Sibu, Malaysia

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Sibu, Malaysia

Region: Sarawak

---

Geographic Coordinates: 2.300000, 111.817000

Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, with occasional floods during the monsoon season.

Population: 247995

Language: Malay

---

Sibu is a charming town located in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is situated on the banks of the Rajang River and is known for its rich cultural heritage, Delicious food, And stunning natural beauty. The town has a population of around 200, 000 people and is one of the largest cities in Sarawak. One of the most notable features of Sibu is its bustling waterfront area. Here you will find a variety of shops selling everything from traditional handicrafts to modern clothing and electronics.

There are also many restaurants serving up tasty local dishes like kampua noodles, Which are made with thin egg noodles served with pork and vegetables. Another popular attraction in Sibu is the Tua Pek Kong Temple. This beautiful temple was built in 1876 by Chinese immigrants who came to work in the area’s thriving timber industry. The temple features intricate carvings, Colorful murals, And ornate decorations that reflect both Chinese and Malaysian culture. Sibu also offers visitors plenty of opportunities to experience nature at its finest.

The town sits on the edge of Borneo’s rainforest region, Which means there are plenty of hiking trails, Waterfalls, And wildlife reserves to explore nearby. One such reserve is Bako National Park which offers visitors a chance to see exotic animals like proboscis monkeys and hornbills up close. For those interested in learning more about local history and culture, Sibu has several museums worth visiting including The Lau King Howe Memorial Museum which showcases artifacts from early settlers as well as exhibits on local customs such as headhunting practices that were common among indigenous tribes until recently.

In addition to all these attractions mentioned above; it would be remiss not mention one other important thing about Sibu: its people! Visitors often comment on how friendly locals are here – always willing to offer help or advice when needed making it an excellent destination for solo travelers or first-time visitors to Malaysia. Overall, Sibu is a fascinating town that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, Culture, Nature or just want to relax and enjoy some delicious food; this town has it all.

So if you’re planning a trip to Malaysia anytime soon, Be sure to add Sibu to your itinerary!

---

---

1. Tua Pek Kong Temple is a Chinese temple located in the heart of Sibu city.
2. Sibu Heritage Centre is a museum showcasing the history and culture of the local people.
3. Central Market is a bustling market selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and local delicacies.
4. Bukit Aup Jubilee Park is a recreational park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.
5. Rejang Esplanade is a waterfront promenade overlooking the Rejang River, perfect for an evening stroll or jog.
6. Sibu Night Market (Pasar Malam) is a popular night market that sells various products from food to clothing to souvenirs.
7. Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum showcases the history of healthcare in Malaysia.
8. Sibu Gateway is an iconic archway entrance to Sibu City.
9. Wisma Sanyan is the tallest building in Sarawak with 28 floors which offers panoramic views of the city from its top floor observation deck.
10. Sungai Merah Heritage Walk features old shop houses and landmarks along Sungai Merah area which offer visitors insights into early Chinese settlement days in Sarawak.

---

1. Timber and Wood Products: Sibu is well-known for its timber industry, with numerous sawmills and wood processing factories located in the area.
2. Agriculture: The surrounding region of Sibu is home to many oil palm plantations, rubber plantations, and fruit orchards.
3. Retail: Sibu has a thriving retail sector with many shopping malls, supermarkets, and specialty stores.
4. Tourism: Due to its cultural attractions such as the Tua Pek Kong Temple and the Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum, Sibu is a popular destination for tourists.
5. Manufacturing: There are various manufacturing companies in Sibu that produce products such as furniture, electronic components, food processing machinery etc.
6. Education: Several universities and colleges offer different courses ranging from business to engineering in Sibu.
7. Healthcare Services: Several hospitals provide medical services to people living or visiting the city of Sibu.
8. Transportation Services : A port at Rajang River facilitates transportation of goods between cities while an airport provides air transport services for travelers visiting or leaving from the city of Sibu.

---

1. James Brooke was the first White Rajah of Sarawak, and he established a British presence in Borneo, founding the city of Sibu.
2. The Battle of Sibu was a significant World War II battle between Japanese forces and Allied troops that resulted in the liberation of the town from Japanese occupation.
3. Chinese immigrants played a critical role in developing Sibu’s economy through trade and agriculture beginning in the late 19th century.
4. In the mid-20th century, Sibu became a hub for logging and timber exports that propelled its economic growth through timber industry development.
5. The Rajang River Basin Development Authority (RRBDA) was established in 1976 to oversee infrastructure development projects across Sarawak, including hydroelectric dams along the Rajang River that helped power industrialization in Sibu.
6. Wong Nai Siong was a prominent Chinese activist who led efforts to establish schools for ethnic Chinese communities across Borneo, including several schools in Sibu.
7. Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King is the founder of Rimbunan Hijau Group, one of Malaysia’s largest timber companies with significant operations based out of Sibu.
8. The Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum is dedicated to commemorating Dr Lau King Howe’s contributions as a physician who served rural communities across Sarawak during his lifetime (1919-1965).

