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About Travel Treat Together
Travel Treat Together is a travel blog for working professionals who want to see the world without quitting their jobs. Explore destination guides, itineraries and stories from across Asia and beyond.
Let me be honest — when most people plan a Sarawak trip, Sibu is not the first name that comes to mind. Everyone rushes to Kuching or Miri. But that’s exactly why Sibu is worth a visit.
Sibu is the third largest city in Sarawak and sits along the Rejang River — the longest river in Malaysia. It’s a busy, lived-in, real-life kind of town. No over-the-top tourist traps. No Instagram-optimised waterfronts. Just a city with an incredibly rich trading history, a fascinating mix of cultures, and food so good it’ll rearrange your priorities in life.
Sibu draws a specific kind of traveller — one who wants something genuine. Here’s why people keep coming back.
Sibu rewards slowness. The more time you give it, the more it gives back.
You won’t need to rush here. Sibu is a city for wandering, eating, and observing. But here are the must-dos:
The express boat to Kapit departs from the Sibu Express Wharf in the morning. Get there by 8am, buy your ticket, and you’ll be deep in the rainforest by lunch. No booking needed, just show up.
Sibu is hot and humid all year round — it’s Borneo, after all. Don’t expect dramatic seasons. Expect sweat, sudden rain, and then bright sunshine 20 minutes later.
The rain here is heavy but usually short. It pours for 30 minutes and then the sun is back out. Carry a small umbrella or a poncho and you’ll be fine. The best months to visit are between May and August — it’s drier, slightly cooler in the evenings, and the river is at a good level for boat trips.
Morning is the best time to be outside. Markets are buzzing, it’s not yet cooking hot, and the light on the river is gorgeous. By 2pm, find yourself a coffee shop or an air-conditioned spot and wait it out.
Culture is probably Sibu’s biggest surprise for first-time visitors. You expect a small trading town — and you get a layered, fascinating mix of identities all living side by side.
The Foochow Chinese settlers arrived in the early 1900s under the guidance of Methodist missionary Wong Nai Siong, and their influence is everywhere — in the dialects spoken, the temples built, the food cooked, and the way business is conducted. Walking through the old town feels like a living museum.
But it’s not just Chinese culture. Sibu is also home to Iban, Malay, Melanau and other indigenous communities. You’ll hear multiple languages in a single coffee shop conversation. And somehow, it all fits.
Festivals here are a serious affair. Chinese New Year in Sibu is one of the liveliest in all of Sarawak — the kind of celebration where entire streets light up and the noise doesn’t stop for three days.
The Methodist church also plays a surprisingly central role in the community’s identity — there are large churches, mission schools, and institutions that have been here for over a hundred years. It’s a reminder that Sibu’s character was shaped by an unusual crossing of Chinese roots, indigenous culture, and Christian missionary history, all fused together over generations.
You cannot visit Sibu without an appetite. The food here is unique, even compared to the rest of Sarawak.
Kampua Mee: The undisputed king of Sibu food. These are simple dry noodles tossed in lard (or vegetable oil) and topped with slices of pork. It’s cheap, delicious, and eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Kompia: Often called the “Foochow Bagel,” these are hard bread rolls baked in a traditional clay oven. Try them plain or stuffed with minced meat.
Sarawak Laksa: While Kuching is famous for it, Sibu has its own fantastic versions. It’s a spicy, coconut-based noodle soup that’s “breakfast of the gods.”
Ding Bian Hu: A delicate rice flour soup cooked by pouring batter around the edges of a wok. It’s light, savory, and very traditional.
By Air: Sibu Airport connects you to Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu.
By Boat: The express boats are a classic Sibu experience. You can take them to reach interior towns like Kapit and Belaga.
In Town: Use Grab (the local ride-sharing app). It’s very affordable and much easier than trying to navigate local buses.
Walking: The town center is fairly compact and walkable, especially around the Heritage Centre and Central Market.
Sibu isn’t your typical “tourist trap” with shiny theme parks. It’s a town with a soul. It’s about the smell of fresh Kompia in the morning, the sound of the river, and the warmth of a community that’s proud of its roots. If you want to see the real Sarawak and eat some of the best noodles of your life, put Sibu on your travel map. You won’t regret it!
Pack light. Bring cash. Eat everything. Go with an open mind.
Travel Treat Together is a travel blog for working professionals who want to see the world without quitting their jobs. Explore destination guides, itineraries and stories from across Asia and beyond.
