Penan Peace Park Long Kerong
Penan Peace Park Long Kerong
4.9
About
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Reach out directly
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.9
24 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Gucci Holunder
7 contributions
Jun 2023
My girlfriend and I got the chance to visit the Penan this summer in Long Ajeng and Long Kerong. We had an amazing trip to some of the last primary forests of Sarawak and the awesome Penan people. Our trip was facilitated by the Penan organization " Keruan - Voices of the Penans" and we were accompanied by our guide Mutang. Our goal was to visit the villages in the upper baram area and learn about the current way of life of the Penan as well as visit the forest. It was by far the best experience and adventure we had in years!!!
The organization is quite improvised and we just met our guide and the driver (Simpson) at the airport in Miri. They were very flexible about our wishes and improvised on the go. We spent two nights in the village of Long Ajeng (only accessible by boat) then 6 nights in Long Kerong (also only accessible by boat).
The way to get there is either by plane to Long Akah (only twice a week I think) or by 7h 4WD from Miri. Both are very spectacular and I highly recommend doing one way 4WD and the other way by plane. The boat rides to the villages are stunning and an adventure by themselves.
In the villages the program is quite flexible, we decided on a day to day basis what we wanted to do and what the weather permits. The options included jungle treks, swimming in the river, night walks, fishing the local way and just chilling in the village. Don’t expect a predefined program and just take it as it comes. Mutang was very eager (and extremely knowledgeable) to show us the forest and we did one single day trip and then an over night stay in the forest (they have a nice cabin on a mountain top for tourists like us 😉 so don’t worry, you don’t have to sleep on the forest floor).
The whole experience was absolutely amazing due to two reasons; the nature and the people. The nature is just stunning and there is an overwhelming diversity of insects, birds and plants (don’t expect to see large mammals as they are very shy). Of course there are the usual leeches and the occasional spider in the forest but they are more of an annoyance than a danger. If you like longer jungle treks it can be organized for sure, the guides are very flexible and take great care of their guests. The second reason are the people, the Penan are absolutely amazing people. They might be a bit shy but extremely friendly and caring. We could stay at local families in both villages and we never missed anything (to be sure bring a camping mattress and a mosquito net). Of course the whole trip is not a luxury trip and you should not expect that but there are toilets, running water, electricity and now even internet in the villages.
So if you are up for a (beginners) adventure, meeting awesome people, learning about their struggles against deforestation and visit some of the last primary forests in Sarawak we highly recommend you go to Ulu Baram. Overall the price is also much better than visiting one of the national parks or going on a fully organized trip by a large tour operator.
Note they call it now the Upper Baram Forest Area (UBFA) and not Penan Peace Park anymore.
The organization is quite improvised and we just met our guide and the driver (Simpson) at the airport in Miri. They were very flexible about our wishes and improvised on the go. We spent two nights in the village of Long Ajeng (only accessible by boat) then 6 nights in Long Kerong (also only accessible by boat).
The way to get there is either by plane to Long Akah (only twice a week I think) or by 7h 4WD from Miri. Both are very spectacular and I highly recommend doing one way 4WD and the other way by plane. The boat rides to the villages are stunning and an adventure by themselves.
In the villages the program is quite flexible, we decided on a day to day basis what we wanted to do and what the weather permits. The options included jungle treks, swimming in the river, night walks, fishing the local way and just chilling in the village. Don’t expect a predefined program and just take it as it comes. Mutang was very eager (and extremely knowledgeable) to show us the forest and we did one single day trip and then an over night stay in the forest (they have a nice cabin on a mountain top for tourists like us 😉 so don’t worry, you don’t have to sleep on the forest floor).
The whole experience was absolutely amazing due to two reasons; the nature and the people. The nature is just stunning and there is an overwhelming diversity of insects, birds and plants (don’t expect to see large mammals as they are very shy). Of course there are the usual leeches and the occasional spider in the forest but they are more of an annoyance than a danger. If you like longer jungle treks it can be organized for sure, the guides are very flexible and take great care of their guests. The second reason are the people, the Penan are absolutely amazing people. They might be a bit shy but extremely friendly and caring. We could stay at local families in both villages and we never missed anything (to be sure bring a camping mattress and a mosquito net). Of course the whole trip is not a luxury trip and you should not expect that but there are toilets, running water, electricity and now even internet in the villages.
So if you are up for a (beginners) adventure, meeting awesome people, learning about their struggles against deforestation and visit some of the last primary forests in Sarawak we highly recommend you go to Ulu Baram. Overall the price is also much better than visiting one of the national parks or going on a fully organized trip by a large tour operator.
