Discovering Sibu Historical Attractions

The entire Sibu Central town can be leisurely explore by walking. A number of Sibu's heritage attractions can be discovered within the town proper.

Sibu Heritage Centre

 

This building has witnessed the transformation of Sarawak from a colony of the British to becoming an independent state by forming Malaysia in 1963. Sibu Heritage Centre was the original administration building of Sibu Municipal Council.  It was later refurbished as Sibu Heritage centre Museum. Its upper floor houses the Sibu heritage museum. The ground floor is a commercial belt. There is also a space for artwork exhibition.

Sibu Old Mosque (Masjid Lama Sibu)

This old mosque of Sibu has been here since 1883.Its first as a wooden structure was built by Tuan Haji Abdul Salam Minangkabau from Indonesia.

However, its structure was never changed; its original form remains intact.

Warriors Memorial site

Rosli Dhoby, born in Sibu, was an active member of one Sibu – based Malay Youth Movement (Gerakan Pemuda Melayu). On 3rd December, 1949 and at the age of 17 years Old, Rosli Dhoby led a group, codenamed the Rukun 13 (the Black Crow group).  They set off to assassinate the 2nd Gorvener of Sarawak, Mr. Duncan Steward. Rosli Dhoby and 3 others, namely Morshidi Sidek, Bujang Suntong and Awang Ramli Amit were arrested and hung. They were buried in Kuching on 2nd March, 1950. 46 years later, their remains were exhumed and brought back to Sibu.

They were re – buried at this Warriors Memorial Site on 2nd March, 1996. It is located next to the An-Nur Mosque at Jalan Awang Ramli Amit.

Oldest Muslim Cemetery (Sibu town Square phase 2)

This oldest Muslim cemetery site was estimated to have buried over 70 Muslims. However, the burial activity was stop during Japanese occupation in 1941. Over time, river bank erosion has caused some severe damages to the site. It was restored in 2003.

The two Angsana trees are said to be the temporary “Batu Nisan” or tombstones for one tomb. As most of the original tombstones were washed away, a memorial structure was later erected to commemorate it.

Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum

Lau King Howe Hospital was built in the 1930’s as the first general hospital Sibu. Its founder, the late Mr. Lau king Howe, donated his personal wealth to set it up. In appreciation, the colonial government named it Lau King Howe Hospital.

In 1994, the hospital was moved to a new site at Jalan Oya. Since then, Sibu hospital, with its much bigger capacity and better facilities, has replaced Lau King Howe Hospital. However, the site of Lau King Howe Hospital is preserved and turned into Lau King Howe Memorial Museum. This is made possible with the joint efforts of Lau’s Clan Association, Sibu municipal Council and the Health Department.

Tua Pek Kong Temple

 
Eng Ann Tua Pek Kong of Sibu was founded around 1870. From the original wooden structure of a Chinese temple. It was rebuilt in 1897 into Taoist architecture building. Most of its building materials were imported from China including the statue of the host deity, Lord Tua Pek Kong.

Like the other Tua Pek Kong temples in Sarawak, Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong temple has met some major fire disasters in Sibu. But it did not suffer any damages. Even the Sibu big fire of March 8, 1928 which destroyed most of surrounding shop houses, left this temple unscathed.

Outskirts of Sibu
Ten minutes by road from the town center, the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk visits the site of the earliest Chinese settlements in Sibu. The pleasant walking trail along the river front (the water is really red, turning to yellow when the tide sets in) leads through a landscaped park to the Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden, a site honouring the principal founder of Sibu. The Heritage Walk concludes with the James Hoover Memorial Park that commemorates the renowned Methodist missionary and educator who worked with Sibu's pioneering Foochow migrants from 1903 to the 1930s. Take a taxi or Sungei Merah Bus 1A.

James Hoover Memorial Square 

This square is named after a great Methodist Missionary (from USA), Reverend James Matthew Hoover. Reverend Hoover was the first foreign pastor who served the Methodist Churches of Sibu. From 1903 to 1935, he had helped to build 41 churches and 40 schools all over Sibu. When the Fuzhou settlement pioneer, Mr. Wong Nai Siong, left Sibu in 1904, Rev. Hoover helped to manage the settlement. His contributions to the early development of Sibu were fondly and gratefully recognized.

