sibu travel blog

7 Places to Visit in Sibu, Sarawak (East Malaysia)

Top 10 Best Things To Do in Sibu 2024

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 2024

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

Google Map: Navigate Now

Google Reviews: Here

2. 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.

Address: Jln Temple, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak

Phone No: 08-431 8005

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

4. 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

Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/people/Sibu-Heritage-Centre/100069372770832/

5. 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.

Address: Jalan Igan, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak

6. 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.

Address: 31, Jalan Maju, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak

7. 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

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.

Address: Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak

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

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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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us [email protected]. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.

14 Top Things To Do In Sibu, Sarawak

Going to Sibu and now want to know what all the best things to do in Sibu, Sarawak are? We have you covered! Below, you will find our Sibu things to do guide which covers all you need to know to plan the ultimate trip.

While Sibu is one of Sarawak’s largest cities, it’s not often on the top of people’s list when visiting Sarawak. However, Sibu is an underrated city that has a vibrant food scene, rich cultural and historical heritage and some great natural attractions.

Located on the Rejang River, the longest river in Malaysia, it’s 60 kilometres from the coast. It’s the gateway to Sarawak’s interior. It grew wealthy from trade with the interior and, today, makes it money from timber. It’s also the gateway to exploring this area for travellers.

It’s Sarawak’s most Chinese background city with two thirds of locals tracing back their heritage to Foochow (or Fuzhou) province at the start of the twentieth century.

I explored Sibu as part of a bigger trip to Sarawak. There is plenty to see and do to occupy yourself for a couple of days. Sibu is also known for its food so make sure you eat up!

Below, in our full guide to things to do in Sibu Malaysia, you will find precisely just what to do in Sibu, Sarawak, as well as the best places to stay. There is also a handy map of all the Sibu attractions that our guide details below to help you with your itinerary planning.

Let’s start!

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Top 14 Things To Do In Sibu, Sarawak

Here are the best things to do in Sibu. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe. They are somewhat in geographical order starting in the centre at the top rated Sibu Heritage Centre.

Learn Sibu’s History At The Sibu Heritage Centre

The Sibu Heritage Centre is a cool, circular building which showcases Sibu’s rich history, as well as the cultural heritage of Sarawak’s ethnic groups. It takes you from the beginning of Sibu to today and discusses the early Chinese migrants, the dialect groups and the earliest indigenous tribe groups.

Also covered is Sarawak’s communist insurgency, Sibu’s Christian traditions and local feelings when Sarawak became part of Malaysia in 1963.

There are many photos, information boards, Chinese porcelain, clay vases, relics, tools and more including skulls that were hung from Iban longhouses. There are also taxidermied animals found in Borneo as well as (randomly) animals found around the world.

Admission to the museum is free.

Address: 18 2, Jalan Central, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu

Explore The Heritage Shopfronts Around Jalan Tukang Besi

Heritage Shopfronts Around Jalan Tukang Besi Sibu

This area around Jalan Tukang Besi between Sibu Heritage Centre and Tua Pek Kong Temple is perfect for a short walk exploring these heritage shopfronts.

It’s a picturesque, low-level area that’s worth taking a moment to enjoy while walking between these attractions.

Visit Tua Pek Kong Temple

When deciding which Sibu, Sarawak attraction to visit during your trip, a visit to Tua Pek Kong Temple is a must. This popular tourist spot is where people come to pray or just admire that temple’s colourful architecture.

A Taoist temple has existed on this spot since 1871! You can climb up the seven storey pagoda, Kuan Yin Pagoda, which was built in 1987. There are great views from here, especially at sunset. You may need to get the key at the ground floor desk.

This Sibu tourist attraction also has stone carvings, shady trees and nice places to sit as you watch the river traffic go by. It’s a must visit place to stop in Sibu to take a moment and enjoy.

Address: Jalan Temple, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak

Shop And Dine At The Sibu Night Market

Craving some street food? Head down to Sibu Night Market, known to be Sibu’s street food paradise. Here you can buy anything from dim sum, barbeque to local cakes.

As well as food, you’d also find a number of stalls that sell clothes, electronics, and household items for bargain prices.

The night market opens daily from 6pm along Market Road. It’s easy to try a few different things as you wander around for great prices. It’s where I ate 🙂

Address: Jalan Market, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu

Get A Bargain At Sibu Central Market

The Sibu Central Market is the place to head for fresh produce, local food and more. It’s the largest indoor market in Malaysia with over 1,000 stalls. You can get yourself a bargain meal here or simply walk through and soak up the local colour. It’s huge!

In addition to what you may expect to see, there are interesting exotic fruits, jungle produce, handicrafts, textiles and pottery. Upstairs is where you can find numerous food stalls with Chinese, Malay and Iban options. It’s also one of the biggest (if not biggest) food court areas I have gone to as well.

I had a great lunch here which was atmospheric, cheap and delicious. Winning!

Built in 1996, this market is open from 5am until around 7pm, although not everything stays open all day. Mornings are the best time to visit.

Address: Jalan Channel, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu

Watch The River At Rejang Esplanade

This esplanade was built in 1987 and is a pretty landscaped riverfront area with great views of the river and all the ships, barges, “flying coffin” boats and more. It’s great for river watching, although there was a lot less river traffic than I was expecting.

There are chairs, a playground and it’s a great place to stop for a moment and take it all in. Look out for the Sibu swan statue over the river. The swan is the city’s emblem.

Address: 31, Jalan Maju, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu

Shop At The Tallest Building In Sarawak: Wisma Sanyan

Once known to be the tallest building in Sarawak at 125 metres tall (it was beaten in 2019), Wisma Sanyan first opened its doors in 2001 and houses a shopping mall with 120 shops, restaurants, and many office levels.

In September, it is home to the annual Sibu Base Jump. At this event, participants jump from the highest point of this building with a parachute.

In March, there is the Sibu Tower Run which is a race to see who can run up the staircase here the fastest.

Address: 1, Jalan Sanyan, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu

Walk Through Empty Wards At The Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum

Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum Sibu

Known to be one of Malaysia’s most unique museums, the Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum was once a fully functional hospital. Today, it is Malaysia’s only medical museum with bizarre and sometimes scary medical exhibits and instruments.

You get to wander the empty wards and corridors while examining early 20th century medical equipment and photos. They certainly made me glad that I live in the 21st century. There’s also a display of nurses uniforms.

The museum was dedicated to Lau King Howe, a pastor from China who came to Sibu in 1916 and helped fund medical services in the area. His story is also told in the museum.

It’s one of my favourite things to see in Sibu as it’s just so different and interesting.

Open daily from 9am to 5pm except Mondays. Donations are appreciated.

Address: Jalan Lau King Howe, 96000 Sibu

Take The Sungai Merah Heritage Walk

The Sungai Merah Heritage Walk takes place next to the Sungai Merah (Red River). It starts an old market bazaar that is where its believed the first Chinese migrants settled in 1901. The migrants were lead by Wong Nai Siong, a leader and educator who came from Foochow.

He brought a second lot of migrants in 1901 and also helped migrants settle into town. This area is significant to the local Chinese background population.

It’s a pretty riverfront stroll. The market place is currently being rebuilt, but should open again soon. Regardless, it’s still a nice place to check out. The river lives up to its name as it does occasionally look red thanks to the iron content in the river. There’s also a lot of pink around which helps add to its glow.

The trail finishes at the Wong Nai Siong Memorial Park (coming up next).

See The Beautiful Landscape At Wong Nai Siong Memorial Park

This memorial park was erected in honour of Wong Nai Siong, the leader mentioned above. The park and monument shows the reverence locals have to him, and the garden is always clean and well-maintained.

This area is a popular place to go to for early morning exercise routines.

Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu

Go On A Picnic At Taman Bukit Aup Jubilee Park

Taman Bukit Aup Jubilee Park is a popular place for locals to relax, especially during weekends, as it is a peaceful place to unwind and have picnics. The park’s facilities include a pavilion, amphitheatre, lookout tower, lagoon, garden, playground and a barbeque area.

There’s also a suspension bridge over a small lake and jogging and walking trails. It’s quite a hilly area.

From the top of the lookout tower is a great place to go to see the surrounding longhouses and plantations in the area. This tower is also a place the local Iban people bring offerings for the spirit Naga Bari who is meant to help people in need.

Address: Jalan Inai, 96000 Sibu

Take A Short Trekking Adventure In Bukit Lima Nature Park

Need to get out of the city? Bukit Lima Forest Park is the place to head. Here, you can take a short trekking adventure and participate in a bird watching activity afterwards. There are to 39 bird species in the park and animals such as pangolins, macaques and squirrels.

Located in a peat swamp forest environment, this park is popular for jogging and walking. The trails add up to about 5.7 kilometres long on wooden boardwalk.

There is also an observation deck and seating. The only downside is that the boardwalk can get slippery and there isn’t much shade making it quite hot if you go in the afternoon like I did.

The park is to easy reach as it’s just a 15-20 minute drive from the centre of Sibu. You can take a Grab taxi or local bus number 10.

Address: 5 Lorong Sentosa, 96000 Sibu

Enjoy Jade Dragon Temple

Jade Dragon Temple (Yu Lung San Tien En Si)

The Jade Dragon Temple, also known as the Yu Lung San Tien En Si, is believed to be one of the biggest temple complexes, not just in Malaysia, but in all of Southeast Asia. Here religious practices like Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism are brought together under one roof.

It’s about a 35 minute drive here from the centre of Sibu. If you take a taxi, ask them to wait for you as there is not much near here.

It’s an amazingly picturesque temple complex and worth the time of coming here if you can fit it in.

Address: Jalan Sibu – Bintulu, 96000 Sibu

Experience The Bawang Assan Longhouse Village

Bawang Assan Longhouse Village Sibu Sarawak

If you want to experience the authentic and traditional life of an Iban then you should definitely visit the Bawang Assan Longhouse Village. This village is a collection of nine longhouses dating from the 18th century of the indigenous Iban population. It’s an interesting mix of traditional longhouses to more modern ones so you can see how longhouses have evolved over time.

If you visit here, you can get a glimpse of the Iban’s daily activities, such as planting on rice paddies, fishing and learning how to Ngajat – a warrior dance from the tribes. You can also try some of their traditional food.

Many of the older Iban speak great English which adds to the experience. It’s possible to visit for the day or stay overnight.

The village is 40-minutes away from the main city centre by taxi or an hour by boat. The visitor information centre in the Sibu Heritage Centre can help you organise a trip here.

Sibu Tourist Attraction Map

Find all the attractions in Sibu on the following map as well as the recommended hotels below.

Best Place To Stay In Sibu

When it comes to where to stay in Sibu, there is an excellent range of hotels in the city centre for all budget types. To help you shortlist where to stay for your trip, I’ve listed a few different places to consider including a budget, mid-range and more expensive option.

You can also find our guide to the best hotels in Sibu here.

BEST – Kingwood Hotel Sibu Review

Located on the banks of Rajang River, this hotel is walking distances to many of the city attractions such as the Sibu Central Market and the waterfront.