Note they call it now the Upper Baram Forest Area (UBFA) and not Penan Peace Park anymore.
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve C
Boise, ID14 contributions
Mar 2019
Picnic with the Penan organized a shirt trip for me several years back and it is still one of my all time favorite travel experiences. Getting there takes some effort but that is part of the fun... small plane, 4WD, longboat upriver. The guides and family I stayed with made this an unforgettable experience with their stories and their bushcraft skills are amazing. I went into the forest for four days looking at distant mountain ranges, seeing some of the remnant big trees that have not been cut down in other parts of Sarawak and generally living off the land. This is a great opportunity to experience another way of life in a small way while also supporting local people in the way they want to craft their lives.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flientje87
Utrecht, The Netherlands10 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
As a 30-year old women traveling alone in Borneo it was challenging to find a 'real Borneo/jungle' tour or excursion to join, as they only activate them with a minimum of 2 people. Until I came across the website of the 'Picnic with the Penan' project. Even though I had little information before hand, I immediately knew that this was what I was looking for: a true adventure! :-)
I booked and confirmed my flights and, off course very nervous, went on my way. After a very exiting flight with a twin otter plain I got picked up by a 4x4 car and brought to the river. There they put me on a long tail boat until we arrived at river bed where I met the wonderful husband and wife Isac and Serena. They would be my guide and porter for the duration of my stay. And boy was I lucky to have them at my side! Isac appeared to be a real Penan man who is still very skilled in the old Penan ways. Two times did he make me a wonderful little hut in the jungle, where we slept among the trees and the animals while Serena taught me how to make fire, cook and have a bath in the river.
I am not going to lie, from time to time it was very challenging en tough but as this was one of the reasons I wanted to do this I got exactly what I needed! It has truly been the most beautiful, original, challenging, exhausting and inspiring things I have done so far!
Some tips I wish I had before I went:
- Only fly in and out Long Akah or Long Banga, nót Long Lellang. I had a flight back from Long Lellang which appeared to be a 2,5 day hike (after already hiking for 2 full days) to get to :-( It was very tough!
- Bring lots of food for yourself and for them, as they expect you to! So among salt, sugar, garlic and oil, also bring rice, noodles (instant seasoned they also like), chocolate bars (they looooved Snickers), vegetables and possibly meet/fish.
- If I knew Serena would wanted to keep all my clothes, I would have brought extra and old ones which I keep leave with them :-)
- Bring your leech socks (the ones that look like bags that you strap at the knee)
- Bring a hammock. They were not available for rent when I was there. Luckily my guide could built me a beautiful little hut, but with a younger guide you might not be that lucky.
- Bring a sleeping bag (lined not just a sheet). Sleeping in the jungle is much colder than you would think. Especially if you sleep higher up a mountain.
- Bring synthetic easy dry sportswear, as you'll be wet most of the time
- Buy Kampung (water) shoes in a bigger city before you go and preferably already run them in a couple of days before
- Go at least 5-6 days, surrender to them and enjoy! :-)
I booked and confirmed my flights and, off course very nervous, went on my way. After a very exiting flight with a twin otter plain I got picked up by a 4x4 car and brought to the river. There they put me on a long tail boat until we arrived at river bed where I met the wonderful husband and wife Isac and Serena. They would be my guide and porter for the duration of my stay. And boy was I lucky to have them at my side! Isac appeared to be a real Penan man who is still very skilled in the old Penan ways. Two times did he make me a wonderful little hut in the jungle, where we slept among the trees and the animals while Serena taught me how to make fire, cook and have a bath in the river.
I am not going to lie, from time to time it was very challenging en tough but as this was one of the reasons I wanted to do this I got exactly what I needed! It has truly been the most beautiful, original, challenging, exhausting and inspiring things I have done so far!
Some tips I wish I had before I went:
- Only fly in and out Long Akah or Long Banga, nót Long Lellang. I had a flight back from Long Lellang which appeared to be a 2,5 day hike (after already hiking for 2 full days) to get to :-( It was very tough!
- Bring lots of food for yourself and for them, as they expect you to! So among salt, sugar, garlic and oil, also bring rice, noodles (instant seasoned they also like), chocolate bars (they looooved Snickers), vegetables and possibly meet/fish.
- If I knew Serena would wanted to keep all my clothes, I would have brought extra and old ones which I keep leave with them :-)
- Bring your leech socks (the ones that look like bags that you strap at the knee)
- Bring a hammock. They were not available for rent when I was there. Luckily my guide could built me a beautiful little hut, but with a younger guide you might not be that lucky.
- Bring a sleeping bag (lined not just a sheet). Sleeping in the jungle is much colder than you would think. Especially if you sleep higher up a mountain.
