MALAYSIA > BORNEO > SARAWAK > SIBU DIVISION


Sibu Division consists of three districts:

1- Sibu district
2- Kanowit district
3- Selangau district


Sibu Lanang Bridge during peak hours


Batang Lebaan Bridge (Sibu -Tanjung Manis)


 


Sibu New Bus Terminal, Jalan Pahlawan, 96000, Sibu.


Bus terminals

Sibu has two bus stations:
1- The short distance bus terminal is located near the Sibu Express Wharf Terminal
2- The new bus terminal is near the SMK Deshon.

The short distance bus terminal is for the short distance travel within Sibu town and other local regions of Sarawak such as Sarikei and Bintangor. Among the buses put into the local services includes Lanang buses and Sibu Jaya buses.
The new bus terminal is for long distance travel from Sibu to Kuching, Bintulu, and Miri through the Pan Borneo Highway.


Among the long distance buses that offered their services are
1- MTC express
2- Suria buses.

 


Bus

Sibu connect by bus to all major towns in Sarawak.
The main bus lines have ticket stalls at the long-distance bus station, northwest of town at Sungai Antu, as well as around the local bus station on the waterfront.
There should be no problem getting a seat if you arrive 15 minutes before departure, but book ahead for weekends and school holidays.


Sibu to Bintulu
All bus services to Miri stop at Bintulu (RM20, 3½ hours).


Sibu to Kanowit
Lanang Road buses leave 12 times daily (RM6, 1½ hours).


Sibu to Kuching
Express buses leave for Kuching (RM40, eight hours) between 6.30am and 11.30pm.

Sibu to Miri City
Buses leave every hour (RM40, 7½ hours) from 6am until 10pm.


Sibu to Mukah Town
Eight services daily (RM15.30, 3½ hours).


Sibu to Sarikei Town
Buses run regularly to Sarikei (RM7.60, 1½ hours) between 6am and 4pm.
 

 

Sibu Road Map


Travel Agencies List
SIBU

1. EQUITORIAL TOUR & TRAVEL CENTRE
No. 11, Jalan Raminway, Wisma Equitorial, PO Box 571, 96007 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 331599 Fax: 084 – 330250
E-mail: equitorial@asia.com

2. GOLDEN HORSE TRAVEL & TOUR
No. 62, Jalan Kampung Nyabor, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 323288 Fax: 084 – 310600
E-mail: abk318@streamyx.com

3. HAPPY HOLIDAY TRAVEL
No. 13, Lane 2, Jalan Tuanku Osman, PO Box 853, 96008 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 339039 / 339526 / 331052
Fax: 084 – 340426
E-mail: happyholiday@po.jaring.my / jessica_linghs@hotmail.com

4. HARRISONS TRADING
No. 10, 1st Floor, Jalan Tapang Timur 1, Lot 828, Block 2,
Sungai Merah Town District, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 325622 Fax: 084 – 333617
Contact: Mr. Lawrence Khu

5. KINGWOOD TRAVEL SERVICE TOUR
No. 2, Ground Floor, Lorong Lanang 4, PO Box 1201, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 334788 Fax: 084 – 331049
Contact: kwdtrvl@streamyx.com / kingtul@po.jaring.my

6. METROPOLITAN TRAVEL SERVICE
No. 72 – 74, Jalan Market, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 313155 Fax: 084 – 345486
E-mail: mtssbw8@streamyx.com

7. NEST TRAVEL SERVICES
No. 4, Ground Floor, Lorong Kampung Datu 3, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 331577 Fax: 084 – 339845
E-mail: kristykiu@hotmail.com / nest_travel@yahoo.com.hk

8. RH TOUR & TRAVEL
No. 11, Jalan Mission, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 316767 Fax: 084 – 316185
E-mail: rhtour@rhg.com

9. SAZHONG TRADING & TRAVEL SERVICE
No. 4, Jalan Central, PO Box 1295, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 336017 / 334222 Fax: 084 – 338031
E-mail: fmht9725@yahoo.com / sazhong@tm.net.my

10. SEMAYOR TRAVEL SERVICES
No. 11, 1st Floor, Jalan Pulau, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 318287 / 340551 Fax: 084 – 318539

11. SENTIASA TRAVEL SERVICES
No. 2B, Ground Floor, Jalan Persiaran Brooke, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 329293 Fax: 084 – 316588
E-mail: sentiasa@streamyx.com
Web: www.sentiasa.com

12. SIBU ORIENT TRAVEL SERVICE
No. 10, Jalan Pulau, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 318833 / 330448 / 318855 Fax: 084 – 333355
E-mail: orient2@streamyx.com
Contact: Mr. Wong Song Hieng

13. SIN HUA TRAVEL
No. 6, Jalan Kampung Nyabor, Wisma Lagi, PO Box 555, 96007 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 338566 Fax: 084 – 328920
E-mail: marywpk@tm.net.my / abw5t8@streamyx.com

14. SITT TRAVEL
No. 147, Ground Floor, Jalan Kampung Nyabor, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 320168 / 320169 Fax: 084 – 330288
E-mail: sittsbw@yahoo.com

15. TRAVEL CONSORTIUM
No. 14, Jalan Central, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 334455 Fax: 084 – 330589
E-mail: travelco@travelconsortium.com.my

