Kelabit Highlands Travel Guide

Situated on a massive plateau in Sarawak, Malaysia, the Kelabit Highlands are remote and appeal to travelers looking to escape the crowds. It is one of the most isolated places trekkers venture in Malaysia.

The highlands are named after the Kelabit highland people, but there are several other ethnic groups that live and farm here. Most guided treks bring hikers to indigenous villages where they can mix with locals and get a perspective on their culture. On overnight treks, guests will probably be put up in a Kelabit longhouse, where they are served traditional cuisine.

Permits aren’t required to enter the area (despite the insistence of outdated guidebooks). This is classic Borneo backcountry, complete with rickety bamboo bridges, forest mangoes and carnivorous pitcher plants. Each tour guide has their own idea on how to guard against leeches, and it is wise to take their advice.

The highlands also hold Sarawak’s highest peak, Gunung Murud, which towers 7,949 feet over the landscape. This is the greatest challenge for hikers, and guides are happy to lead treks to the summit.

Getting There & Away

There are several airstrips dotting the highlands, and chartered planes can access several different regions. Flights to Bario connect through Miri (a 50-minute flight), where non-stop flights to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (2 hours, 10 minutes) are scheduled. It is theoretically possible to take a four-wheel drive vehicle from the coast to the highlands over old logging roads, but flying is much more convenient.