EverywhereHuman

The Penan in Sarawak (Borneo, Malaysia): Where traditional and modern life merge seamlessly.

I have been privileged to spend months with the fascinating tribe in Malaysian . Read about their deep-rooted connection to their jungle and how they seemlessly integrate modern life with traditional culture. Link in bio.
Grandmother lived her first 20 years as a barefoot nomad, then settled in a village, became a and started wearing slippers, T-shirts and sarongs. Today, she leaves voice messages for her great-grandchildren on a mobile phone. Our entire arc of technological evolution in a single human.
'The jungle operates as a body of a thousand hearts.' A beautiful concept from the brilliant mind of Maltese singer-songwriter that emphasizes how we are all profoundly connected in this world. Everything has meaning, everything is one. .

I have been privileged to spend months with the fascinating tribe in Malaysian . Read below about their deep-rooted connection to their jungle and how they seemlessly integrate modern life with traditional culture.
Grandmother lived her first 20 years as a barefoot nomad, then settled in a village, became a and started wearing slippers, T-shirts and sarongs. Today, she leaves voice messages for her great-grandchildren on a mobile phone. Our entire arc of technological evolution in a single human.
'The jungle operates as a body of a thousand hearts.' A beautiful concept from the brilliant mind of Maltese singer-songwriter Claire Tonna that emphasizes how we are all profoundly connected in this world. Everything has meaning, everything is one. .

How the Penan people of Borneo’s rainforests stay in tune with nature Indigenous to the Sarawak rainforests, the Penan people have moved from a nomadic existence to being internet-connected farmers.

Fishing Village in Muncar.
Cats living their best lives having fish delivered to them. Men playing chess and cards (with inevitable humiliation for the losers...). Goats finding treasures in trash. Colorful boat accessories. Glorious sunsets over volcanoes.
Everyone in this village was curious, welcoming, kind, and keen on a coffee and chat. Grateful for being granted this little insight into fishing life in Indonesia. So much dedicated tough work but also so much laughter.

A day at the fishmarket in Muncar.
The buzz of the fish market. From fishermen bringing in their daily catch, to those preparing fish for sale, to washing, drying, and ice processing, to market stands, to transport: everyone has their spot in this multi-layered system.
Absolutely privilege to be allowed to explore and immerse for a few hours.
(Photos taken with consent.)

For your inspiration for 2025, check out my recent article in SCMP PostMag on how to navigate change in your life.

Why change can be good for your mental health – even though it’s hard How do you turn and face the strange? In her own life, psychologist Esslin Terrifghena explores why change is so difficult – and how to take the leap.

The beginning of a allows us to reflect on . Change is inevitable, effortful, and painful, but it's always worth creating the future we want to see.