16. TROPICAL ADVENTURE TOUR & TRAVEL
No. 11, Ground Floor, Jalan Keranji, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 340566 Fax: 084 – 342069

17. WTK TRAVEL SERVICES SDN BHD
Bangunan Hung Ann, No. 1, Ground Floor,
Jalan Bujang Suntong, 96007 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 319393 Fax: 084 – 319933
E-mail: tour_trvl@wtk.my / tour_trvl@wtk.my

18. ENRICH TOURS SERVICES SDN BHD
No. 60, 1st Floor, Lanang Lane, P.O. Box 1515, 96008 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 315325 Fax: 084 – 323159
E-mail: e_enrich@yahoo.com

19. GREATOWN TRAVEL SDN BHD
No. 6, 1st Floor, Lrg Chew Siik Hiong 1A,96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 211243, 212243 / 019-8565041 Fax: 084 – 213243
E-mail: greatown@gmail.com

20. TEAM LEISURE TRAVEL AGENCIES SDN BHD
G14, Sibu Bus Terminal Shopping Centre
No 6, Lorong Pahlawan 7, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 344577 / 019-8173357 Fax 084 – 344577
E-mail: team.leisure@yahoo.com

21. GREAT HOLIDAY TRAVEL SDN BHD
No 23, 1st Floor, Pusat Pedada, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 344577 / 012-8908035 Fax 084 – 344577
E-mail: team.leisure@yahoo.com

22. SAKSOON Travel Agencies
No 9, Ground Floor, Jalan Keranji, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 344577 / 019-8860088 Fax 084 – 344577
E-mail: saksoontravel@gmail.com

23. SWAN TOURS SERVICES SDN BHD
No 4, 1st Floor, Jalan Keranji 4, 96000 Sibu
Tel: 084 – 325706 Fax 084 – 325607

SARIKEI
1. GREATOWN TRAVEL SDN BHD
No 58, Jalan Repok, 96100 Sarikei
Tel: 084-655233/656233 Fax: 084-655211
E-mail: gttsrk@streamyx.com

2. METROPOLITAN TRAVEL SERVICE SDN BHD
No 22, Grd Floor, Jln Repok, 96100 Sarikei
Tel: 084-654198
KAPIT
1. ALICE TRAVEL AND TOURS
Lorong 2, Jalan Airport, Lot 48, Jln Taman Kapit
96800 Kapit, Sarawak
Tel: 084-789788 Fax: 084-799778
E-mail: atta_kpt@yahoo.com
Contact person: Mr. Alice Chua
 

Sarawak Road Map

Sarawak Road Map


 

Sibu Road Map


Places of interest in
SIBU


Sibu is an inland town, and the capital of Sibu District (229.8 square kilometres) in Sibu Division, Sarawak, east Malaysia.
The town located at the confluence of the Rajang and Igan Rivers, 60 kilometres from the ocean and 183.3 kilometres (114 mi) east-north-east of the state capital Kuching.
The population is mainly Chinese Fuzhou as well as indigenous Melanau, Malay, and Iban.
 

The Sibu Heritage Trail at the Sibu Heritage Centre here was launched in June, 2012

he trail was another initiative of the Sibu Municipal Council to promote Sibu as a city of cultures and festivals and a gateway to the central region of Sarawak.

Sibu Heritage Trail consists of nine heritage sites including :
1) Sibu Old Mosque,
2) Masjid An-nur,
3) Rosli Dhobi Warriors Memorial,
4) Old Muslim Cemetery,
5) Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum,
6) Hoover Memorial Square,
7) Tua Pek Kong Temple,
8) Sibu Central Market
9) Sibu Heritage Centre.

The whole trail loop measuring about 4km and took about an hour and half if one made brief stops at all the heritage sites.
.
With its earliest settlement dating back to the 1800s, followed by the early immigration led by the late Wong Nai Siong, Sibu has grown by leaps and bounds into a major urban centre in Sarawak.
All the heritage sites identified are of great significance in the development of Sibu town.

The council had printed brochures, which contained a walking map, old pictures, and information of each heritage site.
The brochures would be placed at tourist information centre, hotels, travel agents, taxis, and other locations in town.

Local tourism players such as travel agents, tourist guides, and taxi drivers are helping to disseminate the trail to tourists and visitors.

The council had been promoting tourism on its own initiative since the early days.

For example, Pesta Sibu was initiated in the 1980s and had since become a frequent celebration for the local communities.

Celebration 2000 was organized to usher in the new millennium in 1999, which was a turning point where the local communities started to see the potential of the concerted effort of the local communities to organize big events for Sibu town.

Other initiatives included Borneo Tribal Extravaganza in 2000 and 2001, which was renamed Borneo Cultural Festival in 2002, annual Christmas Tree Decoration Contest; and annual countdown event.