- Bring synthetic easy dry sportswear, as you'll be wet most of the time
- Buy Kampung (water) shoes in a bigger city before you go and preferably already run them in a couple of days before
- Go at least 5-6 days, surrender to them and enjoy! :-)
Written May 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Federico M
Zurich, Switzerland121 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
I got to know about this project through picnicwiththepenan.org webpage. The Penan is a tribe settled in the Bornean rainforest in Miri area and since years they are struggling to avoid logging company to destroy "their" forest and polluting "their" rivers. To create awareness, since 2009 they allow tourists to visit their villages and doing some activities with them. I had the chance to spend 4 days with my girlfriend in Long Kerong (one of the villages) and everything about this experience was amazing. Even the flight from Miri was fun, bi-propelled airplane with no other passengers on board, we flew over the rainforest and we started figuring out what they are fighting against, you can see all the rainforest being logged and several palm oil plantation. Once arrived at Long Akah airport we weren't even half way yet, from there almost 2 hours on a 4x4 and, depending on the river level, about 2 hours on a longboat which often hits stones and has to be pulled up the river manually. In the village very few people spoke English but everybody was very welcoming and smiled at us. We were accommodated in a home stay, nobody in the house spoke English but somehow we could communicate a bit. The accomadotion is basic and basic means that there is a mattress on the floor, a mosquito net if you're lucky and the toilet can be attached to the house or outside but, anyway, it consists of a hole were you throw some water to clean. Shower in the river, possibly using eco-soap to avoid polluting it.
One day we went for a trek with a guide whose English was quite good and thanks to that he could explain a lot of interesting things about the jungle, its fruits, vegetables, how the people within the tribe communicate leaving signs and how to make trap to catch animals, they're hunters (no big malls there, they have to hunt if they want to feed their families). From the village we reached the primary forest but sleeping in the jungle one night, we could have gone a bit deeper and found giant trees and waterfalls which in fact we didn't see. Another day we went fishing with their typical throw net and then had a primitive BBQ on one bank of the river. Other activities can be: making blow pipe (they sometimes still use it to hunt), learn how to make a rattan basket, walks in a botanical garden or whatever you may like to do in the area. They are quite easy going and that was not really good given our tight schedule hence, don't expect to fulfill a day with lots of activities.
I think the experience is very nice but bear in mind that this is the opposite of a 5 stars hotel. We really enjoyed it and the most interesting part was to live with them for some days in order to get a true insight of their lives and to understand how different can be the lifestyle.
If you have the chance and you are eager to experience something off the beaten trek I think this is the answer. Allow at least 4 nights. There were no tourists in the village while we were there and I believe they haven't had more than 50 visitors from 2009 til now.
Should you need any further info I will be very happy to help you.
One day we went for a trek with a guide whose English was quite good and thanks to that he could explain a lot of interesting things about the jungle, its fruits, vegetables, how the people within the tribe communicate leaving signs and how to make trap to catch animals, they're hunters (no big malls there, they have to hunt if they want to feed their families). From the village we reached the primary forest but sleeping in the jungle one night, we could have gone a bit deeper and found giant trees and waterfalls which in fact we didn't see. Another day we went fishing with their typical throw net and then had a primitive BBQ on one bank of the river. Other activities can be: making blow pipe (they sometimes still use it to hunt), learn how to make a rattan basket, walks in a botanical garden or whatever you may like to do in the area. They are quite easy going and that was not really good given our tight schedule hence, don't expect to fulfill a day with lots of activities.
I think the experience is very nice but bear in mind that this is the opposite of a 5 stars hotel. We really enjoyed it and the most interesting part was to live with them for some days in order to get a true insight of their lives and to understand how different can be the lifestyle.
If you have the chance and you are eager to experience something off the beaten trek I think this is the answer. Allow at least 4 nights. There were no tourists in the village while we were there and I believe they haven't had more than 50 visitors from 2009 til now.
Should you need any further info I will be very happy to help you.
Written October 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
freemike
Raumati South, New Zealand27 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
Mike Ali and Archie’s Amazing Rainforest Adventure! Picnic with the Penan.
After spending four weeks travelling around Sarawak, Borneo, visiting the National Parks, we felt it was time to get off the beaten track and deeper into the jungle. We had read about the Penan, in a book by the journalist Paul Malone, The Peaceful People: The Penan and their fight for the rainforest. We decided if we were going into the rainforest we wanted to do it with the Penan and stay in their villages to understand more about this Orang Ulu tribe. But how to do it on a reasonable budget and how to contact them? We then discovered Picnic with the Penan. Initially they tried to dissuade us as we are travelling with our six year old son, however, we convinced them that Archie was a budding Bear Grills, contact was made, we arranged flights into Long Lellang from Miri, with a return from Long Akah 8 days later.
