Deer Cave Mulu
Explore one of the world's largest cave passages and witness millions of bats emerge at dusk in a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To witness the bat exodus
Deer Cave Mulu
Best Time
To witness the bat exodus
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of the world's largest cave passages and witness millions of bats emerge at dusk in a breathtaking natural spectacle. 
"Millions of bats emerge from Deer Cave in a mesmerizing spectacle against the twilight sky.
🎯 Arrive Early for Bat Exodus
Secure a prime viewing spot at the bat observatory at least 30-60 minutes before sunset.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The boardwalks can be slippery; wear sturdy shoes for exploring the cave.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bat Exodus
Outside Deer Cave entrance
Witness millions of bats emerge at dusk in a breathtaking, swirling spectacle against the twilight sky.
+1
Immense Cave Passages
Inside Deer Cave
Explore one of the world's largest cave passages, so vast it could house a small city.
Garden of Eden
Rear zone of Deer Cave
Discover a unique forested area with ferns growing within a collapsed section of the cave.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Bat Exodus
+1Prepare for the Cave Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Bat Exodus
Secure a prime viewing spot at the bat observatory at least 30-60 minutes before sunset.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The boardwalks can be slippery; wear sturdy shoes for exploring the cave.
👃 Be Prepared for Odor
The smell of bat guano is strong due to millions of bats. It's part of the natural experience.
📸 Camera Ready for Dusk
Capture the magical bat exodus, but be mindful of low light conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Bat Exodus
Secure a prime viewing spot at the bat observatory at least 30-60 minutes before sunset.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The boardwalks can be slippery; wear sturdy shoes for exploring the cave.
👃 Be Prepared for Odor
The smell of bat guano is strong due to millions of bats. It's part of the natural experience.
📸 Camera Ready for Dusk
Capture the magical bat exodus, but be mindful of low light conditions.
💧 Light Rain Jacket
Weather can change quickly; a light jacket is useful for comfort.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the immense scale of Deer Cave and the unforgettable spectacle of the nightly bat exodus. The cave's natural formations and the unique Garden of Eden are frequently praised. However, the strong smell of bat guano and the crowds during the exodus can be drawbacks for some.
"I visited my 4th cave that day and it is the Deer Cave. The entrance was magnificnet and the interior cavern was even more so. It was so huge that you can build a small city inside the caverns. The guide took our group along the boardwalk and as we went deeper, the natural light from the entrance started to fade. There were a lot of rock formations and we started to see some bats roosting. It was not as damp as the earlier caves and the air was cool. As per the earlier caves, we looped back after a long walk exploring the interior, eager to witness the bat exodus outside later in the evening. Thousands and maybe millions of bats will fly out each evening in search of food and it is a sight to behold indeed. After exiting the amazing cave, we settled on the viewing platform right outside to take a break and await the daily evening spectacle."
gevs
"The last point of the trip was observing bats flying out of the cave in the evening. We were lucky because the weather was beautiful, it wasn't raining and we could observe an amazing show - the bats flew out in groups of about 100,000 bats and at the same time tried to avoid the birds of prey that were hunting them. It is worth coming a bit earlier and taking a good place to see everything well. On the way back we were caught in heavy rain, which shows how lucky we were to witness such a show."
Robert Obłój
"A cave with a huge interior that is home to millions of bats, so a lot of bat droppings on the cave floor. In the past years many deer visited the cave for the salt and nutrients in the water run off from the bat droppings, hence the name Deer Cave. Seeing the bats fly out at dusk is an amazing sight!"
Vincent Oliver
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Deer Cave is located within Gunung Mulu National Park. Access to the park is typically by flight to Mulu Airport (MZV) from Miri, Kuching, or Kota Kinabalu. From the park entrance, it's about a 3.8km walk along a boardwalk to reach Deer Cave and Lang Cave.
The primary mode of transport to Mulu National Park is by air. There are no direct public bus services to the park. Flights are the most common and practical way to reach Mulu.
The walk from the Mulu National Park entrance to Deer Cave and Lang Cave is approximately 3.8 kilometers (about 2.4 miles) along well-maintained boardwalks.
No, taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are not available in Mulu National Park due to its remote location. Transportation within the park is mainly by foot or park-provided shuttles for specific activities.
Yes, many tour operators offer packages that include flights to Mulu, accommodation, and guided tours to the caves, including Deer Cave.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need to purchase an entrance ticket for Gunung Mulu National Park, which covers access to the show caves like Deer Cave and Lang Cave. Tickets can be bought at the park headquarters.
Deer Cave is open during daylight hours for exploration. The main attraction, the bat exodus, occurs at dusk. Check with park rangers for the exact timing of the exodus, which varies seasonally.
Entrance fees are for Gunung Mulu National Park. Specific prices for cave tours can vary, and it's best to check the official Sarawak Forestry Corporation website or inquire at the park headquarters for the most current rates.
For the show caves like Deer Cave, a guided tour is typically mandatory. Guides are essential for safety and to provide information about the cave's geology and wildlife.
It's advisable to book your park entrance tickets and any desired cave tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The bat exodus typically occurs around sunset, lasting for about 30-45 minutes. Arrive at the viewing platform early to get a good spot.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the boardwalks can be slippery. A light rain jacket is also recommended as the weather can be unpredictable.
Yes, Deer Cave is generally suitable for children. The boardwalks make it accessible, but parents should supervise young children closely. The bat exodus can be a fascinating experience for kids.
The Garden of Eden is a unique section within Deer Cave where a collapsed part of the cave ceiling allows sunlight to penetrate, supporting a lush growth of ferns and vegetation.
The guided tour through Deer Cave, including the walk to and from the entrance, typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows time to explore the interior and wait for the bat exodus.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Deer Cave, but flash photography is often prohibited to avoid disturbing the bats and other cave inhabitants. Always check with your guide.
For the bat exodus, use a tripod if possible and a camera with good low-light performance. Experiment with higher ISO settings and slower shutter speeds to capture the movement.
You might see bats roosting inside the cave, but they are often high up and difficult to photograph clearly without a powerful zoom lens. The main photographic opportunity is the exodus at dusk.
A camera with good low-light capabilities and a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vastness of the caves. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and for safety reasons. It's best to check with Mulu National Park authorities for their specific drone policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The bat exodus is a truly magical experience that kids will talk about for years. +1 Remember to bring snacks and water, and be prepared for the unique cave smells. 🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
📸 Photographers
+1 Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities and consider a tripod for capturing the exodus. Be mindful of restrictions on flash photography inside the cave. The Garden of Eden also offers a visually striking contrast for photographers. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spectacle of the Bat Exodus
+1 This natural phenomenon is a crucial part of the ecosystem, as these bats consume vast quantities of insects each night, estimated at around 15 tons. The exodus can last between 30 to 45 minutes, with swarms of bats filling the sky. It's a truly awe-inspiring sight that draws visitors from around the globe. To witness this spectacle, visitors gather at a designated viewing platform outside the cave entrance.
Exploring the Immense Interior of Deer Cave
The entrance is colossal, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the initial sections. A highlight within the cave is the Garden of Eden, a unique micro-environment where a collapsed section of the cave roof allows sunlight to nurture a lush growth of ferns and other vegetation.
Understanding the Cave's Ecology and History
The millions of bats residing in Deer Cave play a critical role in the local environment by controlling insect populations.
Their nightly foraging flights are a testament to their importance. The cave's environment can be humid and carries a distinct, strong odor due to the guano, which is a natural aspect of visiting such a unique habitat. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit