‘Mulu Pinnacles not for amateurs‘

Climbing the Mulu Pinnacles, which can reach 100m, is no easy feat. — filepic

MIRI: Venturing into the deep interior of Mulu National Park is an adventure.

Climbing the Mulu Pinnacles is even more dangerous – and definitely not for amateurs.

Former forest wildlife ranger Joe Banyon, who now works as a part-time tour guide, told StarMetro that the rock formations at the Mulu Pinnacles are awesome to view but very risky to climb.

“Those giant rocks are not actually meant for mountain climbing activities.

“These rock structures are very steep and dotted with sharp edges and ascend 90 degrees upwards.

“Even the jungle trails leading to the Mulu Pinnacles are full of steep paths that are slippery and visibility can be affected because of the clouds.

“Amateurs should not attempt to climb the Mulu Pinnacles.

“Even seasoned mountain climbers should think twice before trying to climb these giant structures that can reach 100m high,” he said.

Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department transporting Bevan’s body from Mulu National Park to Miri.

Banyon was commenting on the March 27 incident where a British tourist died after falling at the pinnacles inside the Mulu National Park in northern Sarawak.

Nigel Bevan, 50, sustained serious head and body injuries in the fall.

Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department deployed a helicopter to fly out his body from Mulu National Park to Miri Hospital

Miri Fire chief Supt Law Poh Kiong said the Miri fire station received an alert from the Mulu resort management on March 26 that Bevan was injured in a fall.

“At about 8.30pm our rescuers located him about 2.1km inside the national park.

“At that time he was still conscious and could speak.

“He fell while climbing the Pinnacle trail.

“Our rescuers were planning to take him out.

“Unfortunaley, he passed away early the next morning,” said Supt Law, adding he was sent to the Miri Hospital.

He added that Bevan’s family sent emails to the department to thank the search and rescue teams involved.

“His family was grateful for our efforts. It is unfortunate that he did not survive,” he said.

Banyon advised tourists not to venture too deep into the Mulu mountains.

“They should visit the four show caves near the national park office,” he said.