ratings

Category	Rating	Your Rating
atmosphere
culture
food
hiking
scenery
tourism

Things to do in Bario

• Visit the Bario Market

  
  

  The Bario Market is the beating heart of this small mountain town. It's not just a place to buy and sell goods – it's a social hub where locals catch up on the latest news and visitors get a real taste of Kelabit culture. The market usually runs in the mornings, and it's busiest on weekends.

  As you wander around, you'll find an amazing array of local produce. The Bario Highlands are famous for their rice, and you'll see plenty of it here. But that's not all – there's also fresh vegetables, wild herbs, and fruits you might never have seen before. The jungle products are particularly interesting – things like wild ferns and mushrooms that the locals forage from the surrounding forests.

  Don't miss the chance to try some local snacks and dishes. The food stalls here serve up delicious Kelabit specialties. You might find yourself munching on 'pineapple' rice (it's actually rice cooked in bamboo), or sipping on a warming cup of mountain tea. The market is also a great place to pick up some handmade crafts as souvenirs. Just remember to bring cash – credit cards aren't widely accepted here.

  
  

• Hike to Pa'Umor Waterfall

  
  

  If you're up for a bit of adventure, the hike to Pa'Umor Waterfall is a must-do. This isn't a stroll in the park – it's a proper jungle trek that'll have you feeling like a real explorer. The trail winds through thick rainforest, crossing streams and passing by massive trees that have stood for centuries.

  The hike takes about two to three hours each way, depending on your pace. It's not the easiest walk, with some steep and muddy sections, but the payoff is totally worth it. When you finally reach the waterfall, you'll be greeted by the sight of water cascading down a series of rock faces into a crystal-clear pool below.

  Take a break, cool off with a swim, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The sound of the falling water and the chirping of jungle birds creates a perfect natural symphony. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, some snacks, and a good pair of hiking shoes. Oh, and a local guide is a smart idea – they know the trail like the back of their hand and can share interesting facts about the forest along the way.

  
  

• Spot Birds at the Bario Loop

  
  

  The Bario Loop is a birdwatcher's paradise. This circular trail takes you through a variety of habitats, from rice paddies to forest edges, each home to different bird species. Even if you're not a hardcore birder, the diversity of feathered friends you can spot here is pretty amazing.

  Early morning is the best time to hit the trail. That's when the birds are most active and vocal. You might see colorful barbets, exotic hornbills, or if you're really lucky, the Bornean bristlehead – a bird that's only found on this island. The chorus of bird calls as the sun comes up is something special.

  The loop isn't too challenging, making it accessible for most people. It takes about 2-3 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. Bringing binoculars is a good idea if you have them, and a local guide can really enhance the experience by helping you spot and identify the birds. They can also share stories about how different birds feature in local folklore and traditions. Remember to keep quiet and move slowly – the birds are shy, and patience is key to getting good sightings.

  
  

• Trek to Prayer Mountain

  
  

  Prayer Mountain offers a rewarding hike with breathtaking views of the Bario valley. The trail starts from the village and winds through terraced rice fields and patches of jungle. As you climb, you'll see the landscape change, with the air getting cooler and the vegetation shifting.

  The summit provides a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding highlands. It's a popular spot for locals to come and pray, hence the name. Even if you're not religious, it's a peaceful place to sit and take in the beauty of the Kelabit Highlands. The hike isn't too strenuous, but it does require a reasonable level of fitness. Make sure to bring water and snacks, and start early to avoid the midday heat.

  
  

• Bike through Bario's Rice Fields

  
  

  Riding a bike through Bario's picturesque rice fields is a great way to explore the area and get a feel for rural life in the highlands. The terrain is mostly flat, making it an easy ride suitable for all fitness levels. As you pedal along the dirt paths between the fields, you'll see farmers tending to their crops and water buffaloes wallowing in muddy pools.

  The scenery is stunning, with the emerald green of the rice paddies contrasting against the backdrop of misty mountains. Don't be surprised if locals wave and greet you as you pass by - the Kelabit are known for their friendliness. Make sure to stop occasionally to take photos or chat with farmers. It's a relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon, and you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the local agriculture that's so central to life in Bario.

  
  

• Visit the Bario Handicraft Center

  
  

  The Bario Handicraft Center is a treasure trove of local art and culture. It's a place where traditional Kelabit crafts are not just displayed, but actively kept alive. When you step inside, you're greeted by a colorful array of handmade items, each with its own story and significance.

