Sibu

Sibu is a town on the Rejang River in central Sarawak, the main gateway to the Upper Rejang River and the Iban longhouses of central Borneo. It has a strong Foochow Chinese heritage (the town was settled by Methodist Foochow missionaries in 1901) and is known for its iconic Swan Square monument, the Sibu Central Market (one of the largest in Malaysia), and extensive seafood restaurants along the river.

By Plane

Sibu Airport (SBW) — 20 km south-east of town. Direct flights from KL (2 hr), KK (1 hr), and Miri (40 min).

By Train

No train. Express boats on the Rejang River serve Kapit (2.5 hr) and Belaga (7 hr).

By Car / Road

Sibu is on the Pan Borneo Highway, 300 km from Kuching (4 hr drive) and 200 km from Bintulu (2.5 hr drive).

Grab is available. Taxis and buses serve the town. Express boats from the Sibu Jetty are the best way to explore the Rejang River.

• Swan Square — the iconic giant swan statue that symbolises Sibu's Foochow heritage

• Sibu Central Market — one of the largest covered markets in Malaysia; hundreds of stalls selling produce, crafts, and food

• Tua Pek Kong Temple — a Chinese temple overlooking the Rejang River; built 1907

• Sibu Heritage Centre — housed in the former town hall; exhibits on Sibu's history and Foochow migration

• Lin's Swan Garden — an extension of Swan Square with gardens and ponds

• Sibu Riverfront — a promenade along the Rejang River with food stalls and a park

• Bawang Assan longhouses — 30 min from Sibu; Iban longhouses offering homestay programmes

• Explore the Central Market — best in the morning; local produce, handicrafts, and street food

• Express boat ride to Kapit — a 2.5-hour journey up the Rejang River through rainforest

• Longhouse homestay at Bawang Assan — experience Iban culture, traditional food, and dance

• Swan Square photography — the iconic landmark is best photographed at sunrise

• Seafood dinner at the riverfront — Sibu's Foochow-style seafood is famous

• Visit Tua Pek Kong Temple — the temple grounds offer views of the Rejang River

• Sibu Central Market food court — Foochow specialities: kompia (stuffed bread), mee sua (vermicelli noodles), and kampua mee; RM 3–7
• Sibu Seafood (Riverfront) — Foochow-style seafood: chilli crab, butter prawns, steamed fish; RM 12–25
• Restoran Noodle House (Jalan Kemuyang) — famous kampua mee (Foochow dry noodles); RM 4–7
• Pasar Malam Sibu — local snacks and fresh produce
• Tua Pek Kong Cafe — coffee and kuih near the temple

• Teh tarik (RM 2)
• Kopi (RM 2)
• Foochow red wine (a medicinal rice wine) — available at Chinese medicine shops
• Fresh fruit juices (RM 3–5)

• Budget: Hotel Sibu (RM 40–70/night); Sibu Central Hotel (RM 50–80/night)
• Mid-range: ParkCity Everly Hotel (RM 80–150/night, pool); Tanahmas Hotel (RM 100–180/night)
• Upscale: Kingwood Hotel (RM 120–200/night, river view); RH Hotel (RM 150–250/night)

• Sibu Central Market — local produce, handicrafts, Foochow snacks
• Wisma Sanyan — the main shopping mall
• Kompleks Budaya Kraf — a craft centre with local handicrafts

• Kapit (2.5 hr by express boat) — gateway to Iban longhouses and the Upper Rejang
• Bawang Assan longhouses (30 min drive) — Iban homestay experience
• Bintulu (200 km, 2.5 hr drive)
• Mukah (120 km, 2 hr drive)
• Sarikei (70 km, 1 hr drive)