The Best Flight in East Malaysia

I bring you "The Best in..." from my travels in Sabah and Sarawak in the last two months.

The Best Flight: flying to the Kelabit Highlands on this small Twin Otter plane

Lonely Planet describes it as the most exciting flight in the region. I agree whole-heartedly. As the plane doesn't fly that high, I could make out the meandering rivers with their ox-bow lakes, the lush, endless jungles of Borneo and the mountain peaks that looked like within touching distance.

But remember to sit on the left side of the plane for the unforgettable experience. It's free sitting and there're no pretty air hostesses to greet and direct you to your seat. After all, there're only 19 seats. And one last thing, know your weight as you'll be asked. The plane's overall weight is a critical factor.

NOTE:  I've posted a video clip on the flight on 26 Sept but if you can't find it there, go to Youtube and search for "Twin Otter anding at Bario (Keabit Highands)".

MASswings' Twin Otter Plane Landing In Bario, Kelabit Highlands

Sorry this is a belated post I know but now that my Realplayer has been fixed I can post this.

Video shows MASwings Twin Otter plane arriving at Bario airport in the Kelabit Highlands. Watch carefully as the tiny plane swoops over the mountains and valley. What sort of airport would you expect in this "ulu" (remote) area?

Take off from Miri Airport for Kelabit Highlands - video clip

I'd wanted to post this video clip but my realplayer was problematic. This is a belated post.



Video clip shows MASwings Twin Otter taking off from Miri airport bound for the Kelabit Highlands. I kept a close watch on the propellers, fearing they'd suddenly stop and...



Quiz: How many passengers do you think this plane can take?



(A)19 (B) 25 (C) 30 (D) 37

MASwings to Kelabit Highlands, Sarawak

The Big Brother. Just look at the propeller blades! Awesome! These are probably MASwing newer planes.

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter being unloaded.

I crept as near as I dared to take these pictures.

An Australian backpacker, who happens to be a pilot, told me this Twin Otter is probably about 20 years old.

A return trip to the Kelabit Highlands from Miri is about RM 190 nett. The flight is only about 45 mins. Book now.

MASwings to Kelabit Highlands

The only practical way to reach such a remote and isolated place like the Kelabit Highlands is to fly on MASwings' Twin Otter plane (about 45 mins)



From my front row seat, I could watch the pilots flying the plane. Cockpit has no door so you could say Hi to the pilots.
The pilots were mad with me for getting too close. One of them got out and scolded me, "This is an airport. You want to get your head chopped off?"
The handsome Twin Otter. NO welcoming party on board. Just grab any seat you fancy.
No toilets either. So if you get CON (call of nature) you're in deep trouble.