I'm surprised that you found it so difficult communicating with Penan. Many, even in the most remote parts of Sarawak, speak English and just about all speak Malay. I have walked through and stayed at many Penan settlements, from Long Lusuan, down the Mago River to Long Main, Long Kepung, Long Sait and Lomng Kerong and Long Lamai in the Baram Headwaters. As well as visiting those around the Headwaters of the Rejang and around Belaga. (Beyond Belaga before the dam was built and on the lake after.) I met my first Penan in 1974. It is easy to meet Penan even in easily accessible places like Bario, or Pa Lungan. And I do not find they keep their eyes down. As a journalist I've found it relatively easy to put direct questions to Penan and get a direct answer.
I'm surprised that you found it so difficult communicating with Penan. Many, even in the most remote parts of Sarawak, speak English and just about all speak Malay. I have walked through and stayed at many Penan settlements, from Long Lusuan, down the Mago River to Long Main, Long Kepung, Long Sait and Lomng Kerong and Long Lamai in the Baram Headwaters. As well as visiting those around the Headwaters of the Rejang and around Belaga. (Beyond Belaga before the dam was built and on the lake after.) I met my first Penan in 1974. It is easy to meet Penan even in easily accessible places like Bario, or Pa Lungan. And I do not find they keep their eyes down. As a journalist I've found it relatively easy to put direct questions to Penan and get a direct answer.