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The Kelabit Highlands region is very well known for featuring Kenyah and
Kelabit longhouses, great highland trekking opportunities, and abundant
wildlife and flora.
 For
those planning to take a long trek into the interior to places such as
Bario, Long Lellang or Long Semado, the first step is to get a
permit from the Pejabat Residen in Miri. It is very important to secure
the necessary permits here, because in this area, permits are checked
and regulated. Bario is the best place to arrange treks.
Travelers are advised to bring enough cash for accommodation food and
guides; small denominations in the local currency will be useful and
come in handy whether in tipping guides or in case they get stranded.
There are no credit-card facilities in the Kelabit Highlands. Bario and
Ba Kelalan have shops where tourists can stock up on basic supplies.
Drinking alcohol in public places is definitely a no-no with the area
being predominantly occupied by Muslims.
Trekking in Bario
Sleepy Bario is a small settlement in a beautiful valley 1500m up in the
Kelabit Highlands. Bario’s appeal lies in the hospitality of the Kelabit
people, clean mountain air and splendid, utterly peaceful isolation.
The valley northeast of Bario past Pa Ukat offers stunning views,
and there are highland treks to suit all levels of fitness and
motivation.
Sleeping and eating
 1.
Gem’s Lodge
If it’s solitude and tranquility off the beaten track you’re after,
Gem’s Lodge, 6km south of Bario near Pa Umor, is the guesthouse to head
for. Proprietor Jaman and his wife are sure to make your stay a
memorable one with some of the most delicious Kelabit-style meals made
with fresh produce from the garden. Going out with Jaman, one of Bario’s
best and most informative guides, is a real treat. Accommodation with
meals costs around RM50/75.
 2.
De Plateau Lodge
Douglas (Munney) and Millie Bala are the gracious hosts at De Plateau
Lodge. The Lodge is located 2km east of Bario. Guests here often rave
about staying in this lovely home with the serene atmosphere accented by
the beautiful garden surrounding the Lodge. Meals here may be fairly
simple yet definitely appetizing.
Getting There & Away
 The
only way into Bario is by air. Twin Otter (Malaysia Airlines) has one
flight daily Tuesday to Saturday from Miri (RM170) and two flights on
Sundays and Mondays.
Flights out of Bario currently have to be booked at the MAS office in
Bario or at the airport. Tourists are advised to book as early as
possible.
Flights are dependent on the weather and cancellations are not uncommon.
Many flights are overbooked, so it would be wise to show up early at the
airport (Miri or Bario) especially if reservations have not been made.
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