Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CENTRAL SARAWAK
Stretching from Sibu, on the lower Batang Rejang, upriver to Kapit and Bintulu and north-
eastward along the coast to Bintulu and Miri, Sarawak's midsection offers some great river
journeys, fine national parks and modern urban conveniences.
Sibu
POP 255,000
Gateway to the Batang Rejang, Sibu has grown rich from trade with Sarawak's interior
since the time of James Brooke. These days, although the 'swan city' does not rival Kuch-
ing in terms of charm, it's not a bad place to spend a day or two before or after a boat trip
to the wild interior.
Situated 60km upriver from the open sea, Sibu is Sarawak's most Chinese city. Many of
the two-thirds of locals who trace their roots to China are descendents of migrants who
came from Foochow (Fujian or Fuzhou) province in the early years of the 20th century.
The city was twice destroyed by fire, in 1889 and 1928. Much of Sibu's modern-day wealth
can be traced to the timber trade.
