Kelabit Highlands Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful Kelabit Highlands in Sarawak, Malaysia with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, where to stay, what to eat and buy, local customs and tips, and transportation options.


Introduction to Kelabit Highlands

Kelabit Highlands, located in Sarawak, Malaysia, is a hidden gem that provides a unique experience for travelers seeking an authentic cultural and outdoor adventure. The Kelabit people, who abide by ancient traditions and cultures, are warm and welcoming, making the highlands a perfect destination for those interested in learning about local customs, experiencing nature and outdoor activities, and tasting delicious cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Kelabit Highlands

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bario Asal Longhouse Homestay: Experience traditional Kelabit housing at the Bario Asal Longhouse, where you can live with the locals and learn about their traditional way of life.
  • Bario Cultural Museum: Learn about Kelabit culture and traditions at this museum located in the town of Bario.
  • Pa’ Derung Tauh Homestay: Participate in guided tours to learn about the history and culture of the Pa’ Derung community.

Natural Attractions of Kelabit Highlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bario Rice Fields: Take a walk around the scenic rice fields and admire the stunning sunsets.
  • Bario Highlands Loop Trek: Hike up the highland slopes to see the picturesque landscape of the highlands.
  • Pulong Tau National Park: Trek through the forest for a chance to see the orangutan and experience the Kelabit culture as you visit the remote villages.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kelabit Highlands

  • Bario Highlands Loop Trek: This challenging, yet rewarding, trek takes you through the scenic highland slopes while allowing you to experience the local culture and wildlife.
  • Bario to Pa’ Derung Homestay: This cycling route takes you through the beautiful countryside and lets you experience Kelabit culture and traditions.

Best Things to Do in Kelabit Highlands: Activities and Tours

  • Bario Food and Farming Tour: Discover the diversity of Kelabit cuisine and visit local farms to see how they grow their food.
  • Mount Murud Trek: Hike up Mount Murud for a breathtaking view of the highlands from the summit.
  • Pa’ Derung Cultural Tour: Learn about the Pa’ Derung culture and traditional handicrafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kelabit Highlands

Day Activity
1 Visit Bario Cultural Museum, and enjoy a sunset walk around Bario Rice Fields.
2 Take the Bario Highlands Loop Trek, or opt for a cycling tour to Pa’ Derung Homestay.
3 Explore Pulong Tau National Park, visit the nearby villages, and experience the Kelabit culture.
4 Visit a local farm, and savor the diverse Kelabit cuisine on the Bario Food and Farming Tour.
5 Trek up Mount Murud for a panoramic view of the highlands.
6 Participate in the Pa’ Derung Cultural Tour and learn about the traditional handicrafts.
7 Relax and unwind before departing from the highlands.

Food and Drink Scene of Kelabit Highlands

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ayam Pansuh: Chicken cooked with lemongrass, ginger, and bamboo shoots in bamboo tubes.
  • Bario Rice: A unique variety of rice, grown only in the Kelabit Highlands, famous for its fragrant aroma and sticky texture.
  • Manok Pansuh: A traditional Kelabit chicken dish cooked with ginger, spices, and coconut milk in bamboo tubes.

Local Beverages

  • Tuba: An alcoholic beverage made from tree sap and is a signature traditional drink in the highlands.
  • Luwak Coffee: A specialty coffee roasted from the coffee beans, which have been ingested, and excreted by the Asian palm civet.

Where to Stay in Kelabit Highlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Bario Asal Longhouse Homestay
  • Pa’ Derung Tauh Homestay
  • Nebu Longhouse Homestay
  • Highland Homestay

What to Buy in Kelabit Highlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Bario rice: A perfect souvenir to bring home to share with family and friends.
  • Arts and Crafts: Shop for one of a kind handicrafts, such as traditional weaving and beadworks, which make unique gifts and home decorations.

Local Culture and Customs of Kelabit Highlands

The Kelabit people maintain a humble and traditional way of life and abide by unique cultural practices. Respect and appreciation for their customs and traditions are essential when visiting the highlands. Dress modestly and remove footwear when required, and seek permission before taking photographs inside their homes and cultural landmarks.

Best Time to Visit Kelabit Highlands

The highlands experience a tropical rainforest climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year, ranging from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit the Kelabit Highlands is from March to October, when the weather is usually dry, and there is less rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kelabit Highlands

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Mind your etiquette, ask for permission before taking any photographs or videos of locals.
  • Follow the rules and regulations while hiking and trekking.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect their customs and traditions.
  • Litter or disturb the natural environment.
  • Hike or trek without proper authorization and guidance.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kelabit Highlands

The Kelabit Highlands are safe to travel to, and the people are hospitable. Please take care of your valuables and belongings while traveling and always lock your accommodations or leave them in a safe or locker when you go out.

Health in Kelabit Highlands

Consult with your local doctor for the necessary vaccinations before traveling to the highlands. Carry mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved and loose clothing while in wooded areas to prevent insect bites.

Getting to Kelabit Highlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kelabit Highlands

  • Bario Airport

Bus Stations Near Kelabit Highlands

  • No direct bus services available.

Other Options

  • Charter a flight or helicopter service from Miri to Bario

How to Get Around in Kelabit Highlands

  • On foot or by bicycle:

    The best way to explore the highlands is on foot, by hiking or cycling.

  • By car:

    A few car rental services are available for reasonable rates.

Where to Go Next from Kelabit Highlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mulu Caves National Park: Explore one of the most famous cave systems in the world, located near Miri City, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Limbang: A proximate city located north of Sarawak, with popular attractions such as Batu Dong, a natural limestone cave.

Conclusion

The Kelabit Highlands are an unexplored destination for travelers seeking an authentic cultural and outdoor adventure experience. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, foodie, or cultural enthusiast, you will undoubtedly find something to do in the highlands that resonates with you. Plan your trip to Kelabit Highlands and experience the warm hospitality of the Kelabit people, learn about their customs, taste their diverse cuisine, and immerse yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings.

''Nepenthes vogelii'' in the Kelabit Highlands produces wine glass-shaped carnivorous pitchers ''Nepenthes vogelii'' in the Kelabit Highlands produces wine glass-shaped carnivorous pitchers Pa' Umor village Pa' Umor village Approaching Bario Approaching Bario Batu Lawi from Gunung Murud Batu Lawi from Gunung Murud Exotic highland food at the Bario Food Festival Exotic highland food at the Bario Food Festival