A weekend getaway in Sibu, Malaysia - the newest off-the-beaten destination to explore from Singapore

Sibu, a waterfront town sandwiched between Sungai Rajang, the longest river in Malaysia and the Igan River, has been known to be the window to Central Sarawak. Its strategic location has made it a vital trading centre and transportation hub for timber, rubber, and paper.

Presently, about 200,000 people live in Sibu, with a majority Chinese population originating from Fuzhou of southern China, alongside Malay, Melanau (indigenous Sarawakian), and Ibans (indigenous people of Borneo). It is the third largest town in East Malaysia, after Kuching and Miri.

Even though Sibu has a relatively laid back and down-to-earth vibe, it hasn’t been as prominent on the tourist radar. However,  with new (and cheap) direct flights now available from Singapore and other Malaysian cities, the town is slowly transforming from a sleepy commercial settlement to an exciting destination to discover!.

Most of Sibu’s tourist attractions are scattered around the city centre and are easily accessible on foot. Check out this itinerary perfect for a weekend getaway that’s less than 2 hours away by flight from Singapore, served by Scoot. Here goes!

Day One

7AM: Rise and shine at Sibu Central Market

Taking a trip to the market is the fastest way to see how the locals live - and in Sibu, that would be to Pasar Sentral Sibu, or the Sibu Central Market as it is informally known. The wet and dry market, built in 1996, is one of the largest in Malaysia. There are over 1000 stalls situated within the two-storey building, and a food court on the upper level.

The market is located in the city centre, opposite the busy Express Boat Passenger Terminal. Over here, merchants are eager to show off their wide range of livestock, along with fresh goods and farm produce. 

Visitors will be able to find all the essential cooking ingredients they need to prepare some of the most authentic local delicacies back home.

Don’t be surprised to see exotic tropical fruits – like the terung asam (Iban eggplants; a type of orange-coloured eggplant shaped deceptively like tomatoes) – that you wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere in Malaysia. There are also live chicken and ducks neatly wrapped in newspapers, and gorgeous handicraft made by locals that tourists can bring home as souvenirs.

Be prepared for some walking as the market is massive. The freshest goods usually sell out in the afternoon, so go as early as you can. More stalls are open on the weekends but that will also mean more visitors, so plan accordingly.

 

Address: Jalan Channel, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday - 6:00am to 6:00pm

9:30AM: A taste of local breakfast

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The late celebrity chef and television personality, Anthony Bourdain, once described Sarawak laksa as the “breakfast of the gods”. Simply put: it’s a must-try dish when you land in Sibu.

Laksa is made with rice vermicelli that is cooked in a rich and aromatic broth made from sambal belacan, tamarind, spices, and lemongrass. Unlike the laksa found in West Malaysia, Sarawak’s laksa is known for its curry soup base. It’s also served with lime and sambal chilli on the side.

Talk to the locals and you will realise each Sarawakian has his personal favourite laksa. In Sibu, visitors will likely be directed to Aloha Corner if they’d like to have one of the best Sarawak laksa for breakfast.

The late celebrity chef and television personality, Anthony Bourdain, once described Sarawak laksa as the “breakfast of the gods”. Simply put: it’s a must-try dish when you land in Sibu.

Laksa is made when rice vermicelli is cooked in rich and aromatic broth, made from sambal belacan, tamarind, spices, and lemongrass. Unlike the laksa found in West Malaysia, Sarawak’s laksa is known for its curry soup base. It’s also served with lime and sambal chilli on the side.

Talk to the locals and you will realise each Sarawakian has his personal favourite laksa. In Sibu, visitors will most like to be directed to Aloha Corner if they’d like to have one of the best Sarawak laksa for breakfast.

Aloha Corner is a humble kopitiam tucked in the northwest of Sibu city centre. It’s a beloved food place for the locals, with stalls selling fishball noodles, roti canai, char kway teow, and of course, Sarawak laksa.

A bowl of regular Sarawak laksa here costs RM$5 (estimated S$1.53) and it’s topped with a generous portion of shredded chicken and prawns. Diners may opt for the Supreme version priced at RM$10 (estimated S$3.06), which comes with extra rice vermicelli, topping, and soup.

 

Address: Jalan Keranji, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday–6AM to 5PM

11AM: Understand Sibu’s history

The Sibu Cultural Heritage Museum was set up in 1988 by the Cultural Heritage Committee of Sibu Civic Centre with support provided by various ethnic associations. It was initially located on the ground floor of the Sibu Civic Centre before moving to its current location – inside the Sibu Heritage Centre – in 2010. The museum tells a vivid story of Sibu from its early days onwards. This is a great place to learn more about the rich history and culture of this riverine town.

