The capital of the Sibu District in the Sibu Division, Sibu is the largest commercial centre and port in the region as well as the gateway to Central Sarawak. Sibu is a city that is frequently visited by visitors to Sarawak and if you are planning to be one of them then this list is made for you to help you experience the best of what Sibu has to offer!
Places to visit in Sibu
1. Sibu Central Market
A combination of the native Lembangan market and a wet market, the Sibu Central Market is the largest marketplace in Sarawak and the largest indoor market in Malaysia. Offering goods ranging from foods to traditional handicrafts, the thousands of stalls in the Sibu Central Market are where you can have a direct involvement in the daily life of a local whilst simultaneously being exposed to the rich and diverse cultures within the town. Whether you want a taste of local dishes or souvenirs to take back home to your family and friends, you are bound to find what you are looking to buy in Sibu Central Market!
2. Sibu Night Market
When the sun goes down, the tents of the Sibu Night Market go up. If you are familiar with any Malaysian night market or ‘pasar malam’, you will know what to expect at the one in Sibu but if you are not then this would be a great place to find out! The Sibu Night Market has everything from food and beverages to clothing to accessories to souvenirs and many more. If you are looking for a local taste of Sibu then this would be the best and most convenient place for you to find it for it contains everything the town has to offer under the night sky.
3. Sibu Heritage Centre
If you have heard about Sibu then you have definitely heard about the rich culture and heritage of the town. Hearing about it does not do it enough justice; you are going to want to see it for yourself at the Sibu Heritage Centre! The Sibu Cultural Heritage Museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts, antiques and cultural exhibitions on the diverse ethnicities inhabiting the town. If this has not already piqued your interest then perhaps the sound of antique Chinese clay and porcelain vases, displays of Iban longhouses with tools and trophies of ancient warrior tribes and even exhibits of taxidermy animals might!
4. Sibu Town Square Commercial Centre
A commercial centre located where the Rejang and Igan rivers converge, the Sibu Town Square Commercial Centre is a commercial and residential development which also serves as the site that hosts the major events of the town of Sibu. If you are lucky, you will be in town when a food fair, a cultural fair or even an international dance show is being hosted but even if not, there is still plenty for you to enjoy at the Sibu Town Square Commercial Centre!
5. Tua Pek Kong Temple
The Tua Pek Kong Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in the town of Sibu with a history dating back to the 1850s. With a pagoda the height of seven-stories that is often regarded to be among the most perfectly proportionate pagodas outside of Mainland China, there is much for visitors to appreciate in this temple from its beautiful architecture to intricate interior design. The Tua Pek Kong Temple remains a popular tourist attraction in the town of Sibu even after a century with visitors from out-of-town climbing up and down its many stairs on the daily.
6. Jade Dragon Temple
The Jade Dragon Temple, locally referred to as Yu Lung San Tien En Si, is not only the largest temple complex in the nation of Malaysia but is also believed to be the largest in the South-East Asian region. This temple serves as a place of worship for followers of Buddhism, Taoism as well as Confucianism. The Jade Dragon Temple is composed of alluringly intricate architecture and interior design and is a recommended place to visit in Sibu for worshippers and temple appreciators alike.
7. Bawang Assan Iban Longhouses
The Bawang Assan Iban Longhouses is comprised of 9 longhouses with structures dating as early as the 18th Century. The longhouses range from traditional to modern architecture and design and thus offer visitors an insight to the evolution of longhouses in the region. Visitors may opt for an overnight stay and may even engage in the daily activities of the locals such as fishing and paddy planting. If you find yourself passing through the Bawang Assan Iban Longhouses, don’t forget to take the opportunity to taste the delicious Iban delicacies!
8. Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum
The Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum is the first and only medical museum established in Malaysia. Once the Sibu General Hospital, the building is now dedicated to preserving the history of what it used to be with displays of medical equipment and tools used in the olden days. Don’t miss the chance to visit the only medical museum in the country; you will definitely leave with increased appreciation for today’s healthcare facilities!
9. Bukit Lima Nature Reserve
The Bukit Lima Nature Reserve is a hotspot in Sibu for its peat swamp forest. Boasting jungle trails with beautiful views for walkers and joggers as well as a wide range of flora and fauna for nature appreciators, the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve is frequently visited by locals for leisure and recreational activities. If you wish to spend a relaxing day amidst nature in Sibu then this is the place you want to be!
10. Taman Bukit Aup Jubilee Park
The Taman Bukit Aup Jubilee Park is yet another recommended location for those looking to spend a relaxing day in the middle of nature. This park offers a number of activities for its visitors such as feeding the fishes and crossing an exciting rope suspension bridge over a lake. Perched atop the park’s highest peak is a tower that is frequently visited by the local Ibans who bring offerings to a spirit believed to assist those in need. The Taman Bukit Aup Jubilee Park has beautiful views to offer visitors and is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in the area!
Wrapping-up
Now that you are familiar with the main attractions and activities to do in Sibu, we hope that your experience during your next trip to this beautiful city will be enhanced to maximize the benefit of your stay in Sibu!