IMAGINE awakening to a symphony of tropical birdsong, the crisp embrace of cool mountain air enveloping you as you step into the heart of Borneo's highlands. Welcome to Bario, a hidden gem nestled in the northeastern region of Sarawak. This quaint village, home to the Kelabit tribe, beckons travellers to escape the hustle of modern life and immerse themselves in the tranquil embrace of nature.
Bario, pronounced 'Bariew' in the Kelabit language, stands 3,500 feet above sea level, offering a respite from the tropical lowlands. The Kelabit, one of Sarawak's Orang Ulu tribes, have cultivated a way of life that resonates with gentleness, mirroring the wind's whisper in their mountain abode.
JOURNEY TO BARIO
To reach Bario, adventurers have two choices — by air or by road. The preferred aerial route involves a 45-minute flight from Miri with MASWings, weather permitting. Alternatively, a road trip unveils the oldest rainforest's beauty, marked by a 6-hour drive from Lawas to Ba'Kelalan followed by a 2-day trek on foot to Bario. The rugged journey through old logging roads rewards travellers with an authentic 'Borneo massage'.
The road to Bario is a narrative of captivating pit stops. The Tagang fish farm, showcasing the famed Empurau fish, reveals a glimpse of Sarawak's culinary treasures. A visit to the Merarap Hot Springs, nestled deep in the rainforest, offers a rustic retreat, inviting travellers to unwind amid nature's embrace.
Ba'Kelalan, an essential stop before the trek to Bario, unfolds the Lun Bawang community's apple orchards and highland salt industry. The night sky, devoid of light pollution, provides a celestial spectacle, inviting visitors to savour authentic Lun Bawang delicacies and the unique rice coffee — an unexpected treat for coffee enthusiasts.
Embarking on the two-day trek to Bario demands physical resilience. The first day entails an eight-hour trek to Long Repung on the Indonesian border, navigating the challenging Pa Rupai hill. The second day's more straightforward trek leads to Pa Lungan, followed by a four-hour journey to Bario in a four-wheel drive.
BARIO'S WARM EMBRACE
Upon arrival in Bario, choose from 21 homestays to experience the village's warm hospitality. Engage in paddy field explorations, witness traditional Kelabit longhouses, and savour the unique pineapples from local plantations. If timed right, participate in the Bario Food & Cultural Festival, a celebration of heritage and tradition.
As the Bario journey concludes, travellers have three departure options — trekking back to Ba'Kelalan, flying to Ba'Kelalan and descending to Lawas by four-wheeler, or flying directly to Miri. The latter, often chosen for its time efficiency, ensures a seamless departure from this untouched highland paradise.
Bario and its surrounding highlands beckon as a sanctuary untouched by the frenetic pace of modern life. As travellers venture into this pristine landscape, they discover not just the natural beauty but also a connection to Sarawak's cultural roots. Bario unfolds as a haven, where the soul finds solace, and the heart beats to the rhythm of nature's timeless melodies.
