Despite its remoteness, there are some basic infrastructures
such as an airport, telecentre for internet access and computer services,
schools, churches, clinic, police station and shops. There are two daily flights
to Bario from Miri and it takes about 50 minutes on the Twin Otter
airplane. At Miri Airport, each passenger is only allowed to take around
10 kg loads or luggage with them to fly to Bario. When passengers are returning
from Bario airport to Miri airport, their luggage cannot exceed 15 kg
simply because the runway at Bario airport is very short.
In the past, even after tourists have purchased a confirmed ticket from
Bario to Miri, they still require to go to MAS office at the Bario Airport to register
their name into a log book to further confirm their return date to Miri. This
was necessary then because the plane has limited seats and the local MAS-Wings
officer accorded special privileges to Bario citizens in securing a seat on the
plane (before tourists!).
However after the newly reconstructed runway,
everyone has been treated equally irrespective of their citizenship status. Despite
this, it is essential to make an effort to be at the airport well in advance of
departure time to avoid disappointment. Flights can still arrive and
depart early irrespective of weather conditions. For overseas tourist, upon
reaching Bario, it is a courtesy to go to the immigration department for
a simple and quick registration. If you encounter any problems during
arrival at Bario airport, do not hesitate to ask for help around, the Kelabit
people are very warm and friendly and will always go out of their way to ensure
that visitors are comfortable.
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Bario
Airport, Sarawak – Malaysia.
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