Kelabit Highlands

Gem's Lodge

A friendly home-stay run by husband and wife jaman and sumi riboh. jaman riboh is the most well known of the guides in the kelabit highlands and comes highly recommended, though jaman is no longer guiding. the lodge itself is spacious, clean and in an amazing location for tranquility and as a base for jungle trekking, boating, fishing etc. virtually all of the flora and fauna of the kelabit highlands can be found in the immediate area around the lodge. full board, half board and room only available but sumi's cooking is varied and high quality so full board recommended. packed lunches can also be provided. guides, airport transfers and other local activities can also be arranged. usual rates for the area. lighting and 240v electricity provided in the evenings and cold beer/coke/water can also be provided. contact [email protected] for bookings and queries.

Bariew Backpacker Lodge & Tour

Perfectly placed in bario town, a short walk from the shops past the old airstrip, this is an excellent family-run guesthouse frequented by sociable locals as well as visitors. the proprietor, reddish, knows everyone in town and has close ties with the longhouses on the treks around the highlands. as well as basic fan rooms, tasty meals and evening barbecues, the lodge can arrange guides and activities. accommodation per night inclusive of meals is rm45-55. telephone: 085 791 038 email: [email protected]

Bario Asal Longhouse

A short walk from 'downtown' bario, this longhouse is a friendly spot with pictures of the longhouse residents past and present hung on the wall. not too many families live here any more, so it's relatively quiet. telephone: 085 791 065, email: [email protected]

Tarawe's

100m north of the old airfield lies tarawe's, a relaxed lodging house run by a local, john tarawe. it has four rooms with three beds in each, and mats for occassions when large groups arrive. inexpensive, hearty meals are available too, including occassionally wild boar, ferns in garlic, rice and other seasonal dishes around rm10 per meal. breakfasts usually consist of noodles and eggs around rm5. email: [email protected]

De Plateau Lodge

This is another good choice, with comfortable rooms and nice common areas. the owner here can arrange treks, bird-watching and other activities. it's located in a white-timber house surrounded by a lovely garden, 2km east of bario; stick left when the road forks. email: [email protected]

Batu Ritung

One of the five homestays available in pa'lungan, this one comes highly recommended. food is of excellent quality and owners speak very good english and are a good source of information.

Highly recommended, Nancy is very helpful and will make you feel right at home. They'll help you arrange a licensed guide, and the large map of the area on the wall assists you in working out where you want to go. It costs 80RN As of August 2011 per person which includes 3 good meals a day, a free flow tea & coffee and a free airport transfer. Harris cooking can be supperb.

camping

You can arrange camping out in the jungle as part of a multi day trek with your guide.

Contact Gems Lodge at [email protected] to ask about local overnight camping.