I came to Sibu by bus from Kuching, as part of a longer trip around Sarawak. Although this was my second time in Sarawak, it was my first time visiting Sibu, a city that doesn’t usually make it onto most tourist itineraries. Compared to the more well-known Kuching or Miri, Sibu felt quieter and more grounded, with a strong sense of its own rhythm.
Walking through its markets and Chinese coffee shops, I couldn’t help but be reminded of other Chinese-dominated towns in Malaysia like Kuala Sepetang in Perak and Sekinchan in Selangor, both of which are small, riverside towns with an almost similar laid-back pace.
Like those places, Sibu has that unpolished but welcoming feel, a place that doesn’t have dazzling tourist attractions, yet offers plenty of character and warmth.
Sibu at a glance
Geography
Situated at the confluence of the Rejang and Igan rivers, about 80 km inland from the South China Sea, Sibu serves as a river-port hub for trade in central Sarawak.
The surrounding region is mostly low-lying and swampy, with peat soil that makes it both fertile for agriculture and prone to flooding during heavy rains.
History
Originally a small Melanau and Iban settlement, Sibu grew significantly under the Brooke administration in the 19th century, when Chinese (especially Fuzhou) migrants were encouraged to settle and farm the land.
The Rejang River turned it into a major timber and trading hub, and that legacy still shapes the town’s economy and multicultural character today.
Population
Sibu population is estimated to be around 140,000 people, with the majority being Chinese, especially of Fuzhou heritage, alongside significant Iban, Malay, and Melanau communities.
The main languages spoken are Mandarin, Fuzhou dialect, Malay, Iban, and English, so you’ll often hear a mix of them in daily conversations.
Religious practices are just as varied: Christianity is strong among the Chinese and indigenous groups, while Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions are also prominent in the Chinese community, and Islam is the main faith of Malays and some Melanaus.
Best time to go to Sibu, Sarawak
Like the rest of Malaysia, Sibu has a classic equatorial climate: hot, humid, and rainy throughout the year. Temperatures are usually between 24°C and 32°C, so it’s warm regardless of season. What matters more is rainfall.
The driest stretch tends to fall between June and August, which makes these months the most comfortable for exploring on foot, visiting outdoor markets, and taking river cruises. However, “dry” here is relative. Short tropical showers can still appear, often in the late afternoon.
The wettest period is typically November to February. That said, travel is still possible; just pack a raincoat and be flexible with your schedule. The benefit of visiting during wetter months is fewer tourists and lusher greenery in the surrounding nature spots.
If you enjoy festivals, time your visit for Chinese New Year (January or February, depending on the lunar calendar). Sibu has a large Chinese community, so the city really comes alive with decorations, lion dances, and festive food. However, be aware that prices will be higher and flight/bus tickets, as well as hotels, may be overbooked.
How to get to Sibu, Sarawak
By air
The easiest and fastest way is to fly. Sibu Airport (SBW) is about 25 minutes by taxi from town, and it has regular flights from Kuching, Miri, and Kota Kinabalu, plus direct connections from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Singapore. The flight from Kuching only takes around 40 minutes, which is a big time-saver compared to the long road journey.
By bus
If you’re not in a rush (and don’t mind some bumps along the way), buses are the cheaper option. They connect Sibu with most major Sarawak towns, including Kuching, Bintulu, and Miri.
From Kuching, it’s about 7–8 hours by day bus, or you can do what I did: take the overnight bus. It leaves in the evening, drives through the night, and gets you into Sibu early the next morning. It’s not the most comfortable sleep, but it saves a night’s accommodation and drops you right into town.
By boat
Passenger boat services linking Sibu with towns along the Rajang River and the coast, including Kuching, have declined over the years as roads improved. That said, some still operate between Sibu and smaller upriver towns.
If you get the chance, a river journey is a memorable way to see local life along Borneo’s longest river, but schedules can be irregular and weather-dependent.
How to get around in Sibu, Sarawak
Sibu is compact enough that you can cover most of the main sights on foot. I walked a lot during my visit. Markets, temples, and the riverside are all within a short distance of each other. The roads here aren’t as organized as in big cities like Kuala Lumpur or even Kuching.
Zebra crossings aren’t always available, so sometimes you just have to use your wits, wait for a safe gap, and cross quickly. That said, the traffic isn’t too heavy, so walking still feels manageable and safe.
