SIBU CITY – KINGWOOD HOTEL
120 miles from Sarawak River Marina (Kuching)
SIBU CITY – KINGWOOD HOTEL. 2°17.005N, 111°49.904E
On the confluence of the Rajang and Igan Rivers, 70 miles from the South China Sea, Sibu is the second largest town in Sarawak. It is a thriving, modern town dominated by its bustling and crowded waterfront.
Anchor on either side of the 1-mile wide river, keeping well clear of the central channel and busy barge traffic. Best holding is off the famous Sibu Swan sculpture past the ferry piers near the Kingwood Hotel.
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Sibu’s wealth and fame are largely due to its enterprising, hard-working, Foochow community, who arrived in Sarawak from Southern China during the reign of Rajah Charles Brooke (1900-1917).
The city’s population of 260,000 is a colourful mix of Chinese, Malays, Ibans and other ethnic races. Each race takes great pride in its own traditions and customs, but racial harmony is the norm here.
Sibu City is the gateway to the mighty Rajang River and its vast hinterland. As the main commercial centre and port for the Rajang Basin, it is the starting point for one of the world’s great river journeys. From here, local ferries can be taken hundreds of miles up the river through steep sided valleys and, on occasion rapids, right into the heart of Malaysian Borneo.
The passage from the coast to Sibu is available only through the Ranjang River. The Igan River was an option until the recent causeway was built. The Ranjang is well charted and deep enough for keeled vessels up to 4 metres draught. The journey is fascinating and anchorage can be found virtually anywhere, but particularly at one of the many longhouses on the banks.
The local tribes provide famous hospitality and are always ready to tell you of the exploits of their grandparents. They may even show you the hut where they keep ancient shrunken heads from previous skirmishes.
Click to view Malaysia photo gallery.
Oil rig obstructions
Brunei and Sarawak Oilfield rigs extend south west of Miri. These active production rigs are well lit but there are plenty of heavy-duty wellheads and mooring buoys remaining unlit purposely to avoid petty theft of batteries, solar panels and lights. These steel hazards can be extremely difficult to see, especially when backlit by an active rig. Keep a good night lookout when amongst these rigs.