It traces the footsteps of the early settlers of Sibu during the formative years of Malaysia. It also showcases a series of old photographs and antiques of the ethnic groups from the central regions of Sarawak and the local Chinese Fuzhou community.

Other highlights of the museum include the taxidermy of animals native to the region, like the orangutan, moon rat, and rhinoceros hornbill, along with skulls taken from Iban longhouses.

These were carefully preserved from a time when headhunting was commonly practised by the Dayak or the indigenous people living in Sarawak. At the moment, the Sibu Cultural Heritage Museum has no entrance fee.

 

Address: 182, Jalan Central, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday–10AM to 4.30PM

1PM: Try the Legendary Sibu Kampua Mee (干盘面)

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Besides Sarawak laksa, Sarawakians are also proud of their kampua mee, a speciality that features tossed poached noodles in soy sauce and shallot oil.

Unlike the renowned Sarawak kolo mee, the noodle used in kampua mee is straight. It’s often served simply with a few slices of char siew or barbeque pork, spring onion, and chilli sauce. In Sibu, kampua mee is commonly served together with a bowl of flavourful spring onion soup or beef soup (beef kampua).

At Soon Hock Cafe & Restaurant, which has been selling this local favourite for the past two decades, most diners pair their kampua mee with a bowl of wanton (dumplings with minced pork fillings) served in dark soy sauce. 

Don’t be deceived by its simple looks, the Soon Hock kampua mee is tangy, fragrant, and tasty. Due to its popularity, you may find yourself in a long queue among the locals during peak dining hours.

Each bowl of kampua mee costs between RM2.5 and RM4 (estimated S$0.76 - S$1.22) depending on the portion served. A bowl of wanton costs RM4 (estimated S$1.22). 

 

Address: 55-59, Jalan Pedada, Taman Seduan 8, 96000, Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday–6.30AM to 6PM

3:30PM: Tua Pek Kong Temple and Goddess of Mercy Pagoda

The Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple has a history that traces back as far as 1871. It’s the oldest and most well-preserved Chinese temple in Sibu. Most of the materials used to build the temple, including the Tua Pek Kong statue, were imported directly from China.

Lord Tua Pek Kong is a deity of the Peranakan folk religion,worshipped by ethnic Chinese in Malaysia, Singapore, and parts of Indonesia.

The Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple was rebuilt from its original wooden structure into a Taoist building with tiled roof and stone flooring in 1890.

To the locals, the temple is not only a sacred place, it’s also a place filled with miracles. The temple was left undamaged in a fire in 1928 which blazed through a large part of the town. Likewise, the temple remained unharmed in the continuous bombings launched by the Japanese and allied forces during World War Two.

You may wish to offer your respect to the deity, or take your time to admire the architecture and many stone sculptures found within the temple.

The adjacent Goddess of Mercy Pagoda was constructed in 1987. The seven-storey high pagoda is believed to be the most proportioned pagoda outside of China.

Climb up to the top of the pagoda to enjoy a scenic view of the Rajang River. You can also have a look at the historic photos and paintings displayed on level three to learn more about the temple’s illustrious past. 

 

Address: Jalan Temple, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday–Opens 24 hours

5PM: Sunset at Rejang Esplanade

The Rejang Esplanade is a stone’s throw away from the Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple. It’s a picturesque waterfront promenade that stretches along Sungai Rajang or the Rajang River. The Esplanade was built in 1987 from land reclaimed by the river bed.

Today, the Esplanade is a great place for evening strolls, photo-taking, and dining at one of the many alfresco restaurants there. It often hosts cultural performances, public events and celebrations.

Nonetheless, you will still be able to catch a glimpse of its past, including the wharf that used to be the earliest trading point in Sibu, and“floating markets” or small boats carrying goods to be sold to the locals.  

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The most iconic of all will be the Swan Statue, erected by the Sibu Municipal Council in the 1990s. According to an old Sibu legend, the locals continued to feed the swans that were living in the region despite famine.

In return, the swan showed the locals how to extract edible starch from tropical palms. This edible starch is the sago we know in modern times – like the sago seeds added in various kinds of desserts.

This age-old friendship is how Sibu’s nickname - Swan City - came about. It’s common to see swan statues in various parts of Sibu, with the one by the Esplanade being the most famous.  

