The Penan are a semi-nomadic ethnic community of Sarawak. Once, living off the forests, they shift from area to area, taking along with them the essential needs and their families. Many have settled down in established villages and longhouses. Governed by a set of customs which safeguard the balance of nature and the need of man, they practised the 'molong' system from generations to generations.
Long Iman is located along the Melinau river, one of the many tributaries of the Mulu river and is accessible by boat about 45 minutes away from the jetty of Mulu National Park. Dominated by the Penan community, this village is often visited by tourists who wish to see and experience the beauty of the interior of Mulu, accessible by taking boat rides along the tributaries that leads to Long Iman.
In December 2003, taking cognizance of the eco-tourism potential and its effect on the socio-economic status and the keen awareness in conserving the traditional knowledge of the Penans of Long Iman, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) embarked on a project that would tap the vast potential of Long Iman as a brief tourist stop and the balance of traditional knowledge conservation.
With this in mind, a close collaboration was established between the Mulu National Park office and the Penan community of Long Iman.
The project's humble beginning was the establishment of a centre that would serve to educate the numerous visitors, foreign and local alike.
The setting up of the centre began with the main hall and trail leading to the centre. Other amenities were later added such as the jetty and the toilets. Benches around the hall were added and the centre painted. With the availability of the jetty, it is now possible to berth closer to the interpretative centre and walk up to the centre, about a short distance away. One could also stop at the longhouse prior to heading to the interpretative centre. At the longhouse, visitors may purchase souvenirs made of beads and items with intricate native designs.
The centre presently displays posters featuring the Penan with a brief background on the multicultural community of Sarawak, their cultural beliefs and behaviour and language. Ethnobotanical matters relating to the Penans are also featured, giving visitors an idea of the interdependence of the forest and the links in the life of the Penans.
Apart from that, the interpretative centre has its own community garden in an effort to preserve the traditional knowledge of the Penan community. This in a way, is an attraction by itself. Drawing visitors who thirst for knowledge of traditional plants, visitors, young and old alike will be able to learn and experience firsthand as they browse through the plants in the garden.
