Bakelalan Salt Factory

Getting to Ba’kelalan

Reaching Ba’kelalan is still part of the adventure. The easiest way is to fly from Miri on a MASwings (now Air Borneo) Twin Otter. The flight itself is an experience, offering incredible aerial views of Sarawak’s interior.

For those who want something more rugged, you can travel overland from Lawas. The journey takes around seven to eight hours, depending on road conditions and weather. It is not the most comfortable ride, but it gives you a deeper look into rural Sarawak, as you pass remote villages, rivers, and dense rainforest.

Once you arrive, the cooler air and peaceful surroundings immediately set the tone. Villages are scattered across valleys, and most visitors stay in local homestays, which I still consider the best way to experience Ba’kelalan.

Bakelalan salt-making process at Buduk Bui.

Visiting the Bakelalan Salt Factory

The highlight for many visitors here is the Bakelalan Salt Factory, particularly the well-known Buduk Bui salt spring. This is a community-run site where traditional salt making continues to this day.

What makes the Bakelalan Salt Factory so unique is its source. The salt does not come from the sea, but from natural underground brine springs found in the highlands. This alone already sets it apart from most salt production you would normally see.

When visiting the Bakelalan Salt Factory, you will be guided through the entire process. The brine water is collected and boiled for hours using a wood fire. Large metal drums are used, and the locals still rely on traditional knowledge passed down through generations.

The process is slow and requires patience. As the water evaporates, salt crystals begin to form, resulting in a coarse and mineral-rich salt that has a distinctive taste.

Years ago, the salt was wrapped using forest leaves, giving it a very rustic appearance. Today, most of the salt from the Bakelalan Salt Factory is packed in plastic for easier handling, especially for visitors who want to bring some home.

The local Lun Bawang people are posing with the Bakelalan Salt.

Where to Buy Bakelalan Salt

If you are visiting the Bakelalan Salt Factory, the best place to buy the salt is directly from the source. This ensures freshness and also supports the local community. Another convenient option is through the homestays in Bakelalan. Many hosts either keep stock or can help you get some from nearby producers.

Outside Ba’kelalan, you can occasionally find this highland salt in Miri, especially at local tamu markets specializing in traditional and ethnic products. One popular place is Tamu Khas, next to the main Miri Wet Market in town.

The processed salt is boiled for hours.

In Lawas, which serves as a gateway to the highlands, some markets and small shops also sell Bakelalan salt, although availability depends on supply.

You may also come across salt from Bario, often referred to as Bario salt. Both originate from the Kelabit Highlands, but each has its own characteristics. If you are exploring the region, visiting both destinations gives you a more complete experience. I have also shared more about Bario in another article that nicely complements a Ba’kelalan trip.

In Kuching, there are a few places along the waterfront bazaar where you might find Bakelalan salt, though it is less common compared to Bario salt.

Garam Bakelalan (in Malay) or Bakelalan Salt.

Why Visit the Bakelalan Salt Factory

The Bakelalan Salt Factory is more than just a place to see how salt is made. It represents a living tradition that has been preserved over generations.

Every visit here feels personal. You are not just observing a process; you are engaging with the community, hearing their stories, and understanding their way of life.

From my own travels across Sarawak, places like Ba’kelalan stand out for having remained true to themselves. This is something I have consistently highlighted in my other Bakelalan features on MalaysiaAsia.

There is a sense of authenticity here that is increasingly rare. The simplicity, the people, and the environment all come together to create a genuine experience.

When you are here, there are many other things to do in Bakelalan, as I have written about it after several trips made here.