Picnic with the Penan
For those with limited time this 3 night escape will provide a fascinating glipse into rural Sarawak and the Penan culture.
Picnic with the Penan
Includes an optional night camping in the forest with the jungle masters. Exact village destination will depend of day of the week departure. Departs Fridays, Saturdays and Tuesdays from Miri.
The Penan are one of the smallest tribes on the Island of Borneo and only present in a small area of Sarawak and even fewer in Brunei. They are the last of the hunter gatherers and are noted for their practice of ‘molong’ which means never taking more than necessary.
This trip will be amazing for individuals and groups who are interested in discovering off the beaten locations in rural Borneo. Adventurous activities such as caving, jungle trekking, wilderness living, traditional boat travel and cultural immersion
No wi-fi, no phone signal!
What Our Adventurers Think:
Myself and three ladies spent 9 days with the Penan. Our trip was put together by Adventure Alternative Borneo who booked internal flights, arranged 4×4 jeeps , had long tail boats ready and of course had local Penan guides ready to look after us for the duration.
During our time we trekked from village to village and also travelled by long tail boat. It was an incredible experience that was totally authentic. We learnt about the Penans way of life by staying with them in their homes and also by camping out in hammocks in the jungle.
Throughout our whole time we were looked after incredibly well in which safety was always their number on priority. Our local guides were true gentleman who ensured that we always had a hot drink and food at the end of the trekking day, and were always on hand when it came to crossing rivers and climbing steep slopes.
The Penan are truly amazing people who will show you insight in their world that you won’t forget. We will be back in for more adventures in Borneo.”
Our Picnic with the Penan Itinerary
You need to have a flexible attitude to planning and daily schedules and be prepared for simple repetitive meals.
Depart Miri airport for either Long Akah or Long Banga rural airports with MASWINGS. www.maswings.com.my
Upon arrival at airport meet your local Penan guide and continue your journey for approx 90-120 mins along logging road in 4 x 4 to the river transfer. Last chance for any supplies at small shop and then into the longboat ‘dugouts’ for 30-45 mins journey up river to the small Penan village on the banks of the river. Meet your host ‘homestay’ family and settle in. After light refreshments time for a short river and jungle hike or visit local farm. Return to the village for a refreshing wash in the the river. Enjoy local dinner and talk and learn more about remote rural Sarawak lifestyle.
Early wake up for breakfast. Then head up picturesque Borneo river for 30 mins before 2 hour trek to “Hornbill’ camp. Set up hammocks and watch and learn as Penan guides show you the secrets of their forest home. At the top of the hill enjoy fantastic views of the rainforest and nearby mountains including sunset with Mt Murud Kecil as backdrop – simply unforgetable!
As an alternative itinerary depending on departure day you may choose to visit different village and trek to one of the largest waterfalls in Sarawak. Ask for more details, also featured in Sarawak’s Lost Worlds.
Wake up with the rainforest from your hammock to the gibbons, hornbills and other birds overlooking the forest and surrounding valleys with Mt Murud Kecil in the distance. After simple breakfast, pack up camp and begin trek to waterfall where there is plenty of time to relax and swim. Lunch will be taken here or back at the vilage. P.m Optional activities inc fishing or handicraft lessons.
Evening dinner with your host family.
Departure after breakfast, back down river to the main road and onto to Long Akah or Long Banga airports for return flight to Miri.
End of a short but memorable Penan adventure.
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