Nick at Adventure Alternative Borneo was fantastic in the run up to our flight, as we needed some kit for the jungle, hammocks, football socks, food and a life jacket for Archie all of which were purchased with the guidance of Nick, pointing us to the right shops in Miri. Wednesday 16th of August we were off, a short flight to Long Lellang where we were met by Abai our guide and two porters Li Wi and Dahln. We had no idea what lay ahead as the whole trip had been arranged so quickly; we just said "we want to spend some time with the Penan". The first afternoon we had a short trek through the jungle passed through Long Main to Long Kapang a beautiful small Penan village with about 20 families. This was our first taste of Penan homestay hospitality. We washed in the river and Lydia our homestay host cooked up delicious meals for dinner and breakfast, packing up some rice and jungle ginger for the days trek ahead. And what a trek. Final destination, Long Sait, off we went with big grins on our faces, full of expectations and we would not be disappointed! Fording rivers, trekking up streams, all the time surrounded by beautiful rainforest. Abai and both porters were amazing, within 10 minutes of setting off we all had walking sticks, swiftly made by Li Wi using his machete. Ali was presented with a calved piece of wood for removing leeches (Archie nicknamed it the leech offer). Abai paced the trek perfectly for Archie!! (he said he had never guided anyone so young) and he was unsure we would make it in one day but 9 1/2 hours later we arrived in Long Sait, the guide and porters home village. And as the faded sign in the village states “Welcome to a little piece of Paradise”.
We had six wonderful days, including 2 days camping in the jungle, where we set up camp (watching Abai and Li Wi work with their machetes to build the camp was amazing). We tried to learn some Penan whilst we sat around the campfire, were taught about which plants provided food and medicine as we trekked through the forest, washing in streams and swimming in waterfall pools. At the village, we stayed with our guide and his very pregnant wife Rosnah. The food was basic but delicious and the days were spent chatting with the villagers, fishing, swimming in the river and in the evening joining the congregation at the village church, where we were warmly welcomed and enjoyed listening to the community singing and praying. On Monday’s the service is all done by the younger generation, all great fun. On the days we were in the village, Archie made friends with the children at the school , who really took him under their wing, joining them for their “bath time” in the river.
Li Wi, caught fish in the river, which were cooked on the bank (that is about as fresh as fish comes) and Archie is now the proud owner of a blow pipe made by Abai, and a dart holder made by Li Wi. On or last evening Abai arranged a feast! killing two chickens and inviting friends and family round for a perfect final evening dinner.
Around mid morning on the 7th day we had to say our goodbyes and take the long boat down river, it felt like half the village turned out to wish us goodbye. The journey down river was beautiful with a stop half way for lunch. After 2 hours on the boat we arrived at Long Siut, where we jumped on a 4 x 4 heading out on one of the logging roads to Long Akah. This is a reminder of how close the logging companies are to the Penan Peace Park!!. This was not quite the end of our journey, as we accompanied our guide and his wife, to Marudi where she was going to hospital to give birth to their 4th child.
This was an amazing and humbling experience, the Penan are a wonderful people, you are constantly greeted with the warmest of handshakes and smiles. They have little or no opportunity of income in their villages, trading goods made from Rattan, farming rice, fruit and vegetables whilst still gathering foods from the jungle. In reality these villagers are linked into the modern world and therefore do need an income, clothes, petrol for their boats, (shotgun cartridges for hunting cost between 10 and 15 RM) transport to get their children safely too and from boarding school. By supporting Picnic with the Penan, you will not only have the experience off a lifetime you will be giving your money directly to the people who most need it.
Our only regret is we did not stay for longer and visit more villages, we will return!!!.
Tips!
Go with an open adventurous mind and all will flow!
Kampung shoes, no matter what you do your feet will get wet, these shoes cost 11 RM in any local shoe shop much better than hiking trainers or western style hiking boots. It is slippy and very wet and the football style studs really help with grip on every terrain.
Football Socks, they help with the leeches (pls don’t be put off by leeches they are an annoyance but nothing more and its worth it!.)
Surprisingly, It can be a little chilly at night in the jungle, we did not have sleeping bag liners, they would have been useful.
Wet bag to keep some clothes dry essential.
You have to bring all your rubbish out with you, therefore a bag to store it in is useful.
