HIKING IN THE KELABIT HIGHLANDS

Trekking is the order of the day in the Kelabit Highlands. From a simple walk of a few hours in the countryside to a real trek of several days in the mountains, there's something for everyone. Your hosts will be able to give you all the information you need and help you find a guide, which is essential especially for sporty treks.

Hiking. The area around Bario is a great place for easy hikes through the countryside and villages. The scenery is splendid, and bird-watching is also possible. The best-known routes are Bario-Pa Lungan (2-3h), Bario-Salt Spring (saltwater spring, 1-2h), Bario-Pa Ukat (4h) and Bario-Prayer Mountain (2h).

Hiking. One of the most popular routes links Bario to Ba Kelalan, a 3-day trek with no major difficulties. You'll pass through the following villages: Pa' Lungan (a 4-hour walk), then the next day Pa' Rupai (8 hours), and finally Ba Kelalan (3 hours). This route will give you a good overview of the different types of terrain and longhouses to be found in the Kelabit Highlands. Ask Bario's guides about the cost of their services. They will arrange the necessary accommodation and meals. If you stop at Ba Kelalan, you'll have to pay your guide for the return trip to Bario. Ba Kelalan has an airfield with a flight to Miri.

Another popular route is the Bario Loop, where you will pass through several villages before returning to Bario. This route takes at least 2 days to complete, depending on your level of fitness. It is possible to extend the tour by visiting other villages. Plan your itinerary carefully with your guide, and take into account what's included in the price. If you're setting off for several days, bear in mind that walking in equatorial terrain can be exhausting for the body. It's better to keep the stages short than to be in the red from day one.

The ascent of the Batu Lawi granite peaks is open to experienced hikers, bearing in mind that the highest of the two (2,040 m) requires some climbing. The lower one is accessible to any well-trained hiker, with days ranging from 8 to 10 hours' walking. The return loop to Bario takes three days.

The ascent of Gunung Murud, Sarawak's highest mountain (2,423 m), is reserved for the most experienced hikers and takes six days from Bario.