Sarawak Technology University


AirAsia Sales Offices in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur Plaza Berjaya, Lot G027B, Ground Floor, Podium Block, Plaza Berjaya, 
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Kuching Wisma Ho Ho Lim, Ground Floor, No. 291, Sub Lot 4, Jalan Abell
93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Miri Ground Floor , Sublot 661B of Lot 354, Unity Centre Block 7
MCLD Jalan Miri Pujut 98000 Miri, Sarawak
Penang Ground Floor, Kim Mansion, 332, Chulia Street, 10200 Penang
Subang Ground Floor, Terminal 3, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport 47200 Subang, Selangor
Tawau

TB228, Lot  5 Ground Floor,Istana Monaco Hotel, Jalan Bunga, Fajar Complex ,91000 Tawau, Sabah


SIBU FOOD

Every seasoned traveler will always 'hunt' for a taste of local food wherever he/she may be and when in Sibu, you are certainly spoilt for choice! There is something from breakfast to lunch and dinner as well as for supper and snacks in between meals. Food prices here too are among the lowest in Sarawak and do not be surprised by the size of the servings too as some are really huge and overwhelming to the first time visitor.

For breakfast, other than the "kam pua" mee, whereby the notable stall is at Sing Ming Kee Cafe, Deshop Road or Siong Kee Stall, that everyone in Sibu likes, you can try the freshly baked "kom pia", a flour based doughnut Foochow style. Usually served piping hot with marinated minced pork in the centre, it goes well with that early morning coffee or tea. A recommended

outlet, to buy the tastiest "kom pia" is at Ah Hua stall, located on the 1st floor of Sibu Central Market. Sibu folks are in agreement that the coffee served at Chung Seng cafe in Sungei Merah is one of the best in the town so that may be the place for your next breakfast location.

Just before lunch, try to allocate a little space for the Sarawak laksa of Zhou Chai at the Mas corner in kampong Dato. It is said that this is one laksa place that visitors should not miss. However, if hot things are not your favorites, there is the "dian bian hu", a mixture of rice noodles with assortment of mushrooms, and other spices in a huge bowl of hot cuttlefish/fish balls soup. The place for this tasty and nourishing dish that is a favorite here is the Butterfly Park market. Prawn Mee at Ming Kwong Bank Road is another interesting

local favorites, which could be
something of your fancy as it's a mild spicy mee soup dish. For Muslim travelers, the eatery behind the old mosque has "roti canai" and "tosai" which are famous and tasty too.

You just cannot leave Sibu without trying the "mee sua" cooked with black chicken. Xiao Hua Cafe at Lane 2 Lanang is reputed to be one of the better places for this dish. Made from flour and sun dried, the fine noodles are very smooth when cooked in chicken broth, usually served with a tinge of red Chinese wine. Western style food are everywhere in the town and so those should not be a problem to locate if you prefer them or else check them out at the hotels. For the exact location of all these eateries please refer to any local resident or the hotel receptionist.


Sibu is known for its array of delicacies that are not only delicious but extremely affordable as well. The central region of Sarawak is renowned for the freshest seafood that includes river fish and prawns as well as local hawker dishes that are certainly must-haves when visiting the bustling town.

Kam Pua Mee  

Most famous and sought after food in Sibu is  Kampua Mee (Mee = noodles). Kampua Mee is parallel to Kolok Mee in Kuching, but prepared in slighty different manner using similar ingredients.

It consists yellow noodles in oil fragranced by onion and garlic, served with Char Siew(roasted pork). Similar to Sarawak Kolo Mee, this simple noodle dish comprise of thin noodles which are given a toss in some pork lard and topped with slices of char slew (barbecued pork) and fried shallots. But what sets Sibu's signature dish apart is in the texture of the noodles and it is served with chilli sauce instead of pickled sliced chilli.  

Kam Pua Mee is available either plain or tossed with sweet soya sauce and can be found at Sing Long Cafe (behind Rejang Medical Centre) and Choon Seng Cafe (Sg. Merah).  

Mee Sua  

Mee Sua is another popular dish of this town. The noodles, the primary ingredient of this dish, are made from rice flour and are first blanched in hot water before poured with hot chicken soup along with chunky pieces of tender chicken.  

A piping-hot bowl of Mee Sua is a customary dish for the Chinese community especially during special occasions such as birthdays and Chinese New Year as the noodles signify longevity.  

In Sibu, where the majority are Chinese of Foochow dialects, the Foochow Mee Sua is available at Swan Forest (Jalan Khoo Peng Loong) and Stall #122 (Central Market food).

Kompia  

One of the most popular delicacies to buy by the dozens when in Sibu is none other than the palm-sized pastry known as Kompia. The small, round bun topped with sprinkles of sesame seed is similar to a bagel as it can be served in various ways.  

Traditionally, Kompia is baked in a charcoal oven and can be eaten on its own. Today many will find the bun sandwiched with some minced meat.  

Originating from the Foochows, the bread roll with an indent in the center is commonly found in the legions of kopi tiam around town. But to grab a bite at the more popular Kompia stalls, head to Nam Mee (opposite the former Li Gong Theatre at Sungai Merah) or Mr & Mrs Yeo's Stall (Lorong Tiong Hua 26) 15 minutes walk from town centre or take a taxi) where the buns are serve in a rich pork broth with slices of stewed pork.

Bewilder your taste buds with all kinds of foods. From the usual western fare, work your way up to the tried and tested Chinese cuisine before venturing onto the amazing local food that will have you talking for ages. 