After spending four weeks travelling around Sarawak, Borneo, visiting the National Parks, we felt it was time to get off the beaten track and deeper into the jungle. We had read about the Penan, in a book by the journalist Paul Malone, The Peaceful People: The Penan and their fight for the rainforest. We decided if we were going into the rainforest we wanted to do it with the Penan and stay in their villages to understand more about this Orang Ulu tribe. But how to do it on a reasonable budget and how to contact them? We then discovered Picnic with the Penan. Initially they tried to dissuade us as we are travelling with our six year old son, however, we convinced them that Archie was a budding Bear Grills, contact was made, we arranged flights into Long Lellang from Miri, with a return from Long Akah 8 days later.
Nick at Adventure Alternative Borneo was fantastic in the run up to our flight, as we needed some kit for the jungle, hammocks, football socks, food and a life jacket for Archie all of which were purchased with the guidance of Nick, pointing us to the right shops in Miri. Wednesday 16th of August we were off, a short flight to Long Lellang where we were met by Abai our guide and two porters Li Wi and Dahln. We had no idea what lay ahead as the whole trip had been arranged so quickly; we just said "we want to spend some time with the Penan". The first afternoon we had a short trek through the jungle passed through Long Main to Long Kapang a beautiful small Penan village with about 20 families. This was our first taste of Penan homestay hospitality. We washed in the river and Lydia our homestay host cooked up delicious meals for dinner and breakfast, packing up some rice and jungle ginger for the days trek ahead. And what a trek. Final destination, Long Sait, off we went with big grins on our faces, full of expectations and we would not be disappointed! Fording rivers, trekking up streams, all the time surrounded by beautiful rainforest. Abai and both porters were amazing, within 10 minutes of setting off we all had walking sticks, swiftly made by Li Wi using his machete. Ali was presented with a calved piece of wood for removing leeches (Archie nicknamed it the leech offer). Abai paced the trek perfectly for Archie!! (he said he had never guided anyone so young) and he was unsure we would make it in one day but 9 1/2 hours later we arrived in Long Sait, the guide and porters home village. And as the faded sign in the village states “Welcome to a little piece of Paradise”.
We had six wonderful days, including 2 days camping in the jungle, where we set up camp (watching Abai and Li Wi work with their machetes to build the camp was amazing). We tried to learn some Penan whilst we sat around the campfire, were taught about which plants provided food and medicine as we trekked through the forest, washing in streams and swimming in waterfall pools. At the village, we stayed with our guide and his very pregnant wife Rosnah. The food was basic but delicious and the days were spent chatting with the villagers, fishing, swimming in the river and in the evening joining the congregation at the village church, where we were warmly welcomed and enjoyed listening to the community singing and praying. On Monday’s the service is all done by the younger generation, all great fun. On the days we were in the village, Archie made friends with the children at the school , who really took him under their wing, joining them for their “bath time” in the river.
Li Wi, caught fish in the river, which were cooked on the bank (that is about as fresh as fish comes) and Archie is now the proud owner of a blow pipe made by Abai, and a dart holder made by Li Wi. On or last evening Abai arranged a feast! killing two chickens and inviting friends and family round for a perfect final evening dinner.
Around mid morning on the 7th day we had to say our goodbyes and take the long boat down river, it felt like half the village turned out to wish us goodbye. The journey down river was beautiful with a stop half way for lunch. After 2 hours on the boat we arrived at Long Siut, where we jumped on a 4 x 4 heading out on one of the logging roads to Long Akah. This is a reminder of how close the logging companies are to the Penan Peace Park!!. This was not quite the end of our journey, as we accompanied our guide and his wife, to Marudi where she was going to hospital to give birth to their 4th child.
This was an amazing and humbling experience, the Penan are a wonderful people, you are constantly greeted with the warmest of handshakes and smiles. They have little or no opportunity of income in their villages, trading goods made from Rattan, farming rice, fruit and vegetables whilst still gathering foods from the jungle. In reality these villagers are linked into the modern world and therefore do need an income, clothes, petrol for their boats, (shotgun cartridges for hunting cost between 10 and 15 RM) transport to get their children safely too and from boarding school. By supporting Picnic with the Penan, you will not only have the experience off a lifetime you will be giving your money directly to the people who most need it.
Our only regret is we did not stay for longer and visit more villages, we will return!!!.
Tips!
Go with an open adventurous mind and all will flow!
Kampung shoes, no matter what you do your feet will get wet, these shoes cost 11 RM in any local shoe shop much better than hiking trainers or western style hiking boots. It is slippy and very wet and the football style studs really help with grip on every terrain.
Football Socks, they help with the leeches (pls don’t be put off by leeches they are an annoyance but nothing more and its worth it!.)
Surprisingly, It can be a little chilly at night in the jungle, we did not have sleeping bag liners, they would have been useful.
Wet bag to keep some clothes dry essential.
