Things To Do In Bakelalan – A Complete Guide (2026 Update)

Things to Do in Bakelalan – A Complete Guide to Sarawak’s Hidden Highlands

If you are looking for truly unique things to do in Bakelalan, this highland destination in Sarawak offers one of the most authentic travel experiences in Malaysia.

Located in Ba’kelalan, right near the Kalimantan border, this remote settlement sits at about 3000 feet in the Maligan Highlands, part of the greater Kelabit Highlands region. It is home to the Lun Bawang community and remains one of Sarawak’s last strongholds of rural tourism.

If you have read my other Bakelalan articles on MalaysiaAsia, you will already know that this is not your typical destination. There are no hotels, no commercial cafes, and no mass tourism. What you get instead is something far more meaningful.

This guide to things to do in Bakelalan is based on my visits here over the years, along with updated insights into what remains relevant today.

What Makes Bakelalan Special

Bakelalan is made up of several small villages connected by walking trails, and life here moves at a very different pace. Most visitors stay in homestays, eat what the locals eat, and spend their days exploring the surrounding highlands.

Connectivity has improved slightly in recent years, with limited mobile coverage and basic internet in some areas, but this is still very much a place for a proper digital detox.

If you are planning a trip here, pairing it with Bario is highly recommended. Both destinations complement each other, and you can read my full guide on things to do in Bario to plan a combined highland adventure.

Best Things to Do in Bakelalan

Locals with their Bakelalan salt at Buduk Bui.

1. Visit the Bakelalan Salt Factory

One of the top things to do in Bakelalan is visiting the traditional salt production site at Buduk Bui. This community operates a salt factory that uses natural underground brine springs, making it distinct from coastal salt production. The process of boiling the brine over firewood remains largely unchanged, and this is something I have covered in detail in my Bakelalan Salt Factory article.

There are actually three salt spring areas here, including Buduk Bui, Pa Komap, and Punang Kelalan, but Buduk Bui remains the most accessible and popular for visitors. Trips are usually arranged through your homestay, and getting there involves a 4WD ride followed by a short walk.

Preparing the local Lun Bawang food.

2. Experience Lun Bawang Food

Food in Bakelalan is as local as it gets. When you stay in a homestay, meals are prepared using ingredients grown or sourced from the surrounding area. The Lun Bawang cuisine here is simple, natural, and very different from what you find in Miri or Kuching.

One dish you should try is Nubalaya, a type of pounded rice wrapped in leaves. If you are lucky, you may also get to try traditional preserved meats or pickled fish. Food options remain limited, so if you have specific dietary requirements, it is still best to prepare ahead.

View of Bakelalan from Pa Sarui Hill.

3. Go Trekking Around the Highlands

Trekking is easily one of the most rewarding things to do in Bakelalan. There are numerous trails connecting villages, farms, and forest areas. Some are easy walks, while others require more effort.

One of the more popular hikes is up Pa Sarui Hill, which takes around 90 minutes. The view from the top gives you a full perspective of the surrounding valleys and villages. Most trails are not marked, so hiring a local guide is still highly recommended. In addition to safety, you will also gain a deeper understanding of the area.

Lun Bawang women in traditional costume for the cultural show.

4. Watch a Lun Bawang Cultural Performance

Cultural experiences in Bakelalan remain strongly community-based. Your homestay can arrange a traditional Lun Bawang performance, usually held in the evening. This includes music played on the sape and traditional dances, including the hornbill dance. These performances are not staged in a commercial way, which makes them feel more genuine and personal.

Some of the highland birds seen in Bakelalan.

5. Birdwatching in Bakelalan

In recent years, Bakelalan has gained attention among birdwatchers exploring Borneo. The surrounding forests are home to rare species, including highland birds that are not easily spotted elsewhere. Specialist birding tours have begun to include Bakelalan in their Sarawak itineraries, often combining it with Bario.

Even if you are not a serious birdwatcher, you will notice the richness of birdlife here, especially in the early mornings. Read my Balekalan Birdwatching Trip Report, which I did back in 2019.

A Bakelalan pineapple growing in the wild.

6. Try the Famous Bakelalan Pineapples

Bakelalan pineapples are small-scale but incredibly sweet. They grow naturally in the area, especially along trekking routes such as the one to Pa Sarui Hill. If you are lucky and visiting during fruiting season, you might get to try one straight from the source. Like in Bario, the produce here is grown naturally, without commercial farming methods.

The Bakelalan megalith stones. Photo by Carolyn from Footsteps on the Fringe.

7. Visit the Bakelalan Megalith Stones

For those interested in history and local legends, the megalithic stones in Bakelalan are worth exploring. Located near Long Lemutut and Pa Tawing, these ancient stones are tied to folklore, including stories of giants such as Upai Semaring. Unlike the megaliths in Bario, which feature carvings, the ones in Bakelalan are more story-driven. A good guide makes all the difference here.

One of the Bakelalan waterfalls. Photo by Carolyn from Footsteps on the Fringe.