Mee Sua Chicken Soup

1.2 - 1.5 kg of free range chicken/chai yuan chicken (washed and cut to small pieces)  

8 pcs of dried shitake mushrooms (soaked in room temperature water till soft)  small handful of thorn berries (goa zi) 10 pcs of red dates (hung zhoa) 4 - 5 slices of ginger 2 tbsp of sesame oil 6-8 cups of water  

1/2 cup of foochow red wine (special wine of sourish taste, fermentation of red rice and glutinous rice)

1) Heat wok with sesame oil. Add ginger and fry till fragrant. With high heat, add mushrooms and then chicken and fry, stirring for a 2-3 minutes. Add foochow red wine (get the best quality you can grab hold of - usually homemade). Cover and boil for 5 minutes or so.  

2) Boil the water in a big pot, water should come approx only half of pot as we are adding chicken mixture to it. Add red dates and thorn berries and continue boiling.  

3) Add chicken mixture. Let it boil. Once boiling turn the fire down to small and let it simmer for at least one hour for flavor to come out.


 

Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden, Sg. Merah Baazar, Sibu.

Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden was build by Sibu community who felt deeply grateful to his bringing their forefathers to Sibu.

This memorial garden is next to the landing point of Mr. Wong Nai Siong.


The present development taking place in Sibu, such as the new airport terminal building and the two institutions of higher learning – Kolej Laila Taib (KLT) and UCTS.

Sibu is a naturally preferred destination in Central Sarawak. Home to more than 250,000 people of various races, religions and origins, this is where your journey into a holiday of culture, adventure and nature begins! Located at the confluence of Igan River and the mighty Rajang River (Malaysia's longest), Sibu holds the key to the heart of Borneo, where the cries of the wild drown out the din of city life.

Home to the visually stunning and culturally rich Borneo Cultural Festival, Sibu's charm also lies in the many secrets you can uncover as you take a leisurely stroll in between quaint buildings through its winding streets and side lanes.

From international class hotels to budget accommodations, western fare to exotic local delights, and modem supermarkets to Sibu's Central Market, your adventure is in uncovering Sibu's many surprises. Do not be just a tourist be one of us.

With its birth in the tempestuous period of the mid-nineteenth century where local warriors stage battles against a White Rajah, Sibu's colorful history is itself a destination. Speak to the locals. comprising of various races and find out how their forefathers braved the fiercest seas and scaled the highest peaks to arrive in Sibu.

From modern hotels to budget inns in urban setting to resorts by the South China Sea or one that is set amidst the ancient rainforest of Borneo. Sibu offers all these and more!

Sibu is a bustling and rapidly growing town located in the heart of Sarawak. With the mighty Rajang River (Malaysia's longest river at more than 770 kilometers) as its trusted companion Sibu is a holiday destination that offers a dazzling variety of sights, sounds and smells!

For those who are familiar with the town. it often conjures up a myriad of images when spoken of. The warm and friendly people, the amazing food. the shopping. the river, the festivals, the culture, the adventure and nature, all add up to make Sibu an exciting and fun filled destination.

Join us as we celebrate the annual Borneo Cultural Festival and a host of local festivals such as the Muslim's Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Awal Muharam, llari Raya Aidiladha or the Chinese Lunar New Year. Chap Goh Mei. Dragon Boat Festival. Lantern cum Moon Cake Festival, or the Gawai Dayak's Harvest Festival and marvel at the beauty of our ethnic diversity and racial harmony.

If the urban scene tires you, then take a journey on the mystical Rajang River and enter into a different realm, where the tar-scaled roads give way to winding rivers and where the city din is drowned out by the cries of the wild. Go deep into the remote and ancient rainforest where a resort awaits you by the raging rapids.

Or don't be a tourist, but be our guest and stay in a traditional long-house. Melanau tall house or Malay kampung house. By one of the rivers that feed the South China Sea, cry out jour arrival and be welcomed into the Lamin Dana. a traditional Melanau house.

Sibu. holds the key to a holiday filled with culture, adventure and nature. This beautiful city in the making, by Malaysia's longest and mightiest river - The Rajang - is a harmonious fusion of nature and modernization.

Shop till you drop, for handicrafts. clothing, fashion accessories, pottery, the finest birds' nest. pepper and other spices.

 


Welcome to the world of varied cultures! Be mesmerized by the beauty of the people's natural friendliness in Sibu as well as other towns and villages in the central region of Sarawak.  

Celebrating their different cultures the Ibans, Chinese, Malays, Melanaus and Orang Ulu communities extend their open arms to all visitors to experience their friendship and hospitality.  

The town of Sibu is a silent witness to the harmonious living that has existed since time immemorial. You will see community gardens built and donated by these different races living here. you will also get to experience its long house dwelling places - traditional was well as modern ones - in and round the town.  

Home of the famed Iban tribe, you will also get to experience its long house dwelling places - traditional as well as modern ones - in and round the town.  

In Mukah town, located some 160km from Sibu, you will also get to experience the cultural attraction of the Melanau tribe, which makes up one of the twenty-seven races found in Sarawak.  


SIBU MUNICIPAL COUNCIL  

MAJLIS PERBANDARAN SIBU  

Tingkat 19 - 24, Wisma Sanyan, No. 1, Jalan Sanyan, Peti Surat557, 96007 Sibu, Sarawak.

