Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
While the Highlands are certainly cooler than Borneo's coastal regions, it's still hard
work trekking up here (don't forget the altitude) and you should be in fairly good shape to
consider a multiday trek. Be prepared to encounter leeches - many trails are literally
crawling with them. Bring extra cell-phone and camera batteries as charging may not be
possible.
The routes we list are intended to serve as a starting point. With so many trails in the
area, there is ample scope for custom routes and creative planning.
RICE & PINEAPPLES
Bario is famous throughout Malaysia for two things: Bario rice, whose grains are smaller and more aromatic than
lowland varieties; and sweeter-than-sweet pineapples (RM2.50 in Bario) that are free of the pucker-inducing acid-
ity of their coastal cousins. Outside of the Kelabit Highlands, 1kg of Bario rice can cost a whopping RM16 and
Bario pineapples are usually unavailable at any price.
MEGALITHS NEAR BARIO
Hidden deep in the jungle around Bario are scores of mysterious megaliths and other 'cul-
tural sites'. For more information, ask your guide for a copy of the booklet Stone Culture
of the Northern Highlands of Sarawak, Malaysia (RM20).
At research time, trails equipped with overnight shelters for megalith circuits lasting
two to five days were being constructed. Overnight options include:
HIRING A GUIDE: THE PRACTICALITIES
With very few exceptions, the only way to explore the Kelabit Highlands is to hire a local guide. Fortunately, this
could hardly be easier. Any of the guesthouses in Bario can organise a wide variety of short walks and longer
treks led by guides they know and rely on. Some of the best guides for longer treks live in Pa' Lungan, an easy
walk from Bario. If you link up with other travellers in Bario or Miri, the cost of a guide can be shared.
Although there's a growing shortage of guides, in general it's no problem to just turn up in Bario and make ar-
rangements after you arrive, especially if you don't mind hanging out for day or two in Bario. If you're in a hurry,
though, or your trip coincides with the prime tourism months of July and August, consider making arrangements
with your guesthouse in advance by email or phone.
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