8. Explore Bakelalan Waterfalls

According to Kevin from Dayak Wanderer, there are a couple of waterfalls around Bakelalan that require trekking to reach. Pa Kumap Waterfall is the more accessible option and can be done in half a day. Ritan Waterfall is more challenging and usually requires a full day. Access conditions can vary depending on weather and trail conditions, so always check locally before planning.

Bakelalan Rice Coffee or Kopi Bera.

9. Try Bakelalan Rice Coffee

One of the more unique things to try in Bakelalan is rice coffee, locally known as Bera Kopi. Made using roasted Adan rice, this drink has a distinct flavor that is slightly smoky and earthy. The preparation is simple but interesting, and it reflects how resourceful the local community is.

Once the rice turns a dark reddish-brown, it is ready to be brewed into your regular black coffee. The method is straightforward: put the rice in a cup, add hot water, and stir. Sift it, and your Bakelalan coffee is ready.

10. Visit the Strawberry Farm

Strawberry farming was introduced here in recent years, taking advantage of the cooler highland climate. Located around Buduk Nur, small-scale farms allow visitors to see how strawberries are grown in this part of Sarawak. Availability depends on season and harvest cycles.

A Lun Bawang girl holds the Bakelalan Apples. Photo by Cinta.

11. Learn About Bakelalan’s Apple Farming History

Many people are surprised to learn that Bakelalan once grew apples. While large-scale apple farming is no longer active, there have been small attempts to revive it. Today, you may still see a few trees around, along with other fruits like oranges and persimmons. It is one of those interesting stories that shows how unique this highland environment is.

The Irau Aco Lun Bawang Festival is held in Lawas. Photo by Irau Aco FB Page.

12. Experience Irau Aco Lun Bawang Festival

If your visit coincides with late May or early June, you may experience the Irau Aco Lun Bawang Festival. This harvest celebration is linked to the wider Gawai festivities across Sarawak. While smaller celebrations happen in Ba’kelalan, the larger event is usually held in Lawas. Cultural performances, traditional competitions, and community gatherings make this one of the most vibrant times to visit.

13. Visit the Last Lun Bawang Longhouse in Bakelalan

One of the more meaningful things to do in Bakelalan is to visit the last remaining traditional Lun Bawang longhouse. While most of the community today lives in individual homes, there is still one longhouse that stands as a reminder of how the Lun Bawang people used to live. Visiting this longhouse gives you a deeper understanding of their communal lifestyle, traditions, and history.

Your host or local guide can arrange a visit, and in some cases, you may even meet the families connected to this heritage. It is a simple experience, but one that adds cultural depth to your time in Ba’kelalan.

A rare sunset was visible from the airport in Bakelalan while I was here.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bakelalan

Bakelalan enjoys a cooler climate throughout the year, typically ranging between 19°C and 24°C. For green paddy fields, visit between November and early December. Harvest season around June offers a different experience, especially with local festivities.

Rain can occur at any time, but the wettest months are usually between November and January.

Where to Stay in Bakelalan?

I’ve recently added a list of homestays in Bakelalan for anyone interested in staying here.

A DCH6 Twin Otter aircraft operated by MasWings is landing at Bakelalan airport.

How to Go to Bakelalan

There are still only two ways to get here. Flights from Miri via MASwings (now Air Borneo) remain the most efficient option. Flights operate several times a week, but seats are limited, so early booking is essential.

The overland 4WD route from Lawas is still available and takes several hours through logging roads and plantations. It is rough but scenic. You can only book this through very local travel agents in Miri or through specialised agents who sell Bakelalan tours.

4×4’s that travel to Bakelalan.

4×4 to Bakelalan – The old way, and is still used by the locals to transport items. The 4×4 journey will take you about four to five hours one-way through logging roads, plantations, and beautiful, picturesque scenery. You will also experience the famous Bornean massage on this journey. No, not that one, but the one sitting in a bumpy 4×4 for the entire trip. I did this!

Other Ways – Unfortunately, the above are the only two ways to reach Bakelalan. There are no buses or trains for this experience. Out of curiosity, I ran a Google search for walking from Laws to Bakelalan, and it would take 31 hours nonstop.

What to Bring to Bakelalan

Travel light and practical. The Bakelalan checklist is as follows;

• Trekking backpack
• Trekking clothes and shoes (I just use Adidas Kampung)
• GPS tracker if you plan to explore on your own
• Mosquito and insect repellent
• A special dietary food, if required
• Snacks and junk food if you must
• Halal or vegetarian food for special needs
• Camera and chargers
• A book would be a nice touch
• A good attitude towards the amazing local Lun Bawang people

Stunning landscapes waiting to be discovered in Ba’Kelalan.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Bakelalan

Bakelalan is not for everyone, and that is exactly why it is special. If you are looking for a place that offers culture, nature, and a genuine connection to local life, this is it.

If you’re considering where to visit, you can also read about my trip to the Bario Highlands, the sister village of Bakelalan. I have seen both, and each has its own unique experiences.

An image of what you can expect in Bakelalan.

Bakelalan represents what travel used to be. Simple, honest, and deeply rewarding. And once you spend a few days here, you will understand why exploring the many things to do in Bakelalan is something that stays with you long after you leave. This is also one of the best examples of slow-travel in Malaysia.