Long Lellang is a small village in the Kelabit highlands and also known as Long Lelang. It lies approximately 578 kilometres (359 mi) north-east of the state capital Kuching and populated by the Kelabit tribe alongside Penan people. The population of Long Lellang is about 100 families. Long Lellang Airport is a STOL airfield, providing access to this remote village. Bario Food Festival is a three day event that celebrates the cultural and culinary heritage and traditions of the Kelabits. It is organised on the last weekend of July every year. Started in 2005, it has become an annual highlight in the highland's festive calendar. Visitors to the festival can experience exotic Kelabit food and authentic cultural displays. A huge portion of the Kelabit diet is greens and game plucked from the jungles and also grubs and river crabs, snakes and wild boar are there for the brave. For those with less appetite for meat, the green offerings are pleasant for visitors.

How to Get There

By Plane

Long Lellang has a small airport which is served by the rural air services of Malaysian airlines with two flights a week, one each on Wednesday morning and Saturday lunchtime. The direct flight to Miri Airport takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes whilst Wednesday's flight via Marudi airport takes about an hour and ten minutes.

Tourist Attractions

Trekking

One of the activities available here is day trekking. There are places where more popular walks that you can complete within a day and which do not usually require a guide. Bario-Pa Umor takes around 50 minutes at a fast pace and many people take this scenic walk to Gem's Lodge homestay and walk slowly with a camera in hand for the views, orchids and various flora and fauna along the way in which case this can be a relaxing 1 to 3 hours walk. There are many tours ranging from RM80 to RM 100. There are also expeditions to Gunung Murud and Butu Lawi and this adventure requires two guides for security reasons and visitors are advised to bring extra clothes and also shoes with strong grip as well as first aid kit and water for refreshment.

Hotels

Jungle Blues Dream Homestay & Art Gallery

An artistic homestay lodge is composed with a great sweeping view from the dining area as the building is on top of a small hill next to the main church. There is an art gallery at reading room in the same longhouse area as the partitioned rooms hung with paintings and offer comfy beds complete with cotton sheets and cosy duvets. Meals, including packed lunches, are healthy and homely with tea and coffee making facilities available. There is also guides that can arrange to pick you up or drop you off at the airport or you can walk the 45 minutes through Bario and free parking available for guests.

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. The Lodge itself is spacious, clean and in an amazing location for tranquility and as a base for jungle trekking, boating and fishing. All of the flora and fauna of the Kelabit Highlands can be found in the immediate area around the lodge. There are full board, half board and normal room available and Sumi's cooking is amazing and high quality so full board recommended and packed lunches can also be provided. Guides, airport transfers and other local activities can also be arranged.