Nestled in the heart of Borneo, Mulu National Park is a sanctuary of unparalleled natural beauty, renowned globally for its dramatic limestone formations, biodiverse ecosystems, and vast cave networks.
Recognised as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, Mulu National Park has captured the imaginations of visitors, researchers, and conservationists alike.
Behind the scenes, however, a dedicated team works tirelessly to protect and preserve its ecological treasures.
Among them is Park Warden Mark Tisen, whose journey in conservation exemplifies a steadfast commitment to safeguarding Sarawak’s rich biodiversity.
In an exclusive interview, Mark shared his background, motivations, and insights into the significance of Mulu’s UNESCO status, the challenges of conservation, and his hopes for the park’s future.
“Gunung Mulu is more than just a place on the map. It is a living legacy — a testament to the beauty of nature and the resilience of life in all its forms,” he said.
“Growing up in Sarawak, I was always surrounded by nature. It was my playground, my teacher, and my sanctuary. I feel it is my duty to give back by protecting it,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
From Passion to Purpose
Mark’s career in conservation began in 2019 as a Wildlife Officer at the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) — a role that eventually led him to Mulu National Park.
He started as a Conservation Executive at Niah National Park, where he gained hands-on experience in preserving natural habitats.
In 2020, he transitioned to the role of Park Warden at Batang Ai National Park, followed by his appointment at Mulu National Park in mid-2021.
“My passion for conserving Sarawak’s rich biodiversity motivated me to pursue a career in conservation. I believe in the importance of preserving natural beauty for future generations.
“Moving to Mulu National Park has provided me with a valuable opportunity to deepen my knowledge and experience in safeguarding the park’s natural value,” he said.
Mulu’s Outstanding Universal Value
What makes Mulu National Park extraordinary is that it fulfils all four criteria for natural heritage sites: natural beauty, Earth’s history, ongoing ecological processes, and biodiversity conservation.
Under the natural beauty criterion (Criterion VII), the park’s aesthetic appeal is apparent, with its limestone pinnacles, pristine rivers, and diverse forest types, including riverine, montane, and cloud forests, which embody Sarawak’s scenic splendour.
Mulu’s geological features illustrate significant stages of Earth’s history (Criterion VIII), as evidenced by its layers of limestone, sandstone, and volcanic ash. These features reveal ancient processes, including hidden valleys and caves with vast passages and formations.
At the same time, Mulu provides invaluable insight into ongoing ecological processes (Criterion IX).
Within its cave systems, nutrient cycles from guano deposits sustain an underground ecosystem where species have evolved unique adaptations to cave life. Examples include snakes that cling to cave walls and crabs that are blind and colourless due to their dark surroundings.
Considering that Mulu’s forests are critical habitats for endangered species, including pangolins, rare bird species, and the Bornean orangutan, this piece of heaven on earth fulfils the biodiversity conservation criterion (Criterion X).
Mark said that the UNESCO status has elevated Mulu’s global profile, particularly for its ecological and geological significance.
“The national park continues to attract researchers, conservationists, and tourists from all over the world. These interests help generate funding for the state and local businesses, as well as support conservation efforts,” he said.
Protecting Mulu’s Biodiversity: Laws, Regulations, and Community Involvement
The conservation efforts at Mulu National Park are supported by a robust framework of laws and regulations.
The SFC, along with the state government, enforces critical legislation such as the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998 and the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, which are essential for preserving biodiversity within the park.
Mark said that these laws regulate activities within the national park and help maintain its ecological balance.
He also highlighted that community involvement through the Special Park Committee further strengthens these efforts.
“Local communities play an invaluable role in Mulu’s conservation. Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices contribute significantly to biodiversity protection,” he said.
“The national park actively involves local communities through educational programmes, employment in conservation projects, and collaborative management initiatives, thus empowering them as key stakeholders in protecting Mulu’s heritage,” he said.
However, enforcing these regulations isn’t without challenges.
Limited resources, illegal poaching, and habitat encroachment remain persistent issues.
Mark emphasised the need for continuous support, especially from local communities, to ensure Mulu’s ecological integrity aligns with global conservation standards.
“As such, ongoing training and community engagement are essential to overcoming these challenges,” he said.
Memorable Moments in Mulu
For Mark, working in Mulu has brought unforgettable experiences.
“One of the most memorable moments for me was exploring the extensive cave systems, including the Sarawak Chamber, which is among the largest cave chambers in the world. Being surrounded by Mulu’s rich biodiversity and engaging with the warm local communities has left a lasting impression on me,” he said.
Mark noted that these encounters have further solidified his passion for the unique blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage that makes Mulu truly exceptional.
The Future of Conservation
As tourism in Mulu grows, balancing visitor access with environmental protection becomes increasingly important.
Mark emphasised the need for effective visitor management strategies.
“We implement guided tours and restrict access to sensitive areas to protect the park’s ecological integrity. This careful balance allows visitors to experience Mulu’s beauty while ensuring the preservation of its delicate ecosystems,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mark envisions a thriving Mulu National Park, continuously protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“My hope is for Mulu, along with adjacent areas like Gunung Buda National Park, to flourish as protected areas. I dream of a future where biodiversity is preserved, and local communities benefit sustainably from tourism,” he said.
Mark said that various initiatives are already in place to realise this vision.
“We are focusing on habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and educational outreach to raise awareness among locals and visitors about conservation. These efforts are essential for preserving Mulu’s natural beauty and ecological significance,” he said.
For those who visit Mulu National Park, the park stands as a breathtaking testament to nature’s grandeur.
However, as Mark’s story reveals, its preservation requires dedication, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to conservation.
His journey from a conservation executive to a park warden at Mulu reflects a passion that fuels his daily efforts to safeguard one of Sarawak’s most cherished natural treasures.
Through his work, Mark ensures that the wonders of Mulu remain intact for future generations, enabling others to experience its limestone karsts, rich biodiversity, and the timeless allure of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