 Tel 6084-333411  Fax 6084-320240

Email smc@smc.gov.my

Website www.sibu.gov.my  www.smc.gov.my

Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) serves as the guardian of the peoples of Sibu. Making up of the Malays, Chinese, Ibans, Melanaus, Orang Ulus and many other races, Sibu takes pride in its diversity, identity and rich cultures.  

Experience the harmonious living that has existed amongst them for centuries. Its charm has the world's attention and tourists like you are making their way to experience the people's great smiles natural beauty. To symbolize its peoples' harmonious relationship numerous community-parks around town have been built.  

Or come and join us in our annual Borneo Cultural Festival besides other state-sanctioned festivals. Among the annual high lights is the 10-day long Borneo Cultural Festival that features the all the 27 ethnic cultural performances. It begins from June 27 until July 5, 2008.  

Home to about 250,000 people, the Sibu is located at the confluence of the Igan River and Rejang River, Malaysia's longest river. Its birth in the mid-nineteen from foreign White Rajah saw heroes and warriors being created.  

The SMC museum and several other privately run museums keep many of the stormy pasts.  

Today you can discover other charms and attractions in the lifestyles of the people by having leisurely walks among quaint buildings in town.

If you are a great shopper, you will find Sibu's malls, shopping complexes and night market a great place for excellent bargains. Its great local foods, coffee shops and fine restaurants will complete your journey.  

Among the cleanest towns in the State of Sarawak, a typical day in Sibu can be seen at the Sibu Waterfront, which wakes up to life as early as 5.00 o'clock in the morning. With taxis, buses, sampans, speedboats and express boats the waterfront is teeming with life.  

With an airport that can accommodate medium-sized passenger jets, Sibu can be reached from any point in Malaysia.  

Just with a few kilometers radius, be part of the communal living culture of the Ibans in the longhouses. You will indeed get a treat of your life for the great hospitality of this race. Natures, green forests and crisp air are abound in such places.


Sibu

Visitors' Information Centre, Sibu 084-340980
MAS Off ice. Sibu 084-326166      084-321055
Airport Office, Sibu 084-307799    084-307899
Air Asia 084-307808
Divisional Hotel 084-326972
Association 084-323222
Immigration Department 084-336991
Customs & Excise Department  084-333422
District Office 084-330224
Police Department 084-322222
Hospital 084-343333
Marine Department 084-332757
Sibu Post Office 084-332312
Taxi Station 084-320773
Sarawak River Board 084-341936
Resident Office 084-321963
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC)   084-333411
Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC)  084-336077
Fire & Rescue 084-330343   or 994
Forestry Department 084-334577
Welfare Department 084-329434

Sibu promises an exciting experience of colors, sights and sounds. If eco-cultural adventure is what you intend to include in your travel menu, then  venture beyond Sibu and experience the richness of the traditional Iban culture and nature's treasure trove.

Strategically located at the confluence of the Rajang and Igan Rivers Sibu is the administrative capital of the Sibu division and it also serves as the communication and transportation hub of the central region which is one of the most dynamic growth areas in Sarawak.

Sometimes referred to as the Swan town as it adopts the bird of the same name as its mascot, Sibu is steeped in the colorful history of the early Foochow immigrants who arrived and settled here at the turn of the 20th century led by their Christian missionary leader Rev Wong Nai Siong in search of a better life.

Sibu owes much of its growth and prosperity to the mighty Rajang, which is the longest river in Sarawak. On its banks, too, other smaller towns like Kapit, Belaga, Song, Kanowit, Bintangor and Sarikei thrive. The Rajang River rises in the Hose mountain range that separates Kalimantan from Sarawak and flows swiftly down a rugged terrain before meandering through a largely unspoiled Iban heartland of farmlands, forests and miles of alluvial plains.
Visitors making the upriver trip from Sibu will be able to visit longhouses that dot the river banks and witness some of the rich Iban tradition and cultural practices in addition to taking in the vast expanse and serenity of the lush tropical forest.
Rich in natural resources and other growth potential, the central region is earmarked to be a major economic and industrial development hub with billions of ringgit of foreign investments expected to pour in within the next 5 to 10 years.
Located at the estuary of the Rajang and can be reached by a two-hour boat ride from Sibu, Tanjong Manis is a well-planned industrial township with a deep sea port which caters for large ocean-going cargo ships and fishing trawlers. If you are traveling to Tanjong Manis, you must make it a point to stop over at Sarikei and sample its juicy pineapple, which the town is renowned for. Located along the narrow coastal belt are Mukah, Oya, Daro and Matu which are inhabited predominantly by Melanau and are known for their traditional handicraft.

Sibu! This riverine town, along the nation's longest river, the Rajang, is also the largest and busiest port here for trips further up the river and into another world of adventure. A gateway to the heart of the state, Sibu naturally excels as host for travelers with luxurious hotels, choices of food, entertainment and cultural extravaganza as the confluence point of the rich ethnic diversity of Sarawak. Fast express boats ply the river to the interior regions and the boat terminal, in the heart of the town, sits just next to the 100-year old Tua Pek Kong temple, which is well preserved and revered by worshippers. Adjacent to it is the unmistakable pagoda, known as the Goddess of Mercy pagoda, seven storey high and visible from almost any part of the town, is an ideal spot to catch a bird's eye view of the town.



