Bario history

The history of the emergence of Bario differs significantly from the chronicles of most cities. This settlement, located in the heart of the Kelabit Highlands in the state of Sarawak (Malaysia), does not have a recorded founding date in the conventional sense. It was formed over centuries as a collection of villages and the cultural centre of the Kelabit people, who lived for a long time in isolation from the outside world amidst the dense jungles of Borneo.

Key Development Factors

The development of Bario as a hub in the highlands was driven by several unique conditions:

• Geographic Isolation. Its location at an altitude of about 1,000 metres above sea level and the absence of roads served as natural protection for the local inhabitants, allowing them to preserve an authentic way of life for centuries.
• Salt Springs. The presence of natural salt springs played a decisive role in the region's economy. In the past, salt was the "white gold" of the jungle, and neighbouring tribes travelled vast distances to trade their goods for salt from Bario.
• Fertile Valleys. The cool climate and abundance of water allowed for the development of unique agricultural methods here.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, the region's economy has been based on agriculture that was advanced for this area. Unlike many tribes of Borneo who practised nomadic slash-and-burn farming, the residents of Bario mastered stationary rice cultivation in wet paddy fields. The famous Bario rice, renowned for its quality, has been cultivated here for generations.

The cultural landscape of the early period is also marked by a megalithic tradition. Ancient stone monuments and carved stones scattered throughout the surroundings testify to a complex social hierarchy and the rich ritual traditions of the ancestors of modern residents, which existed long before the arrival of Europeans.

• 1939 — Arrival of the first missionaries from the Borneo Evangelical Mission, marking the beginning of cultural changes and the spread of Christianity among the Kelabit people.
• 1945 (March) — Arrival of Tom Harrisson's expedition, becoming a turning point in the history of the highlands and opening the region to active interaction with the outside world.
• 1953 — Construction of the first earthen airstrip by local residents, thanks to which regular air communication was established.
• 1963 — The state of Sarawak joins the newly formed Federation of Malaysia, defining a new administrative and political status for the territory.
• 1963–1966 — A period of intensive infrastructure development and strengthening of the state presence in Bario, contributing to the closer integration of the region into the national system.
• 1967 — Opening of the first government secondary school, giving children from highland villages the opportunity to receive an education without leaving their homeland.
• 1996 — Completion of airport modernisation and construction of a concrete runway, allowing for the reception of more reliable Twin Otter aircraft.
• 1999 — Launch of the pioneering e-Bario project, providing the isolated community with access to the internet and information technologies.
• 2006 — Holding of the first Pesta Nukenen food and culture festival, aimed at preserving unique traditions and attracting travellers.
• 2011 — The famous Bario rice officially received the status of a product with a Protected Geographical Indication.

Key Stages of Transformation

The development of Bario is a unique example of how a remote community has been able to adapt to modernity while preserving its identity. The main milestones in the settlement's history are not connected with an industrial revolution, but with overcoming isolation and the intelligent use of local resources.

• Establishment of an Air Bridge. The construction of the airstrip became a crucial economic driver. Regular air travel reduced the journey to civilisation from several weeks of walking to an hour's flight, ensuring stable supplies of goods and access to medical care.
• Creation of an Educational Hub. The opening of a government secondary school had colossal social significance. This allowed young people to receive an education without leaving the highlands at an early age, which formed a high level of literacy among the local population and strengthened the community.
• Technological Breakthrough (e-Bario). The introduction of the internet and computer technologies in the late 1990s was a phenomenon for such an isolated territory. The project ensured digital inclusivity, allowing residents to promote their services and goods on the global market.
• Branding of Agricultural Products. The official recognition of the uniqueness of Bario rice and obtaining Protected Geographical Indication status turned subsistence farming into a profitable export business, becoming the foundation of well-being for many families.
• Development of Hospitality Infrastructure. The transition to an eco-tourism model and the creation of a network of family guesthouses (homestays) diversified the economy. This allowed for the monetisation of unique culture and nature, attracting travellers from all over the world who visit Malaysia for an authentic experience.