The Kingswood Hotel has a range of room options that can accommodate from one to four people in single, twin, double and quadruple rooms. All rooms have desk areas, minifridges, tea and coffee making facilities, air-conditioning and everything else you would expect from a four star hotel. Some rooms offer stunning river views as well.

Facilities include free wifi, an amazing outdoor pool by the river, gym, 24-hour front desk, and two on-site restaurants. Free private parking is also available for guests.

This is our top pick for where to stay as I had a great stay here. It offers great value.

Click here for the latest prices or click here to read my full review.

MID-RANGE – De House Hotel Review

De House Hotel is conveniently located in Sibu, near the city’s must-see destinations.

Guests can choose from 40 well-appointed rooms which can accommodate two people right up to four people in a family suite which comes with two queen beds. Each of the rooms features AC, a TV, fridge, kettle and private bathroom.

The hotel also offers a vast array of facilities and services like free WiFi for all rooms, in-house coffee shop and restaurant, salon, and convenience store. 24-hour front desk, laundry services, tours, and free parking is also available.

Click here for the latest prices.

BUDGET – Qu Lin Resident Review

Qu Lin Resident is a good choice for budget conscious travellers. The property isn’t too far from the city centre, just four and a half kilometres away, offering access to Sibu’s must-see destinations. It is very close to the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk and Wong Nai Siong Memorial Park.

The Qu Lin Resident has a range of room options including twin, queen and a family room which comes with a single and queen bed. All rooms have free wifi, air-conditioning, desks and bathrooms, while some rooms offer stunning river views.

Facilities at the hotel include an on-site restaurant and fitness centre. 24-hour front desk, laundry services and free parking is also available for guests.

The hotel is basic, but comfortable and fantastic when you consider how crazy cheap it is.

Click here for more of the best hotels in Sibu.

How To Get To Sibu

It’s easy to get to Sibu by bus, plane or ferry.

Regular flights to Sibu Airport (SBW) are available via Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, MYAirline and MASWings coming from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Bintulu, Miri and some other major destinations.

To see all the latest flights and prices, click here .

Buses run regularly from Sarawak cities (e.g. Kuching, Miri and Bintulu) to Sibu Bus Terminal.

If you need to take a bus, click here for the latest timetables and bus prices.

Ferries also run daily from Kuching and Kapit with express boats leaving the port between 8:15 am to 1:15 pm.

If you’d prefer a ferry, click here for the latest ferry fares and schedule.

For more detailed instructions:

Click here to read our full guide to getting between Sibu and Bintulu
Click here to read our guide to getting between Miri and Sibu
Click here to read how to get from Kuching to Sibu

Sibu With Kids

Sibu is a great destination to visit if you have kids. They are likely to enjoy many of the Sibu things to do above as well.

For example, take a short trekking adventure in Bukit Lima Forest Park where you can do a fun nature hike, discover the forest’s fascinating wildlife and go birdwatching.

Similarly, you can also take them on an educational tour at Sibu Heritage Centre, where they can learn more about the place’s history and culture, and even get a chance to know more about Sarawak’s ethnic groups. You can enjoy delicious treats and drinks in one of the cafes nearby afterwards.

Then take them to the night market to try some new foods for dinner.

Final Words

Sibu may not be a famous tourist destination, but you’ll find a lot of hidden gems here, especially if you’re planning to explore the city.

I had a great time exploring Sibu on my big Sarawak adventure, and I’m sure you can too.

So, whether you’re going here for just a day trip or staying for a couple of days, you’ll see that there are plenty of things to see and do in Sibu.

I hope you enjoyed our guide to the top things to do in Sibu, Sarawak. You can find the best hotels to stay in Sibu here or find our full travel guide to Sibu here. Heading on to Kuching? Find our guide to Kuching here . How about Miri? Find our guide to Miri here.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

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Sandwiched between the Rajang River, the longest river in Malaysia, and the Igan River, Sibu has long been known to be the window to Central Sarawak . Its strategic location has made it an important trading centre and transportation hub for timber, rubber and paper.

The third largest town in East Malaysia after Kuching and Miri, Sibu has a laid-back and down-to-earth vibe, a result of being off the tourist trail. But that is set to change as direct flights are now available between Sibu and Singapore, as well as other Malaysian cities.

So plan a weekend getaway to check out Sibu’s rich historical and cultural heritage, natural attractions and vibrant food scene before tourism changes the city. You’ll be pleased to know that most of Sibu’s attractions are scattered around the city centre and are easily accessible on foot.

We present you with a list of 11 awesome things to do in Sibu.

1. Eat & shop at Sibu Central Market

The fastest way to see how the locals live would be to make a trip to their market, and in Sibu, that market would be Pasar Sentral Sibu ( Sibu Central Market ). The wet and dry market, built in 1996, is one of the largest in Malaysia. There are over 1,000 stalls housed within the two-storey building, and a food court on the upper level.

The market is centrally located in the city centre, opposite the busy Express Boat Passenger Terminal. At the market, you’ll find a wide range of cooking ingredients to make authentic local delicacies, as well as livestock, fresh goods and farm produce.

11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia - Sibu Central Market

Look out also for exotic tropical fruits – like 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 chickens and ducks neatly wrapped in newspapers, and gorgeous handicraft made by locals.

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 crowds, so plan your visit accordingly.

2. Try Sarawak laksa

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.

The dish comprises rice vermicelli cooked in a rich and aromatic broth that’s 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 and is served with lime and sambal chilli on the side.

11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia - Sarawak laksa

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

A humble kopitiam in the northwest area of Sibu city centre, Aloha Corner is 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 RM5 (S$1.50) and it’s topped with a generous portion of shredded chicken and prawns. Opt for the Supreme version, priced at RM10 (S$3), which comes with extra rice vermicelli, toppings and soup.

3. Taste the legendary Sibu kampua mee

Besides Sarawak laksa , Sarawakians are also proud of their kampua mee , a speciality of poached noodles tossed 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 (barbecued pork), spring onion and chilli sauce.

11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia - Sibu Kampua Mee

In Sibu, kampua mee is commonly served together with a bowl of flavourful 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 filled with minced pork) served in dark soy sauce.

Don’t be deceived by its insignificant look, the Soon Hock kampua mee is tangy, fragrant and tasty. Due to its popularity, be prepared to queue for your food during peak dining hours.

A bowl of kampua mee costs between RM2.50 and RM4 (S$0.75 – S$1.20) depending on the portion served. A bowl of wanton costs RM4 (S$1.20).

4. Discover Sibu’s history at Sibu Cultural Heritage Museum

Learn more about the rich history and culture of Sibu at the Sibu Cultural Heritage Museum which was set up in 1988 by the Cultural Heritage Committee of Sibu Civic Centre with support provided by various ethnic associations.

The Museum 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 this riverine town from its early days and 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.

11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia - Sibu Cultural Heritage Museum

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

These items 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 Museum does not charge for admission.

5. Visit Tua Pek Kong Temple and Goddess of Mercy Pagoda

The Eng Ann 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. Worshipped by ethnic Chinese in Malaysia, Singapore and parts of Indonesia, Lord Tua Pek Kong is a deity of Peranakan folk religion

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

11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia - Tua Pek Kong Temple

To the locals, the temple is not only sacred, it’s also a place filled with miracles. The temple was left undamaged in a fire that took place in 1928 which blazed 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 II.

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. Be sure to check out the historic photos and paintings displayed on level three to learn more about the temple’s illustrious past.

6. Catch the sunset at Rejang Esplanade

A stone’s throw away from the Tua Pek Kong Temple is the Rejang Esplanade , a picturesque waterfront promenade that stretches along 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.

11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia - Rejang Esplanade

Even so, you’ll 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.

The most iconic of all would 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 pearls 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.

7. Get a taste of Sibu’s street food and experience nightlife at Sibu Night Market

On some nights, you’ll find more than 100 stalls at the Sibu Night Market gathered at the junction of Jalan Market in the centre of Sibu. Shop for fashion items, footwear, toys, household goods and food, of course.

Start your local street food adventure by savouring some of the most authentic local snacks like Foo Chow siew muai , Sarawak satay , panggang (grilled glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaf) and midin (local fern). Other must-tries include apam balik or what the locals call “half-moon pancake”, which is similar to a folded crepe filled with butter, sugar and crushed peanuts, and kompia , Sibu’s most famous crusty baked pastry.

11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia - Sibu Night Market

Made from wheat flour, water and salt, and topped with sesame seeds, traditional kompia sold in Sibu is baked in a charcoal-filled clay oven which 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.

While you’re at the market, be sure to soak up the sounds and bustling atmosphere of Southeast Asian nightlife.

8. Learn about Chinese settlers at Sungai Merah Heritage Walk

Pasar Sungai Merah is an old bazaar about 10 minutes away from the Sibu city centre on foot. It is named after Sungai Merah (Red River). The Pasar was where the pioneer batch of 72 Chinese immigrants had 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.

11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia - Sungai Merah Heritage Walk

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. After checking out the Pasar, admire the views along the river and visit the Wong Nai Siong memorial garden which commemorates Chinese pioneers in Sibu.

9. Discover the legacy of early Fuzhou community at World Fuzhou Heritage Gallery

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

11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia - World Fuzhou Heritage Gallery

Located at Jalan Salim, the Gallery houses over 650 artifacts that were donated by local Fuzhou families. Many of the artifacts can be traced back to the first group of southern Chinese immigrants who arrived in 1901. The Gallery is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world.

The free Gallery is divided into five sections which showcase the traditions, culture, notable figures, livelihood and the present generation of Fuzhou Chinese in Sibu. Definitely a must-visit for those who are interested in the history of overseas Chinese and their descendants.

10. Shop at Wisma Sanyan, Sibu’s highest building

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

The headquarters of the Sanyan Group, the largest timber company in Sarawak, Wisma Sanyan houses offices, a shopping mall, a departmental store and government agencies.

11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia - Wisma Sanyan

It 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 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 steps of the staircase of Wisma Sanyan in the shortest possible time.

For others, Wisma Sanyan is a shopping haven. Boasting over 14,000m 2 of retail space, the shopping mall occupies five levels and houses a Parkson department store.

11. Get close to nature at Bukit Lima Nature Reserve

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

11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia - Bukit Lima Nature Reserve

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. Look out for long-tailed macaques, squirrels, tropical birds and pangolins.

Public transport is available between Sibu town centre to the Nature Reserve. Take bus number 10 operated by the Lanang Transport Company at the bus terminal to the entrance of the Nature Reserve. A one-way ticket costs RM5 (S$1.50) and the journey takes about 20 minutes.

This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “ A weekend getaway in Sibu, Malaysia – the newest off-the-beaten destination to explore from Singapore ”

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What to do in Sibu? Here’s 8 Things To do When in Sibu, Sarawak! 1

Are you planning a trip to Sibu, Sarawak? This vibrant town has so much to offer, from its rich cultural heritage to its delicious food and stunning natural scenery. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 8 exciting things to do when in Sibu, Sarawak . Whether you’re interested in exploring local markets, taking a river cruise, or trying out the delicious food, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. So let’s dive in and discover all that this city has to offer!

