Sibu is the capital of Sibu District in Sibu Division, Sarawak, Malaysia. The city is located on the island of Borneo, located at the confluence of the Rajang and Igan Rivers, around 60 kilometres from the South China Sea.
Sibu is the main tourist gateway to the Upper Rajang River, with its small riverine towns and many Iban and Orang Ulu longhouses. If you are planning a visit to Sibu, add these 10 best things to do in Sibu to your travel itinerary and embark on an exciting new adventure.
Why is Sibu a Must-Visit Destination?
Sibu is a must-visit destination because there is much to see and do in Sibu. You can check out the Sibu Swan Statue and admire the architecture of the Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple. You can also have a good time exploring the Taman Jubli Bukit Aup and learn about Sibu’s culture in the Sibu Heritage Centre.
What Food is Sibu Famous For ?
Sibu is also a well-known food hub with delicacies for locals and tourists. While in Sibu, you can try the kampua noodle at the Best Harvest Cafe. This dish includes noodles tossed in pork lard or vegetable oil, fried shallots, spring onions and sometimes soy sauce or chilli sauce. Amongst the many local dishes, you can also try Sibu’s version of Sarawak Laksa at the Soon Hock Cafe.
Why was The Swan Chosen as The Symbol of Sibu?
There are a few accounts of why the swan was chosen as the symbol of Sibu. One of the legends is that the people of Sibu were grateful when a famine ended, and at the same time, there was an appearance of a flock of swans flying through the sky above them.
Another account of the origin of the swan symbol is the fable of the ugly duckling turning into an elegant white swan. The swan symbolizes a new identity, spirit, solidarity and unity, which would inspire the people to work hand-in-hand towards achieving prosperity for Sibu.
10 Best Things To Do in Sibu 2023
1. Check Out The Sibu Swan Statue
The swan is Sibu town’s symbol. The graceful swan symbolizes a new identity, spirit, solidarity and unity, which would inspire the people to work hand-in-hand towards bringing prosperity and growth to Sibu. The beautiful artwork also reflects Malaysia’s rich artistic sense. Therefore, take advantage of a photo opportunity with the swan statue when you visit Sibu.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: 5e, Lorong Lanang 2, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
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Check Info On Website2. Admire The Architecture Of The Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple
The Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in the town, with a 7-storey pagoda whose history dates back to the 1850s. The temple’s Tua Pek Kong deity statue was specially sculptured and imported from Xiamen. The temple’s architecture resembles a typical Chinese Taoist temple designed with a tiled roof, stone block floor and all the decorative purlin and fixtures imported from China.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Jln Temple, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
Phone No: 08-431 8005
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3. Explore Taman Jubli Bukit Aup
Taman Jubli Bukit Aup won the 1998 National Landscaping Competition for Public Parks. Bukit Aup is a 24-acre cluster of low hills with a lookout tower offering views of the surrounding plantations, longhouses and the Igan River. The tower, located on the park’s highest peak, is often visited by local Ibans, bringing offerings to a benevolent spirit, the Naga Bari, which is believed to help people in need. There are picnic huts, a canteen, a suspension bridge over a small lake that are suitable for photo opportunities, and jogging and walking trails at the park.
Operating Hours: 7am to 7pm daily
Address: Taman Jubli Bukit Aup, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
Phone No: 08-433 3411
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Website Info4. Explore Sibu’s Culture In The Sibu Heritage Centre
The Sibu Heritage Centre is a gallery in Sibu, Sarawak. In 2010, the heritage centre was relocated from the basement of the Sibu Civic Centre to the council building. It then underwent renovation with a cost of more than RM1.3 million. Today, the centre displays the cultural heritage and history of various ethnic groups in central Sarawak. It also contains a collection of Chinese porcelain and clay vases.
Operating Hours: 10am to 4.30pm (Saturday – Thursday) Closed on Friday
Address: 18 2, Jalan Central, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
Phone No: 019-868 4139
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Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/people/Sibu-Heritage-Centre/100069372770832/
View website5. Enjoy A Quiet Walk At The Rev James M. Hoover Memorial Garden
If you want a quiet place all to yourself during your getaway, you can walk around the Rev James M. Hoover Memorial Garden. You can access the garden by car through a back road. Furthermore, there is also a guard on duty to ensure the safety of visitors. You can wander around the garden and read interesting information about its history. It is also a nice place to take some memorable travel photos.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Jalan Igan, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
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View website6. Take In The Sunset At The Sibu Rejang Esplanade
YouTube: https://youtu.be/AKIG7xzZAfE
Stretching from the Express Boat Passenger Terminal to the Kingwood Hotel is the Rejang Esplanade. It is a landscaped waterfront frequented by couples, travellers, and al-fresco diners. Located here is also the magnificent Swan Statue, which is the emblem of Sibu. Aside from that. The Sibu Rejang Esplanade is also a popular spot to take instagrammable photographs.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: 31, Jalan Maju, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
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View website7. Try The Local Kampua Mee At The Best Harvest Cafe
Sibu is famous for its Kampua Mee dish. Therefore, while holidaying in Sibu, stop by the Best Harvest Cafe and try their kampua mee. Customers praise the kampua mee here as the best in town. This dish is made with noodles tossed in pork lard or vegetable oil, fried shallots, spring onions, and drenched in soy sauce or chilli sauce. It is a must-try dish if you visit Sibu.
Operating Hours:
6am to 4pm (Monday- Saturday)
6am to 12pm (Sunday)
Address: No 6a, Jalan aman, Lorong 2, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
Phone No: 010-774 6344
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people
8. Stroll Along The Iconic Sungai Merah Heritage Walk
The iconic Sungai Merah Heritage Walk is an old bazaar that is said to be the location where the earliest Chinese settlers landed in Sibu. Just off this bazaar is a pleasurable walking trail along the riverfront that leads to the Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden, a homage to the town’s principal founder. It would be interesting for visitors to note that the river’s waters are red, just like its name.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
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9. Taste Sibu’s Version Of Sarawak Laksa At The Soon Hock Cafe
Soon Hock Cafe is a popular restaurant in Sibu that serves various local cuisine. Its menu includes laksa mee, wonton mee, roasted and barbequed pork rice, fish ball soup noodles, dry wonton, fried kway teow with egg, and chicken rice. The shop opens early in the morning, so this is the perfect place for a hearty breakfast with family and friends.
Operating Hours: 6.30am to 6pm (Wednesday – Monday) Closed on Tuesday
Address: 55-59, Jalan Dr. Wong Soon Kai, Taman Seduan 8, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
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10. Visit The Central Market Of Sibu
The Central Market Of Sibu is the biggest indoor market in Malaysia that was built in 1996. This market is located at Channel Road, the main commercial centre for Sibu town. In addition, the Central Market has a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, meats, and seafood. The prices are lower than several other local markets. In addition, there are also stalls selling clothes and other merchandise that you can buy at home as souvenirs.
Operating Hours: 6am to 6pm daily
Address: Jln Channel, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu,
Phone No: 084-313 449
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