This peaceful and picturesque town in Sarawak offers many unique and authentic experiences for those who are willing to venture beyond the usual tourist trail.
With this in mind, here are six amazing Sibu sightseeing spots you definitely shouldn’t miss.
1. The Al-Qadim Mosque
Established in 1861, this majestic house of worship is the oldest mosque in Sarawak, and is believed to have played a major role in the establishment of Sibu’s Malay-Muslim community.
It was built by noted religious leader Tuan Haji Salam Minangkabau, who hailed from Sumatera, Indonesia. The mosque was previously closed for almost five years for conservation before being reopened in 2022.
Its delicate carvings and intricate designs exemplify the beauty of Islamic architecture. Do admire the craftwork on its doors, which draws inspiration from those of Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina.
2. Sibu Central Market
Whether it’s daily groceries, a satisfying meal, or a souvenir from Sibu, you will likely be able to find what you’re looking for at the Sibu Central Market.
Believed to be Malaysia’s largest indoor market, this bustling hive of activity sells a vast variety of wares and food products, from apples to zucchini.
A wet and dry market occupies the ground floor, while the upper floor consists of a food court offering kompia, mee kampua and other Sarawakian delicacies.
For something truly unique to mark your trip here, why not buy a live chicken? For some reason, the poultry sold here is wrapped in paper!
3. World Fuzhou Heritage Gallery
With a lineage going all the way back to 1901, the Foochow are the largest Chinese dialect group in Sibu. This gallery pays tribute to the struggles and successes of this enterprising ethnic group, displaying over 650 artefacts from local Foochow families.
Visiting this venue is a blast from the past. Younger visitors may need older ones to explain what some of the “strange devices” on display are; one section, for example, features a VHS player (complete with head cleaning tape!) and a gramophone.
Some exhibits come with writeups on Foochow culture and tradition. Learn, for example, that when a daughter was betrothed, customs dictated that two suitcases with angpows in them had to be given.
4. Bawang Assan Iban Longhouse
Dating back to the 18th century, this rustic settlement of nine longhouses gives visitors an amazing opportunity to get acquainted with the Iban, one of the major indigenous peoples of Sarawak.
Visitors are welcomed by a lively “ngajat” dance around the “ranyai”, a symbolic tree within a special space in the longhouse. Food items are attached to this tree, which are cut down as the dance goes on.
Enjoy a traditional Sarawakian meal that might include “dabai” (jungle olives), stir-fried “manicai” (a green vegetable) and, of course, tuak (traditional rice wine). If you’re lucky, you might even get give their traditional blowpipes a go!
5. Lau King Howe Hospital Museum
In 1936, Chinese philanthropist Lau King Howe established the first hospital in the region. It served the community for almost 60 years until it was phased out by the Sibu Hospital, which was built in 1994.
Most of the old hospital buildings were demolished, but a small museum was built at its original entrance to preserve and pay homage to Sibu’s medical history.
Visitors can now admire a fascinating collection of medical paraphernalia through the years. Check out its display of unique nurse uniforms, and learn the history of the famous KK pain relief tablets.
Examining the cruder (and often painful!)-looking procedures of the past will definitely make you grateful that modern medicine is where it is today.
6. Rajang River Cruise
One of Sarawak’s biggest claims to fame is Sungai Rajang, the longest river in Malaysia. Well, no trip to Sibu is complete without a relaxing cruise down its banks on a comfortable riverboat.
The gentle flow of the water and the slow pace of the journey combine to create an unparalleled sense of peace and tranquility.
The Rajang river cruise offers an unforgettable way to admire Sibu’s spectacular scenery, especially if you go at sunset.