Mulu Backpackers homestay is well located, just a short walk from the airport in Mulu (couple minutes) and the National Park itself (10 minutes). The Homestay's back garden has a very beautiful view, leading onto a river that you can swim in, on the other side of which is the Rainforest of Mulu. The family in charge of the homestay are very friendly and hospitable; I had many conversations with them and they even included me in a family party they were having.
Contact Peter: 0138467250; or Helen: 0128712947; to make your booking (if outside Malaysia use code +60). I did not use the internet for my booking because reception is poor in the entire Mulu area. If you want to book online you may be restricted to the expensive Marriot. I'd encourage people to use a Homestay like this: it is good value, close to nature, has hospitable owners, etc.
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Date of stay: May 2016Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The park and caves were fantastic, but what made the trip amazing was Mulu Backpackers Homestay. You can't book any hostels in Muku online (except for the park accomodations), so for reservations call or whatsapp Peter at 013-8467250 or Hellen 012-8712947. Best priced place to stay (half of the other hostels), but that doesn't mean it sacrifices quality. In fact, besides the rate, what makes this place great is 1) huge common area to gather at night after a long day in the park - just ask Hellen or Peter to get you beer earlier in the day, 2) about 100m from the airport - just turn right out of the airport and walk down the road, 3) HOME COOKED breakfast included in the rate - delicious, 4) Hellen will cook you dinner if you want (less expensive than the park cafe) and if you're lucky, she'll feed you wild boar that Peter hunted earlier in the week 5) she'll even do laundry for you for a small fee, since you've been sweating and getting rained on in the park all day. If you are a solo traveler or a couple on a budget then this is the place to stay.
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Date of stay: February 2016Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
To be honest I stepped into this place as a skeptic as it was very "kampung". However I came to love the house and the hosts at the end of my 5 day stay at Mulu Backpackers Homestay.
This little gem is situated (literally) 5 minutes walk from the Mulu Airport. As we stepped out of the airport Hellen （one of the hosts) was there to greet us. From there we walked to the backpacker and settled down. The sleeping area is a big room on the ground floor separated into 3 compartments with each compartment having between 4-9 beds. All windows had mosquito nets. Fans were provided for comfort (which is more than enough). Toilets and showers were surprisingly clean and there were more than enough toilets and showers (no queuing or waiting!). The kitchen was available for use with all the basic cutlery and cooking utensils at your disposal.
Peter and Hellen are the hosts of this lovely place. Their English is quite good and are able to communicate very well with international travellers. We didn't have much of a problem with language as I was with a group of Malaysian-speaking friends. Peter and Hellen were very friendly and helpful during our stay. They offered to let us borrow an extra umbrella and poncho when we found out we didnt' have enough rain-protection and they also were very generous. There would always be coffee, tea, hot water and bananas in the foodcourt outside for our perusal.
I think nearly everyone would agree that Hellen's breakfasts were one of the highlights of staying at this place. She would prepare breakfast for all the backpackers on a daily basis. Each day the breakfast would be a bit different not to mention delicious!
I would highly recommend staying at this homestay backpacker if you are travelling to Mulu. It would be one decision you would not regret making!!
Thanks Peter and Hellen for a great stay !!!
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Date of stay: June 2015
Rooms
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The accommodation is basic but the room is clean. The shared showers and toilets are outside the house. Helen accommodated us with a fried rice for lunch upon arrival which was very welcome (even though a bit overpriced at 15 RM for a vegetarian fried rice with one egg).
Unfortunately my partner got bitten by BED BUGS on his legs during the first night. We suspect they were in the heavy rug-like blanket because he put it on his legs during the night and the rest of his body is ok (I did not have any bites as I sleep in a liner).
We left without saying anything (and without asking for refund even though it costs 24 EUR a night!) as the host were not in sight and we had to leave quickly. We did send a message (which was not received well as you can imagine) however to the hosts the next day.
We wish them the best but have to warn fellow backpackers.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My mum and me arrived at Mulu airport and decided to head direction National Park HQ. We did not have to walk far, we saw the "Homestay" sign and were welcomed by Hellen. We were the only ones so we could choose our beds and we were surprised: big, comfy beds with new mattresses and blankets, all the windows had mosquito nets, Hellen brought an additional fan, served us drinking water and fruits! Her English is fine, but she'll be more than happy if you speak some basic bahasa melayu. There are five toilets and showers, all very clean, there's toilet paper and soap, you can brush your teeth in the kitchen, tea & coffee all day... It was simply perfect and our best accomodation in Borneo! Only RM 25 per night/ person, we hadn't expected much from the breakfast but when we walked into the kitchen the following morning, the table was set up with plates, hot coffee and fruits. Hellen prepared yammy pancakes for everyone, on the second day it was fried noodles with veggies, egg, toast, sausage and beans! If you come to Mulu, you HAVE to stay with Hellen, she's lovely and became my "2nd mum" for three days! Highly recommended! Give her a call for a reservation: +60128712947 or Peter: +60138467250
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Date of stay: January 2015
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Get a bed in a corner and near a fan :)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Room: Spacious, a big room with many clean beds and floor. Only 3 fans though so it may get a lil stuffy if it's not a cool rainy night. But Helen runs the generator for most of the night till the guests start waking up, so usually the fans run till around 7am or so?
