Pesta Nukenen Bario
The Pesta Nukenen Bario, or Bario Food and Culture Festival, is usually celebrated around July to August. This unique and special event showcases the rich highland culture of Sarawak, deep in the Kelabit Highlands. 2015 marks the 10th anniversary of the festival, a milestone that highlights a decade of celebrating the culinary and cultural heritage of the Kelabit people.
Pesta Nukenen Bario
At the festival, visitors can look forward to tasting authentic Kelabit cuisine, lovingly prepared by skilled local cooks using recipes passed down through generations. The charm lies not only in the flavours but also in the preparation. Many of these dishes are cooked within traditional longhouses, where the kitchen doubles as a communal space for guests and families to gather.
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| The main area where the Bario Food Festival will be held. |
History of the Bario Food Festival
The Bario Food Festival, also known as Pesta Nukenen, began in 2005 with the primary objective of preserving and reviving the traditional food practices of the Kelabit people. This included safeguarding age-old methods of processing, as well as celebrating the use of indigenous edible plants and wildlife unique to the highlands.
Over the years, the festival has gained recognition as one of the world’s most unique culinary events, not only for its flavours but also for the cultural experience it provides. Visitors don’t just taste the food — they witness the entire process, from traditional preparation techniques to the communal way meals are shared in longhouses.
Because of Bario’s remote location in the highlands, many of these centuries-old traditions and recipes have been carefully preserved by the locals. The festival now serves as both a showcase and a safeguard, ensuring that Kelabit culinary heritage continues to thrive for future generations.
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| Pitcher Plant Rice, a local Kelabit speciality dish. |
However, with modernisation, many younger members of the Kelabit community have moved away from the highlands in search of opportunities in the cities. As a result, fewer people are directly involved in maintaining these traditional food practices.
Today, the Kelabit population worldwide numbers approximately 6,000 people, with the majority still residing in the highlands of Sarawak. This small community plays a crucial role in preserving the culinary heritage that the Bario Food Festival seeks to highlight.
In 2015, the festival gained wider exposure when it was promoted at the Miri Country Music Festival. The organisers invited Kelabit representatives from Bario to showcase their unique cuisine, setting up a dedicated Kelabit Food Tent at the bazaar. Visitors were introduced to authentic Highland dishes while also raising awareness and promoting the Bario Food Festival.
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| The Bario Food Festival Committee is promoting the event in Miri. |
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| The media was given a preview and taste of the traditional Kelabit food. |
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Kelabit cuisine is best described as slow food, prepared from scratch using only natural, locally sourced ingredients. What makes it truly special is the unique blend of highland plants, herbs, and traditional methods — a combination you won’t find anywhere else in the world. This is why Bario remains the heart of authentic Kelabit food and why such dishes are rarely seen outside the highlands.
Because of its deeply rooted traditions and reliance on fresh, indigenous ingredients, you won’t come across any authentic Kelabit restaurants beyond Bario. To truly experience the flavours, you need to be here in the highlands.
Among the must-try dishes is Nuba’ Laya’, a staple of softened rice neatly wrapped in banana leaves, often served as the centrepiece of a Kelabit meal. Another favourite is Labo Belatuh, a delicious smoked meat prepared in the traditional Kelabit way. Both dishes reflect the ingenuity and heritage of the community’s culinary culture.
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| Kelabit Food has very authentic dishes. |
At the Pesta Nukenen Festival, visitors not only get to savour the unique flavours of Kelabit cuisine but also immerse themselves in the vibrant lifestyle of the highlands. The atmosphere transforms into a lively carnival, where traditional dances, games, and music showcase the community’s rich cultural heritage.
As evening falls, another side of Kelabit culture comes alive. Song and dance take centre stage, blending tradition with modern influences. Interestingly, the Kelabit people have a fondness for country and western culture, so don’t be surprised to see locals in cowboy hats and boots, singing and dancing to familiar country tunes under the cool highland night sky.
The festival is organised by Rurum Kelabit Sarawak, together with Kaum Ibu and Belia Bario. Alde Valley Food Adventures UK, the Sarawak Tourism Board, and the Sarawak State Government support it. This collaboration ensures the event remains both a cultural celebration and an international platform for Kelabit heritage.
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| Trekking in Bario. |
Activities in Bario
Thanks to its high elevation and cool climate, Bario is a paradise for those who love the outdoors, culture, and nature. Life here moves at a gentle pace, and visitors can witness locals tending to their highland paddy fields, one of the Kelabit community’s main sources of livelihood. Smaller farms growing vegetables and fruits add to the region’s self-sufficiency.
For adventurers, hiking and trekking top the list of activities. Numerous trails surround Bario, ranging from simple village paths to more challenging routes that connect remote settlements. These walks not only showcase the natural beauty of the highlands but also offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Kelabit people.
