Visitors Guide

Visitors Guide

Geographical Fact About Penom Longhouse

Area                : Penom, Ulu Paku

Division           : Betong

State                : Sarawak

Country            : Malaysia

Address           : Rh. Wilson Begat, Penom, Ulu Paku, 95600, Betong, State of Sarawak, Malaysia

Latitude            : 1,616667
Longitude         : 111, 5833
(Decimal degrees)

Latitude (DMS): 1° 37' 0 N
Longitude (DMS): 111° 34' 60 E
(Degrees, minutes and seconds)

Penom on world map	Penom map zoom x 4	Penom map zoom x 20

Figure: Location of Penom (adopted from http://www.traveljournals.net/)

Some says that the longhouse is the very centre of communal life in Sarawak. To visit a longhouse is to look deep into the State's soul. Penom longhouse is situated in the District of Betong. Betong lies in the Saribas area of Sarawak. Famous for its leaders, longhouses and rich culture, Betong was established as an administrative division of Sarawak. Penom is connected to the Betong by paved road. Self-drive from Betong would take around 40 minutes and from Kuching would be 4 hours. You may refer to the maps below;

  Please click on the thumbnail for a larger view

Sarawak Map	Sri Aman/Betong Map	Ulu Paku Map	Penom Map

Table: Distance from Spaoh to Major Towns in Sarawak

On Arrival

Traditionally the Iban do not normally shake hand with any visitors on their arrival but today shaking hands has become highly acceptable.

The Headman of the longhouse is addressed as "Tuai Rumah". Hence, when addressing him in the course of conversation, following the Iban politeness he should be addressed as "Aya (uncle) Tuai Rumah".

 On reaching the bottom of the ladder leading to the longhouse, look for any signs that tell if the house is having any ritual prohibition or Pemali. It is usually a bunch of live branches tied to the rail. Whether there is one or not, the normal Iban practice is to call from the ground "Jadi rumah kita?" is your house alright?" Tau ditiki rumah kita?" May we go into your house? They usually reply "Jadi, lalu meh"Yes, it's alright. Do come in.

Translation

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