Bario-Amazing Borneo

Bario Kelabit is a Malaysian village located in the centre of the Kelabit Highlands in the northeast of Sarawak, very close to the international border with Indonesian Kalimantan, and 3280 feet above sea level. It is the main settlement in the Kelabit Highlands. There are regular flights between Bario Airport and Ba'kelalan, Marudi and Miri.

History

Over a century ago, the Kelabits were somewhat involved in headhuntingraids, not so much for ritual purposes but as a means to prove one’s courage, bravery or valour, and to get even with their enemy. However, things have changed. Today among other things, the Kelabits are well known for their friendliness and hospitality. They embraced Christianity during the 1940s through the influence of Guru Paul, also known as Nimang Tepun.

In the year 1946, the first school was opened by Tom Harrison, who lived with the Kelabits for two years after the Second World War. In 2001, the Bario community was named as one of the Top Seven Intelligent Communities by World Teleport Association.