You have to bring all your rubbish out with you, therefore a bag to store it in is useful.
Written September 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine M
London, UK29 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
My family (daughters aged 11 and 8) spent 4 days with the Penan in April 2016, arranged by Adventure Alternative Borneo. The journey into the jungle was amazing, the welcome in the villages of Long Kerong and Long Speigen was warm and genuine, and the opportunity to stay with the Penan tribe was truly humbling. We didn't do much, we just fell in with the pace of village life, encouraged by our truly excellent guide Manshur. We are still talking about the experience as the highlight of our holiday.
Written August 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
izzybuzz_92
London, UK1 contribution
Aug 2014 • Friends
My experience with the Penan was fantastic. To be honest, when my brother invited me to come visit him in Borneo, I was expecting beaches, orang-utans and rainforests. I was focused on the landscapes and animals, not the people. Never would I have imagined that I would be spending 5 days living with a tribe, the Penan, and that I would be immersed in their world.
The time we spent with the Penan was incredible. They are so in tune with their natural habitat – they can navigate the rainforest with their eyes closed, spot animals that you would never have seen, find you the ripest fruit in the jungle and slice it open for you.
During our stay we got to know the Penan people better. We stayed with a family and they gave us a very warm welcome. They cooked us homemade meals with homegrown ingredients, and over food taught us some of their language. By pointing at objects like a jug of water, I learned that water in Penan is “ta” for instance. One of the boys of the family we stayed with even got a guitar out one night and we had a sing-along! It was nice to share moments like these with the family we stayed with.
We then spent most of our time exploring the rainforest, with a few Penan guides. What is great about trekking with the Penan is that they really know the jungle inside out, and will take you to the most beautiful places. There are no set routes in this rainforest (unlike in national parks) so our guides cut us a way through the jungle with their blades (parang). Our guides took us to a giant cave with a birdseye view of the rainforest. They took us to a waterfall too, bigger than I've ever seen before!
We also slept one night in the rainforest itself, away from the village, just in hammocks attached to trees. That night it rained like crazy but we heard the guides wander off as we were falling asleep – they went hunting! When we woke up they’d prepared us some civet cat (not my preferred choice of breakkie, but worth trying).
I’d recommend staying with the Penan to anyone who wants to discover a people and their culture, their way of life, to anyone who wants to discover the rainforest in its purest form, and to anyone who is keen for an adventure.
The time we spent with the Penan was incredible. They are so in tune with their natural habitat – they can navigate the rainforest with their eyes closed, spot animals that you would never have seen, find you the ripest fruit in the jungle and slice it open for you.
During our stay we got to know the Penan people better. We stayed with a family and they gave us a very warm welcome. They cooked us homemade meals with homegrown ingredients, and over food taught us some of their language. By pointing at objects like a jug of water, I learned that water in Penan is “ta” for instance. One of the boys of the family we stayed with even got a guitar out one night and we had a sing-along! It was nice to share moments like these with the family we stayed with.
We then spent most of our time exploring the rainforest, with a few Penan guides. What is great about trekking with the Penan is that they really know the jungle inside out, and will take you to the most beautiful places. There are no set routes in this rainforest (unlike in national parks) so our guides cut us a way through the jungle with their blades (parang). Our guides took us to a giant cave with a birdseye view of the rainforest. They took us to a waterfall too, bigger than I've ever seen before!
We also slept one night in the rainforest itself, away from the village, just in hammocks attached to trees. That night it rained like crazy but we heard the guides wander off as we were falling asleep – they went hunting! When we woke up they’d prepared us some civet cat (not my preferred choice of breakkie, but worth trying).
I’d recommend staying with the Penan to anyone who wants to discover a people and their culture, their way of life, to anyone who wants to discover the rainforest in its purest form, and to anyone who is keen for an adventure.
Written May 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jruch
Milan, Italy8 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
We spent 6 days and 5 nights in this amazing area (Sarawak highlands), knowing about the place through picnicwiththepenan.org, a (real-certified) non profit organization: all expenses done during the trip (guide, porter, homestay) are going directly to the people that provide you services. This trip remains for us the best moment we spent in Borneo during our three weeks honeymoon! Very few people go there and we didn't meet any tourists. The villages and inhabitants are very welcoming, some of them speak english. The trip needs some time to be organized (through picnicwiththepenan.org, 10-15 days, the access to phone for local people is only on Sunday), but the trip is just beyond one can expect!