In addition, he created history and modernized Sibu by being the first person to pioneer the use of the following items to Sibu:

• The very first rubber seedlings (1904)
• The very first steam launch
• The very first rice huller (1906)
• The very first girls' school (1911)
• The very first generator (1912)
• The very first agricultural school (1913)
• The very first bicycle
• The very first ice making machine
• The very first circular saw
• The very first wireless telegraph machine

Sibu is the largest port and commercial centre in the Rejang Basin and the gateway to Central Sarawak. Located at the confluence of the Rejang and Igan Rivers, approximately 130 km from the South China Sea, Sibu is a thriving modern town with a vibrant center and a bustling, crowded waterfront.

The residents of Sibu are predominantly Foochow Chinese, originating from the Fuzhou region of southern china, and the town is often referred to as New Fuzhou. However Sibu's ethnic mix is as varied as anywhere else in Borneo, with smaller proportions of other Chinese dialect groups - as well as Malays, Melanaus, Ibans and Orang Ulus - making the town their home.

Sibu is easily accessible by road from all parts of Sarawak. Direct air links connect Sibu to Kuala Lumpur and the major towns and cities in Sarawak and Sabah.

Sarawak... Where Adventure Lives  

Explore Kuching Heritage in 2 hours

Take a quick look around Kuching and you will certainly notice a historic building or site, stately and unique, enchanting always; these are just some of the attractive charms of the city.  Singularly or clustered, these fascinating cultural and historic icons are found at almost every turn and step you take around the city.

The 2-hour (approx.) route introduces visitors to the historical precinct of old Kuching city, where featured buildings are closely located to each other.  Visitors may join the trail at any point along the Route, but are strongly encouraged to begin at the Sarawak Tourism Complex where the trail map of this self-guided walking tour can be obtained as well as useful brochures of the city, state and country can be obtained.

OLD KUCHING COURTHOUSE (1868-1900s)

Conservation of the Old Kuching Courthouse of Adaptive Re-use as Sarawak Tourism Complex was completed in 2003. The project won several national awards for conservation. Descriptive plaques mounted on the individual block provide detailed historical information of the building.  The Old Kuching Courthouse is the first Brooke era administrative building which housed all the government functions under one roof. 

THE PAVILION (1909)

This building, originally used as the medical headquarter, was one of the first public buildings of more than 2 stories high. Built with concrete frames and supported by bakau (mangrove timber) piling, it also had a concrete flat roof where occupants used to lounge and watch the setting sun, as fondly recalled through numerous writings of that era.  The building had been conserved and is currently used by the Museum Department as their Textile Museum.

TUA PEK KONG TEMPLE (PRE-1839)

This temple was believed to have been built by the Chinese migrants from Kalimantan, Indonesia. In the olden days, this temple overlooked the mouth of the Kuching stream which ran between the temple and the Old Chinese Court (present Chinese History Museum), to the Sarawak River. Numerous additions and renovation works had been done over the original structure. The dominant dragon frieze was added to the retaining wall in the early 1980s.

There are two other temples in that area which are Guan Thian Siang Ti Temple (1889) and Kueh Seng Onn Temple (1895). Both located along the Carpenter Street.

OLD CHINESE COURT (1912)

Declared open in 1912 by Rajah Charles Brooke, this single storey building was originally used by the Chinese community as a court to administer the laws and customs on marriage, divorce and probate. The Chinese court was dissolved in 1921. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce formed in 1930, used it as their office until 1990. Since 1993, the Sarawak Museum had set up its Chinese History Museum here, with interactive displays that traced the history of Chinese settlement in Sarawak and the contributions made for the development of Sarawak by the respective dialectal group.

MAIN BAZAAR

Fronting the Sarawak River, the Main Bazaar carries the distinction of being one of the oldest streets of Kuching.  Now, it is often referred to as an 'antique arcade' not only because of its old-fashioned facades but also for the variety of antiques and handicrafts outlets found here.

