Mulu Marriott Hotel Review: Jungle Luxury in Borneo

Travelling to Gunung Mulu National Park in Borneo is an adventure you’ll never forget.

The minute our plane landed at the Mulu Airport and the Marriott shuttle took us to the hotel, we felt like we had stepped into a lush, humid, and untamed paradise — a true primary rainforest with almost otherworldly energy.

Before our trip, we knew that Mulu National Park meant sweaty jungle treks, rough conditions, and possibly even snake encounters (we did see some!). We wanted to see the rainforest, yet we were slightly afraid of it.

So, when we discovered that there was a Marriott in the rainforest, next to the Mulu Park, we immediately booked a room there. Spending the day in the rainforest, but having a comfortable and spotless place to spend the nights – it was exactly what we needed.

In this complete Mulu Marriott hotel review, I’ll share what we loved, what could be better, and whether this splurge is really worth it when visiting the Mulu National Park in Borneo. Let’s dive in!

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Quick Verdict on Mulu Marriott

Reaching the Mulu Marriott Resort

Getting to the Mulu Marriott Resort starts with booking a flight to Mulu Airport, the gateway to Mulu National Park. There are daily propeller plane flights from Kota Kinabalu and Miri, operated by MASwings.

Since there are no roads connecting this part of Malaysian Borneo to Mulu, flying is the only option if you’re coming from within Malaysia.

Once you arrive at Mulu Airport, a free Marriott shuttle bus will be waiting to take you to the resort — it’s only about a 5-minute drive. The shuttle is perfectly timed with flight arrivals, so you don`t have to wait.

Alternative route from Brunei: If you’re traveling from Brunei, it’s possible (though rare) to cross the border by land and continue to Mulu National Park. We met a fellow German traveler who crossed the border on foot to reach the park — so, adventurous travelers, it’s an option!

Why We Chose the Mulu Marriott

Visiting the Gunung Mulu National Park, we had one main goal: to hike to the legendary Mulu Pinnacles. As it was our first time in Borneo, and our very first time in a rainforest, we had some fears. To minimize our doubts, we wanted to rest at a place where proper rest is assured. That`s why we picked the Marriott.

Accommodation in the Mulu Headquarters:
Besides the Mulu Marriott, we also checked the accommodation options in the Mulu HQ. However, they had mostly dormitory-style rooms, without AC and with shared facilities. While we usually don’t mind sleeping in simple places, we were already in our third month of backpacking Southeast Asia. We just wanted some comfort.

Price of the Mulu Marriott:
At around €140/160USD per night with breakfast, the Marriott is reasonably priced, especially at such a remote location. We loved returning to a cool, spacious room and a pool after sweaty hikes in the jungle.

How to book a room:
If you decide to stay in the Mulu Marriott, you can simply book using Booking.com. It usually offers the best cancellation policies, and the room rate often includes breakfast.

First Impressions of the Mulu Marriott Resort

From the moment we arrived at the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, our fears of visiting a rainforest disappeared in an instant. The Mulu Marriott was spotless.

The resort is surrounded by dense rainforest and a river. The bungalows are built on stilts, with each unit containing two spacious rooms. Our room was immaculate, we had a huge bed, and I especially loved the bathroom view that opened directly into the jungle.

Soon after arrival, we spotted hornbills, unique lizards, and other tropical wildlife right around the property. Of course, if you’re traveling to Borneo, you’re coming exactly for this: raw, wild nature at your doorstep.

The check-in process was quick, the staff was very friendly, and we were greeted with an ice-cold, refreshing tea. Then, within minutes, we were guided to our room.

We took a moment to soak in our beautiful room in the heart of Borneo, then caught the free Mulu Park shuttle to the Park Headquarters.

What We Loved at the Mulu Marriott

Overall, the Mulu Marriott was a great choice. For a special highlight, we especially loved the following things:

• Large Pool Area: In the jungle, you will be sweating 24/7, so having a pool was a real treat. It was great to cool down in the pool after a day in the Mulu Park.

• Luxurious Lounge and common areas: There’s a spacious, airy lounge area where you can relax or simply listen to the sounds of the rainforest.

• Spacious Rooms: The rooms are spacious (starting at 44m²), spotless, and feature a high-quality king-size bed. We loved waking up to views of the rainforests of Borneo.

• Nature at your Doorstep: We saw hornbills, colorful lizards, and all sorts of jungle creatures right on the resort grounds. It truly felt like a wildlife experience without having to leave your room.
  
• Free Shuttle to Mulu Park: The free Marriott shuttle bus was always ready to take us to Mulu National Park whenever we wanted, making it easy to explore the caves and trails without worrying about logistics.
  
• Breakfast: A generous buffet with tropical fruits, local dishes, and classic Western options.
  
• Gym: We had to try the gym – how often do you work out in a primary rainforest? It was surprisingly well-equipped!

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What Could Be Better

However, this hotel review would not be complete without mentioning some of the things you might find important to know before booking your room. After all, you are in a primary rainforest that is only reachable by plane, so we very much appreciated all the comforts the Marriott offered.

• Limited Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is only available in the main lounge and reception. It works well there, but you’ll be offline in your room — a pro or con, depending on your travel style
  
• Limited Lunch&Dinner Variety: The on-site restaurant is good quality but has a limited menu if you stay more than a few nights. We preferred eating at Mulu Park HQ, where the food was authentic, local, and delicious.

Is the Mulu Marriott Worth It?

If you have any hesitations about rainforest conditions — humidity, insects, or basic facilities — the Mulu Marriott is absolutely worth it. It allows you to fully enjoy Mulu’s wild beauty without compromising on comfort.

Price vs. Value
Room rates range from €140/$160 per night for a standard double room. Considering this is a luxury resort deep in a primary rainforest, accessible only by plane, the price offers excellent value for money.

As someone coming from Europe, where even basic hotels often start at €180–€200 per night, staying in a jungle resort of this standard for €140 felt like a fantastic deal.

Alternative Accommodation in the Mulu HQ
If you prefer a more local, budget-friendly experience, staying at the Mulu National Park headquarters (Park HQ) is an option. You’ll be closer to the trails and immersed in the park atmosphere, which is great!

FAQs about Mulu Marriott Resort

Further Asian Travel Destinations with Wildlife

Since you’re reading this hotel review about the Mulu Marriott Resort in the heart of Mulu National Park, I have a feeling you love wildlife and nature as much as I do.

If you’re looking for more incredible wildlife experiences in Asia, I’ve got you covered. I’ve explored some amazing places where you can see rare animals and enjoy unforgettable nature adventures.

Sri Lanka:
Sinharaja Forest Reserve Travel Guide
Unique Things to Do in Sigiriya
10-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary
Rent a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka & See Elephants in the Wild

Thailand:
Unique Things to Do on Railay Beach
Koh Mook – the Unknown, Wildlife-rich Thai Island
Koh Yao Noi – the Authentic Thai Island