Historically the Rajang River was much feared for its band of warrior tribes from the interior making forays to the settlements along the coastal areas which prompted the White Rajahs' construction of forts at strategic points to counter these raiding parties. Sibu grew from this protection and influx of Chinese immigrants who began cultivation of agricultural products like pepper and rubber for export before the emergence of timber trade that propelled Sibu into a major economic hub for the region. The town has not looked back since, becoming the main administrative centre with vibrant modern architecture surrounded by vast stretches of greens at the confluence of the mighty Rajang and Igan Rivers.
 

Sibu town's mascot, the majestic swan, as seen in three strategic places (Gateway, Esplanade and Town Square) was chosen for its historical significance, as told in folklores. When the Chinese immigrants came and saw the Melanaus with their sago culture, the difficulty of pronouncing sago became shortened to 'go,' in Hokkien Chinese meaning swan, the term used for the place. Another version told of how after a great famine, swans were seen flying over the area and ushering a new beginning for the farming communities and hence their importance and significance. According to Chinese historical recordings, the Rajang River was often referred to as Swan River and hence the appropriateness of the swan as the town's mascot.

Take a stroll through the town and take in the warmth and hospitality of the ever-smiling folks who call this place home. Enjoy breakfast along the numerous mini coffee shops tucked in between the rows of buildings that formed part of the old town and sample fresh baked 'kom pia' (Foochow styled bagel), sizzling hot 'you char kuey' (deep fried Chinese donut) or the local favorite, 'kam pua' noodles which is found just about every where. Your walk will eventually lead you to the Sibu Town Square, the hub for activities of the town, from the annual Borneo Cultural Festival to entertainment and shows, mini sports arena to state and national events. Located just a stone's throw away from the Rajang River and with the imposing Wisma Sanyan, the town's tallest building in the background, the Town Square is the ideal spot for relaxation as well as to take in the splendor of the town. Make a point to visit the Sibu Trade and Exhibition Centre when in town as this is the state's largest and latest centre of its kind. Centrally located, its 3,200 square meters hall also has a food court inside and can cater for all types of events with ease.

The Lau King How Hospital Memorial Museum is unique for its display of historical artifacts used in the former hospital. It is sited at the same place where the original hospital once stood.
After making the rounds of these places, it is time to explore further up the river, into the heart of Sarawak! Kanowit is the next nearest town from Sibu upriver, featuring Fort Emma, a 19th century wooden fort built during the Brooke rule. Song is about two hours further up, a town for side trips along the Katibas and Bangkit Rivers to Iban longhouses. Kapit evokes senses of traditions with its rich history and the main jump off point for numerous longhouses along the tributaries of Baleh and Rajang. Most prominent building here for tourists is Fort Sylvia, now a mini-museum for handicrafts and artifacts from by-gone era. Kapit is also the main administrative and commercial centre in this interior heart of Sarawak as well as the venue for the annual Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari, which traditionally attracts huge participation from local and foreign teams. For the more adventurous, the Pelagus Resort with its wild rapids is a thrill and the further reach of the river is Belaga, a town mainly made up of Orang Ulus.

Other major towns that provide interesting side visits from Sibu are Sarikei, Mukah, Bintangor, Daro and Tanjong Manis, each distinct and special on their own. It is advisable to set aside enough time for these places, including staying overnight to experience life in this central zone of Sarawak.


One of the first things that visitors will notice in Sibu are the beautiful gardens and parks within the town - from pocket corridor garden to open field and children's playground to lake garden, there is something for everyone. Well-maintained and popular, these 18 gardens and parks have become popular places for locals and visitors alike to relax and enjoy the surroundings teeming with lush green and serene water features. The gem among these is surely Bukit Aup Jubilee Park, a 24-acre splendor and winner of numerous national awards as well as home for the popular annual Bukit Aup Jubilee Run that attracts thousands of participants.

Closer to the town centre, the Town Square (Sarawak's largest) and Sibu Gateway are must-visit-places of the town and venue for host of activities around the year. For those who love water features, the Lake Garden is the ideal location with its vast stretches of water, footpaths, habitat-island and jetty among others. Equally pleasing is Sungai Merah Heritage Walk where the river has been declared a Heritage River while the Rajang Esplanade gives visitors the best view of the mighty river flowing gently to the sea. Apart from these, the other scenic venues are the Wong Nai Siong Square, Hing Hua Garden, Rajang Traffic Garden, Friendship Memorial Park, Kutien Garden, Hui Ning Garden, Su Kuok Garden, Mist Garden, Chiang Chuan Garden, Old SMC Park, Hii Garden and Taman Harmoni.

CULTURE

The best times to visit Sibu are during the festive celebrations
of Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Gawai and Christmas to experience the happy exchange of greetings and sharing of traditional food in the 'Open House' custom of celebration where everyone is welcomed to visit friends and neighbors who are celebrating these occasions. While it is quite common to visit Chinese and Muslim friends in town for the Chinese New Year, Christmas and Raya, Gawai celebrations have to be experienced in the traditional longhouses of the Ibans. Here, the never-ending rituals of eating and drinking can last the whole day and into the night with music, dances and talks between friends, relatives and neighbors and guests are especially treated well. An important reminder is to ensure that you have set aside a few days for the trip as some can completely forget about the time once the celebrations started!