Bario is also a rewarding destination for birdwatching. Both beginners and seasoned birders will enjoy spotting a variety of montane species, some of which are rare and endemic to the region. A few species are said to be found only in the Bario Highlands, making it a hidden gem for bird enthusiasts.
Another unique experience is visiting the Bario Salt Farm, where families take turns processing the area’s famous salt. The process begins with pumping saltwater to a central shed, where it is cooked and fire-dried using traditional methods. Visitors can observe the process firsthand and even purchase freshly made salt.
For something different, adventurous travellers can try kayaking along the Dapur River, a growing activity that allows you to see Bario from a new perspective. Though not as common as trekking, it promises to be a memorable way to experience the highlands’ natural beauty.
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| A Kelabit Longhouse in Bario. |
Kelabit Longhouse
A visit to a Kelabit longhouse is one of the highlights of any trip to Bario and should not be missed. These traditional wooden structures, built on stilts, stretch impressively in length and can house between 20 and 30 families under one roof. Walking through a longhouse offers a rare glimpse into the communal lifestyle that has defined the Kelabit people for centuries.
The longhouse is divided into three main sections:
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Tawa – the main hall or corridor, where social activities, gatherings, and celebrations take place.
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Bilik – the individual living quarters that serve as private homes for each family.
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Back section – the kitchen and open area, where cooking and daily chores are carried out, often doubling as a communal space.
Exploring a longhouse allows visitors to see how tradition and community spirit remain at the heart of Kelabit culture, making it a truly one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
While many assume that the Tawa, or main corridor, is the central hub of a Kelabit longhouse, it is actually the kitchen area that serves as the true heart of the home. This is where families gather, meals are prepared, and guests are warmly welcomed.
During one of my visits, the locals explained that it is customary for visitors to enter through the kitchen and be hosted there. Far from being just a place for cooking, the kitchen doubles as a communal living space where stories are shared, meals are enjoyed, and the spirit of Kelabit hospitality truly comes alive.
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| Flying inside a Twin Otter Turboprop Plane to Bario. |
How to Get to Bario
Bario is one of the most remote destinations in Sarawak, and the only practical way to reach it is by air. Flights are operated by MASwings from Miri, Lawas, and Kuching, using small turboprop aircraft that seat just 16 passengers.
On a normal day, there are three scheduled flights to Bario. However, during peak times, such as the Pesta Nukenen Festival, additional flights are added, increasing the frequency to six flights a day. Because of the limited capacity, passengers — along with their luggage — are weighed before boarding, so it’s best to travel light.
For those considering overland travel, the journey is long and arduous, taking 10–12 hours from Miri across rough logging roads. It is an option mostly used by locals, while visitors generally prefer the one-hour flight. There are no taxis or buses that connect directly to Bario.
The flight itself is part of the adventure. Cruising at 1,000 to 3,000 feet, you’ll enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Sarawak’s vast primary and secondary rainforests stretching as far as the eye can see. The approach to Bario Airport is equally unforgettable, with a dramatic landing strip set against the highland backdrop — an experience that leaves many travellers in awe.
Accommodations in Bario
Unlike other destinations in Sarawak, you won’t find conventional hotels in Bario. Instead, all accommodations are offered in the form of homestays, where visitors stay with local families in their homes or longhouses. This not only provides a comfortable place to rest but also gives travellers an authentic glimpse into daily life in the Kelabit Highlands.
Staying in a homestay allows you to experience the warmth of Kelabit hospitality, share meals with your hosts, and gain a deeper understanding of their traditions and way of life. It is both accommodation and cultural immersion in one.
Currently, there are around 10 registered homestays in Bario, with a combined capacity to host between 200 and 300 visitors. Since availability is limited, especially during peak travel times and festivals, it is highly recommended to book your stay in advance.
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| Nigmat Ayu Homestay in Bario. |
On my trip to Bario in October 2014, I stayed at Nigmat Ayu Homestay, run by Scott Apoi. The experience was far more comfortable and welcoming than I had expected — the homestay was cosy, well-kept, and full of character.
Together with my media group, we were treated to authentic Kelabit home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by Scott’s mother. Each dish reflected the richness of highland cuisine and the warmth of Kelabit hospitality.
During our free time, we often gathered on the balcony’s common area, soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. Perched on a small hill, the homestay offered not just a place to rest but a serene vantage point to appreciate the beauty of Bario fully.
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| Map of Bario, Sarawak. |
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| Map of Bario Highlands. |
Conclusion
If you are planning to attend the Bario Food Festival, it is highly recommended to make your arrangements well in advance. Flight seats are limited, and with Bario being accessible mainly from Miri, early planning ensures you won’t miss out on this unique event. Check out my article on things to do in Bario if you plan to visit this amazing highland village in Sarawak.
As for myself, I have yet to experience the festival in person. This year, however, I hope to finally make the journey and immerse myself in the vibrant celebrations of Pesta Nukenen Bario. If you’re heading there too, perhaps our paths will cross in the highlands.
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