Mount Gunung Api & pinnacles

Mount Api or Gunung Api is a limestone mountain set in the Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia. Adjoining Mount Buda and Mount Benarat are part of the same mountain. Mount Api is famous for housing arresting limestone karst formations or pinnacles. Api Chamber is known to be the second largest chamber in Malaysia. During the Benarat 2005 Caving Expedition, it was discovered on Mount Api. This mountainous region is well known for housing diverse varieties of pitcher plant. There are approx eight species of pitcher plants found in Mount Api. Variety includes Nepenthes vogelii, Nepenthes hurrelliana, Nepenthes lowii, Nepenthes faizaliana, Nepenthes campanulata, Nepenthes muluensis, Nepenthes tentaculata and Nepenthes veitchii. Climbers who are physically fit and experienced enough can reach the viewing point in about 2-3 hours. For others, it may take around 4-5 hours. Start your walk at dawn around 6.30am. The first level i.e., the Mini Pinnacles Sarawak is situated at a height of 900 meters. To reach at this level, one may take between 1-1 hours. While walking on this trail, one may have to pass through different land surface and traverse upon the moss-covered boulders, uneven limestone structures, protruding roots, fallen tree trunks and other jungle obstacle. Climbers should not miss the opportunity of observing the wild natural landscape of exotic orchids, limestone formations, rhododendrons, carnivorous pitcher plants and wildlife surrounding the rainforest. The next level is up to 2,000-meter. From 900 meters to 2,000 meters, climbers would meet unusual challenges, mainly soft ground, loose rocks, and steep jagged surfaces. Climbers must be cautious enough while climbing through this track. At any point of time, one can slip and fall on jagged rocks facing tremendous injuriesAs the path move upwards, using hands to hold solid rocks or tree roots and controlling the body up became decisive. The final level is located at a height of 400 meters which involves climbing 12 upright ladders fixed to trees and rocks. There are some extra ropes attached to the sides for providing further support to climbers. There are thin vegetation and big breaches at this point, that yawns threateningly between rocks. Here again climbers have to take necessary care while going up, as the track is quite challenging. But, the magnificent view and memorable display of the Mulu Pinnacles will certainly turn into a memorable one if one can reach to all the four levels.