---

1. Sibu Heritage Centre
2. Tua Pek Kong Temple
3. Sibu Central Market
4. Bukit Lima Forest Park
5. Rajang Esplanade
6. Sibu Night Market
7. Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum
8. Wisma Sanyan Tower
9. Sungai Merah Heritage Walk
10. Bawang Assan Longhouse Village

---

---

1. Sibu FA – The Sibu Football Association was established in 1988 and has been actively involved in promoting football among youths in the region. They have participated in various local tournaments and have won several championships.
2. Sibu Dragon Boat Team – The dragon boat team from Sibu is one of the best teams in Malaysia. They have won numerous competitions both nationally and internationally.
3. Sarawak United FC – Sarawak United FC is a professional football club based out of Kuching but they also play some matches at Tun Zaidi Stadium, which is located in Sibu.
4. Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association – The association was established to promote tennis as a sport among youths in Sarawak state, including those from Sibu.
5. Borneo Eagles Rugby Club – Borneo Eagles Rugby Club was founded by a group of rugby enthusiasts from different parts of Borneo Island including those from Sibu back then when they were still known as Borneo Bears Rugby Club before rebranding to its current name on 2016.

---

---

1. Pesta Sungai Rejang – This annual festival celebrates the mighty Rejang River, which flows through Sibu. The festival features boat races, cultural performances, and a food fair.
2. Sibu International Dance Festival – This event brings together dancers from around the world to showcase their talents and exchange cultural experiences.
3. Chinese New Year – Sibu has a large Chinese population, and Chinese New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the city. Festivities include lion dances, dragon dances, fireworks displays, and traditional food.
4. Hari Gawai Dayak – The Dayak community of Sarawak celebrates their harvest festival in May or June each year with traditional music and dance performances.
5. Borneo Cultural Festival – This week-long event showcases the diverse cultures of Sarawak through music, dance performances, fashion shows, food fairs and handicraft exhibitions.
6. Mooncake Festival – Celebrated during mid-autumn season (usually September), this festivity is marked by mooncake eating sessions accompanied by tea drinking sessions among families or friends.
7. Christmas – Being a multi-religious city in Malaysia that hosts a significant Christian population; Christmas is celebrated with beautiful lightings at churches as well as commercial areas in town accompanied by caroling sessions for several weeks leading up to December 25th every year.

---

1. Kampua Mee – a type of dry noodle dish served with minced pork and shallots. Some famous places to try this dish are Lau Yu Keng Cafe, Li Hua Cafe, and Ruby Restaurant.
2. Kueh Chap – a soup dish made with various pig offal such as intestines, stomach, and liver. Some recommended places to try this dish are Ah Tor Steamboat & Kueh Chap stall and Soon Hock Kueh Chap.
3. Foochow Red Wine Chicken – a traditional Foochow cuisine made by stewing chicken in red rice wine for hours until the meat is tender. Popular restaurants that serve this dish include Ruby Restaurant and Noodle House.
4. Seafood – Sibu is known for its fresh seafood such as prawns, crabs, fish, and clams which can be found at seafood restaurants like Ocean King Seafood Centre or Chuan Hui Seafood Centre.
5. Durian Ice Cream – Sibu is also famous for its durian ice cream which can be found at local shops like Wong Ting Ice Cream or Happy Rainbow Ice Cream Shop.
6. Dim Sum – For those who love dim sum breakfasts or brunches should check out Ming Mei Shi Dim Sum Restaurant or Siang Siang Garden Dim Sum Restaurant for some authentic Chinese breakfast delicacies like har gao (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), chee cheong fun (rice noodle rolls) etc.
7. Sarawak Laksa- This spicy noodle soup is one of the most popular dishes in Sarawak state which includes vermicelli noodles cooked in coconut milk with spices like ginger flower buds , lemongrass , turmeric ,galangal etc topped with shredded chicken,pink prawns,eggs,mint leaves ,coriander leaves and lime juice. Some of the best places to try Sarawak Laksa in Sibu are at Choon Hui Cafe, Lau Ya Keng Cafe or Noodle House.

---

1. Bukit Lima Forest Park
2. Taman Jubli Perak
3. Sibu Central Park
4. Taman Selera Sibu Jaya
5. Taman Harmoni Sibu
6. Sibu Heritage Centre and Waterfront Promenade
7. Taman Rekreasi Bukit Aup
8. Wisma Sanyan Sports Complex
9. Kampung Nangka Riverine Park
10. Taman Muhibbah Teku

---

---