According to Tom Harrisson, the Lun Bawang people began to move into Baram and Limbang districts in the 17th century. Despite coming under the Brooke influence when Trusan district became part of Sarawak in 1885, the colonial influence was minimal. There was significant border contacts with the Krayan people in Kalimantan, Indonesia. However, majority of trades with border communities in Indonesia happened at coastal towns in Sarawak. The extent of trades happening around the border is unknown. Among the common items used during trades are: rice, buffaloes, and clothes. The Krayan people from Long Bawan, Indonesia also provided a source of human labour for farming communities in Ba'kelalan.