At the Dewan Suarah there is also a mini museum where these different ethnic groups are featured, tracing their history, traditions and cultures of past and reminder of the rich heritage that is still very much alive today It is the ideal place to get acquainted with the rise of the town and its people, providing valuable pointers for understanding of the riverine town that aspires to become a city soon.  


BORNEO CULTURAL FESTIVAL

An annual event for Sibu, it is an ideal opportunity to see, first hand and close up, the various ethnic groups and their cultures in a single location - the Town Square. An extraordinary event held during the entire first week of July, visitors get to mingle with the performers and sample their dances and songs, games and learn unique aspects of their cultures. Theme 'Beauty in Ethnic Diversity', the Festival in its seventh year running, is unique and only one of its kind in the state, drawing visitors from far and near to sample this gathering of multi-ethnic cultures in a convenient and conducive location.

As like previous years, three main corners will be dedicated to the major groups of Dayaks, Malays/ Melanaus and Chinese with their own array of traditions and cultures being on display for the week. On the last three days of the festival, all the groups will converge onto the main stage in a single performance, which is representative of the close harmony of the different races living here in Sarawak!

There are dance and songs performances nightly during the festival for people to enjoy and appreciate the different ethnic cultures and traditions of Sarawak. It is difficult and also expensive to visit all the different places where the performers come from in Sarawak and so this is the opportune time to see them and learn about them. As occupancy rate will be high during this time, make your bookings early then sit back and be entertained nightly by the colorfully clad and graceful dancers. In conjunction with the festival, the Borneo Cultural Trade and Expo is also held during the entire week, giving visitors opportunity to browse through the numerous types of trades and other services on display.


SIBU CENTRAL MARKET

This is Sarawak largest market of its kind and certainly a paradise of exotic choices when it comes to local varieties of food. Located just next to the main express boats terminal, it has everything you want in a clean, pleasant and attractive surrounding. There is no shortage of strange and interesting local fruits and vegetables brought in daily by native women plying their products next to daily necessities of chicken, meat, fish and local vegetables and other dry goods. You will find beautiful orchids on display next to popular seasonal local and imported varieties of fruits and for the food connoisseurs, live fish and poultry are for your picking daily too.

When the shopping is done, there is always the top floor of the market to rest tired feet where coffee shops selling varieties of food abound. Try out the nasi lemak and curries of the Malay stalls for a taste of these hot and spicy choices or you can opt for the more traditional Chinese styled cooking of noodles and rice with wide range of cooked food. Other than food, you can also get clothing, shoes and varieties of merchandise for your convenience. You just cannot say you have been to Sibu without making a tour of this paradise for local food and varieties of goods under one roof!


Towns of the Central Region

Sibu is the best transit point for many of the upriver trips into Sarawak's central region and interior, a vast area of natural beauty and unique people of different cultures and traditions. Most trips are by the fast express boats, aerodynamic in shape and boasting of air-conditioned comforts as you ride the waves to places like Kapit, Song, Kanowit, Matu, Daro or Tanjong Manis, Sarawak's latest fishing port and centre for industrial development. By roads, places like Sarikei, Bintagor and Mukah can be easily reached in the comfort of the express buses or a private vehicle.

Sarikei is often known as Sarawak's premier pineapple town as the fruit from here is both sweet and juicy. It is also the state's largest producer of pepper as the agricultural hinterland is bountiful and rich in fruits production. A major transit point along the Pan-Borneo highway, this town is also well known for its array of fresh fish and sea produce while the Chinese people believe that the herbal package of 'pak cheng' (8 treasures) produced here is the best for new mothers during the period of recuperation.

Tanjong Manis is also served by an airport and is set to be the premier port in the central region for timber and marine food processing. A new township, this well planned and strategic location just inside the river mouth, is generating keen interest for different types of industrial activities with incentives from the government and will eventually be the main ship building centre of the state. Its rapid growth is matched by the increasing number of people settling into the area which is also frequented by foreign vessels for supplies and essentials. Mukah is a coastal town well known for its annual Kaul festival, the Melanau people's celebration of a bountiful year for fishing and giving thanks. This is also Sarawak's sago town as the commodity is most abundant here with processing into sago flour, pellets and other forms to produce things like Tebaloi, a sago cracker that is a must-buy when in Mukah. Visitors can come in by air or drive from Sibu and experience the culture of this seafaring people and stay in a unique Melanau longhouse, the Lamin Dana which serves authentic traditional food and display of culture.

Bintangor is another agricultural town and famous for its oranges which are green and sweet. Located along the river's bank, this small town is ideal for quiet walks and peace of mind with its slow pace lifestyle.


Sibu Talk

Before making your trip to Sibu why not let the experts provide you with the side trips and tours of the Rajang and other places of interest in this central region of Sarawak? Greatown Travel Sdn Bhd has the qualified guides and connections to make the necessary arrangements for your trips to places of interest when in the town and they have an assortment of half day and full day tours. In addition, they can also make the bookings and travel arrangements for visits to Mukah for the Kaul Festival (24 - 27 April) and Kapit for the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari (19 - 20 April), two events that promise fun and adventure. If your trip is between 28 June - 5 July, then you will be in time to witness the Borneo Cultural Festival where the full range of cultures of the state are on display daily with shows and other side activities.

