Mulu Park guides receive advanced geology training to bring world-famous caves to life for visitors

Miri, Sarawak – 20 May 2026 – Tour guides at Gunung Mulu National Park are gaining cutting-edge geological knowledge to help visitors better understand one of the world’s most extraordinary tropical cave systems.

In a continuing collaboration between Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and park operators, guides from Borsarmulu Park Management and Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa recently completed an advanced geology training programme led by Dr. Dominique Dodge-Wan, Associate Professor from Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science.

The latest sessions build on specialised training introduced in 2025 and are designed to deepen guides’ understanding of tropical karst landscapes, cave evolution, and the unique geological processes that shaped the spectacular caves of Mulu.

Home to some of the planet’s largest cave passages, dramatic sinkholes, and intricate limestone formations, Gunung Mulu National Park is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded by scientists as one of the world’s most significant tropical karst regions.

“The Mulu Caves are considered by many to be the ultimate example of tropical cavernous karst,” said Dr. Dodge-Wan. “Understanding how these remarkable formations developed enables guides to share not just the beauty of Mulu, but also the fascinating science behind it, creating a richer and more memorable visitor experience.”

The collaboration between Curtin Malaysia’s Applied Geology Department and Mulu Park operators gained momentum following the International Show Cave Association Conference hosted at Mulu in 2024, which drew cave experts and representatives from major show caves around the world.

During the conference, Dr. Dodge-Wan presented research highlighting the distinct differences between tropical karst systems and cave systems formed in arid, temperate, or alpine environments. Inspired by the response, Mulu National Park Manager Hein Gerstner and Tourism Services Manager Bian Rumei proposed expanding the scientific content into formal guide training programmes.

According to Gerstner, Mulu’s uniqueness lies in its tropical environment, where ecosystems range from lowland rainforest to montane forest within a single protected area. UNESCO has also identified Mulu as one of the most extensively studied tropical karst regions globally.

The training explored remarkable geological phenomena found within Mulu’s cave systems, including the formation of giant collapse sinkholes known as “tiankengs” or dolines. One of the best-known examples is the spectacular Garden of Eden in Deer Cave, considered among the finest tropical collapse features in the world.

The guides were also introduced to unusual cave formations rarely seen elsewhere, including crayback stalagmites influenced by cyanobacteria and phototropic stalactites that grow towards light sources. They learned how the “twilight zones” near Mulu’s vast cave entrances host rare features known as photokarren, miniature limestone pinnacles first identified in Mulu and especially visible near the entrance of Clearwater Cave.

The programme also examined how Clearwater Cave evolved into one of the world’s longest cave systems, extending more than 200 kilometres. Through lessons combining geology, cave mapping, and rock analysis, guides gained insights into how fractures within limestone and millions of years of river erosion created the cave’s immense network of passages.

By strengthening scientific understanding among local guides, the initiative aims to enhance visitor experiences while supporting long-term conservation efforts and empowering local communities through knowledge-sharing.

Curtin Malaysia said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to preserving Sarawak’s globally significant natural heritage while ensuring tourism remains both educational and sustainable.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Park guides pose for group photo with Dr Dodge-Wan (front row, 2nd right) following the geology training session.

A park guide examines microscopic limestone samples from Mulu during hands-on geology lesson.