Mulu National Park: How Staying at a 5-Star Resort in Sarawak's Rainforest Is Like

Before we dive into what makes this resort so extraordinary, imagine this for a moment. You arrive at a five-star luxury resort, but instead of being surrounded by skyscrapers, shopping malls, or busy city streets, you are welcomed by the lush rainforest of Mulu. The air feels cooler, the atmosphere is wonderfully peaceful, and nature is right outside your door. From spotting unique flora and wildlife to simply enjoying the sounds of the rainforest, staying here gives you the rare opportunity to experience Mulu’s natural beauty up close, without giving up the comfort of a five-star resort.

Also read: Beyond Borneo: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Sarawak You Didn’t Know Existed

Our stay at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa completely changed the way we think about luxury. We have stayed in beautiful hotels before, but this experience was something entirely different. Here, luxury is not about glittering city lights or exclusive shopping districts. It is about having privileged access to pristine nature, waking up surrounded by rainforest, discovering Mulu’s unique flora and fauna, and enjoying moments of genuine peace and tranquillity. At the same time, you can return to the comfort of a five-star resort after a day of exploring. This is what we would call “The New Kind of Luxury.”

So, what is it really like to stay at a five-star resort where nature is part of the experience? From the journey to the resort and getting up close with Mulu’s incredible flora and fauna to exploring breathtaking caves and experiencing the unique culture of Sarawak, here is everything that made our stay at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa an experience we will never forget.

Getting to This Hidden Five-Star Resort in the Rainforest

One of the things that makes Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa feel so exclusive is that getting there is already part of the adventure. Unlike most luxury resorts that are easily accessible by road, this one sits within Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Sarawak. The only practical way to reach this remote paradise is by air, making every arrival feel like the beginning of a true expedition.

Flights to Mulu Airport (MZV) are available only from three domestic airports in Malaysia. You can fly from Miri (MYY) in approximately 30 minutes, Kota Kinabalu (BKI) in around 55 minutes, or Kuching (KCH) in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Although reaching Mulu requires a little extra planning, the journey itself becomes part of what makes this destination so special.

We started our adventure from Miri, taking a direct 30-minute AirBorneo flight to Mulu. The aircraft was an ATR turboprop, which is smaller than the Boeing aircraft that many travellers are used to. At first, we were curious about flying on a smaller plane, but it quickly became one of the highlights of the journey.

Because the aircraft flies at a lower altitude, the views from the window are absolutely breathtaking. Throughout the flight, we watched endless stretches of emerald-green rainforest, winding rivers, and dramatic mountain ranges unfold beneath us. It was a beautiful reminder of just how untouched this part of Sarawak really is. Even before landing, we already felt as though we had left the modern world behind and entered a completely different one.

A Complimentary Airport Transfer Unlike Any Other

The adventure continues the moment you land at Mulu Airport. One of the thoughtful services provided by Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa is a complimentary airport transfer, making your arrival completely hassle-free. Since the airport is only around seven minutes from the resort, you can begin relaxing almost immediately after collecting your luggage.

However, what surprised us most was not the short journey, but the vehicle itself. Instead of a conventional hotel shuttle or luxury van, guests are picked up by an open-backed truck. At first glance, it might seem unusual for a five-star resort, but after experiencing it ourselves, we realised it was actually the perfect introduction to Mulu.

Sitting in the open rear section of the vehicle meant no windows were separating us from the surrounding landscape. We could feel the cool breeze on our faces while taking in uninterrupted views of lush rainforest, rolling green hills, and towering limestone mountains. The fresh jungle air and peaceful scenery instantly made us forget the hustle and bustle of city life.

A Resort That Blends Beautifully with Nature and Local Culture

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The first thing we noticed upon arriving at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa was how naturally it blends into its surroundings. Rather than competing with the rainforest, the resort has been thoughtfully designed to become part of the landscape. Everywhere you look, towering tropical trees, the flowing Melinau River, and vibrant greenery surround the property. More than simply offering a beautiful setting, the resort gives guests the chance to experience Mulu’s incredible natural environment up close, while still enjoying the comfort of a five-star stay.

Inspired by the traditional longhouses of Sarawak’s indigenous communities, the resort is built on wooden stilts approximately three metres above the ground. These elevated structures are connected by a network of charming wooden walkways, allowing guests to move around the property while enjoying views of the rainforest and its surrounding ecosystem. As you walk through the resort, you may spot different plants, listen to birds calling from the trees, or catch glimpses of wildlife along the way. It feels less like staying in a conventional hotel and more like having nature right on your doorstep.

