CHINESE New Year comes early for Siniawan. Its two rows of wooden shophouses – 24 on each side – are glowing under vibrant lantern displays.
Located in the Bau district near Kuching, this heritage town is alive with festive charm.
The decorations were completed by the end of last month, featuring a standout piece: a snake figurine at the town’s entrance.
Fitted with lights, the figurine shines brightly at night, symbolising the upcoming Chinese zodiac year.
Even the side lanes of Siniawan’s shophouses are decorated with small lanterns hanging overhead.
According to the Chinese calendar, the 2025 Lunar New Year, which begins on Jan 29, marks the Year of the Snake.
Siniawan, known for its transformation into a bustling food street on weekend nights, attracts crowds from Friday to Sunday.
Since the Chinese New Year decorations went up, the town has been packed with visitors eager to enjoy the delicious local delicacies and soak in the lively atmosphere.
A snake figurine stands prominently at the entrance to Siniawan, heralding the upcoming Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac.
Dylan Lai, the youth wing chief of Siniawan’s village development and security committee (JKKK), said the town is illuminated with over 2,000 lanterns of various sizes.
“These lanterns are lit every evening, especially on weekends,” he explained.
According to Lai, the Chinese New Year decorations were introduced in 2010 by the committee chairman, Kapitan Bong Boon Kah.
He also highlighted that Siniawan’s Chap Goh Mei celebration is even grander than Chinese New Year itself.
Decorative umbrellas add vibrancy to the Chinese New Year festivities.
“Our Chap Goh Mei celebration is the largest event in Old Town,” he said.
“The day is marked with a temple procession dedicated to Buddha Guan Yin, where free vegetarian meals are served to 5,000 people. At night, there is a grand parade.”
For Kuching native Chua Wee Boo, the Chinese New Year celebration in Siniawan is a time of excitement and tradition.
Visitors have been coming in droves to Siniawan as they are drawn by the Chinese New Year decorations.
“I visit Siniawan every year to capture photos of its unique decorations, which are always extraordinary,” Chua said.
“I also look forward to the Chap Goh Mei celebration, which includes a morning procession and an evening parade.”