1. Visit the Sibu Central Market

The Sibu Central Market is known to be the hub of activity that offers a glimpse of the local’s way of life in Sibu. It is Malaysia’s biggest indoor market and famous for its fresh fruit, seafood and handicrafts! Each sections of the market offers unique shopping experience. You can browse through colourful stalls that sells everything from tropical fruits and vegetables to textiles and pottery.

The top floor of the market houses a number of food stalls offering various local delicacies from Kolok Mee to Kompia and more!

Operation hours

Market open 5.30AM – 12.00PM Food count open 5.30AM – 1.00PM

2. Explore the Sibu Heritage Centre

Next, we have the Sibu Heritage Centre. It is a museum in Sibu, Sarawak that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the cultural and historical heritage of the town and its surrounding areas. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the history and cultural practices of the local communities, see traditional crafts and artifacts, visit a replica longhouse, attend cultural performances, and take a guided tour of the museum. It’s a great place to learn about the rich heritage of this beautiful city and its people.

3. Sail Away on the Mighty Rejang River on a River Cruise!

When in Sibu, you gotta float your boat on the River Cruise! As we all know, Sibu is located on the longest river in Malaysia, the Rajang River. Taking the river cruise is the best way to explore the area! On top of that, the scenic view that you will get is immaculate!

For more information and booking, check them out at their Facebook .

Booking http://whatsapp.siburivercruise.biz.my
Boarding location http://location.siburivercruise.biz.my

4. Temple of Tranquility: Discover Tua Pek Kong in Sibu!

Next on the list of what to do in Sibu is, visiting the historic Sibu Tua Pek Kong Temple! This temple is one of the oldest and most popular landmarks here! It’s a really great place to learn about the Chinese culture and religion. They literally have a mini muzium in the Temple tower. Accompanied by the spectacular view of the Rajang River, you will not regret going here! This place is also not far from the Sibu Central Market, so if you’re already in the area for the market, don’t forget to check the Tua Pek Kong out!

5. What to do in Sibu? Go on a Food tour!

What’s next? Food tour! I have been told this many times; Sibu is food haven for foodies! They are known for their delicious food and also quite cheap compared to some other parts of Sarawak. Other than that, Sibu has a lot of hidden food gems that are not well known to tourists, I’d say the best way to discover them is a food tour!

Here are some places you can check out in Sibu, Sarawak.

5 MUST TRY Kampua Places in Sibu
10 Cafes to Check out in Sibu, Sarawak
5 Places To Hunt For “Kompia” and “Zhen Dong Bing” in Sibu

6. Going to the Sibu Night Market

Don’t tell me you’ve been to Sibu if you haven’t step foot to their night market! This bustling night market, always filled with crowd is a great place to shop for souvenirs, try local delicacies and soak up the atmosphere of Sibu after dark! There are plenty of local food from Malay vendors to Chinese vendors, they have it all here.

We have visited the Sibu Night Market before, if you would like to watch the video, click here !

7. Strolling at the Taman Jubli Bukit Aup

If you want to enjoy an early morning walk or even an evening stroll at a park, you should go to Taman Jubli Bukit Aup! This park is a great place to go hiking, biking, or have a picnic with your friends and family. If you want the best views, go early in the morning to watch the sunrise! I promise you, it’s beautiful!

8. Visit the Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden

The Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden is a hidden gem in Sibu that’s not to be missed. This peaceful garden pays tribute to Wong Nai Siong, a Chinese revolutionary who left an indelible mark on the Malaysian education system.

The exhibits and displays here offer a fascinating insight into the life and times of this visionary figure. With its lush bamboo groves and tranquil lotus pond, the garden exudes a sense of calm and tranquility that’s perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a stroll through the garden, snap a few photos, and let yourself be transported back in time to a period of great change and progress in Malaysian history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a place to relax and recharge, the W ong Nai Siong Memorial Garden is well worth a visit.

In conclusion, Sibu, Sarawak is a destination that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling Sibu Central Market to the serene Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. Whether you’re a foodie looking to indulge in local delicacies, a history buff eager to learn more about the area’s rich past, or an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure in the great outdoors, this city has it all. So why not plan your trip to Sibu today and experience all that this hidden gem of Sarawak has to offer?

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Thursday, September 7, 2017

Day 1 - sibu food trail.

16 comments:

Sibu got many good food to try out. That crispy kuih jala we called in kuih karas in nothern part of pen. malaysia.

This post reminds me of my own visit to Sibu. It has been quite a number of years ago! Sungai Merah Heritage Walk seems like a new attraction - I have not been there yet.

So many nice food to eat there. Like the river front lighting decorations.

Waaaaa...so many food.. its make me hungry... i wish 1 day i will go to Sibu and trying all the food

I miss my hometown so much! Flying back to Sibu on this coming Nov, can't wait!

OMG the kuih jala looks so special! I'm intrigued!

Their cuisine looks delicious! I also love the costume. If I were you, I will try wearing it too. (for experience and cool travel pictures) LOL. Have a great trip ahead. :)

Sibu food looks so delicious. I would love to visit and taste them for myself too. The scenery and attractions look very interesting too. Wonder when will I have a a chance to go to Sibu. I love your photo skills too! Great compositions. May I ask what is the camera you are using (if that is not too much to ask ;-p ).

Aww... thank you so much for your kind compliment. I'm using Fujifilm XT10 for this trip. :D

I want to have experience stay a longhouse. Its look so exciting.

I miss Sibu Kampua and Kompia. Always prefer Sarawak food.

Nice! Haven't visited Sarawak before...hope to plan one soon :)

Waahhh nice trip. I nevwr when to sibu. I like to visit next timw.

Wow these foods looks delicious. You are so lucky to be invited! I am amazed how they cook these kompia. Looks unique!

This is such a great journey! My first time watching how lumpia was made too, thanks!

Haven't been to Sibu before, will bookmark this post for my travel reference :)

Sibu, Sarawak Travel Guide 2022

Credit: http://robinsonmike.blogspot.com/2014/11/sibu-and-central-sarawak.html

While Sibu is one of Sarawak’s main towns, it is not always at the top of visitors’ lists when they come to the state. Sibu, on the other hand, is an underrated city with a bustling food scene, a rich cultural and historical legacy, and stunning natural attractions. In our guide, you’ll discover exactly what to do in Sibu, Sarawak, as well as the best locations to stay and dine.

Where to Stay

1. otel hotel.

Credit: https://www.traveloka.com/en-my/hotel/malaysia/otel-hotel-sibu-9000000890205

Otel Hotel Sibu is committed to pampering the discerning traveller’s senses. Elegant design, pleasant and welcoming service combine to delight both business and leisure guests. The hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Sibu, making it a perfect location for both business and pleasure travellers. This nature-inspired hotel is committed to offering a calm and comfortable environment for people from all walks of life. Every feature of the hotel has been designed with your comfort in mind.

2. Kingwood Hotel

Credit: https://www.agoda.com/kingwood-hotel-sibu_3/hotel/sibu-my.html?cid=1844104

The Kingwood Hotel Sibu offers an outdoor pool as well as a fitness centre. This property features a restaurant as well as a 24-hour front desk. Throughout the resort, guests can access free WiFi. Some rooms at Kingwood Hotel Sibu have river views, and all rooms have a private bathroom. Every morning, a halal breakfast is served at the accommodation.

3. The Paramount Hotel

Credit: https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/the-paramount-sibu.html

If what you’re looking for is a conveniently located hotel in Sibu, go no farther than The Paramount Hotel. Guests may easily reach everything the vibrant city has to offer from here. The hotel’s strategic position allows for quick access to the city’s must-see attractions. Guests staying at this fantastic resort may take use of free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi in public areas, a car park, and room service.

4. Tanahmas Hotel

Credit: https://www.agoda.com/tanahmas-the-sibu-hotel/hotel/sibu-my.html?cid=1844104

Tanahmas Hotel is a popular choice for visitors to Sibu, whether they are touring or simply passing through. Everything you need for a good stay is provided by the hotel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, a 24-hour front desk, and 24-hour room service. Enjoy the hotel’s recreational amenities, which include a fitness centre and an outdoor pool.

Things to Do

1. learn about sibu's early days at wong nai siong garden.

Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wong_Nai_Siong_Memorial_Garden.JPG

A visit here is an essential if you are particularly interested in Sibu’s early days. It depicts the narrative of how Sibu’s founder, Wong Nai Siong, a Chinese Revolutionary Leader from Fujian, China, led a large-scale migration of Foochow migrants to Sibu in 1901.

2. Stroll along Sungai Merah Heritage Walk

Credit: http://sarawakdotcom.blogspot.com/2020/12/sungai-merah-heritage-walk-sibu.html

For a peek of the past, take a tour through the first Riverine village for the Chinese Foochow in Sibu. However, it is worth mentioning that the area has been totally transformed from a damp and humid forest to a heritage route alongside a riverside that occasionally glows red.

3. Check out the Zodiac Statues at Lin's Swan Garden

Credit: https://myhometown.com.my/?popuppress=sibu-economy-and-business

This garden has been open since 2005 and is located near the Sibu Gateway. What makes this garden unique is the presence of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals surrounding the massive swan monument. According to natives, this is a sign of happiness and good fortune for Sibu people.

4. Admire Wisma Sanyan, once the tallest building in Sarawak

Credit: https://www.facebook.com/info.sibu/posts/tahukah-anda-wisma-sanyan-di-sibu-adalah-bangunan-yang-tertinggi-di-sarawak-dan-/1992814514338888/

Wisma Sanyan stands 125 metres tall and houses 120 retail shops, 22 office floors, 5 shopping levels, and 22 office levels, including government offices and the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC).

Food Hunting Spots

1. soon hock cafe & restaurant (kampua).

Credit: https://chillout-soulout-freakout.blogspot.com/2012/08/soon-hock-cafe-restaurant-sibu.html

Soon Hock Café & Restaurant, which is located near Delta Mall Sibu, has been in business for about two decades and is still going strong. This is undoubtedly one of the locals’ favourite spots to get Kampua for breakfast, as there is always a crowd, especially on weekends.

2. Aloha Corner (Laksa Sarawak)

Credit: https://tripifyapp.com/venue/sibu-malaysia/aloha-cafe/fea3ef10-fee3-4045-a5d8-9455cb1d8bd3

This place is usually crowded with locals enjoying breakfast, so you may have to wait a long for an open table. In terms of flavour, the laksa provided here is one of the few places that serves a nice bowl of laksa. Some places serve laksa with little flavour in the soup, but this place managed to capture all of that flavour inside a bowl.

3. Sheng Kee 63 Confectionary (Kompia & Zhen Dong Bing)

Credit: https://sherrywithlove.blogspot.com/2020/01/sibu-sarikei-trip.html

Sheng Kee 63 Confectionary, which has been serving Sibuians since 1963, is one of the best places to get these treats. The main reason is that they keep the historical method of baking Kompia and Zhen Dong Bing in a clay oven packed with charcoal. When eaten fresh, their Kompia is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Each bite amplifies the nutty flavour of the sesame seeds that have been carefully sprinkled on top. Their Zhen Dong Bing is available plain or with a variety of fillings including pandan, red bean, white bean, and butter. These fillings complement the sweet dough of Zhen Dong Bing well. They are not excessively sweet and elevate the simple taste of Zhen Dong Bing.