We started our trip from Long Lellang (two flights per week with a Twin Hotter plane from Miri, with Maswings company). We then walked to Long Kepong accompanied by two young Penan. We spend the first night within their family, discussing in english with some of the family members. We brought a map and they were very interested to discuss about their forest that they are trying to protect since decades. We walked the entire following day through the jungle, tasting different fruits (snakeskin, maha, ...), spending an overnight in a pedi house in the jungle (kind of wood house on pillards), surrounded by the forest, insect songs (famous lin) and smell of good food cooked on fire (rice, furn, fresh fish, ...). We arrived the day after in Long Kerong and had a rest and a sweet swim in the closeby river. The day after we climbed up to Batu Layuk, a mythic mountain summit 5 hours distant, crossing and walking along some small rivers in the first part. The path then goes up and is relatively steep, but ok. After passing a first summit, the path goes a bit down through an area of large and beautiful trees. We prepared the campsite and after a break we went up to an amazing place with a great view that dominate the entire Peacepark for the sunset, from a 100-200 meters high vertical cliff. We saw a couple of hornbill flying over the canopy, just a simple and great dream moment. We spent a night sleeping in comfortable hammocs, after a dinner composed of plants (djuree, kind of spinach) we recolted along the trail, rice and delicious pineapple! We left the place in the morning, walking down to the village. The guide Sia and Riyong (the porter) are very professional people and definitely take care of us. They also showed us several medicine plants on the way, explaining how to use them.
We let the village and took a long boat to Long Sepigen where we spent another night. This 1-2 hours travel is really beautiful. The day after we took another long boat to Long Siut and ended the trip with a 4x4 that drove along the logging roads to the airport of Long Akah.
J&S
We started our trip from Long Lellang (two flights per week with a Twin Hotter plane from Miri, with Maswings company). We then walked to Long Kepong accompanied by two young Penan. We spend the first night within their family, discussing in english with some of the family members. We brought a map and they were very interested to discuss about their forest that they are trying to protect since decades. We walked the entire following day through the jungle, tasting different fruits (snakeskin, maha, ...), spending an overnight in a pedi house in the jungle (kind of wood house on pillards), surrounded by the forest, insect songs (famous lin) and smell of good food cooked on fire (rice, furn, fresh fish, ...). We arrived the day after in Long Kerong and had a rest and a sweet swim in the closeby river. The day after we climbed up to Batu Layuk, a mythic mountain summit 5 hours distant, crossing and walking along some small rivers in the first part. The path then goes up and is relatively steep, but ok. After passing a first summit, the path goes a bit down through an area of large and beautiful trees. We prepared the campsite and after a break we went up to an amazing place with a great view that dominate the entire Peacepark for the sunset, from a 100-200 meters high vertical cliff. We saw a couple of hornbill flying over the canopy, just a simple and great dream moment. We spent a night sleeping in comfortable hammocs, after a dinner composed of plants (djuree, kind of spinach) we recolted along the trail, rice and delicious pineapple! We left the place in the morning, walking down to the village. The guide Sia and Riyong (the porter) are very professional people and definitely take care of us. They also showed us several medicine plants on the way, explaining how to use them.
We let the village and took a long boat to Long Sepigen where we spent another night. This 1-2 hours travel is really beautiful. The day after we took another long boat to Long Siut and ended the trip with a 4x4 that drove along the logging roads to the airport of Long Akah.
J&S
Written August 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cuthy86
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia5 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Planned at the eleventh hour, we booked our flights and were told that a our guide would meet us once we arrived. Everything else we'd work out when we got there. Initially hesitant, worries started fading as soon as we lined up for the landing and got our first glimpse at Long Lellang. Ten minutes later, as we waited in the airstrip terminal, the duty baggage handler came over. He introduced himself and told us that, as soon as the aircraft had left, he'd be able to walk us across the runway (towards the village itself) and take us to meet our host, Miller.
Twenty minutes on and we'd met Miller, his wife and their 4 dogs and were sitting down to lunch in their beautiful home. Miller's English was excellent and we easily spent the next hour talking through options, coming up with something that vaguely resembled a plan by the time we'd finished our first excellent meal. As luck would have it, we arrived on National Teachers Day and so, after a tour of the village and having been introduced to a few of Miller's friends, we walked over to the village longhouse to join in the evenings' festivities.
The three days that followed saw us taking a day trip to the top of Mount Murudi with lunch at the top and excellent views of the surrounding area, spending a night in Long Main (a one hour walk from Long Lellang) and trekking a little further into the fantastic surrounding rainforest to spend a night at the foot of a series of waterfalls before returning to Long Lellang. At no point could we have possibly come close to going hungry! The food was excellent and the people we were fortunate enough to have met were genuine and warm. We had a few different guides over our treks, but all of them were fantastic and although some of them did not speak English this didn't pose a problem as with the little Malay we knew, we were able to communicate enough to get by.
