Bario

Bario (or as Google maps calls it - 'Bareo') is a village located in the centre of the Kelabit Highlands in Miri Division, Sarawak, Malaysia and 1000 m (3280 ft) above sea level. It is the main settlement for the indigenous Kelabit tribe in what is known locally as the Kelabit Highlands. There are regular flights between Bario Airport and Ba'kelalan, Marudi and Miri.

Over a century ago, the Kelabits were somewhat involved in headhunting raids, 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.

Very few visits were made by outside people until, in March 1945, the area became a base for an anti-Japanese military operation when a small force under Tom Harrisson landed by parachute.

The Kelabit Highlands is tucked in northeastern of Sarawak and is very close to the international border between Kalimantan and Sarawak. Bario is on the Kelabit Highlands, 3280 feet above sea level. It is the unofficial capital of the Kelabit Highlands. All roads lead to Bario. Due to geographical barriers, this wonderful place is isolated from the rest of the world.

Despite its remoteness, there is infrastructure such as an airport, telecentre for internet access and computer services, schools, churches, clinic, police station and shops.

The Kelabit, at approximately 5000 people, is one of the smallest ethnic groups in Sarawak. Like many other indigenous communities in Sarawak, the Kelabit live in longhouses on the highlands. However, due to economic and social factors, many have migrated to live in urban areas over the last 20 years. It is estimated that roughly only 1200 Kelabit are still living on the highlands.

The Kelabit speak their language which is called "Kelabit". Today, many have learned to speak English and Malay languages.

In 1946 the first school was opened by Tom Harrisson, 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.

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Wikipedia