Architectural Appearance and Development Features

The urban structure of Bario is unique and does not follow classical laws of urban planning. It is not a city with a clear grid of streets, but an extensive agglomeration of villages united around fertile rice fields and an airstrip. Architecture here is a reflection of the close connection between man and the jungle and the evolution of the communal way of life characteristic of the highlands for which Malaysia is famous.

The development of the built environment can be roughly divided into two key eras, each of which has shaped the current look of the settlement:

The Era of Longhouses (Traditional Style)

The historical core of the development is the longhouse — a unique architectural phenomenon where an entire community lives under one roof. This style dominated for centuries and remains the hallmark of the region.

• Structural Features: Buildings were erected on high stilts for protection against floods and wild animals. The main materials used were hard woods (belian), bamboo, and rattan. Roofs were traditionally covered with palm leaves.
• Layout: The space is clearly zoned. A common gallery (ruai) serves as a place for gatherings, work, and socialising, while behind it are private living quarters (bilik) for each family with their own hearth.
• Landmark Object: Bario Asal Lembaa — one of the oldest surviving longhouses. It preserves an authentic atmosphere with open hearths (tetel) and is a living historical monument where descendants of the founders still live today.

Period of Modernisation and Functionalism (from the mid-20th century)

With the advent of air travel and Christian missions, the architectural landscape began to change. Exclusively natural materials were replaced by more durable and practical solutions, and the settlement structure became more dispersed.

• Transitional Style: The use of zinc roofs and factory-processed timber. Longhouses began to be modernised, and glass windows and modern amenities appeared.
• Individual Housing: In recent decades, there has been a move away from communal living. Separate private houses have grown around historical centres, often combining elements of traditional decor with modern comfort.
• Community Centres: The Market Centre (Bario Market Centre) and the complex of buildings around the airport became the centre of public life. These structures are built in a utilitarian style but are often decorated with traditional Kelabit ornaments emphasising local identity.

Today, Bario represents a harmonious combination of ancient longhouses standing amidst emerald rice terraces and neat modern cottages functioning as guesthouses for tourists.

Notable Personalities

Despite the remoteness and compactness of the community, Bario and the Kelabit people have gifted the world a whole galaxy of talented individuals of whom all Malaysia is proud. From researchers and athletes to modern reformers and artists — these figures have played an important role in preserving the heritage of the highlands and glorifying the region far beyond its borders.

• Tom Harrisson
  Role: Anthropologist, explorer, museum curator.
  Although Harrisson was British, his name is forever inscribed in the history of the highlands. In the 1940s, he arrived in the jungles of Borneo, playing a key role in the historical events of the region during that period. Later, as curator of the Sarawak Museum, he dedicated years to studying and documenting the unique culture, customs, and megalithic monuments of the Kelabits, revealing this ethnic group to world science.

• Kuda Ditta
  Role: Athlete, the first Olympian from Sarawak.
  A significant figure in the history of sports. He became the first representative of the state to participate in the Olympic Games (Tokyo, 1964). Competing in hurdles and javelin, Kuda Ditta demonstrated the phenomenal physical fitness of the highlanders and became an example for many generations of athletes in Malaysia.

• Dato' Sri Idris Jala
  Role: Statesman, management expert.
  One of the most famous individuals from the Kelabit people to achieve heights at the national level. He held ministerial posts in the federal government and headed the national airline, as well as led large-scale programmes for the country's economic transformation. His path inspires youth from remote villages to strive for quality education and professional growth.

• Alena Murang
  Role: Musician, artist, guardian of traditions.
  The modern face of Sarawak culture on the international stage. Alena became one of the first women to professionally play the sape — a traditional lute that was previously considered an exclusively male instrument. Through her art, she adapts ancient songs and legends for the modern listener, contributing to the preservation of the endangered languages of Borneo.

• Dato Gerawat Gala
  Role: Politician, public figure.
  Deputy Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly and a prominent defender of indigenous interests. His activities are largely aimed at developing infrastructure in rural areas and protecting the rights of local communities to ancestral lands, which is of critical importance for preserving the way of life in Bario.