4. Chop Hing Huong (Dian Bian Hu)

Credit: https://www.borneofoodie.com/the-legendary-dian-bian-hu-place-in-sibu/

This shop named Chop Hing Huong has been in business since 1959. A spot serving only one item on the menu but yet good enough to be so comforting to feed any soul and it is called “Dian Bian Hu”. The FooChow dish “Dian Bian Hu” is formed of rice flour batter that is put into a wok to make a rather thick layer of noodle. It is then scraped off and simmered in a flavorful stock. Following that, the bowl of noodles is served with broth.

Charming Sibu – A Gateway To Central Sarawak

Sibu Town Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board

Positioned as the main gateway to Central Sarawak and the largest port and commercial centre in the Rejang basin, Sibu is a thriving modern town that will charm you with its historical and cultural heritage, vibrant food scenes and beautiful waterfront life.

Although Sibu may not always be the first choice of destination when it comes to visiting Sarawak, the unique charms of Sibu town that it is a down-to-earth place filled with friendly smiles everywhere will not disappoint. For those looking for an opportunity to explore Sibu, here are some of the highlights which might inspire you to explore this vibrant town.

Sungai Merah Heritage Walk

History buffs, rejoice! In a town that is predominantly Fuzhou since migration of early settlers originating from the Fuzhou region in southern China began in 1901, it is no surprise that you will be surrounded by Fuzhou cultural heritage buildings throughout the city. You can begin your Fuzhou trail in Sibu by visiting Sungai Merah, the earliest riverine settlement of the Fuzhou Chinese in Sibu. Wong Nai Siong, a Chinese Revolutionary leader responsible for leading the Fuzhou migration to Sibu, decided after travelling for 13 days down the Rejang River that Sungai Merah was the most suitable place to start a new settlement due to its strategic riverbank location.

Sungai Merah Heritage Walk, Sibu (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

The trail then led us to Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden which was built in honour of Sibu’s principal founder and features a bronze bust of him. You can also find more information about the history of the Fuzhou community in Sibu here.

Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

We finally reached the end of our heritage walk with the James Hoover Memorial Park, commemorating the renowned Methodist missionary and educator, Reverend James Matthew Hoover from the USA who helped to build 41 churches and 40 schools all over Sibu. He helped to manage the settlement after Wong Nai Siong left from 1903 to 1935. You can read more about his journey, contributions and achievements here.

James Hoover Memorial Park (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Sibu Night Market

After all the walking earlier, our stomachs began to growl in hunger. Our local guide informed us that Sibu’s night market is a must-visit place when it comes to searching for good local food at night. Our eyes glistened at the sight of assembled food ranging from Sibu’s signature Kompia (Sibu’s version of a bagel) with meat filling, inside barbequed pork, local savoury desserts such as yam cake and youtiao (a deep-fried Chinese breadstick), steamy dim sums, to local Malay cuisines and of course, satay served with peanut sauce.

While enjoying our snacks and walking around, we found ourselves in another section of the market where visitors can shop for affordable items such as souvenirs, clothes, shoes, accessories and more! This is a plus point for those who need a quick “fashion fix”, a wardrobe change or just need to buy a gift.

The market usually operates from 5 pm till 10 pm every evening and we’d say this place is definitely worth a visit as it is perfect for an evening stroll and getting to know the locals better.

Steamed goods available at Sibu Night Market (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Local Malay cuisine and assortment of barbecue favourites and satay found at the Sibu Night Market (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Since we’re already in Sibu-the gateway to Central Sarawak, it is a great time for us to escape to the countryside and explore Sarawak deeper. This time we are heading towards Bintangor and Ulu Sarikei to uncover what this quaint town has to offer.

After an approximate 40-minute drive from Sibu to Bintangor (formally known as Binatang which means animal in the Malay language), the capital of the Meradong District in Sarikei, Sarawak, we noticed a huge “Green Lime” statue, the landmark on Bintangor. As their landmark suggests, Bintangor is popular for its Limau Bintangor ( Bintangor Lime) and its fresh produce.

Limau Bintangor Landmark (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

For breakfast, we had Tumpik a Melanau version of Pancake made from sago flour and grated coconut in a local market nearby. We tried two versions of Tumpik, the original version which we dipped in Gula Apong (Sarawak’s Palm Sugar) and the special version which has prawn fillings inside. Both types of Tumpik have a unique taste on their own. Depending on your own personal preference, the original has a pleasant, neutral taste and dipping it in the Gula Apong will enhance the flavour more while the special one gives a savoury taste and is better to eat it on its own. According to our guide, Tumpik is a rare find nowadays as most locals only prepare it for home consumption.

(Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

After breakfast, we walked around the local market and discovered a lot of exotic fruits and vegetables sold in the market here. We were intrigued by their alien-like features, sizes and colours. Among the local produce sold at the market here are Terung Dayak (Dayak eggplant), pineapples, the Salak (snake skin) fruit and of course the iconic Limau Bintangor which is a must-try fruit for this trip.

Bintangor Market (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Salak Fruit (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

The iconic Limau Bintangor (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Variety of fruits found in Bintangor Market (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Sarikei – Fruit Basket of Sarawak

We moved along to Sarikei, another vibrant city known as the ‘Fruit Basket of Sarawak’. It is a 25-minute drive from Bintangor. We were greeted with their huge Pineapple statue landmark. Aside from its iconic pineapples here, we found even more exotic fruits and vegetables here.

It is quite easy to start your ‘fruitventures’ here and it can be easily covered by foot. As you stroll along its waterfront, you can find a showcase of exotic fruits lined up. The friendly sellers invited us to taste the fruit first before making our purchases. Among the fruits and vegetables found here are Dabai, Mata Kuching, Pulasan, Langsat, Rambutan, Isau and many more.

Sarikei’s Landmark (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Dabai Fruit (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Rambutan Fruit (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Pulasan Fruit (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Isau Fruit (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Ulu Sarikei- Rumah Nyuka Homestay

After Sarikei, we embarked further inland into Ulu Sarikei to visit Rumah Nyuka Homestay, a famous Iban longhouse which is entirely made out of Belian Wood built in 1955. It is located at Lubuk Lemba, Ulu Sarikei about 85km away from Sibu.

Rumah Nyuka is home to about 300 people from 45 families living together. For those looking to have an immersive cultural experience, this place is definitely worth the visit. Be blown away by the nine smoked skulls that belong to the Lubok Lemba community hung near the entrance of the longhouse. Here’s a backstory: before James Brooke’s era, head-hunting was active as an act of defense or to expand their territory. Today, the Lubok Lemba skulls are still being used by the longhouse community here for some of their ritual ceremonies.

Rumah Nyuka Longhouse (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Lubok Lemba Skulls (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Wong Pala Munsoh

We’re off to chase waterfalls! For this trip, we visited the three-level Wong Pala Munsoh or “Enemy Head Waterfall’. We started our two-hour hike (the duration of the hike may vary depending on one’s stamina) from Rumah Nyuka Homestay with Maramat, our local and experienced jungle guide.

The jungle trail was a moment of establishing a connection with nature for us. During our hike, we were truly entertained by nature’s music and fed by the jungle’s food. It was a challenging yet interesting hike as we had to overcome several obstacles like crossing a narrow bridge, slippery slopes, climbing over fallen branches and muddy walkways and steep slopes. However, as the saying goes “difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations”, the two-hour hike was definitely worth it once we caught sight of the waterfall.

Jungle hiking in Ulu Sarikei (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Maramat then prepared “ayam pansuh”, a signature longhouse dish that consists of chicken cutlets, local herbs and produce, stuffed in bamboo cooked in an open fire for lunch by the waterfall. We enjoyed our flavourful ayam pansuh served with rice while appreciating the waterfall view, and it was very therapeutic. The overall hiking experience was definitely a rewarding experience for us.

Before saying our goodbyes, Maramat invited us over to his place in the longhouse to enjoy some snacks and try the indigenous rice wine, commonly known as Tuak and it tasted slightly sweet. Tuak plays an important part in longhouse festivities such as Gawai Dayak.

Wong Pala Munsoh Waterfall (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Asam Paya found during our jungle trail. It is safe to be eaten on the spot. (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Mee Sua-Making

Mee Sua (longevity noodles) is another Fuzhou favourite and is significant to the Chinese culture because it signifies long life. It is commonly served during big celebrations such as birthdays, Chinese New Year and weddings. In Sibu, the traditional Mee Sua is usually served in a rich herbal chicken soup with a chicken drumstick, hard-boiled egg and mushroom. If this tempts you, it can be easily found in coffee shops all over Sibu town.

Fuzhou Mee Sua (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Understanding how meaningful the traditional Mee Sua dish is to the community, our last day in Sibu was dedicated to watching the making of Mee Sua directly from the expert himself, Mr Ting Cheng Sieng and his wife. We were told that Mr Ting travelled all the way to China to master the process of the traditional methods of making Mee Sua.

We visited his house located in Jalan Oya Lama, about 13km from Sibu Town. We watched him and his team mixing flour with rock salt and alkaline soda to prevent the noodles from breaking when they are pulled and dried. After that, he added the sago flour and cooking oil into the mixture and worked it into a dough. He then flattened and cut the dough into smaller pieces and pulled it to about 3m long!

The process of making Mee Sua (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

Mee Sua noodle being stretched and let out to dry (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

He then brought the noodles out to dry. We watched him skillfully pull and stretch the noodles. According to Mr Ting, plenty of sunlight is needed for the noodles to dry, hence good weather is important in the process.

We had fun learning the process and of course, we bought Mr Ting’s handmade Mee Sua as our souvenir to bring home. After all, Mee Sua is known to be the secret to long life in Chinese culture.

Mee Sua (Photo by Sarawak Tourism Board)

More Adventure Awaits

This trip was just what we needed for a short getaway for a cultural experience and being with nature. It opened our eyes that the preservation of culture is crucial for the next generation to affirm their identity and to cultivate a sense of unity and belonging in a community. We felt a strong presence of unity among the close-knit community in central Sarawak where almost everyone could speak Iban to one another, regardless of their race.

At the end of our short trip, our hearts were lightened and full. Of course, this is just the beginning of our journey in Central Sarawak and there is definitely more to discover.

Learn more about Sibu and get your travel packages through Sia Sitok Sarawak 3.0.

To learn more about Sarawak and its destinations, visit the Sarawak Tourism Board website.

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Sarawak Borneo Tour

Where Adventure Begins right here in Sarawak Borneo

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014

--> 9 must-go places in sibu, sarawak.

Sibu is the third largest town in Sarawak , besides Miri and Kuching , populated by mainly Chinese, as well as Melanau , Malay and Iban people. The city might not be a famous tourist destination, but there are some places that you have to visit once you are in this Swan City.

1. Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum

This museum is one-of-a-kind medical museum in Malaysia. The place has old medical equipment on display with old photos adorning the walls. Lau King Howe, a generous man who ran a rubber tree plantation in Engkilo , donated a big sum of money to build it, hence the name of the hospital. Furthermore, it was stated in Sarawak’s history that Sir Duncan Steward had received early treatment here when he was stabbed by Rosli Dhoby .

It was interesting to be taken back in time when you see the old instruments, as it lets people imagine the medical facilities in the past, with its limited helping hands and staffs. Visitors can walk through the ward and experience the thrill of walking in the empty hospital, without the nurses and doctors around.

Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum

Image credit to Sarawak Tourism

2. Tua Pek Kong Temple

The interesting architecture of the temple with its pagoda is a prime tourist attraction in Sibu . People come here to pray for a better life and for their family and friends or just to admire the unique architecture. For Chinese New Year and other celebrations, the temple is decorated beautifully and you might get to watch the fascinating show on the stage. Moreover, a hundred years old Rain Tree in front of the temple is another appeal at the temple, and although the tree is hard to maintain, the people here see it as a symbol of longevity.

Tua Pek Kong Temple, Sibu

3. Wong Nai Siong Garden

The memorial garden is built in remembrance of the Foochow immigrants in 1901, led by Wong Nai Siong . The beautiful landscape shows the respect the people has to him, as the place is well maintained and clean. For the locals, it is a perfect spot for jogging and evening exercise. Besides, you can walk around the surrounding of the garden where you can find many Foochow foods, such as kampua mee , kompia and many others.

Wong Nai Siong Garden

Image credit to TripAdvisor

4. Sibu Heritage Centre

This circular building displays the history of Sibu , and the cultural heritage of ethnic groups in Sarawak . The entrance of the museum is free and it is air-conditioned, to create a comfortable environment to the visitors while browsing the gallery. The landscape outside is quite spectacular. There are some handicraft shops selling Sarawak souvenirs including Iban costumes, and some cafés nearby.

Sibu Heritage Centre

5. Bukit Lima Forest Park

Situated at Kampung Sentosa , the park attracts mostly joggers, as it is a perfect place for exercising. The visitors can go try the short trek, where you can enjoy quiet and peaceful environment. Furthermore, you might see some birds, lizards, terrapins or even long-tailed macaques there.

Bukit Lima Forest Park

Image credit to TripAdvisor

6. Sibu Central Market

Sibu Central Market is the largest indoor market in Malaysia, and be prepare to be awed by the vast span of stalls at the market, selling fresh vegetables, fruits and live poultry. As Sibu is famously known for dabai or Sibu olive, you can find many stalls selling this fruit with different price based on the size and quality of the fruits. Another unique attribute of the market is that you will find chickens or ducks neatly wrapped in newspapers, fastened by nylon strings arranged nicely on the table.

Sibu Central Market

7. Taman Bukit Aup Jubilee Park

The park is a favourite place for the locals to relax during weekends. It comprises an amphitheatre , sky steps, pavilion, observation tower, gardens, canteen lagoon, playground and barbeque area. You can see the surrounding plantations and longhouses at the top of the observation tower. The park is quiet and a great place to breathe in some fresh air or just having picnics there. Besides, you can visit 1 Malaysia Culture Village which is just opposite the park.

Taman Bukit Aup Jubilee Park

8. Daesco Star Mega Mall

You probably did not visit Sibu to shop, but look out for this new mall in town. This mall is operated by Daesim Group, and it was located at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman Sibu . There are several stalls and shops, varies from food stalls, electronic, etc.

9. Wisma Sanyan

This is the tallest building in Sarawak . It was opened in 2001, and the building serves many purposes such as shopping mall, restaurant and offices. This building houses Parkson and Giant Supermarket, along with the headquarters of Sarawak’s largest timber companies, Sanyan Group. Furthermore, BASE Jump was held here annually since 2009.

Wisma Sanyan

To go to Sibu , you can either board a bus or a plane. From Kuching , the road distance is about 400 kilometres , so if you want to enjoy the scenery of Sarawak’s greenery along the way, you can opt for the 5 hours bus ride from Kuching Sentral . Flights to Sibu from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Kuching are also available.

Posted by Sarawak Borneo Tour Team : --> 9:35:10 AM in --> Around Sarawak (11) | Comments (0)

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Discovering Pulau Sibu: Things To Do in The Hidden Gem of Malaysia

One of Peninsular Malaysia‘s most southern east coast islands, Sibu Island , is situated off the coast of Mersing, Johor Bahru. Prior to my trip to Pulau Sibu , I had never heard of Sibu Island. That gave me a sense of adventure and excitement to explore an island that is hardly on a traveller’s list when visiting Malaysia’s East Coast. Secluded, unexplored, rustic — now that’s what I call an island holiday!

Getting to Pulau Sibu

The jetty to Pulau Sibu is located in Tanjung Leman, a 5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. There is a secured car park at the jetty for about RM4 a day for the first two days and RM8 a day for subsequent days. Most of the boats leaving the jetty are usually arranged by the resorts with their own boats.

To enter the area of Sibu Island, I was required to pay a ‘Jetty Fee’ of RM5.30, as well as a ‘Johor National Park Conservation Fee’ . Locals pay RM5 for that, and foreigners are required to pay RM20. The ride towards the island can be a little bumpy, so make sure you come prepared with clothes and shoes (or better still, just wear slippers) that you don’t mind getting wet!

The chalets at the Sea Gypsy Village Resort.

All meals are included in the resort package price | Photo Credit: Sea Gypsy Village Resort

Accommodations

There are several types of resort and homestay accommodations located around Pulau Sibu. During my visit, I stayed at the Sea Gypsy Village Resort , a spacious wooden chalet-style resort facing the east side of the island. The resort is all-inclusive with a room, board and transport — which made it fuss-free and convenient. I had all my meals at the resort’s restaurant, which offered an array of cuisines from Western to Asian. I also went over to the bamboo-based Rimba Resort during my stay on the island. It is one of the prettiest beach resorts located towards the island’s north side.

Best Time to Visit Pulau Sibu

The best time to visit the island is from April to September. Most of the resorts on Pulau Sibu and the rest of the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia close for the monsoon season from October to March.

Exploring Sibu Island

Walking the entire length of Pulau Sibu is possible. Most of the resorts are linked to one another either by the beach or by a marked pathway through the jungle. There are also concrete walkways circling the island at some points.

If you’re up for some adventure, take a walk around the island — during my stroll, I visited the Rimba Resort for sun-downers in the evenings, strolled through coconut plantations, climbed volcanic rocks and admired the mangrove swamps.

The small village of Kampung Duku.

Walking through coconut plantations during my stroll around the island.

Kampung Duku: Where t he L ocals L ive

There is only one village on Pulau Sibu, located on the southwest corner of the island. It is called Kampung Duku and is home to about 200 people. Most of the villagers there live in Malay traditional stilt houses and work as fishermen, but tourism now plays a big part in their lives. Make a visit to the village and have a look around.

Everyone’s favourite photo spot is the big ‘Pulau Sibu’ sign, so I took a photo there too! There are also a couple of coffee shops in the central part of the village for you to chill for a cuppa with the locals.

One of the many secluded beaches on Sibu Island.

The colourful volcanic patterns that can be found on the rocks at Sibu Island

An Underwater Paradise

Of course, Pulau Sibu is a paradise for the nature lovers and the underwater explorers. The island has been a protected National Marine Park area since 1993. It is no surprise then to find its waters teeming with beautiful corals and fishes. You can go for some underwater activities such as diving, snorkelling, paddling and swimming.

Unfortunately, during my visit to the island, the seas were rough and I only managed to slot in one dive (with terrible visibility). That kinda put a damper on my holiday, but Pulau Sibu still somehow managed to make up for it.

The famous spot that most resorts will recommend for daily snorkelling is Sibu Coral Garden , which as its name implies, is a coral paradise.

Witnessing the island sunset.

The beautiful view of the beach from my chalet at the Sea Gypsy Resort.

The Island Beaches

For those who prefer spending lazy days on the beach, the beaches on the north and northeast side of the island have long stretches of golden sand that gradually slopes into the sea, making it perfect for swimming.

This part of the island is divided from the southeast side by a series of steep cliffs with rocks of colourful dark red and green patterns . They are formed a long, long time ago by the composition of layers of volcanic ash that ran through flowing lavas – a proof of the once volcanic nature of the island. There are also sea caves and abrupt arches along these cliffs — which of course, are too dangerous to enter or explore.

Boats coming into the island.

The Other Side of the Island

On the other side of Pulau Sibu, especially on the southwest coast– the beaches are sheltered from the winds from the open South China Sea. The sea is so calm on this part of the island that mangrove trees grow abundantly along the shores — which can be seen during the boat ride to the island.

Most of the island’s small wooden jetties are built on this side of the island, and boats from the mainland usually arrive here. There are also homestay resorts here of course, like the Coconut Village Resort — but I much prefer the quieter, more secluded side of the island where I stayed.

Going through the lush forests to get around the island.

Beautiful Pulau Sibu

Pulau Sibu is a relatively less known island on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia – but that is what makes the island more appealing. It is peaceful and calm, beautiful and breathtaking, and rustic and unexplored. You wouldn’t find as many tourists here as compared to Pulau Tioman or Pulau Perhentian — and that’s why I love it! It is a family island with most resorts providing facilities for children; and for those looking to disconnect from the outside world, the island is secluded enough to offer you the quiet time you need. So on your next holiday, take a trip out to Sibu Island for chill-out and relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Sibu Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 Days

Best Time: February to August Read More

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"The Swan City"

Sibu tourism.

Sibu is an island town and the capital of Sibu district in Malaysia’s largest state of Sarawak. It is located on the Island of Borneo. Known as the gateway to Batang Rejang, Sibu is a charming town with vibrant culture and a bustling waterfront. Sibu is also popular for offering some of the best food in Sarawak. It is a popular day stop before or after venturing into the wild interiors of Borneo. One distinctive feature of Sibu is the Iban longhouses. Tourists can visit Iban longhouses and even have a stay to experience the Iban Tribal Life.

Sibu is well known for the biggest town square in Malaysia, the Sibu Town Square. It also has the Lanang Bridge which connects Sibu to Sarikei and is the longest bridge in Sarawak. Malaysia’s first and the only medical museum by the name Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum is located in Sibu. The city's mascot is the swan which is an ancient chinese symbol of health and good fortune. Swan statues can be seen dotted around town. Sibu Heritage Centre is worth visiting with all the collection of antiques and chronological history. It unveils the cultural life and heritage of the people of the central region. Tua Pek Kong Temple is one of the oldest chinese temples in the town with a 7-storey pagoda. Jade Dragon Temple also known as Yu Lung San Tien En Si is considered as the temple with the largest temple complex in South-East Asia and is a must visit. Bukit Aup Jubilee Park and Bukit Lima Nature Park are among other places to visit. Borneo Cultural Festival is one of the most famous festivals of Sibu which takes place in July and August and is the best time to visit. The festival is a week-long event which celebrates the tribal diversity of the area with dance, music and food.