One of our favourite moments each morning was simply strolling along these wooden pathways. Instead of traffic or construction noise, we were greeted by birds singing, cicadas buzzing, and the occasional sounds of wildlife hidden among the trees. There was something incredibly calming about starting the day this way. It reminded us that sometimes, the most memorable luxury experiences are not about having more, but about having the space and time to slow down and reconnect with nature.

What makes the experience even more impressive is the resort’s commitment to sustainability. Despite its remote rainforest location, Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa operates its own water treatment plant, ensuring guests have access to clean and safe water throughout their stay. It is a thoughtful example of how modern comfort can coexist with the surrounding natural environment.

Staying here never felt like being separated from nature. Instead, the resort gave us privileged access to Mulu’s pristine landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and peaceful surroundings, while providing all the comfort you would expect from a five-star property. From waking up to the sounds of wildlife to exploring the natural wonders just beyond the resort, this is a different kind of luxury—one defined by tranquillity, connection, and experiences that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Luxurious Rooms That Bring You Closer to the Rainforest

After a day exploring Sarawak’s lush wilderness, stepping into our room at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa felt like entering a peaceful sanctuary. Despite being surrounded by the rainforest, the resort offers all the comfort you would expect from a five-star stay. With 188 rooms and suites, each features modern amenities, parquet flooring, air conditioning, a minibar, and spacious bathrooms with hot and cold showers.

We stayed in the Premier Double Room, which was spacious, elegant, and incredibly cosy. Our favourite part was the private veranda overlooking the rainforest, where we could enjoy our morning coffee to the soothing sounds of birds instead of city noise. After hours of exploring the caves, the spacious bathtub was another highlight—a perfect spot to relax, soothe tired muscles, and recharge for the next adventure.

Relaxing Hotel Facilities Surrounded by Nature

Beyond its comfortable rooms, Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa offers plenty of facilities for relaxing after a day of exploring Gunung Mulu National Park. Our favourite was the outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by lush tropical greenery. The cool water felt incredibly refreshing after a humid day in the rainforest, while the peaceful setting made the pool feel like a hidden jungle oasis. Of course, we also took plenty of photos here—the rainforest backdrop makes almost every corner picture-perfect.

If you want to stay active, the resort has a fully equipped fitness centre available free of charge. For something more relaxing, head to Mandara Spa for a well-deserved treatment. After hiking, exploring caves, and walking through the rainforest, it was the perfect way to soothe tired muscles and recharge. Whether you prefer swimming, working out, or simply pampering yourself, there is plenty to enjoy without leaving the resort.

Experiencing Sarawak's Rich Culture Without Leaving the Resort

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One of our favourite things about staying at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa was how the experience went beyond luxury accommodation. During dinner, we enjoyed a lively traditional cultural performance showcasing dances from Sarawak’s indigenous communities. The colourful costumes, rhythmic music, and graceful movements brought the region’s rich cultural heritage to life, making dinner feel like a truly immersive experience rather than just another meal.

The evening became even more memorable when we had the chance to try the traditional blowpipe, a hunting tool used by indigenous communities in Sarawak. Using a long wooden tube to blow small darts towards a target, it required more breath control and accuracy than we expected! It was such a fun and unique experience, while also giving us a closer look at Sarawak’s fascinating traditions.

Exploring the Spectacular Caves of Gunung Mulu National Park

A stay at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa would not be complete without venturing into the incredible natural wonders of Gunung Mulu National Park. While the resort itself is already a destination worth visiting, the surrounding national park is what truly makes this place unlike anywhere else in the world.

We joined the two-day cave tour organised by the resort, and it quickly became one of the most unforgettable adventures we have ever experienced. Every cave had its own unique character, and each day brought a completely different journey through one of the world's oldest rainforests.

Day One: Lang Cave, Deer Cave, and the Incredible Bat Exodus

Our first afternoon began with a 3-kilometre walk along a well-maintained wooden boardwalk through Mulu’s lush rainforest towards Lang Cave and Deer Cave. At first, the distance sounded quite long, but surprisingly, the walk never felt exhausting. With the resort’s surroundings offering such easy access to Mulu’s natural wonders, the journey itself quickly became part of the experience.

Every few minutes, something new caught our attention. Colourful butterflies fluttered across the trail, unusual insects clung to tree trunks, and the dense greenery was filled with sounds from wildlife hidden among the trees. It was a reminder of just how much life exists around Mulu—and how staying here gives you the opportunity to experience this incredible biodiversity up close.

The first stop was Lang Cave, and stepping inside immediately left us speechless. The cave is filled with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites that have formed naturally over thousands of years. Some resembled giant curtains, while others looked like towering stone sculptures. We had seen caves before, but the scale and details here felt completely different. Every corner revealed another fascinating natural formation shaped entirely by time.