The half-day tour includes visits to places of interest around Sibu town like the Rajang Esplanade and Cultural Exhibition, Cultural Heritage tour as well as visits to orchards and an Iban Longhouse. Depending on the choice of places, you can also try out the Fuzhou Culinary Adventure Trail and there is also the interesting Fuzhou Longevity noodle-making-trip or the "kom pia" (bagel) making tour, which takes visitors to the places where these unique products are made. The evening tour along the nation's longest river is an interesting side trip to see the setting sun as it dips over the horizon from the river.


GUIDED TOUR OF SIBU AND CENTRAL REGION

Most visitors choose the full day tour, which will take them to the countryside and a visit to an Iban longhouse as well as to Sarikei, a town on the out-skirt where orchards abound. The various local favorites of pepper, oranges, dragon fruit and vineyard allow visitors to see first hand how these fruits are grown and to pluck them if they happen to be in season. The trip will also take visitors on the Melanau Treasures Discovery where various aspects of the ethnic group like songket textile making are featured. When in season the smoked prawn, tour is an interesting trip to see these fishermen smoke-dry their catch.


MASLAND METHODIST CHURCH

Located along Jalan Pulau, this is one of the oldest churches here, reputed to be about a hundred years old. It can accommodate about 500 members at any one session and is within easy access right in the town area and a stone's throw away from the iconic Sanyan building. The distinctive aspect of the church is its front facade of a high, steep point which gives it a traditional look. The building though is anything but old, especially its interior! There is a modern stage-like pulpit with a grand piano, modern pews and a mezzanine floor at the back portion to accommodate more worshippers. The modern interior and air-conditioned hall naturally makes this one of the most popular places for marriages.


ENG ANN TENG  TUA PEK KONG TEMPLE

Built in 1897 by immigrant Chinese workers, this temple overlooking the mighty Rajang River commands an outstanding position with the dominating Pagoda in the background. Located on Jalan Temple, this famous landmark is a centre for worshippers for more than a century and is one of the best preserved Chinese temples in Sibu. At the entrance on the Temple, are praying tables, complete with huge joss sticks, burning all day and night during certain times of the year. Within its premises, a modern garden featuring different animal statutes and figurines are constructed. The place is now a popular location for tired souls to relax and unwind while reflecting on life's ups and downs.


AN-NUR MOSQUE

Often referred to as the Sibu mosque, it is located at Jalan Ramli Amit, near to both the federal and state complexes along the main road. Its golden dome can be seen from afar and is also within easy reach for the faithful whose kampongs are located not too far along Jalan Kampung Datu. With fully carpeted interiors and air-conditioned hall, worshippers find the sacred mosque a cool and pleasant place to be in. Accommodating congregations anywhere between 1,000 to 3,000 people, the An-Nur Mosque is one of the biggest in Sarawak. A huge Banyan tree in front of the road along the open space gives a soothing feel to the mosque.


Sibu Specialist Medical Centre (SSMC)

Sibu, the premier town of the central region of Sarawak, has been offering specialist medical attention in the form of secondary health care services to people with the setting up of the Sibu Specialist Medical Centre (SSMC) in 2003, serving towns like Bintulu, Mukah, Miri and others. Aiming to be the premier medical centre of the region, SSMC is well-equipped with the facilities and personnel to achieve its objective, having the services of specialists doctors in Internal Medicine (major in cardiology), General Surgery, Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Radiology, Anaesthesiology, ENT, Eye Surgery, Psychiatrist, Plastic Surgery, Cardiology, Neurology, Endocrinology and Geriatric Medicine. In addition, there are three operating theatres supplemented by the basic modalities ranging from plain x-ray to MRI, ICU and Rehabilitation services.

However, SSMC is more than people and facilities; it's motto of "Quality Service and Quality Care" is the core of its operations which seeks feedbacks from patients and their family members on the many facets of the centre to provide even better and efficient services in future. In fact, SSMC has a separate customer service and public relations section to monitor these responses, which will lead to higher quality of services. As the number of people using the services of SSMC continue to grow, a new wing, the Clinic Complex, is now being added and will begin operation in January 2008. It will have seven clinicians (both resident and visiting), who will render even greater efficiency of providing medical attention to people seeking assistance while a dialysis centre is to be set up in the near future. All these are to give the right care and services to those who come to SSMC for treatment and check-up.

Love Care Centre

A number of people recovering from stroke, palliative, bedridden, post-operative care and rehabilitation require daily and constant medical care; these services are now readily available at Love Care Centre, adjacent to the Sibu Specialist Medical Centre (SSMC) which begins operations in January 2008. Headed by a senior General Physician of SSMC, the nursing services of the centre will ease the burden of many families who can now send their loved ones here for that special care and attention. Those seeking treatment here for short or long term stay, will be near to SSMC whenever such medical attention are necessary and the centre itself has a wide range of rooms, VIP, single room, 2 bedded room, 4 bedded room and 6 bedded room. Three (3) supplementary meals are provided daily supplemented with hot and cordial drinks and everyone at the centre can do light exercise and recreational activities with the facilities provided. These services are aimed at providing a more holistic health care approach, which will give patients peace of mind and assist them to recover better.


Uploaded on :   March 20, 2020 11:05:20 AM

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