The Batu Bungan Penan Settlement is a small riverside village located along the Melinau River within Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sarawak, Malaysia. This community is home to members of the Penan people, one of Borneo’s last remaining semi-nomadic indigenous groups known for their deep connection to the rainforest.

Today, Batu Bungan is often visited as part of boat journeys within the park, particularly those heading to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. The settlement offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience local culture, interact with the Penan community, and browse handmade handicrafts.

Highlights

• Visit a Penan village located along the Melinau River
• Browse traditional handicrafts made by the local community
• Learn about the forest-based lifestyle and traditions of the Penan people
• Stop during guided tours to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave
• Experience a cultural contrast within the lush rainforest of Gunung Mulu National Park

The Penan Community

The Penan people are one of Borneo’s indigenous communities and are traditionally known for their deep knowledge of the rainforest. Historically, many Penan groups lived a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle, relying on the forest for food, shelter, and tools while moving through the landscape in small family groups.

Over time, some Penan communities have adopted a more settled way of life, establishing small villages such as Batu Bungan while continuing to maintain elements of their traditional culture and knowledge.

The Penan are also well known for their skilled craftsmanship, particularly in rattan weaving and basketry. Using natural materials gathered from the forest, they create practical and beautifully woven baskets used for carrying items and daily tasks.

Today, visitors to Batu Bungan can often see these skills reflected in the handmade baskets and crafts sold by local villagers.

Visiting Batu Bungan

Batu Bungan is typically visited as a short stop during boat journeys along the Melinau River.

Many tours that travel to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave include a brief visit to the village. During this stop, visitors can walk through the small riverside settlement and interact with local residents who sell handicrafts made from natural materials.

Common items include woven baskets, beadwork, and other handmade souvenirs, which provide visitors with an opportunity to support the local community.

Cultural Considerations

Batu Bungan is a living community rather than a traditional museum or cultural park. Visitors are encouraged to explore respectfully and to be mindful that the area is home to families who live and work there.

Supporting locally made handicrafts is one of the most direct ways visitors can contribute to the community.

How to Get to Batu Bungan

Batu Bungan Penan Settlement is located along the Melinau River within Gunung Mulu National Park.

Visitors typically reach the village by boat from the park headquarters. The settlement is located along the river route used by boats travelling to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave, making it a convenient stop during cave tours.

Other Experiences in Gunung Mulu National Park

The Mulu Show Caves include Deer Cave, Lang Cave, Wind Cave, and Clearwater Cave. These caves allow visitors to explore enormous limestone chambers and underground rivers through guided boardwalk tours.

The Mulu Pinnacles are sharp limestone spires located on the slopes of Gunung Api. Reaching the viewpoint requires a challenging jungle trek through the rainforest.