For places a little farther out — like the Jade Dragon Temple, Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, or the airport — use Grab (the local ride-hailing app). Cars usually arrive within minutes, and the fares are reasonable. Maxim is another similar app, but I haven’t tried it in Sibu.
If you want maximum flexibility, renting a car could be an option, but honestly, for a short stay, walking plus Grab will cover almost everything you’ll want to do in town.
16 things to see & do in Sibu, Sarawak
1. Stroll at Sibu Gateway
Begin with the Sibu Gateway, which functions as a symbolic entrance, featuring illuminated fountains, an open-air stage, and Lin’s Garden. In the garden you’ll find one of Sibu’s two large swan statues, guarded by the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac. It’s a good place for photos, especially around dusk when the lights come on and the fountain is active.
Besides photo ops, it’s also a social spot. Locals hang around there, especially in the evenings, allowing you to get a feel for the community rhythm. It’s also close enough to other attractions that you can include it in a walk-through of central Sibu.
💡 Fun fact: There are several different versions of stories and folklore about how it came about, but the swan is recognized as the symbol of Sibu, hence the many swan statues around town.
2. Enjoy riverside views at Rejang Esplanade
Take a walk along the Rejang Esplanade for views of the Rajang River and to soak up local life. The path stretches from the Express Boat Passenger Terminal to the Kingwood Hotel, passing by the Swan Statue and the Hii’s Association Playground.
As you walk, you’ll also get a sense of the working river: boats arriving and departing, locals fishing, families gathering. There are spots to sit, benches, sometimes food stalls. It’s not a manicured riverside park; it reflects daily local life rather than a polished tourist facade.
3. Browse & bargain at Sibu Central Market
If you’re an early riser, visit Sibu Central Market, Malaysia’s largest indoor market. It’s lively, colorful, and delightfully messy. You’ll find fresh produce, jungle fruits, local snacks, exotic herbs, meats, poultry, live birds, dried goods, and stalls selling everyday items.
You can get breakfast here, if you like, or buy local food specialties to take home. Allow enough time so you don’t rush.
4. Visit Tua Pek Kong Temple
Tua Pek Kong Temple is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Sibu, with roots going back to the 1850s. It has a 7-storey pagoda, decorative elements, ornate roofing and fixtures imported from China. It’s been rebuilt several times due to damage, but its presence is central to Chinese community identity in Sibu.
It’s near the riverfront, making it possible to combine with other nearby sites (wharf, esplanade). There are also good vantage points around the temple grounds for overseeing river traffic.
5. Uncover local history at Sibu Heritage Center
Housed in a former municipal building, the Sibu Heritage Center is good starting point to get an overview of the town’s history and cultural background. The museum covers the story of Sibu’s diverse communities, ranging from Fuzhou settlers’ migration history to the traditions of the Iban, Melanau, Malay, and other indigenous groups. You’ll find artifacts like traditional costumes, musical instruments, household tools, and ritual objects.
It makes a great introduction to Sarawak and a springboard for noticing the influences you’ll see around town, like Fuzhou food at the markets or Chinese clan associations nearby.
6. Trace migrant roots on the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk
The Sungai Merah Heritage Walk is tied to the earliest Foochow (Fuzhou) settlement in Sibu, dating back to 1901. It’s a quieter, suburban area, away from the main city center, but is historically important.
Here you’ll find the Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden, which honors the leader of the first group of Foochow migrants who came to Sarawak from China. A small park, a memorial arch, and interpretive boards tell the story of their arrival, struggles, and contributions to Sibu’s growth.
Walking around Sungai Merah also lets you see old shophouses, small eateries, and local businesses lining the main street. If you’re interested in migration stories or community heritage, this is worth carving out a couple of hours for.
7. Marvel at the Jade Dragon Temple
Yu Lung San Tien En Si (Jade Dragon Temple), a large multi-faith Chinese temple complex located about 26 km on the Sibu-Bintulu Road. The temple serves Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism all in one large built-up area. This is probably one of the most beautiful Chinese temples in Malaysia. The architecture, decorations, statuary, gardens are all visually striking.
Besides photographing the ornate details, take time inside to observe the rituals, incense, the layout of the halls, and how different traditions blend together. It offers a peaceful ambience for reflection or just slowing down.
