Mulu: The rain forest

The Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Borneo, is one of the most remote and untouched regions of tropical rain forest left in the world. In 1977 Robin Hanbury-Tenison and a team of scientists began a study of this beautiful yet hazardous terrain - a dense virgin forest teeming with exotic new species and home to the nomadic Penan tribe. With its breathtaking network of caves, lush hidden valleys, and spectacular mountain range, Mulu proved to be one of the most valuable regions of natural beauty left in the world. Now the Mulu National Park remains virtually intact while the tragic destruction of the surrounding area stands as yet another example of the senseless exploitation of our planet. Mulu was the first popular book to bring to the world’s attention the significance of the rain forests to our fragile ecosystem. It is a timely reminder of our need to preserve them for the future. Named by the Sunday Times in 1982 as “the greatest explorer of the past 20 years”, Robin has been on over 24 expeditions, including as leader of the Royal Geographical Society’s largest expedition, taking 140 scientists to study the rainforests of Sarawak. He is a Gold Medallist of the Royal Geographical Society and an International Fellow of the Explorers Club.