Amenities: Toilets were clean, and bathing and clothes washing soaps are even provided (surprised)! Also, a line for hanging clothes is present, just that the constant heavy rain doesn't make drying easier...
Food: Helen makes great pancakes for breakfast, and sometimes toast w egg. She can also whip up a meal if needed (yummy mixed vegs + chicken wings, RM12). But we ate most often in the HQ Cafe cos they have a large variety of choices and it's just bit pricier. Free water, tea & coffee is provided.
Location: It's really near the airport, but that means it's also rather far from the HQ (2-3 mins drive, but around 10-20 mins walk?). Can be rather tiring to walk back after a long day of caving esp as it often rains in the night, but you get used to it + the great homestay makes it worthwhile. (Don't forget to bring your torches out for the walk back in the dark).
Host: Helen is a really sweet and nice host! Not super great in English but manageable. Peter is nice too but he seem to have gotten annoyed w us cos we were hitching too many rides from him to the park lol...
Signal: Hardly able to get signal / reception, but welcome to Mulu (excl HQ & Marriott).
Booking: So yes, best to call them for booking but you can easily do a walk in too. Helen - +01114075006 Peter: +01135241007 + 60135241007
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Date of stay: May 2018
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Atmospheric jungle lodge by a lovely river and convenient for everywhere in Mulu let down by the facilities and early power turn off
Pros Lovely owner, can’t do enough to help Great location walking distance to airport, 5-10min from the park and by the river for a swim Great value Not as many bugs as you might expect next to a river in the jungle (the millions of bats that live in the caves help with this apparently) Clean
Cons No sinks in the shower / toilet area No power, so no fans, from when it gets light around 6am making it hard to sleep (it gets really hot in Mulu) One big dorm, no smaller rooms (the private rooms are just partitioned off sections of the big dorm)
I don’t think I’d choose this hostel again if I came back due to the lack of sinks or fans after 6am. There are a few other budget options on the road between airport and park.
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Date of stay: March 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Peter and Helen for the wonderful place you guys provided. My friends and (3 of us) really enjoy our stay at your backpacker. Very yummy breakfast provided with hot water/tea/coffee/fruits. They also have a very big freezer for food storage. Kitchen is very spacious with cutlery available.
Both Peter and Helen speak good English. They are very considerate people. Helen always ask about our morning schedule so that she can get the breakfast ready for us.
There are 6 toilets with shower available. Washing powder is there for you to use after a dirty/muddy day in the cave. Plenty of clothing lines and pegs for drying your clothes.
Linen and blanket with pillow and pillow case are provided. There are mosquito nets surrounding the windows to minimize insects sleeping with you. No curfew. Fans available. Might be a good idea to bring a multi-plug if you are travelling with a big group of people. The night is peaceful, no party houses nearby.
Once again, thank you for making our trip so pleasant and enjoyable! Will come back to you when we decide to do advance caving activities!
Jumpa lagi and God Bless!
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Date of stay: June 2015
Rooms
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A very good stay in Mulu at Hellen and Peter home. A very warm welcome and a very clean house. 5 minutes on foot from the airport, 15 minutes from the park entrance and a path lined with fireflies. Dormitory only, but you won't find cheap bedroom in Mulu.
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Date of stay: April 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mulu National Park is a majestic and thrilling nature destination in Southest Asia. Here, there are several accomodation options inside and outside the park. However, if you hope to find good quality/price private rooms this is not the place. Even, quietness is sometimes difficult to get, because of karaoke’s parties in some guesthouses outside the park.
“Mulu Backpackers Homestay” is a bed&breakfast recently opened homestay (April 2014) located near the airport and around 1.4 Km from the park entrance. It is a big house with well distributed individual beds into a huge shared room. Guests can enjoy free coffee and tea as well as some snacks and bananas. The breakfast is actually well done by the kind and shy Mrs Hellen, who speaks English and is always available to solve any doubt or problem.
For booking, you can call (+60) 012-8712947 (Hellen) or (+60) 013-8467250 (Peter). It would be highly recommended in high season (July-September).
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Date of stay: October 2014
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You can eithet walk from the airport to the homestay which will take you about 2 to 5 minutes, or you can upon booking confirmation have our free shuttle pick up from the airport. Thank you.
"Digi 3g works here
Towels are available if needed
Free coffee & tea bags
Drinking water available
Take advantage of back garden
Chat to Helen & Peter - good sense of humor "
There are more places to choose from in the Gunung Mulu National Park area.
LOCATION
MalaysiaSarawakGunung Mulu National Park
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