Homestays in Bakelalan offer a simple yet deeply authentic way to experience life in the remote Kelabit Highlands of northern Sarawak. Far removed from the pace of cities and the polish of commercial tourism, these family-run stays open a window into a slower, more grounded way of living, where rice fields stretch across cool highland valleys, conversations unfold over home-cooked meals, and traditions are still very much part of everyday life.

Staying with a local host opens the door to a visitor-local connection, offering travelers a chance to understand the rhythms, values, and quiet beauty of Kelabit culture firsthand. These homestays are especially appealing to nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers, and trekkers who are drawn to Bakelalan’s pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity. The surrounding forests, rolling hills, and nearby trails provide endless opportunities for exploration, while the region’s relative isolation ensures a sense of peace that’s increasingly rare.

Cultural travelers and slow-travel fans will also find Bakelalan rewarding, with opportunities to engage with local customs, food, and stories. For anyone seeking a meaningful escape from modern tourism, Bakelalan’s homestays offer not just a place to stay, but a place to truly slow down and experience.

Homestays in Bakelalan

Accommodation is usually within family-run village homes, with basic but comfortable rooms, shared facilities, and home-cooked local meals featuring Bario rice and highland produce. This is not luxury travel, but a genuine stay rooted in daily village life.

Homestays in Ba’kelalan operate informally and personally, with bookings made directly through hosts via phone or WhatsApp. Electricity, mobile signal, and internet access may be limited, encouraging guests to slow down and reconnect with nature and people.

What sets Ba’kelalan apart is the warmth of its hosts—many are happy to help arrange transport, short walks, or local introductions—making each stay feel less like accommodation and more like being welcomed into a home.

Edit 2026: Please double check with the homestay if they are still operating as usual, because since the Covid pandemic, some of them may have stopped operations.

List of Homestays in Bakelalan, Sarawak

1. Ba’ Kelalan Owl House Homestay
📍 Buduk Nur Village, Ba’kelalan, Sarawak
📞 Contact: +60 14 993 0027 (Maureen – host)
A popular family-run homestay nestled in the highland village — great for nature lovers and birdwatching trips.

2. Julia Sang Homestay
📍 Buduk Nur / Ba’kelalan
📞 Contact (Email for booking/inquiries): thehomestayborneo@gmail.com
📱 Local contact often mentioned: +60 12 854 7041 (Julia)
A well-loved local homestay with friendly hosts and hearty local meals — good for immersive village stays.

3. Homestay Ba’Kelalan
📍 Kampung Long Langai, Ba’kelalan, 98850 Lawas, Sarawak
📞 Contact: +60 12 887 6148
📧 Email: kenny82_@hotmail.com
A homestay located in one of the main villages — simple, local experience and easy 4WD/flight access.

4. Yudan Homestay
📍 Ba’kelalan, Sarawak
📞 Contact info: often available via local tourism agents or upon inquiry (via village contacts or booking platforms).
Nice local homestay noted for its good hospitality and mountain-village setting.

5. Grace Homestay
📍 Ba’kelalan, Sarawak
📞 Contact: Typically via local phone or tourism agent — ideal for a quiet village stay close to nature.

6. Puraet Homestay
📍 Near Bakalalan Airport (BKM), Ba’kelalan
📞 Contact details are usually provided by airport/tourism information desks or tourism agents, and are convenient for travelers arriving by air.

7. Fa Klubu Homestay

📍 Ba’ Kelalan, Lawas, Sarawak
📞 Contact: Typically via booking platforms / local arrangements

Where These Homestays Are Located

Most homestays are in or near Buduk Nur Village and Long Langai Village within Ba’kelalan — a highland farming community in Limbang Division, about 3,000 ft above sea level.

Tips for Booking

• Many homestays are family-run and may not have formal websites, so booking via phone/WhatsApp or email is recommended.

• Contacting a local tour agent in Lawas or Miri can help secure bookings and transfers.

• The village community also operates a registered homestay program with several houses involved.

Conclusion

Homestays in Ba’kelalan offer a rare opportunity to experience the Kelabit highlands in an authentic, meaningful way. More than just accommodation, these homestays provide insight into village life, local food traditions, and the warm hospitality of the Kelabit community.

With simple comforts, personal hosting, and close proximity to nature, they are ideal for travellers who value culture, connection, and a slower pace. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Sarawak’s highlands, Homestays in Ba’kelalan remain one of the most genuine and rewarding ways to explore this remote region.