Things to do in Sibu

1. sibu heritage trail.

2. Sibu Heritage Centre

3. Bawang Assan Longhouse Village

4. Rejang Esplanade

5. Lau King Howe Memorial Museum

6. Lanang Bridge

7. Sibu Old Mosque

8. Jade Dragon Temple

9. Sibu Night Market

10. Sibu International Dance Festival

11. Bukit Lima Forest Park

12. Sibu Town Square

13. Bukit Aup Jubilee Park

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Sibiu Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Aerial view of Old Town in Sibiu, Romania

Cobblestone streets, ancient town squares, castle walls, and historic buildings — Sibiu has everything you want in an old European city but without any of the crowds found elsewhere.

Sibiu is located in the historical region of Transylvania and was the capital of the region at various points throughout history. First settled in the 12th century, by the 14th century the city had become an important trading center. Over the centuries, Sibiu has been part of the Kingdom of Hungary, the Transylvanian Principality, the Austrian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and since 1989 has been a part of Romania.

Sibiu is also the site of many firsts for Romania: the country’s first hospital, first school, first pharmacy, first museum, and first brewery all opened here.

Buildings from all these varying time periods still stand, making Sibiu a picturesque and interesting place to visit. In fact, the city has been nicknamed “The City with Eyes” because of the unique Baroque eyebrow dormers found on many of the buildings.

This travel guide to Sibiu will help you plan a fantastic trip to this incredible destination!

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Stay
How to Get Around
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on Sibiu

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Sibiu

People walking through a square in the historic Old Town in Sibiu, Romania

1. Visit the Brukenthal National Museum

Opened in 1817, this was the first museum in Romania. It is composed of six different buildings located around the city, though the main complex is in Brukenthal Palace. The art galleries in the palace have over 1,000 paintings, sculptures, books, and woven items, with some dating back to the 15th century. Admission varies depending on which museum you’re visiting. Admission to the Brukenthal Palace and European Art Gallery is 39 RON.

2. Stroll through Huet Square

Also known as the Piata Huet, this 12th-century square is home to a series of Gothic-style buildings. It’s small, colorful, and often overlooked, making it a nice place to get away from the crowds and have some quiet time to explore. The grand 14th-century Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary is located in the center of the square. You can go inside for 10 RON and climb the lookout tower for another 10 RON. Every Wednesday during the summer, there are organ concerts here.

3. Explore the Old Town

The Old Town was built by German settlers and merchants during the Middle Ages and grew over the years to encompass buildings of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. There are secluded medieval alleys, centuries-old buildings, and historic churches dating back to the 14th century. Huet Square is in this part of the town as is the Bridge of Lies (more on that below).

4. Trek the Cindrel Mountains

The Cindrel Mountains, part of the larger Southern Carpathian range, are just 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Sibiu. You can go for a day or arrange multi-day trek tours. It’s not the easiest place to hike, but if you love the outdoors and are tired of cities, this is the place to go hiking.

5. Explore the Citadel of Sibiu

During the Middle Ages, this citadel was one of the most fortified in all of Europe. Built in the 12th century, many of the towers and bastions are well-preserved, though the highlight is the passage between the upper and lower section of the fort. Today, it’s a park that is free to walk through.

Other Things to See and Do in Sibiu

1. take in the sibiu jazz festival.

Held for a week every year, this festival began in the 1970s and is a popular event for jazz fans across Europe. There are usually over 20 bands/artists playing in a few venues around the city so there’s a good variety to choose from. Tickets are free too!

2. Unwind at Balea Lake

Located 90 minutes from Sibiu, Balea Lake makes for a worthwhile day trip from the city. Part of the Fagaras Mountains (often called the “Transylvanian Alps”), many people come here to hike or to ski during the winter (there is even an ice hotel built here in the winter). There are marked trails if you want to hike, offering both five-hour and nine-hour routes to some of the nearby summits. You can take a bus here for around 90 RON.

3. Visit Radu Stancu State Theatre

This venue is the biggest (and arguably most important) artistic center in the city. Founded in 1788 and at its current location since 1949, the theater hosts productions throughout the week (check the website for detailed listings). While most productions are in Romanian, some English productions do occur. You can buy show tickets online or at the theater at least 30 minutes before the starting time. Tickets are usually around 30 RON.

4. Explore the open-air museum

The ASTRA National Museum Complex, the largest open-air museum in Europe, has 96 acres of restored buildings and homes from throughout Romania’s history. There’s an old mill, water wheels, a wooden ferry, and other traditional buildings that you can see and learn about. The museum lies a couple of kilometers south of Sibiu. In the summer, there are often musical events and festivals held here as well. Admission is 35 RON per person.

5. Learn about local history

The Sibiu History Museum is located within the 16th-century Neo-Renaissance City Hall and offers a deep look at the city’s past. Opened in 1895, it was renovated in 2007 and houses relics as far back as the Neolithic and Roman periods. There’s also a collection of artifacts from the Middle Ages and Baroque periods, as well as exhibits on minerals, ecology, animals, and paleontology. While the museum isn’t huge, I found it informative. Admission is 30 RON.

6. Admire the orthodox cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Sibiu is the second-largest orthodox cathedral in the country. It was built in 1904 and modeled after the Byzantine-style Hagia Sofia cathedral in Istanbul. The exterior is done in red and yellow brick while the interior is covered with colorful frescoes (virtually all of the massive dome and walls are covered in paintings and frescoes. It’s super colorful and ornate). Admission is free, though donations are welcomed.

7. Take a day trip to Ocna Sibiului

Ocna Sibiului is a small town in the area of Sibiu known for its saline lakes and their purported healing properties. Just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Sibiu, you can spend some time wandering the town, admiring the narrow roads and historic buildings before going swimming in the nearby lakes. If you want to splash out, visit one of the spas for a relaxing afternoon. You can reach the area via train or bus (for under 10 RON) or take a taxi for around 40 RON each way.

8. Cross the Bridge of Lies

There are many different legends as to why this narrow iron bridge earned its nickname. The most popular one states that if you tell a lie on the bridge, it will make noises as you walk, and may even collapse if the lie is big enough. The bridge was rebuilt in the late 19th century on the site of an old wooden bridge. The new version is Romania’s first cast iron bridge (and only the second in all of Europe).

9. Take a stroll down Nicolae Balcescu Street

This is the main pedestrian shopping street, leading away from one of the city’s large squares, Piata Mare. This thoroughfare dates to the late 15th century, though most of the buildings lining the street are from the 19th century. Today it is lined with colorful buildings and shops, making it a good place to snap some photos, window shop, and people watch.

10. Climb the Turnul Sfatului (Council Tower)

This 13th-century tower offers the best view over the city. The climb is fairly short (as towers go), and it only costs 2 RON to go up. There are usually temporary exhibitions on the way up as well. Just keep in mind that the staircase is quite narrow, so it’s not the best choice for the claustrophobic.

For more information on other cities in Romania, check out these guides:

Brasov Travel Guide
Cluj-Napoca Travel Guide

Sibiu Travel Costs

People walking through cobble-stoned streets in Sibiu, Romania

Hostel prices – A bed in a 4-8 bed dorm costs around 45-55 RON per night, while a private double room is around 120 RON. Wi-Fi and lockers are standard, though no hostels include free breakfast.

Camping is possible in the area but stick to dedicated campgrounds. Wild camping is legal but theft is a bit common so it’s much safer to camp in designated areas. Prices start at 27 RON per night for a basic plot for two people without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels cost 120-155 RON per night. They generally include free Wi-Fi, TV, and some even include free breakfast.

Airbnb is also available in Sibiu, with a private room costing 100-120 RON per night while an entire home/apartment costs around 130-160 RON per night.

Food – Romanian cuisine is hearty, influenced by nearby Hungary and other Eastern European neighbors. Stews and sausages are common staples, with garlic sausage being especially popular. Sour soup, lamb, meatballs, and meat pies are other popular traditional meals.

A dish at an informal, traditional restaurant costs 25-35 RON, though the touristy places near the central square are a bit more expensive. Soup is a good option for saving money, as it costs around 17-25 RON and is pretty hearty (it also typically comes with bread).

A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs closer to 80 RON for a three-course meal. A burger or pasta dish is 35-40 RON while seafood or steak dishes typically cost 75-100 RON.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 25-30 RON for a combo meal, 6-9 RON for a burger or hot dog, and 30-35 RON for takeout pizza. Takeaway sandwiches are around 20 RON.

A domestic beer out at a restaurant or bar costs around 6-10 RON, a glass of local wine is 15-18 RON while a bottle is 60-100 RON, and cocktails start at 20-35 RON. A cappuccino/latte is around 10-12 RON, a tea is 10 RON, and a bottle of water is 5-8 RON.

If you buy your own groceries and cook your meals, expect to pay about 140-190 RON per week for staples that include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic foods. Save money by shopping at local markets or small roadside stands, which usually have the cheapest and freshest products. There are also several discount supermarkets in Romania, like Profi, Lidl, and Penny Market.

Backpacking Sibiu Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Sibiu for around 120 RON per day. On this budget, you’re staying in a hostel dorm (or camping), cooking all of your meals, using local transportation to get around, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking or walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of about 260 RON per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting museums or day tripping to the lake.

On a “luxury” budget of 455 RON or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for every meal, rent a car, drink as much as you’d like, and visit as many museums and attractions as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in RON.

Sibiu Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

To be honest, I didn’t find that Sibiu offered any amazing ways to save. Like most of Romania, it’s hard to spend money here if you’re coming with a budget mindset already. That said, there are a few things you can do to save extra money in Sibiu:

Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who provide a free place to stay and can also share their tips and advice so you have a more authentic visit.
Eat lunch out – Although food in Romania is inexpensive in general, you can save even more money by cooking your own dinners and eating your lunches out. A lunch menu in Romania typically consists of three courses (soup, main, dessert), and can cost as little as 30 RON.
Shop at discount grocers – If you’re going to cook or just grab a snack, save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, and Penny Market.
Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your reliance on single-use plastic. I suggest a LifeStraw since their bottles have a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Sibiu

Sibiu has a couple of hostels in town that are comfortable and sociable. Here are my suggested places to stay:

How to Get Around Sibiu

People walking through a Piata Huet, the main square in the historic Old Town in Sibiu, Romania

Public transportation – A single-ticket ride on the public bus is 2 RON per person. Most of the city is within walking distance though, so you won’t need to use the bus much unless you’re staying in a hotel or hostel far from the main tourist sites.

Taxi – Taxis here can get expensive (relative to the bus) so I’d avoid them for anything other than a short trip. Prices start at 3 RON and go up by 2.30 RON per kilometer. However, if you’re traveling with someone then taxis can be a good choice as you can split the fare and save some time (they are much faster than buses).

Always call your taxi in advance to be sure that you get a reputable driver and only take taxis that display their license and use the required meter. While scams are rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Ridesharing – Ridesharing apps like Uber are not available here.

Bicycle – Cycling is a great way to get around the city. Everything is pretty compact and lots of locals bike around as well. You can find rentals for 80-110 RON per day. Helmets are included. If you want a bike tour of the city, expect to pay around 120 RON for a 3-4 hour guided tour.

