Sibu

96000 Sibu
Sarawak
East Malaysia

Sibu, 130 kilometers from the South China Sea, is a Chinese town, founded by Foochow immigrants at the turn of the century. It is now Sarawak's third largest town after Kuching and the main port and commercial center for the Rejang. In recent years it has mushroomed thanks to the wealth from timber and the business acumen of its local entrepreneurs. The town's Chinese origins are underlined by its beautiful seven-storey pagoda and the Tua Pek Kong Temple. Its compact center is crammed with countless small shops selling everything from international brand, name goods to local handicrafts and jungle produce.  There is also good shopping at the Pasar Malam or night market, the liveliest in Sarawak, with hundreds of stall offering a bewildering variety of goods.  Sibu is the staging post of trips up and down the Rejang River. Sleek express boats ply the muddy brown water of the river speeding between the riverine settlements.

Sibu is the gateway to the mighty Rajang River and its vast hinterland. As the main commercial centre and port for the Rajang Basin, Sibu is the starting point for one of the world's great river journeys. The second largest town in Sarawak, Sibu is situated on the confluence of the Rajang and Igan River, 130 km from the South China Sea. It is a thriving, modern town dominated by its bustling and crowded waterfront.

Sibu's wealth and fame are largely due to its enterprising, hard working Foochow community, who arrived in Sarawak from Southern China during the reign of Rajah Charles Brooke (1900 - 1917), and the town is still frequently referred to as "New Foochow". Nowadays, however, Sibu's populaton of 180,000 is a colourful mix of Chinese, Malays, Ibans and other ethnic races. Each race takes great pride in its own traditions and customs, but racial harmony and unity are the norm here.

 

Updated On: 04.11.14