Next came Deer Cave, which offered a completely different atmosphere. The moment we entered, the cave felt dramatically larger, darker, and more mysterious. It is famous for being home to millions of bats, making it one of the world’s most remarkable bat habitats. The enormous cave chambers, combined with the echoing sounds of bats overhead, made us feel as though we had stepped into a scene straight out of Jurassic Park. It was wild, dramatic, and unlike anything we had experienced before.

What made the day even more special was knowing that all of this was within reach from our stay at Mulu Marriott. Instead of simply observing nature from a distance, we could step straight into it, explore its caves and wildlife, and then return to the comfort of a five-star resort. That seamless access to pristine nature is what makes Mulu feel like a new kind of luxury.

However, the true highlight of the day was yet to come.

As sunset approached, we gathered outside Deer Cave to witness the legendary Bat Exodus. Slowly, millions of bats began pouring out of the cave entrance in long, swirling ribbons across the evening sky. They twisted and turned together in mesmerising formations as they headed out into the rainforest to search for food.

Watching this natural spectacle was incredibly emotional. It was difficult to put into words just how extraordinary it felt. Surrounded by rainforest, with the sun slowly disappearing behind the mountains and millions of bats flying overhead, it honestly felt as though we had been transported into another world. It was easily one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences we have ever had.

Day Two: Cruising Along the Melinau River to Wind Cave and Clear Water Cave

Our second day brought an entirely different adventure. Instead of trekking through the rainforest, we travelled by traditional longboat along the beautiful Melinau River.

The boat ride itself was already worth the journey. As we cruised gently along the river, we passed dense rainforest, dramatic limestone cliffs, and small riverside villages where local communities were going about their daily lives. Children played near the water, while villagers chatted along the riverbanks, offering a fascinating glimpse into life in this remote part of Sarawak.

Our first destination was Wind Cave, which certainly lives up to its name. As soon as we entered, we could immediately feel cool air naturally flowing through the cave passages. After spending time in the tropical rainforest, the refreshing breeze inside the cave felt wonderfully comfortable.

Beyond the cool air, the cave was filled with beautiful limestone formations that had been slowly shaped over countless centuries. The peaceful atmosphere made it a wonderful place to slow down, admire nature's artistry, and appreciate just how remarkable these underground landscapes really are.

The adventure continued to Clear Water Cave, another spectacular natural wonder. Just as its name suggests, this cave is famous for its crystal-clear underground river. Looking down into the water, we could clearly see the rocky riverbed beneath the surface. The water was incredibly clean, cool, and unbelievably inviting.

One of the moments we had been looking forward to most came after exploring the cave—swimming in the upper Melinau River. The water was refreshingly cool, incredibly clear, and surrounded by lush rainforest. After two days of hiking and cave exploration, taking a dip in the river was the perfect way to end our adventure. Floating in such pristine natural surroundings felt peaceful, refreshing, and almost surreal.

Looking back, the two-day cave tour became much more than simply visiting caves. It was an opportunity to witness some of the world's most extraordinary geological formations, encounter incredible wildlife, and experience the untouched beauty of one of Earth's oldest rainforests. It perfectly complemented our stay at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, turning an already memorable holiday into an unforgettable journey.

Also read: Unique Sarawak Bucket List: 8 Coolest Activities You Must Experience At Least Once!

An Unforgettable Stay: Discovering a New Kind of Luxury

When people think of a luxury holiday, they often picture elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium hotel facilities. While Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa certainly offers all of these, what makes this place truly exceptional is the kind of luxury that cannot be measured by stars or amenities alone.

Here, luxury means waking up to fresh rainforest air instead of busy city streets. It means enjoying your morning coffee while listening to birds singing outside your veranda. It means ending the day beneath a sky filled with stars after witnessing millions of bats soaring into the sunset. It means finding complete peace in a place where nature provides the most beautiful soundtrack imaginable.

Our stay reminded us that true luxury is not always about having more—it is about experiencing something meaningful, rare, and unforgettable. From the unique airport transfer and beautiful rainforest-inspired architecture to the rich cultural performances and awe-inspiring cave adventures, every moment offered something that simply cannot be recreated in a city hotel.

If you have been longing to escape the noise of everyday life, reconnect with nature, and experience luxury from an entirely different perspective, Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa deserves a place on your travel bucket list. Come to the heart of Sarawak's ancient rainforest, slow down, breathe deeply, and discover for yourself what "The New Kind of Luxury" truly feels like.