Big tourism push for Sibu

The Sibu Tua Pek Kong Temple.

SIBU folks have every reason to be excited after Agoda and Singapore Changi Airport ranked the riverine town as a top travel destination for 2023.

This is the first time that Sibu – famous for the Rajang River, the longest river in the country – has been so highly recommended in the international travel bucket list.

Sarawak Central Region Hotel Association vice-chairman Lang Jai Lee said this recognition presents a big boost to Sibu’s tourism and economy.

“This recommendation is good for Sibu as people now know that this is one of the most affordable places to visit in terms of food and accommodation,” he said.

Lang, who has been in the hotel industry for more than 30 years, said visitor spending will be a boost for the town’s tourism sector and economy.

“Our food is cheaper than in Kuching and Miri. For Singaporeans, they need to spend only about S$1 (RM3.30) for a plate of kampua mee (Foochow noodles, which Sibu is famous for). As for hotels, it is less than S$60 (RM200) a night,” he added.

Lang said Sibu is more than ready to receive an influx of visitors as there are ample hotel rooms and places of interest.

“Sibu is the gateway to towns and districts in the central region of Sarawak. After spending several days here, visitors can easily drive to Kanowit, Song, Kapit, Bintangor and Sarikei due to the good road network,” he recommended.

Dr Hii Sui Cheng, the former president of the Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Sibu should enjoy good growth in local and foreign tourist arrivals due to the positive recommendations from Agoda and Changi Airport.

He hoped tourist-related industries, such as hotels, eateries and scenic spots, will be up to the task by providing the best services to visitors.

“I hope airlines flying into Sibu will do their part by not raising fares to ensure the success of Sibu as a popular tourist destination,” he added.

Dr Hii also called on local travel agencies to ensure that these recommendations of Sibu are promoted across their network of contacts.

Retired businessman Roger Ong agreed with the recommendations, noting that Sibu offers affordable three- to four-star hotel accommodation and authentic local food.

“Our town is pretty attractive to Singapore tourists. Tour providers should first target the Singapore market,” he said.

With the thrice-weekly AirAsia direct flight between Singapore and Sibu, he suggested a three-day/ two-night tour package for visitors to Sibu.

Changi Airport’s online travel magazine ranked Sibu top among 10 new destinations in Asia to visit this year in an article titled “2023 Travel Bucket List”.

The author, Rainer Cheung, said Sibu is a charming little city, full of history and culture, that is worth checking out.

Cheung placed the Taoist Tua Pek Kong Temple, the Goddess of Mercy pagoda tower and Sibu Central Market, the “biggest market in Sarawak and the largest indoor market in Malaysia”, as must-visit places.

For food, he highly recommends the kampua mee.

Meanwhile Agoda, the online hotel booking platform, placed Sibu as the most affordable tourist destination in Malaysia and second in Asia. The average room rate in Sibu is RM136.

It said the second most affordable city in Malaysia is Alor Setar, followed by Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baru and Taiping.

Agoda said Sibu is “an often-overlooked charm” with a lively food scene, rich historical and cultural heritage and stunning natural wonders.

As for tourism spots, Agoda recommended the Tua Pek Kong Temple, Sibu Central Market and numerous parks, nature reserves and walking trails like the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, Sibu Lake Gardens and the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk as places to visit.

On food, Agoda said, “Like anywhere in Malaysia, food in Sibu is in abundance, from the local kopitiam (old-style coffee shops) to the Sibu Night Market. For an authentic experience do try Sarawak’s popular mee sua (fine noodles in rich herbal soup), kampua noodles, or the popular kompia (flat pastries often filled with meat).”

Sarawak aims to achieve more than three million visitor arrivals this year. With the recommendations by the two organisations, Sibu is expected to take the lion’s share of visitors, hence helping the state achieve its target.