  You'll find intricate beadwork, woven baskets, and carved wooden items. The beadwork is particularly stunning – necklaces, bracelets, and other accessories made with tiny, colorful beads in traditional patterns. Each design has a meaning, often tied to Kelabit myths and legends. The center is more than just a shop, though. It's also a place where local artisans come to work and teach their skills to younger generations.

  If you're lucky, you might catch a demonstration of traditional crafting techniques. Watching the skilled hands of the artisans as they work is mesmerizing. It's a great opportunity to pick up unique, locally-made souvenirs that really capture the essence of Bario. Plus, by buying here, you're directly supporting the local community and helping to keep these traditional crafts alive.

  
  

• Visit a Kelabit Longhouse

  
  

  Experiencing life in a traditional Kelabit longhouse is a highlight of any trip to Bario. These communal dwellings are the heart of Kelabit culture, where multiple families live under one roof. You'll be amazed at the size of these structures, some stretching over 100 meters long!

  Most longhouses welcome visitors, but it's best to go with a local guide who can explain the customs and etiquette. You might get to see daily activities like weaving or food preparation. If you're lucky, you could be invited to share a meal with the residents. It's a chance to try local delicacies like wild boar, bamboo chicken, or the famous Bario rice. The warmth and hospitality of the Kelabit people will leave a lasting impression.

  
  

• Explore the Bario Salt Spring

  
  

  The Bario Salt Spring is a unique natural wonder that's been a cornerstone of local culture for generations. This isn't your average spring – the water here is naturally salty, and it's been used by the Kelabit people to produce their famous Bario salt for centuries.

  When you visit, you'll see the traditional salt-making process in action. Local folks still use age-old methods to extract salt from the spring water. They boil it in large woks over wood fires, slowly evaporating the water until only pure, mineral-rich salt remains. It's a slow process, but the result is a distinctive salt that's prized by chefs and food lovers.

  Besides watching the salt-making, you can take a walk around the spring area. The surrounding jungle is lush and full of bird calls. If you're lucky, you might spot some of the local wildlife. Don't forget to pick up some Bario salt as a souvenir – it's a tasty reminder of this special place.

  
  

• Take a Guided Jungle Walk

  
  

  The jungles around Bario are some of the most pristine in Borneo, and taking a guided walk through them is an experience you won't forget. These aren't manicured nature trails – this is the real deal, raw and wild. A local guide is essential here, not just for navigation but for the wealth of knowledge they bring.

  As you trek through the dense undergrowth, your guide will point out plants used in traditional medicine, show you how to spot animal tracks, and maybe even help you find some edible jungle treats. You might see pitcher plants, massive buttress roots, and if you're really lucky, some of the colorful birds that call this forest home.

  The walks can be tailored to your fitness level and interests. Some people are happy with a couple of hours in the forest, while others might want a full-day adventure. Either way, you'll come away with a new appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the rainforest ecosystem. Just remember to wear long pants and sleeves to protect against insects, and be prepared for sudden rain showers – it is a rainforest, after all!

  
  

• Learn Kelabit Beadwork

  
  

  Kelabit beadwork is a traditional craft that's been passed down through generations. Taking a workshop to learn this intricate art is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture. You'll be taught by skilled artisans who are eager to share their knowledge and keep this tradition alive.

  The workshop usually starts with an introduction to the significance of beadwork in Kelabit culture. You'll learn about the different patterns and what they symbolize. Then, you'll get hands-on experience, learning how to string beads and create simple designs. It's harder than it looks, but incredibly satisfying when you start to see your creation take shape. By the end of the session, you'll have a unique, handmade souvenir to take home. It's a fun and engaging way to spend a few hours, especially if you enjoy crafts or want a deeper understanding of Kelabit traditions.

  
  

• Try Kelabit Cuisine Cooking Class

  
  

  Kelabit cuisine is a hidden gem of Malaysian food, and there's no better place to learn about it than right here in Bario. Some of the local guesthouses offer cooking classes where you can get hands-on experience with traditional Kelabit dishes. It's a fun way to dive into the local culture and pick up some new kitchen skills.

  You'll start by learning about the key ingredients in Kelabit cooking. The famous Bario rice is often the star, but you'll also work with local vegetables, herbs, and maybe even some wild ingredients foraged from the jungle. The cooking methods are interesting too – bamboo plays a big role, used both as a cooking vessel and to impart flavor.

  You might learn to make dishes like nuba laya (rice cooked in leaves), or abu rogo (a fragrant chicken dish). The best part? You get to eat your creations at the end of the class. It's not just a meal, it's a full cultural experience. And you'll go home with recipes to impress your friends with your newfound Bornean cooking skills!