‘God gives us intelligence to uncover the wonders of nature. Without this gift, nothing is possible.’
– writer, screenwriter and director, James Clavell
For this week’s column, I struggle to gather my thoughts and express my experience of being back in Mulu.
Mulu is a place where time seems to stand still.
Two years ago, I had the privilege of visiting this breathtaking location as part of a work assignment to meet the State Fire and Rescue Department’s (BOMBA Sarawak) Mountain Cave Search and Rescue (MOCSAR) team.
That trip was nothing short of incredible, and I fell in love with this slice of heaven on earth, along with its warm and welcoming people.
So, when Nina from Mulu National Park reached out and invited me to cover the 2024 International Showcave Association (ISCA) conference, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
It felt like the perfect opportunity to not only revisit Mulu but also reconnect with the locals, especially the MOCSAR team members I had met during my previous trip.
To my delight, everyone was still here and returning felt like a “balik kampung” moment.
I won’t lie — I was nervous about attending the 2024 ISCA conference.
It was a new experience for me, and there was added pressure, knowing I was the only journalist invited to cover the event.
I wanted to ensure I did the best job possible.
This was the first time a programme of this scale was held in Mulu, with the magnificent wonders of Mulu National Park taking centre stage.
What made it even more incredible was the diverse group of ISCA delegates, who had travelled from different parts of the globe to gather here.
I didn’t miss the chance to network with them, and I was amazed to learn that many of the delegates had taken more than four different flights, spanning one and a half to two days to reach Mulu.
What also fascinated me was the fact that most of these delegates own caverns that have been transformed into show caves and attractions for tourism.
This is quite different from what we have here in Sarawak, where all our national parks—over 40 in total — are under the purview of the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), which serves as the custodian of national parks and wildlife controller.
For example, ISCA president Dr Friedrich Oedl’s family owns and operates the world’s largest ice cave in Salzburg, Austria. In contrast, ISCA past president Brad Wuest’s family owns and operates the Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas, USA.
Engaging with a wide array of individuals globally, who all harbour a mutual enthusiasm for caves, proved to be both enlightening and motivating.
Listening to their stories about managing and promoting show caves gave me a new perspective on how these natural wonders can be appreciated and sustained through tourism.
Of course, many of the delegates extended open invitations for me to visit their caves and parks.
The warmth and enthusiasm they spoke about their work made it hard to resist.
Each of them described their caves with such passion as if inviting me into a piece of their personal history and culture.
It was truly a unique experience to be part of this global network of cave enthusiasts and professionals.
The conference was an insightful blend of discussions, presentations, and site visits.
The delegates and I were given a first-hand look at the immense beauty of Mulu’s caves, from the awe-inspiring Deer Cave to the breathtaking Clearwater Cave.
The caves here, being part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are not only an important ecological treasure but also a source of pride for the local community.
It was during these visits that I had the chance to witness the delicate balance between conservation and tourism.
Mulu National Park has done an exceptional job of ensuring that these caves remain pristine while making them accessible to the world.
This careful management is crucial, as we all know how easily natural attractions can be compromised if not properly handled.
Reflecting on this, it becomes clear that there is much Sarawak can learn from ISCA and its members concerning promoting caves as tourist attractions while preserving their natural integrity.
Engaging with delegates from countries like Australia, Austria, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, and the United Kingdom showed me that with the right balance, it is possible to attract visitors while maintaining the beauty and authenticity of these sites for generations to come.
As the conference wrapped up, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude.
Being the only journalist present, I felt responsible for sharing Mulu’s story, its significance, and its connection to the wider global community of cave conservationists and enthusiasts.
As I prepare to leave Mulu again, I am filled with awe — not just for the caves and landscapes, but for the people so dedicated to preserving them.
This experience has shown me that conservation is not a solitary effort; it requires collaboration, shared knowledge, and a deep respect for nature across borders.
In the future, I hope to delve deeper into ways Sarawak can enhance the promotion of its natural treasures, such as Mulu, by drawing insights from global leading approaches.
There is so much potential here. I believe we can elevate our conservation efforts to not only draw more visitors but also to ensure that these precious sites remain protected for future generations.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