 

Address: 31, Jalan Maju, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday–Opens 24 hours 

Evening till late: Experience Sibu’s nightlife at Sibu Night Market

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The night market is an ensemble of local delicacies, fashion items, toys, and even household goods. On some nights, you might find more than 100 stalls gathered at the junction of Jalan Market or Market Street in the centre of Sibu.

Start your local street food adventure right here at the night market as you’ll get to savour some of the most authentic local snacks, like Foochow Siew Muai, Sarawak Satay, and Pulut Panggang (glutinous rice cooked inside banana leaf)).

While you’re savouring these local food, soak in the sounds and bustling Southeast Asian nightlife as well. 

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Some of the must-tries here include apam balik, or what the locals would call half-moon pancake,  a folded crepe with butter, sugar and peanut filling. The other is kompia, Sibu’s most famous crusty baked buns. Traditional kompia sold in Sibu is made from wheat flour, water, salt and topped with sesame seeds. It’s baked in a charcoal-filled clay oven that gives it a unique fragrance. Kompia was brought in from Fuzhou, southern China by the Chinese community who settled in Sibu. It can be eaten as it is or served with a generous stuffing of minced pork.

Address: Jalan Market, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday–5PM to 10PM

Day Two

8AM: An iconic Sibu dish for breakfast

Ding bian hu is yet another iconic dish in Sibu that was brought in by the Chinese Fuzhou immigrants. It literally means “wok edge paste” because it’s made from pouring rice flour batter to the side of a hot wok, till it forms a sheet of thin noodle. The noodle will then be scraped off the side into the wok, where simmering stock welcomes it. 

Ding bian hu is usually served with other ingredients including black fungus, shredded pork, cuttlefish, and fish balls. The locals see the soupy dish as a kind of comfort food, best eaten in the morning to warm their stomachs and fuel them with the energy needed for the day.

For the most traditional version, head to Chop Hing Huong, an eatery that has been in business since 1959. The locals believe this is where you can get the most nostalgic taste of the dish that is freshly made every day. A bowl of ding bian hu costs RM5 (estimated S$1.53). 

Address: 2-40, Jalan Tukang Besi, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday - 6:00am to 5:30PM, Sunday - 6:00am to 12:30pm

9:30AM: Learn about the Chinese settlers at the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk

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Pasar Sungai Merah is an old bazaar roughly 10 minutes away from the Sibu city centre by foot. It is named after Sungai Merah, or the red river.The Pasar was where the pioneer batch of 72 Chinese immigrants landed on 12 January 1901. They were led by Wong Nai Siong, a revolutionary leader and educator, who originated from Fuzhou in southern China. 

Wong later led a second batch of Chinese immigrants to Sibu on 5 March 1901. He also helped manage the welfare of the immigrants as they settled down in the town. As a result, this area is historically significant to the local Chinese community. 

Today, the area has been restored into a quaint walking trail by the riverfront and the Pasar is still in operation providing daily goods and services to those living nearby. While you’re there, visit the Pasar, admire the views along the river, and visit the Wong Nai Siong memorial garden which commemorates Chinese pioneers in Sibu. 

 

Address: Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday–Opens 24 hours

10:30AM: World Fuzhou Heritage Gallery

If the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk tells us when the pioneering batches of the Chinese Fuzhou community came to settle in Sibu,the World Fuzhou Heritage Gallery is where we can learn more about their lives and legacy.

Located at Jalan Salim, the Gallery houses over 650 artefacts that were donated by the local Fuzhou families. Many with history tracing back to the first group of southern Chinese immigrants who arrived in 1901. Right now, the Gallery is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world.

The Gallery is divided into five sections which showcase the traditions, culture, notable figures, livelihood, and the present generation of Fuzhou Chinese in Sibu. This is a must-visit spot for those who are interested in the history of overseas Chinese and their descendants. The Gallery has no entrance fee. 

 

Address: 5A, Lorong Salim 18D, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday - 8:00am to 12:00pm, 1:30pm to 4:30pm

12 NOON: Shop at one of the tallest buildings in Sibu

Standing at 125 metres tall, the Wisma Sanyan is a pinnacle landmark of Sibu. It used to be the tallest building in Sarawak until it was surpassed by Naim the Peak Condominium in 2019.

Wisma Sanyan is the headquarters of the Sanyan Group, which is the largest timber company in Sarawak. Apart from offices, the building also houses a shopping mall, a department store, and government agencies.

