Penan Village at Long Iman in Mulu, Sarawak

Penan Village at Long Iman in Mulu, Sarawak

Penan Village at Long Iman

Penan Village at Long Iman in Mulu Sarawak. This remote village is found on the Melinau river in Mulu and it is also close to the Mulu National Park and about 15 minutes longboat ride from the Royal Mulu Resort. Tourist have been going to various Penan, Berawan, Kelabit, Murut villages around the Gunung Mulu National Park which is home to these indigenous people. Penans are the last remaining semi-nomadic people of Malaysia.

Penan village longhouse at Long Iman, Mulu

Video of the Penan Longhouse

Penan people in Long Iman live in semi modern longhouses which are provided by the government. Following the traditional longhouse, these amazing homes can house anywhere from 30 to 100 families in just one long house. There are still a few Penans who refuse to be civilized but most of the Penan people have been settled in current longhouse communities as part of government “modernisation” programs.

Penan Village Long Iman - Penan longboat making

Penans are simple people with simple means. The Penan people hunt, fish, farm and occasionally build boats for a living. The boat in the above picture was being carved out of one piece of tree and it was about 30-40 feet long. Amazing skill as it takes the boat maker about 2-3 months to complete one boat.

Mulu, Long Iman - A Penan boy

Penan children of Long Iman are relatively carefree and do whatever they like. A local school is provided as I recall seeing one near the Mulu Airport.

Mulu, Long Iman - Penan handicraft being sold to travelers

Besides the regular farming and hunting, tourism has brought some income back to the Penan people in Long Iman. Also reviving the nearly dying traditional bead work and weaving. Nowadays since Royal Mulu Resort and other lodges around the park have gained more popularity, the increase of Eco-tourism has brought many travelers to visit the Penans of Mulu.

An elderly Penan woman holding a Bamboo Guitar

At the Penan longhouse, when tourist start to arrive from the riverbanks of the Melinau River, the Penan people will start to bring out their handicraft and other wares to sell them to the tourist. The Penan people are generally shy but here at Long Iman, they are used to seeing tourist so photography is alright. But then again, always ask before taking your picture of the people. Or check with your guide.

Penan Village - Long Iman - Longhouse souvenirs

Each Penan family will have their own space at the bottom of the longhouse where they display the hand made souvenirs. They live upstairs and the bottom of the longhouse has an empty space for playing or storing goods. Some of them even convert it into a little tuck shop for the locals.

Mulu, Long Iman - Penan woman playing a nose flute

I personally bought a number of items from them as I have a collection of ethnic musical instruments. As the picture above, you see a Penan woman playing a nose flute which is carved out of bamboo. Assuming it would cost much, I was surprised when the price offered was a mere RM10.00 (US$2.85) for one nose flute. I bought 2 from this Penan lady which made her day.

Penan Village, Long Iman - Penan trinkets and woodcraft

As you walk along the bottom of the Penan longhouse, you will see a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs being displayed. You get woven bracelets, wooden spoons, beaded jewellery, basic traditional musical instruments, mock blow pipes, weaved mats and even some miniature carved statues which were most likely traded with other villages to be sold here. Prices are negotiable with the local Penan traders. But don't make it sound like you are going to pay only 10% of what they asked for. This ain't Chinatown. Be reasonable.

Penan Villag at Long Iman - Penan weaved mats

After you pass each stall, they will instantly wrap up their goods and get back to what ever they were doing. It was a funny sight as I saw something I liked at one of the earlier stalls and when I walked half way, I turned around and saw that the Penan lady had packed up and went upstairs. So much for thinking twice.

Penan dogs taking a break

Finally after spending about an hour there, I decided to make my way back to the Royal Mulu Resort. Note that most tour operators would only have you visit Long Iman for about 15 to 20 minutes. Again, a beautiful day spent well here at the Penan Village in Long Iman, Mulu.

Tours are available via the Royal Mulu Resort so contact the Tour Desk.

Some Penan Articles that may interest you;
Penan Tribe by BBC UK
Penan People information from Wikipedia
Penan - People of Asian Rainforest
Penans of Sarawak Facebook Group


Visit my other article on the Royal Mulu Resort in Sarawak.

~ David, Malaysia Asia

Posted in: blogsherpa,Gunung Mulu National Park,Malaysia,Malaysia - Borneo,Malaysia - Eco Tourism,Malaysia - Sarawak,Malaysia - Tribes,Malaysia Borneo Sarawak,Sarawak