We were keen to explore the natural beauty of the rainforest and caves in Mulu but were reluctant to rough it out at the National Park’s accommodation. Having a comfortable ensuite room after a day’s walk was one of our key consideration. When we got to know Marriott has a resort in Mulu, that sealed the deal for us.
We took Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa’s 3D2N Unplug at Mulu Marriott package, which cost each of us RM925. This package turned out to be full board for us since we flew in on the afternoon flight and departed on the morning flight.
(Note: If you are planning on an earlier flight in and a later flight out, that will be 2 extra lunches to pay out of pocket.)
Once we were out from Mulu Airport terminal, we were picked up by the resort’s staff. Since there are only 2 flights a day, we were told that Mulu Marriott’s staff will always be there at flight arrival time holding a placard with the resort’s name. So there is no need to inform them your flight timing in advance. Just gather with the other guests and board the resort’s transport.
Built in 1994 and renovated in 2015, the hotel has a fully open main lobby with the scent of nature in the air.
Our package includes a stay in Mulu Marriott’s Deluxe Room. Upon our check in, we were delighted to know we had given a free room upgrade. We are not exactly sure which room type it was but deduced it to be their Premier Riverside Room.
The room is comfortably big at 49 sq.m with a separate sitting and bedroom area. A luxurious retreat after a day’s trekking.
The room has a balcony with river view, ideal for those who wants to relax in the comfort of own room but close to nature.
The packages comes in 2D1N, 3D2N and 4D3N. The 2D1N one includes Deer & Lang Caves with bat watching. The 3D2N package we took includes Deer, Lang, Wind and Clearwater Caves with bat watching. Guests taking the 4D3N package will get an additional guided tour to Penan Settlement – Long Langsat Village. The guided tours were good. Instead of having a big group, the resort organises its own tours for small groups. Our guided tour group for Day 2 initially consisted of 7 guests. With cancellations, it became 4, a small intimate group with more attention from the guide.
Read more about our tour of the caves in Gunung Mulu National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Buffet breakfast and dinner at Marriott Café are inclusive in the package. We also had a picnic lunch on Day 2 and a packed sandwich for snack during the afternoon walk. Buffet dinner itself cost RM88 per meal. The variety may not seem much at a glance but it was sumptuous to us considering the kitchen has to import most of the ingredients; wild ferns is definitely local but likely that’s about it.
Let’s take a look at the dinner spread. Each night, there is a featured main course with sides. We had baked salmon with corn and onion fritters on the first night and roasted chicken with vegetable fritters on the second night. This was accompanied with a soup of the day; cream of pumpkin and corn soup with crab meat on the first and second night respectively. There were 4 hot dishes per night to go with white rice or pasta. The first night we had wild fern, corn on the cob, chicken dish and lamb curry, while the second night instead of a chicken dish we had kong pau squid. There was a good variety of desserts and salads too.
The only local produce – wild fern and this dish was surprisingly so good that I loaded my plate with lots of it.
Included in the package is blow pipe demo and cooking demo. But upon checking with reservations prior to travel, we were informed that these demo must be pre-booked in advance. Cooking demo requires at least 5 participants to commence subject to chef’s availability and only if the kitchen is not busy. So in the end, we did neither of this.
The resort’s fitness facilities included a yoga studio, a gym and a pool. We saw only a handful of people using the facilities. Who needs these when we can hike in the great outdoors?
On the second night, we attended a ‘Meet-the-Author’ session at Mulu Marriott lobby. The author of ‘Finding Eden’ (pictured standing), Robin Hanbury-Tenison, shared stories of their expedition into Mulu’s rainforests and their findings on the diverse flora and fauna. This was then followed by cultural performances.
Thereafter, it was cocktail and drinks time at River Bar watching live football group matches of World Cup 2018.
The only blemish in what was to be a perfect stay was having a staff member critising my home country in front of me and seeking my concurrence. In all due fairness, the said staff said he was there temporarily to ease manpower shortage and not a permanent staff. The resident staff members we met with were all professional and the services rendered worthy of praise. All in all, a truly memorable stay.
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Read about our trip to Mulu and our itinerary in Borneo – Mulu / Brunei Itinerary 2018.
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