Penghulu Lawai was the Penghulu when Tom Harrisson parachuted into Bario. From this Longhouse, are more longhouses surrounding it; Arur Dalan, Arur Layun, Ulung Palang and Pasir Padang, where the airstrip is situated. Quite a walk from the airport to Bario Asal, at least a distance of 5km. During our visit here in 1987, everybody walks and come toward you to shake hand. In 2004, when we visited Bario again, most folks travel on a Honda Cup and therefore barely a handshake. In 2004 visit, we stayed for 3 night at Liam Labang Lodge and it was the best stay we ever had. Liam is the son of David Labang, a medical officer and a elder Kelabit leader. We wrote to David during our planning stage of the 1987 expedition and he was very helpful. So it was very nice that we had a chance to get to know his son, Liam who is a very charismatic person.
Our stay in the Labang lodge for 3 nights cost 4 of us RM150 with breakfast and dinner thrown in and hosted by Liam himself.
Also there are lots of Bario Kelabit momentos and photo collections with one picture of Liam grandfather standing with Tom Harrisson. History is in here, at Labang Logde. Pictures of the Lodge can be view at another gallery here. Bario Revisised 2004.