Unlike Gunung Mulu and Gunung Benarat, which are made of sandstone,Gunung Api is formed out of limestone, giving rise to a set ofgeographic features distinctly different from those of its neighbours.The most obvious are the razor-sharp limestone Pinnacles thattower above the rainforest, mid-way up the side of Gunung Api.Some off these Pinnacles stand 50 metres high.
From the park headquarters it is a 3-day/2-night trek to Pinnacles.The first stage includes a 3-4 hour boat journey along the MelinauRiver to Long Berar, followed by a fairly easy 3-hour trek toCamp 5, which is situated near the Melinau Gorge that separatesGunung Benarat from Gunung Api. At Camp 5 there are cooking facilitiesand a wooden hut for the overnight stay.
The ascent begins early the following day. The 2.5 km trail passesthrough some truly spectacular scenery but be warned; the hiketo the Pinnacles is a serious climb with some reasonably difficultsections. Pitcher plants, small ferns, palms, orchids and mushroomsare all found along the side of the trail, although most climbersare too busy concentrating on the trail to really appreciate theflora.
Where the moss forest takes over from the lowland dipterocarpforest, the trail becomes steeper, the going gets tougher, andshrouds of mist begin to appear. The trees are also smaller andeverything is covered in slippery, shiny moss. The final leg ofthe trek involves using strategically positioned ladders, ropesand wooden pegs to climb the almost-vertical slope. The vegetationat this point is fairly sparse because the rainfall drains awaythrough holes in the limestone rocks. However, orchids, rhododendronsand pitcher plants thrive in this area.
It takes about four hours to reach the ridge that serves as aviewing area. The sight is a just reward for all the effort. Thesilver-grey Pinnacles, which momentarily disappear from view aswisps of cloud pass by, form a forest of stone which rises upfrom the green of the surrounding rainforest vegetation. Afteradmiring the view, taking some photos and a short rest, it istime to begin the 3-4 hour descent back to Camp 5 and anotherovernight stay.