FORT MARGHERITA (1879) 

Across the Main Bazaar, situated across the Sarawak River, the fort was named after Ranee Margaret, the wife of Charles Brooke.  Strategically perched on top of a hill, with vantage points overlooking Kuching and the river, it was the ideal sentry point for the settlement. Unfortunately, it is currently not open to public (Sept 2012)

THE ASTANA (1870)

This romantic structure standing across the river in its regal splendour was the private residence of the Rajah Charles Brooke, which was built as a bridal gift to his beloved wife, the Ranee Margeret.

Before the Astana was built on this site, James Brooke's first residence was called 'The Grove', which was later replaced by "the Government House' after a fire in 1857.

THE KUCHING WATERFRONT has undergone several transformations since 9th century, from a small settlement of modest ‘atap’ buildings, to a busy port with warehouses and wharves, and to the landscape riverside walk it is today. During the days of the Rajahs and the British colonials, boats would berth along the Sarawak River waterfront, lined with godowns, custom offices and markets. Travelers and cargo alike would embark and disembark at the wharves, making the waterfront a hive of activity during its glory days.

This is where the Sarawak Regatta is held annually. Sarawak Regatta has been a premier event with a distinct historical and cultural significant.  The tradition of holding the annual Regatta in the Sarawak River continued through the colonial period and into the post-Malaysia period.

SQUARE TOWER (1879) 

Completed about the same time as the Fort Margherita in 1879, both forts served as sentry posts on each side of the Sarawak River. Built next to the first Kuching Prison (1877, demolished c.1930s), it served as a maximum-security detention centre. Adjacent to the Square Tower, is the landing point called Pengkalan Batu, where the Rajahs disembarked from the Astana to attend to administrative matters at the Old Kuching Courthouse. The Square Tower, which was later, converted to a dancing hall used by the Brooke’s officers and servants during most of the weekends when they were in Kuching.

INDIA STREET

In its early days the majority of traders here were Indian migrants involved in trading textiles, brassware, spices and market goods. Today it is flanked by century old shophouses, where some had been renovated with modern designs. It used to be congested with vehicles loading and unloading wares before it was converted into a pedestrian mall in late 1980s. Still supplying textile and spices to the general population of Kuching, it is also lined with shops that supplies daily provisions, food and clothes stores with every available space stacked to the fullest.

Sarawak... Where Adventure Lives

(Article courtesy of Sarawak Heritage Society)

Our People - Chinese

Chinese forms the second largest group of Sarawak's population after the main Iban tribe.

"Chinese pioneers first came to Sarawak as traders and explorers in the 6th century.  The Sarawak Chinese belong to a wide range of dialect groups, the more significant ones being Foochow, Hakka, Hokkien, Teochew, Hainanese, and Puxian Min." (wikipedia)

In Kuching
Main Bazaar, opposite the Waterfront, is the oldest street in the city and the heart of old Kuching. It has some superb examples of Chinese shophouse architecture, many of which have been occupied by the same family for generations. These families still pursue traditional occupations such as tin-smithing, carpentry and petty trading. Kuching’s highest concentration of antique and handicraft shops are to be found here, and shoppers can rest between bargaining sessions in a number of old-fashioned coffee shops with panelled walls and marble-topped tables.

Main Bazaar

Carpenter Street, parallel to Main Bazaar, has a similar selection of small traders and coffee shops, as well as food stalls and two small Chinese temples. The whole area oozes charm and character. Off Leboh China (Upper China St.) there is a row of perfectly preserved 19th century Chinese houses.

Carpenter Street

Guan Thian Siang Ti Temple

Kueh Seng Onn Temple

The ornately decorated Tua Pek Kong Temple is located on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, opposite the Waterfront, and is the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching. It is believed to date from 1843, although official records only recognize its existence since 1876. The Wang Kang festival to commemorate the dead is held here. 

 Tua Pek Kong Temple

The Chinese History Museum is situated on the Waterfront opposite the Tua Pek Kong temple. It traces the history of the Chinese community in Sarawak. Exhibits include the early trade routes, initial migration from various regions of China, geographical distribution, the early pioneers, traditional trading activities, the formation of trade and community associations, political history and the involvement of the Chinese community in modern, multi-racial Sarawak.

