Jungle Trekking in the Bario Highlands

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Kelabit lady in traditional dress, Sarawak, Malaysia.
© David Kirkland / Sarawak Tourism Board

A trekker walks past farmland near Bario in the Kelabit Highlands, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Trekking in the Kelabit Highlands, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Trekkers cross a bamboo bridge in the Kelabit Highlands, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Trekkers cross a bridge in the Kelabit Highlands, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Trekking through the forest in the Kelabit Highlands, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Trekking in the Kelabit Highlands is often challenging but it has its rewards. Here a trekker looks down on the rainforest-clad hills that he has just hiked up. Sarawak, Malaysia.

Day 1 Miri – Long Banga – Pa’ Dalih (L,D)

Fly into Long Banga from Miri by a 50-minute flight on small Twin Otter aircraft. Upon arrival, receive a brief orientation of the village and at the same time witness the daily routine of the Saban and Kenyah tribes. After lunch proceed on a 4-wheel drive for about 2-hours via logging road to Pa’ Dalih, a Kelabit village. Upon arrival proceed to Raja Tudo’s homestay for overnight stay. You will be served with refreshments and later stroll through the village to experience life in a really remote rural community in Sarawak. Overnight at Raja Tudo’s homestay.

Day 2 Trek to Lepo Batuh (B,L,D)

Following breakfast we start our trek to Lepo Batuh. On the way check out the historical remains at Batuh Patung which include a spectacular carving of a human figure engraved on a large rock. This trek is a more leisurely 5 hours and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and learn from the guides about jungle food and jungle survival. Fishing in some of the streams is also a possibility. In the late afternoon erect your first jungle shelter and after dark, if conditions are right, your guide will take you for a night walk in search of nocturnal animals. Overnight at Lepo Batuh jungle shelter.

Day 3 Lepo Batuh – Liyang Ating (B,L,D)

Today is another day of interesting trekking to Liyang Ating which will take about 5 hours. You will be trekking through a true primary jungle featuring huge dipterocarp trees of 50 metres or more. This an area rich in wildlife and there is a good chance to spot the bearded pig, sambar deer, mouse deer, barking deer and a variety of birds, including the hornbill. In the late afternoon erect your second jungle shelter and after dinner go for another night walk in search of nocturnal animals. Overnight at Liyang Ating’s jungle shelter.

Day 4 Liyang Ating – Pa De’It Waterfall (B,L,D)

Continue your trek to Pa De’It Waterfall Camp which is about 1,200 m above sea level and has nice and cool climate. The day’s trek will take about 3 hours. The chances of viewing wild life is also good, especially as you reach the waterfall. This waterfall is over 35 metres high and offers a convenient base from which to explore the area or relax and swim in the pool. A walk to the high point above the waterfall accords an excellent vista of the Bario Highlands and the neighbouring hills of Kalimantan. The night is spent in a permanent shelter built near the waterfall and in the evening there is another opportunity to look for nocturnal animals, including the evasive wildcat. Overnight at Pa De’it waterfall camp.

Day 5 Pa De’It Camp – Lepo Batuh (B,L,D)

Following breakfast trek back to Lepo Batuh jungle shelter. This return journey takes about 5-6 hours of quite rigorous jungle trekking. Overnight at Lepo Batuh jungle shelter.

Day 06 Lepo Batuh – Pa Dalih (B,L,D)

Continue with your jungle trek to Pa Dalih. This will takes about 4-5 hours. Overnight at Raja Tudo’s homestay.

Day 7 Pa Dalih – Bario (B,L,D)

Early breakfast for an early start to Bario. Today’s trek will take about 7-8 hours. The accommodation for the night will be provided by a comfortable lodge.

Day 8 Bario – Miri (B)

Following breakfast pack-up and walk to the airport for your flight to Miri.