Adventure luxe at the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
As we flew across the jungle to land at Mulu Airport, I spotted the Marriott gracefully nestled next to the Melinau River, its sparkling pool shining in the sunlight and natural architecture and timber walkways merging with the rainforest.
I’d booked here because of an accident with dates - I’d intended for Emmie, my five year old, and I to stay inside the Gunung Mulu National Park but mistakenly didn’t book the first night and by the time I realised the Park accommodation was booked out.
While there were many other budget choices I would have made had I been back in my backpacking days or if I wasn’t with Emmie, the only option for us was the Marriott (which of course I was secretly very happy and excited about!) and so we were ready for our taste of luxury after six days in a budget hotel while exploring Kuching and its surrounding national parks.
The Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa is an incredible drop of luxury within this Sarawak rainforest. The national park is home to some the biggest caves in the world, astounding wildlife, insects and bugs, the famous limestone shards known as the Pinnacles, underground waterways, millions of bats and the Melinau River.
It’s just a five minute shuttle ride to Gunung Mulu National Park headquarters fromt he hotel, its superb location enabling guests to combine luxury accommodation and rainforest, cave and river adventures. I had booked a room for our first night at Mulu, intending for us to then transfer to the more basic National Park accommodation.
Well the intention was there but realistically this was a big mistake. The lesson I've learned is that if I book into luxury accommodation for one night there is no way I will move into another accommodation the next day, even if I have booked and paid for it. It just won’t happen. The Marriott was too amazing. We couldn’t leave, and of course we blew out the budget but it was well worth it.
Here's what we loved about the Mulu Marriott Resort and Spa:
The stunningly furnished gallery deck that extends in a u-shape from lobby to bar. Overlooking the Melinau River, with huge overhead fans stirring the air, birds swooping past through the rainforest, daybeds, lounges, overstuffed reading chairs, hard wood long tables and hundreds of cushions - it’s the perfect location for a post-walk beer, an afternoon siesta or to recline and enjoy the surroundings day or night. Soft music plays, the bar serves beautifully chilled beers, wine and spirits, and wifi is accessible from here and the restaurant/dining room.
The rooms! Gorgeous comfy beds, balconies overlooking the jungle, huge bathrooms and the most fragrant and moisturising spa toiletries I’ve ever found in a hotel. Perfectly private and quiet.
The staff - always happy to help or do what it takes to make your stay perfect. On our first morning we missed breakfast, having been on a three hour canopy walk, and although we hadn’t advised the staff, when we returned they made us a beautiful breakfast of fruit, freshly squeezed juice, toast, eggs and pastries.
Again the staff - when we arrived at the airport to find our departing flight delayed, and although we had obviously checked out, the Marriott sent the shuttle to collect us so we could wait on the deck in comfort (and possibly with a beer) rather than at the small departure hall. Amazing service, particularly as they really didn’t have to collect us as we had already left the hotel.
The Marriott shuttle. The shuttle runs scheduled departures to the airport and Park, but really it will leave whenever you are ready and will also pick you up from the National Park when you are finished exploring - the Park Security Office will call the shuttle for you. The drivers are lovely, the shuttle is never far away and it is oh so convenient.
The timber walkway connects the lobby/bar and main hotel quarters with a series of large chalets that house the hotel rooms. This walkway attracts insects, lizards and other wildlife and it is a wonderful adventure just walking from pool and restaurant to your room. I found the most amazing creatures along the walkway, especially during early morning before other guests had walked along it. But really, you can make discoveries at any time of the day,
Food - Breakfast is absolutely delicious and if you need lunch or snacks to take exploring the kitchen will prepare these for you. Breakfast includes freshly squeezed juices, exotic fruits, pastries and toast, cheese, meat and salmon platters, yoghurt and smoothies, freshly made eggs of any style, waffles and nasi lemnak (rice) chicken curry, samba and cucumber. They also serve congee and other international dishes.
We loved the swimming pool, surrounded by daybeds and lounges, its azure blue tiles glistening in the sun. After a day in the park the pool is essential for a cool down, especially if you’re with children - Emmie loved having the pool to swim and cool off in.
Peace and quiet - when we were there the resort it was very quiet and peaceful and we really had the run of the hotel which was lovely. We were lucky enough that a little boy the same age as Emmie was there for two days so she had a friend to play with (and the mummies could then treat ourselves to a few beers).
The vibe! Calm, sophisticated luxury with beautiful staff willing to do everything in their power to help you - and with a smile. The Bornean people have beautiful natures and it’s reflected in the lovely, helpful way they work with guests to ensure their stay at the Marriott is fabulous. And ours truly was.
Here’s what we didn’t love so much:
I am really scratching here but the salt shakers don’t work so well because of the humidity, and the pool could do with some shade cloth as the sun is very, very hot. - however there is ample shade out of the pool to rest in. That’s it.
FIVE STARS for:
luxury holiday
adventure holiday
family holiday
For more info take a look at the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa website.
Evie xo