A stroll along Sibu town is like a heritage walk as every corner holds a historical lesson. The swan town is also a magnificent reflection of culture and food.
A walk through history, culture
Sibu is a juxtaposition of modernity and heritage, the sound of harmony and the reflection of unity. Quaint and quiet in its own way, the swan town of Sarawak is also bustling with cultures from many crossroads. Apart from its delicacies, the beauty of Sibu lies in its historical architecture.
The old buildings in Sibu have made their way into the modern day. Walking about in Pekan Sibu, the old-fashioned glass panel windows lay neatly in the background of balconies carved in a repeated diamond pattern. It was a similar slight — building after building.
Certain windows were made of wood, and the floor-to-ceiling ratio between each unit was quite wide, giving the structure a tall appearance. Faded and scraped paint on the walls may be a reflection of antiques, but who knows when the building was last repainted.
Nonetheless, strolling through Sibu, admiring the old-fashioned shophouses with the characteristics of olden China, felt like a breeze. Despite the passage of time, the old town of Sibu and its laid-back culture remain. And, while I appreciated the town’s old buildings, I also enjoyed exploring Sibu’s possibilities.
The old memories of Sibu
Tourists interested in learning more about Sibu and its rich history can go to the Sibu Heritage Centre in Pekan Sibu. Formerly the Sibu Municipal Council building, it now houses information, artefacts, and memorabilia. The extensive walkthrough includes detailed history as well as facts about each of Sibu’s cultures and religions.
It was especially memorable because of its well-maintained and informative display. What’s more, the building is nestled among Sibu’s older architecture near its central market.
The Sungei Merah Heritage Walk was the next heritage site I visited. Growing up, my mother, who grew up on that side of Sibu, would tell me many stories about the site. The Sungei Merah bridge, a historical landmark, marked the beginning of the Foochow’s migration period in the early 1900s.
It was built in 1901, when Chinese revolutionary leader Wong Nai Siong brought in groups of Foochows from the Fu Zhou province of China to Sibu to resettle and develop the area. The bridge that was built is still standing today as a memorial to the big migration period.
The river was once believed to be red, which is why it was named Sungei Merah. Though the whispers from its surroundings have died out, the aura of a historical journey lingers. The Wong Nai Siong Memorial Park is located just across the bridge.
Modernisation amidst the old
Before landing at the Sibu airport, a prominent building situated on the land of the swans, Wisma Sanyan, was easily spotted amid the other buildings and houses. Standing at 125 metres with a total of 28 floors, it is the tallest building in Sibu. One of the town’s main shopping malls, it offers a good variety of commercial as well as food and beverage outlets.
Another notable spot in the heart of the town is the Starbucks Sibu Pedada, which is believed to be Sarawak’s largest Starbucks. Walking into the branch at Jalan Pedada gives a unique café vibe that matches the premium coffee brand’s identity. There are two floors for patrons to chill in, and the ambiance is comfortable and cosy.
Strong food culture
Finally, nothing surpasses a gastronomic adventure. Though Sibu town is sprawling with eateries offering a bombastic range of the town’s food culture, the Sibu Night Market is one of the most interesting spots to visit.
The night market is a great complement to the many races — Chinese, Dayak, and Malay — all parked at the market lot in the centre of the town. This place is an epitome of unity among food, as evidenced by the range of food choices such as steamed buns, kompia, chicken wings, roasted pork, and many others.
Visiting the central market during the day is not a bad idea because, like the Sibu Night Market, it is filled with sumptuous local delicacies. After I’d finished eating, a stroll around both markets would introduce me to another side of Sibu — its cultural arts.
The old, the new and the cultural
In the background of the two markets in Pekan Sibu, one couldn’t help but notice a tall pagoda standing in between the old and new buildings. The Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple is the town’s oldest Chinese temple.
Built around 1890, it is regarded to be one of the most perfectly proportioned pagodas outside of Mainland China. Climbing to the highest floor provides visitors with a beautiful view of the Rejang river and the Sibu Waterfront.
Though my trip to Sibu was brief, it was worthwhile as I get to see the waves of the past. Each observation has deepened my understanding of the values of Sibu architecture, allowing me to imagine a period gone by.