8. Step back in time at Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum
For a trip into medical history, head to the Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum. It was built originally in 1936, served the region for many decades, then converted into a museum in 1996 after the hospital’s operations moved elsewhere. It’s the only hospital memorial museum in Malaysia, and is free to enter (donations are appreciated).
Inside, you’ll see old medical equipment, including surgical tools, uniform evolution, patient records, photographs. It also tells stories about how healthcare developed locally, the challenges people faced (diseases, remote locations in the forests, natural disasters, lack of infrastructure), and how the hospital was a community institution.
As a KL girl who has never had to deal with these issues despite living in the same country, this was an eye-opening experience for me. I’ve written a full post about my visit if you want to know what it’s like inside.
9. Cruise the Rajang River at sunset
One of the best ways to experience Sibu (and Sarawak) is from the Rajang River, the longest river in Malaysia. A sunset river cruise lets you see the town from a different angle. You’ll pass by river barges, fishing boats, timber rafts, and long stretches of riverbank settlements while the sky changes color.
At night, the town lights flicker into view. Cruises typically last about 1–1.5 hours and are a relaxed way to end the day after walking around town.
10. Shop at Wisma Sanyan
For something more modern, visit Wisma Sanyan, the tallest building in Sarawak (at 125 meters). It’s a landmark in the city skyline and houses offices, shops, restaurants, and a department store. If you need air-conditioned respite from the humidity, it’s the easiest spot for both shopping and relaxing indoors.
Even if you’re not into malls, the building is notable as a symbol of Sibu’s growth. From the outside, it’s also a navigation point. You’ll see Wisma Sanyan from many parts of town, and it helps orient you when exploring on foot.
11. Snack & shop at Sibu Night Market
Come evening, head to the Sibu Night Market, a buzzing stretch of stalls that comes alive after 5 PM. This is where locals go for dinner or to pick up snacks, clothing, and household items. The food section is especially popular, with skewers, grilled seafood, fried snacks, and dim sum.
If you want to try multiple dishes without sitting down at a restaurant, this is your best bet. There are both halal and non-halal options available.
12. Taste Sibu's signature dishes
Eating is one of the main reasons people visit Sibu, so take time to try its specialties. Top of the list is kampua mee (dry tossed noodles with pork slices and shallot oil), kompia (dense Fuzhou bagels stuffed with pork), and mee sua chicken soup, often cooked in red wine broth.
Each has deep cultural roots, tied to Fuzhou migrants who settled here. While most of the original recipes include pork or wine, it’s possible to find halal variations that substitute pork with other meats.
13. Learn the craft of mee sua making
Sibu is famous for mee sua, long handmade wheat noodles associated with longevity. If you have the chance, visit a local noodle-making workshop or small factory. You’ll see workers stretching and hanging noodles across wooden racks, drying them under the sun or in airy sheds.
It’s labor-intensive, and watching the repetitive, practiced movements gives you a new respect for the noodles that end up in your bowl. Some places even allow visitors to try stretching the noodles themselves. You can also buy a packet directly from the maker to bring home.
14. Go wildlife-watching at Bukit Lima Nature Reserve
For a dose of greenery, make time for the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, about 15 minutes’ drive from central Sibu. It’s a small protected area of peat swamp forest with wooden boardwalks, observation towers, and signs explaining the habitat. The trails are flat and easy to walk, making it suitable for a relaxed nature outing.
Wildlife includes proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, hornbills, kingfishers, and monitor lizards. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for sightings. Even without spotting much, the swampy atmosphere, tall palms, and quiet trails offer a break from town life. Bring water and mosquito repellent.
15. Relax & reflect in Kutien Memorial Park
Built by the Sibu Kutien Association and Sibu Municipal Council, this peaceful memorial park — with its gardens, waterlily ponds, gazebos, and walking paths — makes a good spot for relaxation.
Besides being a green space, it also carries history through the monuments and plaques that are tied to the Kutien clan’s role in Sibu’s development.
16. Get immersed in culture at an Iban longhouse
To understand more of Sarawak’s indigenous culture, go on a trip to Bawang Assan Iban Longhouses, a settlement of several longhouses (traditional communal dwellings) dating from the 18th century. Some are more traditional, while others are more modern, but many still maintain customs, architecture, and social life that you won’t find in the urban center.
If you stay overnight via a longhouse homestay program, you’ll be invited to join daily activities like helping with chores, going on jungle walks, cooking local dishes, learning crafts like weaving or blowpipe, and tasting tuak (rice wine) or Iban food.