This is also the venue for the annual Sibu BASE jump in September, and the Sibu Tower Run in March. At the Sibu BASE jump, participants will get to jump from the highest point of the Sanyan building and descend slowly to the ground using a parachute. The Sibu Tower Run requires participants to run up the 627-step staircase of Wisma Sanyan in the shortest possible time.

For others, Wisma Sanyan is a shopping haven. The shopping mall occupies five levels of the building, over 14,000m2 of retail space, and a Parkson Department Store. Visitors will surely be spoiled by the shopping and F&B choices. 

 

Address: No. 1, Jalan Sanyan, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday–9AM to 10PM

1PM: A taste of the Sibu indigenous food

Mak Borneo’s founder, Lau Qooway is an avid traveller, architect, and photographer. He became curious about indigenous food after a Singaporean friend asked where they could try Sibu native cuisine. 

That was when Qooway realised, despite being a born and bred Sibu Chinese, he had never taken an effort to find out more about the aboriginal past of the town. The curiosity subsequently turned into the motivation to set up Mak Borneo. 

The food culture of the indigenous people is basic and natural. Most of the time, food is served raw or they are marinated and cooked in bamboo tubes. They respect nature and will only take fresh ingredients from the forest or the sea. 

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That’s why Qooway named his restaurant “Mak”. In the indigenous Sarawakian language, Mak is the short form for Makai, which means food. It also means Mother Earth. Qooway thought the term fits into the way of living and cooking techniques of the indigenous people. 

Over here, don’t be surprised to see durian flowers, Midin (a kind of forest ferns) and even sagu worms on the menu. All of which are made by Mak Borneo’s indigenous chef Helen and her husband Usin.

Prices of dishes range between RM7 (estimated S$2.15) and RM25 (estimated S$7.69). 

 

Address: Lot 1852, S/L 42, No.21, TGKT Bawah, LRG Dr Wong Soon Kai 4-D, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening hours: Opens daily from 10:00am to 11:00pm

3PM: Breathe in nature at the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve

Bukit Lima is an urban park; the “green lung” of Sibu that was opened in 2001. It is most popular for its jungle trails that bypass the largest peat swamp forest park in Sarawak, along with its close proximity to nature and wildlife. 

The entire trekking trail, which is on a well-paved wooden boardwalk, is about 5.7km long. The nature reserve is home to close to 40 species of flora and fauna and eight species of mammals. Visitors may spot long tailed macaques, squirrels, tropical birds, and even pangolins.

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Public transport is available between Sibu town centre to Bukit Lima Nature Reserve. Take Bus No. 10 operated by the Lanang Transport Company at the Bus Terminal to arrive at the entrance of the nature reserve. A one-way ticket costs RM5 (estimated S$1.53). The journey takes about 20 minutes. 

 

Address: 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday–7AM to 10AM; 2PM-6PM

Evening till late: A drink in a quiet town

At a glance, Sibu may appear like a quiet and ordinary town. In reality, it is dynamic and lively.

Its vibrancy can be felt the most at night as bars and karaoke lounges are filled with young and old alike, who wish to unwind and end the day in a cosy and relaxing atmosphere.

There are several spots like Night 7 Bistro and Lot 10 Cafe, that visitors can go to if they fancy a drink with their friends and families. Oxygen Bar located at the Sibu Heritage Centre is one of them.

Oxygen began in 2016 when the owner longed for a venue to meet his business associates and friends for a beer and snack on weekends. He named the bar Oxygen because he wants it to be “fresh, clean, drug-free, like oxygen that comes in when you sit alfresco”.

Oxygen serves imported wine, beer and snacks from Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. It also has a variety of cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and a menu that’s family-friendly.

 

Address: 21, Jalan Wong Nai Siong, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday - 3:00pm to 1:00am, Friday and Saturday - 3:00pm to 2:00am

 

Sibu is a multicultural town that seamlessly blends its old and the new. With its fascinating culture and sumptuous street food that are not to be missed, there’s no reason why you should not stage your next adventure here! 

Many of the tourist destinations and restaurants in Sibu city centre are accessible on foot. Visitors may also wish to move around on local taxis, get a private car hire through Grab app, or rent a car at the airport. It’s recommended to visit Sibu from early February to late March when there is less precipitation and weather is cool. 

Scoot will be launching its direct route from Singapore to Sibu in June 2024, with flights available three times a week.

For more Sibu tips and recommendations, visit the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore website or the Sarawak Tourism website. 

 

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