How to get to Long Seridan

Long Seridan is a secluded settlement in the heart of the Sarawak jungle, located within Malaysia. This remote retreat attracts travelers with the opportunity to experience the culture of the Kelabit people and untouched nature. You can reach Long Seridan by a direct flight on a light aircraft or by undertaking an adventurous journey on an off-road vehicle along challenging forest tracks.

The fastest and most reliable way to reach the destination is by air, as Long Seridan possesses its own small airport (STOLport, IATA code: ODN). Regular flights on light Twin Otter aircraft are operated here by the regional airline MASwings from the city of Miri and the settlement of Marudi. The flight offers a unique opportunity to view the boundless tropical forests of Borneo from above, and the airfield itself is located in immediate proximity to the residential area.

Railway connection is completely absent in this part of the island of Borneo, making it impossible to reach Long Seridan by train. The complex mountainous terrain and dense vegetation make laying tracks impractical. Tourists should exclude this mode of transport from their itinerary and focus on air travel or prepared off-road vehicles.

Direct regular bus services to Long Seridan do not exist, as only unpaved logging roads lead here, which are impassable for standard transport. Intercity buses operate only between major coastal cities without entering deep into the highlands. The only alternative can be private four-wheel-drive jeeps, which sometimes transport passengers by arrangement, serving as public transport for local residents.

Traveling by car to Long Seridan is a serious challenge requiring a reliable four-wheel-drive vehicle (4WD) and an experienced driver. The routes connecting the settlement with the neighboring points of Bario and Ba'kelalan pass along former logging tracks, the condition of which depends critically on the weather. Travel time here is measured not in kilometers but by the difficulty of overcoming mud and river crossings, so the journey may take significantly longer than it appears on the map.

A trip to Long Seridan is an immersion into wild nature, requiring thorough preparation and self-sufficiency. The following recommendations will help you avoid difficulties and enjoy the adventure:

1. Equipment. Be sure to bring sturdy trekking boots and light clothing with long sleeves for protection against insects and leeches in the jungle, as well as for modesty.
2. Transport. Only rented off-road vehicles or boats are suitable for moving around the region; ordinary passenger cars are useless here.
3. Finances. Stock up on a sufficient amount of cash (Malaysian Ringgit), as ATMs and card payment facilities are absent in the settlement.
4. Connectivity. Be prepared for a complete lack of mobile network and internet; download offline maps in advance and inform your family.
5. Health. Assemble an extended first aid kit with repellents, antiseptics, and personal medications, as access to medical care is limited.
6. Etiquette. Respect local traditions: remove your shoes when entering residential homes (longhouses) and maintain a modest and respectful demeanor.
7. Water. Drink only boiled or bottled water to avoid stomach infections.
8. Gifts. Small gifts (food items or halal sweets for tea) for the hosts with whom you stay are considered a sign of good manners and appreciation.

Observing these simple rules will ensure your safety and allow you to feel the atmosphere of hospitality in the heart of the jungle more deeply.