Things To Do In Bario
If you plan to travel to one of the beautiful and best natural places in Sarawak, I recommend visiting the Bario Highlands, which is well-known for its highland rice, salt, and pineapples. Bario is hands down one of the most exciting places to visit in Malaysia, largely due to the village’s remote location. Here is my personal list of things to do in Bario, specially created for you.
Things to Do in Bario
Bario is located in the Kelabit Highlands, in the north of Sarawak, and is home to the Kelabit people who have been living here for centuries. The absolute beauty of this highland town lies in its location, just 14 hours by road and 45 minutes by flight from Miri City.
You won’t find here shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, or any other modern-day city or town facilities. This place is one of the most original villages in Sarawak and Malaysia. The best way to get to Bario is by taking a flight from Miri City, with only three flights available per day. The aircraft used is a turboprop 19-seat Twin Otter plane operated by MAS Wings (2026 – Air Borneo).
The journey here is another adventure as the plane flies up to around 8500 meters, so you have a beautiful view of the rainforest, hills and mountains along the way. So, what are the things to do in this unspoiled place? Read on.
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| One of the scenic landscapes in Bario. |
Below is a list of things to do in Bario, catered to anyone who plans to visit these fantastic highlands. You should also check with the homestay operator about the activities you want to do, as they can arrange them for you. Most things can be done on your own, but some of them require a local guide, especially trekking or hiking around the highlands.
Please note that most of these activities are paid for separately when you are there, as the main packages cover the food and accommodations unless you pre-arrange the Bario package with the activities.
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| Trekking in Bario takes you through a fantastic experience. |
Trekking in Bario
Trekking is one of the highlights of Bario, with routes ranging from short, easy walks to multi-day challenges. The cool highland climate makes trekking comfortable, and many trails reward hikers with scenic views or cultural encounters. Popular treks include Korea Hill, Prayer Mountain, Pineapple Farm, Pa Lungan Village, Pulong Tau National Park, and the challenging Bario to Ba’kelalan trek.
Visit a Kelabit Longhouse
Kelabit longhouses are an integral part of the community’s identity. Some still stand in their original form, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional life. A small fee of RM3–RM5 is usually charged, with Bario Asal Longhouse being one of the most well-known and historically significant.
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| Inside Bario Asal Longhouse, the first longhouse here. |
Explore the Bario Salt Factory
The famous Bario Salt is produced in a rustic community-run facility. A short trek leads to a shed where families process salt using traditional methods at the Bario salt factory, where visitors can see how it is made and purchase it directly from the source. Do note that the trail can be muddy after rain.
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| Cycling in Bario is one of the many things to do here. |
Cycling Around Bario
With minimal traffic and safe roads, cycling is one of the best ways to explore Bario at your own pace. Mountain bikes are available for rent at most homestays, and you can ride past paddy fields, longhouses, churches, and beautiful highland scenery without the need for a set route.
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| Bird watching in Bario is highly popular among birders. |
Birdwatching in Bario
Bario is also a hidden gem for birdwatching. A casual walk can reveal 10 to 20 bird species, while guided treks uncover much more, including rare montane species. The elusive Dulit Frogmouth has even been spotted here, making Bario an exciting destination for birding enthusiasts.
Experience Kelabit Culture
The best time to experience Kelabit traditions is during the Pesta Nukenan, or Bario Food Festival, held annually in August. At other times, visitors can still enjoy traditional dinners and cultural dance performances, arranged in longhouses, which offer an intimate look into Kelabit heritage.
Take a Leisurely Walk
Walking around Bario allows you to experience its peaceful rhythm. Morning walks reveal villagers tending their fields, while evenings bring the charm of children playing and families gathering for dinner. The surrounding landscapes make every stroll a picturesque experience.
Visit a Penan Village
For those who enjoy hiking, two authentic Penan villages can be reached with the help of local guides. The Penan are known for their reserved lifestyle, so visits are more observational than interactive, offering a rare glimpse into one of Sarawak’s indigenous groups.
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| Jungle Blues Dream Art Gallery in Bario |
Discover Local Art at Jungle Blues Dream Gallery
Bario is home to the Jungle Blues Dream Gallery, run by artist Stephen and his wife. Located in a traditional longhouse that also serves as a homestay, the gallery showcases Stephen’s artworks and provides a unique cultural experience.
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| Bario Plane Wreckage |
See the World War II Plane Wreckage
A Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer aircraft that crashed in 1964 still lies in Bario. Visitors can explore the remains of the plane, which is split into three main pieces. It is an intriguing site for aviation enthusiasts and a memorable photo spot.
Visit the Bario War Memorial
The war memorial in Bario honours soldiers and paratroopers, including Australians, British, and Kelabit fighters. Located just a short walk from town, it serves as a poignant reminder of the highlands’ wartime history.
Explore the Mini Bario Museum
Built in 2015 for the Bario Food Festival, this small museum provides information on Kelabit history, culture, and the mysterious megaliths found across the highlands. While modest, it helps visitors gain a better understanding of the region.
Catch a Bario Sunset
The best place to watch the sunset is Bukit Korea, just behind the town centre. A short uphill walk brings you to a small hut where the valley opens up in spectacular colours. Aim to arrive by 5:00 PM to enjoy the full view before the sun dips around 6:30 PM.
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| The unique Bario Megalith or Batu Ritung in Pa Lungan Village |
Discover the Megalithic Structures
Bario is home to many ancient megaliths, with Batu Ritong being the most famous. Located at Pa Umor village, this two-ton stone structure stands about seven feet high and remains a mystery to researchers. Folktales and local legends add intrigue to the experience.
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| Kelabit Food in Bario is very unique and different. |
Taste Kelabit Food
No trip to Bario is complete without sampling Kelabit cuisine. Meals here are organic and locally sourced, with vegetables from the wild, fish from ponds, and game hunted by locals. Traditional dishes are prepared with recipes passed down for generations. Don’t miss kikid, a porridge unique to the Kelabit community. For Muslim travellers, halal options are limited, but one shop in town serves halal meals.
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| Map of Bario, showing the various villages around here |
When is the Best Time to Visit Bario?
The best time to visit Bario is during the cooler months from December to February, or in August, when the highlands host the annual Pesta Nukenan Bario, also known as the Bario Food Festival.
The food festival is the highlight of the year, as the entire community comes alive with cultural performances, traditional games, and vibrant gatherings. Visitors from surrounding villages join in, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
For food lovers, this is the ultimate experience as you will have the chance to sample an array of authentic Kelabit dishes and highland delicacies prepared using traditional methods. It’s a culinary adventure that is both unique and unforgettable, making it a highly recommended time for any food-driven traveller.
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| Nigmat Ayu Homestay in Bario seen from the paddy field |
Conclusion
The Kelabit Highlands are not your typical tourist destination — it is an amazing journey into the Bario Highlands, where culture, tradition, and nature remain beautifully preserved. Having visited five times between 2015 and 2019, I can say that every trip feels just as refreshing and meaningful as the first. Each visit allows me to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with a simpler, more authentic way of life.
If you are looking for something different when visiting Sarawak or Malaysia, Bario is a destination I wholeheartedly recommend. The highlands offer a rare blend of natural beauty and cultural depth that leaves a lasting impression on every traveller.
I hope this list of things to do in Bario helps you plan your journey. Should you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out, as I’ll be more than happy to share my experiences and tips.
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