Chinese History Museum

Jalan Padungan is lined with Chinese shophouses, mostly built in the 1920’s and 30’s during the rubber boom. Some are very elegantly decorated, and a walk round the back of the buildings can reveal fascinating architectural details. The area has some excellent coffee shops and restaurants, more handicraft shops and some unusual specialist retailers. The Great Cat of Kuching, a monumental kitsch statue, is situated at the junction of Jln Padungan and Jln Central. It celebrates the major festive seasons of the various ethnic group by wearing their traditional costume; a pet (pun intended) project of Kuching City South Council

Jalan Padungan

In Sibu

The residents of Sibu are predominantly Foochow Chinese, originating from the Fuzhou region of southern China, and the town is often referred to as New Fuzhou.

Sibu’s transformation began in 1901 with the arrival of Foochow settlers from southern China, led by the Reverend Wong Nai Siong. Rev. Wong was a Methodist missionary who sought to find a safe haven for his followers, who were subject to religious persecution in China. Rev. Wong petitioned Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak, who gladly offered land in the Lower Rejang area in order to develop Sarawak’s agriculture. The first batch of 72 pioneers arrived in 1901, and by 1903 over 1,000 Christian Foochow had made their homes in Sibu. They were later followed by a sizable group of Henghuas and Cantonese during the 1st World War period.

Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden

The early Chinese settlers planned to cultivate rice, but soon found that the soil was unsuitable for profitable rice farming and turned their attention to pepper, rubber and gambier (a sticky resin formerly used in place of rubber).

Tua Pek Kong Temple & Goddess of Mercy Pagoda, the 100-year old Tua Pek Kong Temple (Jln Temple) is the oldest and best preserved Chinese temple in Sibu.  The adjacent 7-storey Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) Pagoda was added in 1987, and is said to be one of the most perfectly proportioned pagodas outside Mainland China. 

Sibu Tua Pek Kong Temple & Goddess of Mercy Pagoda

Sungai Merah Heritage Walk, the site of the earliest Chinese settlements in Sibu, Sungai Merah (Red River) is an old bazaar about 10 minutes by road from the town centre. The area has recently been restored and landscaped, with a pleasant walking trail along the river front (the water really is red, changing occasionally to yellow!) which leads through a quaintly landscaped park to the Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden (see pic), erected in honour of the town’s principal founder and featuring a bronze statue of the missionary leader.

Sungai Merah Heritage Walk

The Yu Lun San Tien En Si (Jade Dragon Temple) at the Sibu-Bintulu road is believed to be the largest temple complex not only in Malaysia but in South East Asia as well. It is a religious place for Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism and is known for bringing all 3 different forms of practice under one roof.

There are a number of potteries around Sibu which produce excellent quality wares in tra­ditional Teochew Chinese styles, albeit with strong local influences.

Tra­ditional Teochew styles potteries in Sibu

In Miri
Chinese labourers came to Miri to work in the coalmines and oilfields. These labourers were mainly Hakka and Cantonese, with a smaller number of Teochews and Hainanese.

Miri Old Town is a narrow warren of streets crammed with tiny shops selling a huge variety of goods, from Chinese funeral supplies to hi-tech electronics, as well as some of the most traditional and original coffee shops in town. The Old Town is gradually being renovated, street-by-street, but the architectural style and layout is being carefully preserved.

Tua Pek Kong temple at Jalan Bendahara is dedicated to the deity most beloved by overseas Chinese. According to local legend, work started in the temple in 1913, in order to give thanks to the deity for helping to end a mysterious epidemic.

Miri Tua Pek Kong temple

The San Ching Tian temple (Jalan Krokop 9) is the largest Taoist temple in Southeast Asia. The superb red roof, elegant lotus design motifs and the delightful wind chimes make this a very impressive place to visit.

Miri San Ching Tian Taoist temple

Till today the Sarawak Chinese still maintain their heritage and culture, celebrating all the major cultural festivals, such as the Chinese New Year and the Hungry Ghost Festival. You can witness all these wonderful happenings here in Sarawak... where adventure lives.

Mooncake Festival at Carpenter Street Kuching

By: Erivina Jihel

Sarawak Tourism Board