Pa’dang, a Penan settlement nestled in a small valley along the River Adang, is approximately a five-hour drive from Lawas via logging tracks. Approximately 15 years ago, Christian missionaries initiated a project to settle the nomadic Penans, which has seen considerable success. In 1997, the community celebrated the harvest of their first rice crop, an event that may have played a part in shifting the mindset of these traditionally nomadic people towards a more settled lifestyle.

This is a joint community project between SIB (Sidang Injil Borneo) and the Methodist Church of Sarawak to help the Penan community. The build was from 5th to 11th July 2015, with 32 volunteers, only 5 of whom had building experience. The site is accessible only on foot. The building was built completely by hand, with teamwork using simple details and local timber in an effort to include the local Penan volunteers in the building process.

The church and community hall, which was completed on the 5th of September 2015, represents a simple yet effective architectural solution. It has been designed to accommodate 200 people and elegantly responds to the grandeur of the site and the demands of the local climate, ensuring a harmonious blend with its surroundings.

PROJECT GALLERY