When to Go to Sibiu

The best (and most popular) time to visit Sibiu is during the summer, from June to August. Temperatures are hot and rain is infrequent. Expect daily highs around 30°C (86°F) during this time. These are also the busiest months of the year for tourism, and you will notice it here as Sibiu is a popular destination for locals and foreigners alike. If coming here in the summer, book your accommodation in advance.

The shoulder seasons (late April-May and September-October) are great times to visit as well. You beat the crowds and have much milder temperatures, which is perfect for anyone looking to head into the hills for some hiking. There’s more rain in the spring, but there are beautiful autumn colors in the fall, making for a stunning backdrop to your trip (especially if you’re traveling on through Transylvania).

Winter in Sibiu can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Snow is common, which can affect conditions if you’re traveling by car. The city looks quite charming in the winter, though, making it a picturesque winter getaway (especially compared to Bucharest which has a much grimmer atmosphere due to the influence of Soviet architecture and their reliance on gray, bland concrete).

In short, I wouldn’t recommend a winter visit unless you have a specific desire to enjoy the cold and crowdless cities.

How to Stay Safe in Sibiu

Sibiu is a very safe destination. Crime against foreigners in Sibiu is very rare but use common sense and take the same precautions you do at home, such as not flashing your valuables, being aware of your surroundings, and not traveling alone at night while intoxicated.

Theft, if it does happen, usually happens on public transportation so make sure your valuables are always secure and out of reach. Avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Additionally, take some extra precautions when renting a car. While the roads are safe, rental cars are targeted for theft more than local cars, so take precautions and lock your vehicle when you’re not using it. When booking, make sure your insurance covers theft.

Solo female travelers should feel comfortable exploring on their own, though the standard precautions apply (don’t accept drinks from strangers, don’t walk alone late at night, etc.).

While scams are rare, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, before you leave on your trip.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Sibiu Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Brasov Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Romania and continue planning your trip:

The Cost of Traveling Far Eastern Europe

Finding More Than Dracula in Romania

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

Where To Stay
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Top Things to Do in Sibu

Things to do in sibu.

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4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
Budget-friendly
Good for Kids
Good for Big Groups
Good for a Rainy Day
Adventurous
Hidden Gems
Good for Couples
Honeymoon spot
Good for Adrenaline Seekers
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Jade Dragon Temple

2. Sibu Heritage Centre

3. Sibu Night Market

4. Tua Pek Kong Temple

5. Bukit Lima Forest Park

6. Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum

7. Sibu Town Square Commercial Centre

8. Tiger Emperor Temple

9. Taman Bukit Aup Jubilee Park

10. Wong Nai Siong Garden

11. Star Mega Mall

12. Lin's Swan Garden

13. Hoover Memorial Garden

14. 1 Malaysia Culture Village

15. Visitors Information Centre, Sibu

16. Permai Lake Garden

17. Sibu Central Market

18. The Rave YMCA Camp

19. Barco Snooker

20. Mission Room

21. The Box Escape Room Malaysia

22. The Exodus Sibu - Escape Room

23. Escape Room Sibu

24. Street Bistro Sibu

What travellers are saying.

Sibu Night Market
Tua Pek Kong Temple
Sibu Heritage Centre
Taman Bukit Aup Jubilee Park
Jade Dragon Temple
Bukit Lima Forest Park
Lin's Swan Garden
Wong Nai Siong Garden
Permai Lake Garden
Sibu Central Market

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Flight + Hotel New
Car Rentals
Airport Transfers
Destinations
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Sibu Travel Guide

Experience Sibu

Sibu Central Market

Sibu Night Market

Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum

Bukit Lima Forest Park

Sibu Heritage Centre

Sibu Indoor Stadium

Heng Hua Memorial Park

Bukit Lima Nature Reserve

Stadium Tun Zaidi

Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple

Where to stay, de house hotel, kingwood hotel sibu, the orchid hotel, river park hotel, permai hotel, otel hotel sibu, the paramount hotel sibu, qu lin resident, tanahmas the sibu hotel, premier hotel, what to eat.

Upstairs Coffee

Daksemari Korean bbq

Grill & Co.

Food Garden

Noodle House

Payung Cafe

Sushi Tie Japanese Restaurant

Aroma Bistro

Rejang restaurant

Cafe Cafe at Chew Geok Lin Road

Discover the Real Sibu With a Local Expert

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Sibu Island Best Season

Sibu island presents a rural atmosphere and simple life.

The environment of Sibu island is peace and quite, the transport to Sibu island is easy.

There are many recreational activities in Sibu as well.

Similar to other islands in Malaysia, Sibu island ‘s season is affected by monsoon as well.

Best Season: July to September

The best season of Sibu island is from July to September.

This season is the most worthy visited time of a year.

The weather in this season is the best.

It is mostly sunny and suitable for water sports.

You could take sibu snorkeling package if travelling on this period.

Peak Season: March to June , October

The peak season of Sibu island is from March to June and October.

The weather from March to June is mostly sunny, suitable for water sports.

In October, the weather will start to be cloudy or breezy.

The staff of Sibu island resorts will arrange water activities based on the weather conditions of the day.

Monsoon Season: November to February

The monsoon season of Sibu island is November to February.

This period is not suitable to visit Sibu island.

The weather is rainy, the waves are huge.

Resorts on the island are closed during this season.

Sibu island will reopen in February or March the next year.

Sibu island opens from March to October.

Among it, July to September has the best weather.

November to February is closing period of Sibu Island.

If you like a peaceful environment, Sibu Island is for you.

If you want to travel during November-February, you could consider other islands.

Such as Sabah , Semporna, Koh Lipe Island in Thailand, etc.

Topic 1: Sibu Island Jetty

Topic 2: How to get to Sibu Island

Topic 3: Best Time to Visit Sibu Island

Topic 4: Top Resorts in Sibu Island

Topic 5: Sibu Island Package

Topic 6: Things to do in Sibu island

Popular Sibu Resort Package:

Rimba Island Resort

Sari Pacifica Sibu Resort

You’ve been in Sibu island in which month?

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Travel Guide

Pulau Sibu: Why Choose This Island For Your Next Vacation?

Pulau Sibu: Why Choose This…

Pulau Sibu (also known as Sibu Island) is an archipelago with collections of pristine islands offering dazzling blue water and golden beaches.

With peacefulness and tranquillity as main attractions, the island itself offers endless freedom and solitude that makes you linger long after you leave.

Despite taking pleasure in exciting water sports, angling activities and jungle trekking, guests get to experience rural livings and learn their culture in close hand.

Pulau Sibu awaits you to its nature beauty and it guarantees a carefree yet appealing travel experience.

Why Stay In Pulau Sibu?

Most of people living in city couldn’t remember how nature looks like. So, our government are struggling hard to build a green city but what could be better if you truly live in a nature paradise? Pulau Sibu can be your first taste of living in a pristine nature.

Also read: 10 Best Haven Islands off Mersing, Johor

In 1993, Pulau Sibu is nominated as Marine Park as there are numerous colourful and attractive coral reefs offshore. Snorkelling is available to have close moments with sea creatures and the coral reefs. Besides, plenty of water sports activities are available to make your stay fun and interesting.

You will see the coral and nemo fish when diving in Pulau Sibu

Photo credits: sibuislandresort.com.my

The island offers no roads and transports. Walk or get a boat if you wish to travel around. Restaurants and shops are nowhere to be found. The island has retained its originality to fullest.

Corporate events can be held on the island along the shore. Private beaches are available for team bonding activities with colleagues. Resorts can arrange these activities for guests.

Pulau Sibu is perfect for wedding and honeymoon too! They have been received many couples coming here for an anniversary trip. Lots of seafront chalets are romantically designed for couples. Better than that, the island offers unlimited secluded areas to give total privacy to the couples.

Also read: 17 Top-Rated Short Trips From Singapore (Best & Cheap Travel Destinations!)

How To Get To Pulau Sibu

Mersing is not the only gateway to Pulau Sibu. Pulau Sibu can be reached from Tanjung Leman located 72km south of Mersing. However, there is no public ferry service available. The resort you’ll be staying will arrange a boat transfer for you. The journey takes 30 minutes and the return tickets cost RM70.

So far, there is no public transport service offered to Tanjung Leman. Public transport will only send you to Kota Tinggi , the nearest town to Tanjung Leman. After that, you need to continue your journey by taxi.

Check out this link if you are taking a flight to Senai Airport and wonder how to get to Tanjung Leman Jetty from Senai Airport .

Now, SGMYTAXI is keen to make your journey smooth and hassle-free. Direct transfer services from any pick-up point are offered by this leading private car company in Singapore.

Their experienced and friendly driver will directly send you to Tanjung Leman safely. You can relax in their comfortable fleets throughout the journey. Booking is available on their website. Click here: Reservation

What To Do In Pulau Sibu

Photo credits: twinbeach.com

For energetic guests, plenty of great activities are offered in Pulau Sibu such as:

Water sports activities: Snorkelling, scuba-diving, swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing
Jungle trekking (Insect repellents are needed)
Island hopping
Beach Volleyball

This is a Nudibranch. They are often called sea-slugs, and their colors and designs are striking. This little guy found in Pulau Sibu was about 3 cm long.

Nudibranch also called sea-slugs

This red beauty is a Crinoid, often called a feather-star found in underwater at Sibu Island

Crinoid also called a feather-star

Clownfish protecting his Anemone

3 foot long adult Star Puffer

Also read: 16 Fun & Memorable Outdoor Activities In Johor

For more relaxing activities, the resort offers:

Cards and board games
Small library (Rimba resort)
Rubber rings (Float on water aimlessly)

Plan a visit to nearby kelong . At the kelong, you can:

Gain insight into rural daily life
See how the villagers rear and catch prawns and anchovies

Photo credits: saripacifica.com

Leisurely stroll along the beach is a must on the island. The white fine sands on beach can comforts your feet while you walk. In the evening, watch the stunning sunset over the horizon. Enjoy sunbathing on the beach but you should apply suntan lotion to protect your skin.

Where To Stay In Pulau Sibu

Pulau Sibu offers many exceptional resorts which are maintained to highest standard to welcome guests every year.

Attentive and well-trained staffs are offered to make your stay unforgettable.

Meals are often included in the accommodations fee.

