Known as home to one of the smallest ethnic groups in Sarawak, a trip to the Bario Valley drowns you in their distinctive culture and lifestyle.
Opening hours
Always open
What to expect?
What to expect?
The Kelabit people are a minority of the small Orang Ulu population in Sarawak. Derived from local language of Kelabit tribe, Bario literally means ‘wind’. Bario Valley itself is a community of these villages located in the Kelabit Highlands which is at a staggering 3,500 feet above sea level. Famously known as the ‘land of a hundred handshakes’ due to the unwavering hospitality of the people living in Bario, it has quickly made itself well known on the map as a hidden getaway.
Agriculture serves as the Kelabit’s main revenue stream in this hilly area. Unique specialties that can be found here including local Bario rice; a premium organic sticky rice which are usually wrapped in leaf, as well as the sweet and juicy organic pineapples planted in the valley. A highly successful festival here is the Bario Food Festival which takes place annually.
If you love exploring cultural activities, join the Kelabit’s tribe traditional pastime such as handicraft making, cooking classes and taking trips to the many small villages. There will be a lot of walking, but don’t worry as the pleasant weather here makes enjoying nature much more fun. At night, the temperature could drop down to 16ºC. There are many trails such as the one from Bario to the small village of Pa Lungan or conquering the 2,423 metre high Mount Murud in a gruelling 4 days hike. The simple life here should be tasted as well, with a nice view of the fields and fresh air to keep you entertained for the duration of your stay.
Agriculture serves as the Kelabit’s main revenue stream in this hilly area. Unique specialties that can be found here including local Bario rice; a premium organic sticky rice which are usually wrapped in leaf, as well as the sweet and juicy organic pineapples planted in the valley. A highly successful festival here is the Bario Food Festival which takes place annually.
If you love exploring cultural activities, join the Kelabit’s tribe traditional pastime such as handicraft making, cooking classes and taking trips to the many small villages. There will be a lot of walking, but don’t worry as the pleasant weather here makes enjoying nature much more fun. At night, the temperature could drop down to 16ºC. There are many trails such as the one from Bario to the small village of Pa Lungan or conquering the 2,423 metre high Mount Murud in a gruelling 4 days hike. The simple life here should be tasted as well, with a nice view of the fields and fresh air to keep you entertained for the duration of your stay.
What to bring?
What to bring?
- Sweater
- Medication
- Cash, not cards
- Sufficient clothing for the duration of your stay
What are the facilities provided?
What are the facilities provided?
- Accommodation
- Toilets
- Showers
- Tour guide
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Group
Safety tips
Safety tips
- Be respectful of local cultures and customs.
- Make sure that your tour guide for any activity is a licensed one.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- To get here, the most convenient way is by plane - typically by a 16-seater twin otter planes. It is also possible to get a 4WD ride here through the logging treks, but it could be dangerous.
- Get your tickets in advance at Miri airport.
- Be sure to pack lightly, you’ll be weighed at the airport check in counter to make sure the plane isn't overloaded.
- Confirm your return tickets at the airport counter before leaving the airport as a manual log book system is still used in this airport.
- Don’t worry too much about touts at the airport. Most of the time, they are just homestay operators offering up rooms when tourist season is low.
- It is not advisable to take the tour during monsoon season if time is your constraint as the flights usually gets cancelled and it can limit your activities.
- Recommended mode of transportation if you are in groups is by hiring 4WD to get you around town. Alternatively, you can just walk or hire a buffalo cart from the locals and enjoy the experience!
- Keep in mind that hot water is a luxury. Most local homestays or longhouses do not have hot shower.
- Best time to visit is during the Bario Food Festival which is held in July.
What to expect?
What to expect?
The Kelabit people are a minority of the small Orang Ulu population in Sarawak. Derived from local language of Kelabit tribe, Bario literally means ‘wind’. Bario Valley itself is a community of these villages located in the Kelabit Highlands which is at a staggering 3,500 feet above sea level. Famously known as the ‘land of a hundred handshakes’ due to the unwavering hospitality of the people living in Bario, it has quickly made itself well known on the map as a hidden getaway.
Agriculture serves as the Kelabit’s main revenue stream in this hilly area. Unique specialties that can be found here including local Bario rice; a premium organic sticky rice which are usually wrapped in leaf, as well as the sweet and juicy organic pineapples planted in the valley. A highly successful festival here is the Bario Food Festival which takes place annually.
If you love exploring cultural activities, join the Kelabit’s tribe traditional pastime such as handicraft making, cooking classes and taking trips to the many small villages. There will be a lot of walking, but don’t worry as the pleasant weather here makes enjoying nature much more fun. At night, the temperature could drop down to 16ºC. There are many trails such as the one from Bario to the small village of Pa Lungan or conquering the 2,423 metre high Mount Murud in a gruelling 4 days hike. The simple life here should be tasted as well, with a nice view of the fields and fresh air to keep you entertained for the duration of your stay.
Agriculture serves as the Kelabit’s main revenue stream in this hilly area. Unique specialties that can be found here including local Bario rice; a premium organic sticky rice which are usually wrapped in leaf, as well as the sweet and juicy organic pineapples planted in the valley. A highly successful festival here is the Bario Food Festival which takes place annually.
If you love exploring cultural activities, join the Kelabit’s tribe traditional pastime such as handicraft making, cooking classes and taking trips to the many small villages. There will be a lot of walking, but don’t worry as the pleasant weather here makes enjoying nature much more fun. At night, the temperature could drop down to 16ºC. There are many trails such as the one from Bario to the small village of Pa Lungan or conquering the 2,423 metre high Mount Murud in a gruelling 4 days hike. The simple life here should be tasted as well, with a nice view of the fields and fresh air to keep you entertained for the duration of your stay.
What to bring?
What to bring?
- Sweater
- Medication
- Cash, not cards
- Sufficient clothing for the duration of your stay
What are the facilities provided?
What are the facilities provided?
- Accommodation
- Toilets
- Showers
- Tour guide
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Group
Safety tips
Safety tips
- Be respectful of local cultures and customs.
- Make sure that your tour guide for any activity is a licensed one.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- To get here, the most convenient way is by plane - typically by a 16-seater twin otter planes. It is also possible to get a 4WD ride here through the logging treks, but it could be dangerous.
- Get your tickets in advance at Miri airport.
- Be sure to pack lightly, you’ll be weighed at the airport check in counter to make sure the plane isn't overloaded.
- Confirm your return tickets at the airport counter before leaving the airport as a manual log book system is still used in this airport.
- Don’t worry too much about touts at the airport. Most of the time, they are just homestay operators offering up rooms when tourist season is low.
- It is not advisable to take the tour during monsoon season if time is your constraint as the flights usually gets cancelled and it can limit your activities.
- Recommended mode of transportation if you are in groups is by hiring 4WD to get you around town. Alternatively, you can just walk or hire a buffalo cart from the locals and enjoy the experience!
- Keep in mind that hot water is a luxury. Most local homestays or longhouses do not have hot shower.
- Best time to visit is during the Bario Food Festival which is held in July.
Known as home to one of the smallest ethnic groups in Sarawak, a trip to the Bario Valley drowns you in their distinctive culture and lifestyle.
Opening hours
Always open
