip paint or a particular non-slip grade of finished concrete.
   
   Access to Camp 5 and the Pinnacles starts with a 1 to 2 hour boat ride, depending on the water level in the river, to Kuala Litut (see map) and then an 8Km. walk to Camp 5 on an open surface track with clear identification signage and distance markers to provide an appropriate level of visitor confidence.

   Hazardous river crossings have been avoided by providing simple to complex bridges depending on the circumstances. On reaching Camp 5 visitors are greeted by Park staff stationed there and directed to their allocated sleeping and cooking spaces before being briefed about the next stage of their experience which commences early the next morning.

   Access from Camp 5 the Pinnacles - which is not permitted without a competent guide - is by means of an open surface track to the base of the Pinnacles climb, at which point a warning sign is provided which instructs visitors to turn back if they have not been able to reach this point by 11AM. From this point on the track is extremely steep and a system of 15 ladders and anchored ropes are provided for appropriate safety enhancement for this physically demanding challenge.

   The Headhunters Trail provides an exciting alterative option of leaving the Park via its' northern gateway at Mentawai Ranger Station. From Camp 5 visitors take a 13Km. walk on an open surface track with directional and distance markers to Kuala Terikan where they are met by a local boat transport provider. From here it is a 3 to 4 hour river trip and 1 hour road transfer to the town of Limbang to connect with a flight to their next destination. Hazardous river crossings have appropriate bridges provided. Visitors taking the headhunters Trail option must be accompanied by a guide between Camp 5 and Kuala Terikan.
   

   The Camp 5 track and the Headhunters Trail is inspected weekly to clear any fallen trees, and the track to the Pinnacles monitored daily to identify and rectify any problems with fallen or threatening trees, loose rocks or damage to ladders and ropes.

   Mulu Summit access is provided by a steep 24Km. open surface track with clear trail marking. The return trip, which must be lead by a competent guide, takes 4 days and 3 overnight shelters are provided. Track marking, trail clearing and maintenance of the shelters is undertaken quarterly or on demand as required by routine monitoring and reporting.
   
   

2. Adequate and clear directional signage to the site.
   
   As the large majority of visitors arrives as clients of tour operators and are met at the airport and provided with transfer to the Park, directional signage is not a significant issue. For independent visitors who elect to walk from the airport to the Park rather than use a local transport provider, the single intersection where a choice of direction is required is clearly signposted with direction and distance to the desired destination.
   
   The Forest Canopy is accessed by means of a timber plank-walk spur track leading to a secured access tower which leads to the 480meter long suspended walkway through the canopy. Access is strictly controlled to groups of no more than 8, supervised by a Park employed guide who, in addition to providing visitor safety and environmental protection guidance, provides interpretation of the canopy characteristics. The canopy walkway is cleaned of fallen leaves and inspected for damage and wear each morning before the first tour of the day.
   
   

Criteria 6: SUPPORT FACILITIES

1. Adequacy of facilities such as medical care, Food & Beverage outlets, electricity, water supply, restrooms, communication tools.
   
   Medical care - all Park employed guides and more than 50% of supporting staff have:
   
   • First Aid training and many Park employees have formal training in Search, Rescue and Retrieval and all guides are required to carry First Aid kits
     wherever they are working.
   • Wheelchairs, stretchers and comprehensive First Aid kits are permanently
     provided at strategic locations within the Park.
   • A Government clinic is provided in close proximity to the Park headquarters and close liaison is maintained between the Park and clinic staff.
     
   
   Communications - in addition to mobile and landline telephone communications between the Park the Resort, the airport and the Clinic -and the outside world- all Park Guides are required to carry a portable radio to provide ready communication from all areas of the Park and the Park office. Power and water supplies are generated within the Park:
   
   • by means of a sophisticated integrated system of diesel and solar energy in the Park headquarters area with back-up diesel generators maintained at the show caves.
     
   • by an automatic self-cleaning water treatment plant in the Park headquarters.
     
   • by small diesel generators supplemented by solar panels at Camp 5 and by a medium size diesel generator at Mentawai Ranger Station.
     
   • Water for general use at both Camp 5 and Mentawai is drawn from nearby rivers but boiled prior to human consumption as a safety precaution.
     
   • Drinking and general use water is captured in rainfall holding tanks at the Summit trail base camps.
   
   Restrooms of a very high standard are provided at the major points where visitors congregate - Park Headquarters, Clearwater Cave, Deer Cave and Camp 5. All are cleaned daily or more frequently depending on demand. Very basic facilities are provided in the more remote and less frequently used areas.
   
   Food and Beverage outlets within the Park are limited to a Café and trekking food sales outlet with numerous alternative options available just outside of the Park.
   
   All staff in the Park's Café are required to participate in customer service training programs, health and hygiene training and periodic personal health screening as required by legislation.
   
   Accommodation options include a well planned mix of standards to meet a cross section of needs and expectations from tent sites and shared dormitory style accommodation for basic back-packers through 3 standards of rooms with private facilities.
   Adjacent to the Park the Royal Mulu Resort similarly offers a range of choice from rooms with shared facilities to standard rooms with private facilities through to deluxe suites.
   
   

2. Availability of staff and other measures to take care of safety and security for visitors.
   
   The Park employs a total of 9 Security staff who provide around the clock security in the Park headquarters area and while periodic training is provided by the Police Training Squad, the primary role of Security staff is one of visitor liaison during daylight hours while monitoring access into and out of the Park. After dark their role is to provide routine patrols of all staff and visitor accommodation areas and maintain a watch at the security station in event any visitors are in difficulty and require assistance.
   
   Security staff are briefed each day regarding how many people are staying in each building and as all buildings in the Park are constructed from timber, each is fitted with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and fire hose reels. Most staff have been formally trained in the use of fire suppression equipment and in evacuation procedures.
   
   Security staffs routinely monitor safe procedures for loading and unloading boats and the safe return of visitors from overnight and day trips. Standard Operating Procedures require that a Search and Rescue process is automatically initiated whenever anyone is more than two hours overdue from their trip.