The resort does not open all year round due to monsoon season so kindly check for availability before booking. Resorts on the island include:

1. Rimba Resort

Sea view from Rimba Resort at Pulau Sibu

Photo credits: amitravel.my

Appointed as “Travellers’ Choice 2012” and “Certificate of Excellence” by TripAdvisor
Offers 21 well-equipped elegant seafront chalets
Offers over 24 dive sites, training courses for beginner are available
Spa at Bamboo Bliss offers perfect rejuvenation of body and mind
Restaurant and Bar are offered
Opens from annual Chinese New Year to 1 st of December

2. Sari Pacifica Beach Resort & Spa

Seafront Villa and Garden Villa with luxury and modern amenities
Meals are included in packages
Offers Kayu Manis Restaurant and bar
Sari Dewi Spa offers various treatments and massages
Ferry & Boat services
Swimming pool
Offers scuba-diving and snorkelling activities

3. Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base

Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base Room

Photo credits: siburesort.com

Surrounded by tropical vegetation
Offers elegant and secluded private beach
Offers a bar that opens all day long
Clean and comfortable on-stilts chalet with en-suite bathroom
Kids centre is available to let the parents have special moments together
Well-equipped dive base

4. Coconut Village Homestay Resort

Coconut Village Homestay Resort at Sibu Island

Offers beachfront chalets and large bungalow house
Accommodations cater for 82 people
Speed boat is offered for water sport activities and boat transfer
Scuba-diving and fishing
Astro Telecast services
Karaoke room, mah-jong, cards and movie
BBQ sites are available

5. Twin Beach Resort

40 well-maintained “Kampung style” chalet that comes with private facilities
Water sports: Scuba-diving, snorkelling, wind surfing, canoeing
Beach activities: Beach volleyball, Frisbee and cycling
Deep sea fishing
Fun playground with wide open spaces offered to children
BBQ dinner on beach

When Is The Best Time To Visit Pulau Sibu

Sibu Island has seasonal charm as it is influenced by monsoon season which is from October to March. Thus, avoid visiting Pulau Sibu during monsoon season as the island is susceptible to dangerous high tide. Besides, most of the resorts closed their doors within this period of times.

June to August would be the best times for visit. The weather is excellent and the coast is clear. There are less rainfalls thus water activities are available at most of the times. Overall, the environment is perfect for a summer vacation and you get to enjoy amazing moments on islands to fullest.

Visit Pulau Sibu in July and you get to see group of sea turtles crawling to shore to lay their eggs. However, any actions that disturb the sea turtles or stealing their eggs are strictly prohibited.

Bookings can be made early even during monsoon season.

You Also May Like:

15 Best Beach Resorts in Johor You’ll Absolutely Love
13 Best Tioman Resort & Hotel For Perfect Island Getaway
How To Get To Rawa Island From Singapore (Travel Tips)
Transport From Singapore To Mersing
1 Day Trip To Johor Bahru From Singapore

Hi, I’m Sibu! A global citizen, foodie, and fan of everything that this world has to offer. You’re on the right page if you want to:

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I have been traveling and moving around the world since I was a baby. And when I was 17, I had the opportunity to move to China on my own. And I took advantage of it. That’s where my journey really begins. I didn’t have a lot of money, but my priority was to travel. And I made it work.

Do you want to start traveling more but don’t know how? Have you always dreamt about living in a specific country? Studying in another continent? Volunteering abroad?

But don’t know where to start? I’ve got you!

I was 6 months old for my first move abroad. I was already booking transcontinental flights in 2003 before proper travel platforms were even a thing. I’ve lived, worked and studied across the Americas, Asia and Europe. I’ve visited dozens of countries. I was raised traveling. It’s what I’m most passionate about. It’s what I’ve been doing alone since 2005. And it’s what I do best.

I’ve dealt with visas, job applications in multiple countries, making a living abroad, the list is endless. It hasn’t been easy, and money has been scarce more than once, but I managed it. And now I want to pass on my knowledge.

Whether you’re new in the world of travel, just want to gain more confidence, you’re looking for ideas on where to go, you’re dying to move or study abroad, or you simply need help navigating all of the changing restrictions, I’ve got you.

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IMAGES

Sibu Travel Guide: Best of Sibu, Sarawak Travel 2023
TUA PEK KONG TEMPLE (Sibu): Ce qu'il faut savoir pour votre visite
Top 10 Places to Visit in Sibu, Sarawak
Sibu Travel Guide: Best of Sibu, Sarawak Travel 2023
Places of interest in SIBU
Lin's Swan Garden (Sibu)

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Okinawa Island VLOG : Japan’s tropical paradise
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COMMENTS

7 Places to Visit in Sibu, Sarawak (East Malaysia)
1. Tua Pek Kong. Tua Pek Kong in Sibu, Sarawak. Some view from the temple. This temple is probably the primary tourist attraction in Sibu, right after the wet market. People come here to pray for a better life, as well as to just admire the unique architecture of the temple.
Sibu Travel Guide
Sibu Travel Guide. One of Sarawak's largest cities, the inland city of Sibu is not high on people's travel radars. However, it has a good collection of attractions and a rich cultural and historical heritage that can make it worth a visit. There are also some great natural attractions. Sibu. Below, you will find our best guides to Sibu so ...
Top 10 Best Things To Do in Sibu 2024
10. Visit The Central Market Of Sibu. 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.
14 Top Things To Do In Sibu, Sarawak
Tua Pek Kong Temple. When deciding which Sibu, Sarawak attraction to visit during your trip, a visit to Tua Pek Kong Temple is a must. This popular tourist spot is where people come to pray or just admire that temple's colourful architecture. A Taoist temple has existed on this spot since 1871!
11 Best Things To Do In Sibu, East Malaysia
5. Visit Tua Pek Kong Temple and Goddess of Mercy Pagoda. The Eng Ann 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.
What to do in Sibu? Here's 8 Things To do When in Sibu, Sarawak! 1
Food count open 5.30AM - 1.00PM. 2. Explore the Sibu Heritage Centre. Image taken from Harith Jamaludin's Google Review. Next, we have the Sibu Heritage Centre. It is a museum in Sibu, Sarawak that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the cultural and historical heritage of the town and its surrounding areas.
Sibu Travel Blogs
MIRI TO SIBU & KUCHING (Now safely home - but-Just catching up on my blogs!) These long journeys, as part of our 1000 mile trip from Kotal Kinabalu in Sabah, through Brunei to Kuching in Sarawak, make us appreciate the size, scale and the landscape of the Island of Borneo, the 3rd largest island in the world after Australia and Greenland.
Malaysian Lifestyle Blog: Day 1
15, Lorong Pahlawan 7E. Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak. Tel : +6019-8171076. Next, we were brought to Sheng Kee Confectionery to witness how kompia was made from scratch. Kompia, literally Fuzhou bagel is a famous street food in Sibu. Soft and chewy, it is perfect to go with a cup of black coffee.
Sibu, Sarawak Travel Guide 2022
Sibu, on the other hand, is an underrated city with a bustling food scene, a rich cultural and historical legacy, and stunning natural attractions. In our guide, you'll discover exactly what to do in Sibu, Sarawak, as well as the best locations to stay and dine. ... Sibu, Sarawak Travel Guide 2022. May 18, 2022 July 27, 2023 apdream-admin.
Charming Sibu
Sibu Night Market. After all the walking earlier, our stomachs began to growl in hunger. Our local guide informed us that Sibu's night market is a must-visit place when it comes to searching for good local food at night. Our eyes glistened at the sight of assembled food ranging from Sibu's signature Kompia (Sibu's version of a bagel) with meat filling, inside barbequed pork, local ...
9 Must-go Places in Sibu, Sarawak
Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum. Image credit to Sarawak Tourism. 2. Tua Pek Kong Temple. The interesting architecture of the temple with its pagoda is a prime tourist attraction in Sibu. People come here to pray for a better life and for their family and friends or just to admire the unique architecture.
Discovering Pulau Sibu: Things To Do in The Hidden Gem of Malaysia
There is only one village on Pulau Sibu, located on the southwest corner of the island. It is called Kampung Duku and is home to about 200 people. Most of the villagers there live in Malay traditional stilt houses and work as fishermen, but tourism now plays a big part in their lives. Make a visit to the village and have a look around.
Sibu Tourism (2024)
The heritage centre is a positi (Read More) 3. Bawang Assan Longhouse Village. One of the oldest Iban settlements in Sibu, Bawang Assan Longhouse Village is located about 40 minutes away from Sibu main town. You can drive up here or enjoy a cruise ride along the beautiful Ranjan (Read More) 4. Rejang Esplanade.
Sibiu Travel Guide (Updated 2024)
Sibiu Travel Costs. Hostel prices - A bed in a 4-8 bed dorm costs around 45-55 RON per night, while a private double room is around 120 RON. Wi-Fi and lockers are standard, though no hostels include free breakfast. Camping is possible in the area but stick to dedicated campgrounds.
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Sibu
Top Things to Do in Sibu, Sarawak: See Tripadvisor's 1,827 traveller reviews and photos of 24 things to do when in Sibu. ... Sibu Tourism Sibu Hotels Sibu Bed and Breakfast Sibu Holiday Rentals Flights to Sibu Sibu Restaurants Sibu Attractions Sibu Travel Forum Sibu Photo Sibu Map. Hotels. All Sibu Hotels Sibu Hotel Deals Last Minute Hotels in ...
Duck, durian and other delicious delights: as we journey ...
Our flight from Miri to Sibu on Tuesday was on time and we found a really nice little new boutique budget hotel right in the centre of town. The food here is wonderful. ... Travel Blog » Asia » Malaysia » Sarawak » Sibu » Blogs » Duck, durian and other delicious delight. Tot: 0.325s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 23; qc: 104; dbt: 0.173s; 1; m: ...
Sibu Travel Guide 2024
Explore Sibu with Trip.com's comprehensive travel guide. Discover the city's top attractions, best local dishes, essential travel tips, and hidden gems. Get insights from real travelers' reviews and make the most of your visit.
Sibu Attractions
Along the Rajang River, Sibu is a town with a Chinese majority. Sibu plays hosts to thousands of tourists who come every year. ... Travel Guides; Contact; About Sibu. Swan Monument. Rejang Esplanade / Sibu Waterfront. World Hii Convention Garden. Tua Pek Kong Temple / Goddess of Me. Chiang Chuan Garden. Sibu Heritage Centre. Lau King Howe ...
Best time to visit Sibu Island • Different Seasons in Sibu
If you like a peaceful environment, Sibu Island is for you. If you want to travel during November-February, you could consider other islands. Such as Sabah, Semporna, Koh Lipe Island in Thailand, etc. Read More: Topic 1: Sibu Island Jetty. Topic 2: How to get to Sibu Island. Topic 3: Best Time to Visit Sibu Island . Topic 4: Top Resorts in Sibu ...
Sibu Travel Blogs, Photos and Forum
Sibu Travel Blogs, Photos from TravelBlog.org. Background: During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945.In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957.
Pulau Sibu: Undeveloped Island (Johor) For Snorkelling & Diving
Also read: 17 Top-Rated Short Trips From Singapore (Best & Cheap Travel Destinations!) How To Get To Pulau Sibu. Mersing is not the only gateway to Pulau Sibu. Pulau Sibu can be reached from Tanjung Leman located 72km south of Mersing. However, there is no public ferry service available.
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Blog. Travel Tips. Budget; General; Safety; Solo; Moving abroad; Remote Work; Destinations. Costa Rica; Jordan; Lebanon; ... By Sibu General Travel Tips. 08 Feb: Travel Essentials for Women: Must-Haves for Your Next Trip. Travel essentials for women you should look into for comfort and minimalism! Read More. 0. By Sibu Safety Solo. 08 Feb: ...
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