Where to stay in Sibu, Sarawak
I stayed at Dung Fang Hotel — the cheapest hotel I could find with a decent rating. It’s located across the road from the Rejang Esplanade and just about 2 minutes’ walk from where the Kuching bus dropped me off. The room was good enough for the price and came with a private bathroom.
Here are some other top-rated hotels in Sibu for all budget ranges:
Budget
- River Park Hotel – An OYO budget hotel with clean rooms and private bathrooms. Located close to the Rejang Esplanade.
- Lawson Inn Hotel – A no-frills hotel located within 5 minutes’ drive from town.
- Comfort Inn Salim Hotel – Located slightly out of town, but close to Bukit Lima Nature Reserve.
Mid-range
- OTEL Hotel Suite – Some rooms come with a balcony, bathtub, and Arissto coffee maker.
- Starlink Hotel – Highly-rated family-friendly hotel with spacious rooms.
- Win Hotel Sibu – Super spacious air-conditioned rooms. Hotel pictures show a few resident cats.
- The SWAN Hotel – New, centrally-located hotel with free breakfast.
Luxury
- Tanahmas The Sibu Hotel – Outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, banquet hall, business center.
- Kingwood Hotel Sibu – Outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant, banquet hall, rooms with river view.
- RH Hotel Sibu – Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa, sauna, grand ballroom, function rooms, restaurant, bathtubs.
How long to stay in Sibu, Sarawak
Most people pass through Sibu for just a night or two, especially if they’re en route to other towns along the Rajang River. But if you’re curious about local life, two full days is the bare minimum. You’ll be able to cover the Central Market, the Heritage Centre, a couple of temples, and squeeze in the night market and the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk.
If you stretch it to three days, the pace becomes more comfortable. You can add in the Lau King Howe Medical Museum, spend a morning at Bukit Lima Nature Park, and still have time to wander slowly without feeling rushed.
Suggested itineraries in Sibu
Weekend trip (2 days)
Day 1 (Morning):
- Start at Sibu Central Market for breakfast and local treats
- Walk around the old town and explore shophouses
Afternoon:
- Visit Sibu Heritage Centre
- Explore Tua Pek Kong Temple at riverside
Evening:
- Stroll the Rejang Esplanade, Sibu Gateway, and join the river cruise
- Night market for street food
Day 2:
- Morning at Lau King Howe Museum
- Head out to Jade Dragon Temple (requires transport)
- Visit the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk or wrap up with some shopping at Wisma Sanyan, followed by a picnic at the Dataran
Extended (3 - 4 days)
Day 3: Trip to Bukit Lima Nature Park, Jubilee Park, or Kutien Memorial Park for some greenery. Or visit a traditional longhouse.
Day 4: Visit the mee sua factory and learn how the noodles is produced. Relax, shop, or revisit spots you loved.
Additional tips for visiting Sibu
- Cash is king: While bigger malls and some hotels take cards, most markets, hawker stalls, and small shops are cash-only. Bring plenty of small notes, as vendors may not have change for large bills.
- Early bird advantage: Sibu Central Market is best visited early in the morning when produce is freshest and food stalls are buzzing. By late morning, many vendors start packing up.
- Dress modestly in temples: Shorts and sleeveless tops are fine for walking around town, but if you plan to visit temples like Tua Pek Kong or Jade Dragon Temple, cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Read my guide on what to wear in Malaysia.
- Language: English is widely understood, but a few words of Malay or basic Mandarin / Hokkien phrases are appreciated.
- Weather prep: Sibu is hot and humid year-round, regardless of season. Afternoon showers are common, so carry an umbrella or light rain jacket.
Final thoughts
Sibu’s charm is not in any grand tourist spot. Instead, it’s found in the ordinary rhythm of daily life at the market, the coffee shops, and the river that continues to shape so much of the town’s identity. To me, it felt refreshingly authentic and different from the more tourist-heavy destinations in Malaysia.
If you’re traveling through Sarawak, I’d say Sibu is worth at least a short stop. It gives you a glimpse of how diverse Sarawak’s towns are, and it balances out the more well-known destinations like Kuching and Miri with its own quiet character.
If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to check out the rest of my blog for more destination ideas, food recommendations, and travel tips around Malaysia.