In short, from start to finish, we couldn't have asked for more. We're already looking at going back and hoping we can squeeze a few more days in.
Twenty minutes on and we'd met Miller, his wife and their 4 dogs and were sitting down to lunch in their beautiful home. Miller's English was excellent and we easily spent the next hour talking through options, coming up with something that vaguely resembled a plan by the time we'd finished our first excellent meal. As luck would have it, we arrived on National Teachers Day and so, after a tour of the village and having been introduced to a few of Miller's friends, we walked over to the village longhouse to join in the evenings' festivities.
The three days that followed saw us taking a day trip to the top of Mount Murudi with lunch at the top and excellent views of the surrounding area, spending a night in Long Main (a one hour walk from Long Lellang) and trekking a little further into the fantastic surrounding rainforest to spend a night at the foot of a series of waterfalls before returning to Long Lellang. At no point could we have possibly come close to going hungry! The food was excellent and the people we were fortunate enough to have met were genuine and warm. We had a few different guides over our treks, but all of them were fantastic and although some of them did not speak English this didn't pose a problem as with the little Malay we knew, we were able to communicate enough to get by.
In short, from start to finish, we couldn't have asked for more. We're already looking at going back and hoping we can squeeze a few more days in.
Written May 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KotieKingo
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia48 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
I went up to the Penan area with 4 other friends in August of 2014 and had the most spectacular time. Our local guides and porters were kind and SO informative about their culture and forests and could not do enough to help us as a group to ensure that we had the best experience possible. The highlights: sleeping in hammocks in the middle of the forest listening to the jungle noises after having a locally cooked rice meal, the stunning caves that we walked to on our 3 day hike, the second tallest waterfall in Sarawak!!!! STUNNING!!! The lowlights: bites, bites and more bites! (bring insect repellent and cover up while walking and sleeping--seriously), falling down all the time (ask what kind of shoes to bring before you spend a fortune on hiking boots that don't stick!!!), leaving!! Truth be told, it was our best experience in Borneo, but it is not for the weak at heart. The days are long, steep, muddy and hard but the reward was well worth the struggle. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is interested in learning about the Penan way of life, the forests of Borneo and doesn't mind roughing it! ENJOY!!!
Written May 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matteo S
Province of Turin, Italy
Hi everybody! I want to ask to those who have been in penan peace park how it work to get there. I know I have to fly to the long banga airport but from that point I have no clue how to reach the penans. Do I have to book somewhere? Who can I contact to manage the transfer? Do I have to comunicate how many days I want to stay in advance? I’m planning to go there in august. Any tip or info will be much appreciated. Thank you everybody!
Written January 11, 2025
Matteo S
Province of Turin, Italy
Hi everybody! I want to ask to those who have been in penan peace park how it work to get there. I know I have to fly to the long banga airport but from that point I have no clue how to reach the penans. Do I have to book somewhere? Who can I contact to manage the transfer? Do I have to comunicate how many days I want to stay in advance? I’m planning to go there in august. Any tip or info will be much appreciated. Thank you everybody!
Written January 11, 2025
Appreciate it will vary depending on how many nights I stay (planned: 6 nights 7 days) etc, but how much can I expect this programme to cost? I emailed and Adventure Borneo quoted flights as 110myr, but 4x4 as 350myr and boat as 25pmyr one way. I find it hard to believe that boat and 4x4 will be this expensive. Not sure if she was saying each of these modes of transport are necessary from Miri, or if the person emailing was saying I can use any of these modes from Miri and they are the corresponding prices of each. Can anyone clarify transport costs?
Moreover, does accomodation cost the same each night, or does it vary depending on whether it's in the jungle or longhouse.
Any extra help would be appreciated.
kind regards,
Olly
Written June 4, 2017
Hi, I have just been recentely (March) and the transport prices you mention are correct. But please note it is depending on which airport you fly into and out of. From Miri you have to book a flight to Long Akah or Long Banga. I flew in on Long Akah and from there I had to take the 4x4 and the boat. However, I flew back from Long Lellang which we could only reach by foot so therefore 'free'. Wouldn't recommend though, as we had to walk for 2,5 days straight to reach it! Unfortunately I don't know transport arrangements from/to Long Banga.
With regards to homestay, this was 65 MYR per night. Do not expect too much food though. Bring enough energy bars :-)
In the jungle it is free, but very limited. In my case (and heard this many times before) they expect you to bring enough food to take into the jungle. I.e. Rice, noodles, vegetables etc. They really have not much themselves so you will feel much better if you bring enough food that you can share with them. They really really appreciate it!
Written June 12, 2017
Showing results 1-3 of 3
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing