Surprise, Surprise! Did you know that Sibu, Sarawak is the most affordable tourist destination in Malaysia? That’s right, this small town in Sarawak is a hidden gem that’s waiting to be explored by budget-conscious travellers.
According to Agoda, the average price of a hotel room in Sibu now is just RM136. They’re also convenient, as budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses can be found all throughout the town.
Sibu also offers unique and authentic cultural experiences without the steep prices you might find in other popular tourist spots. Here are some places to explore and things to do if you find yourself here.
For the history buff
One of the main draws of Sibu is its rich cultural heritage. The town has a strong Chinese influence, and you can experience this first-hand by visiting the Sibu Cultural Heritage Centre or the Tua Pek Kong Temple, which dates to the 1800s. There is also the Lau King Howe Memorial Museum, that showcases the history of Sibu and the surrounding area.
For the nature lover
If you’re more of a nature lover, Sibu won’t disappoint. The town is surrounded by lush rainforests and is home to several nature reserves, such as the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, Sibu Lake Gardens, and the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk. You can take a leisurely boat ride down the river, spot wildlife such as monkeys and hornbills, or even go on a jungle trek with a local guide.
For the foodie
You can find delicious local food for just a few Ringgit at the Sibu Central Market, Sibu Night Market, or at one of the many hawker stalls around town. If you want to eat like a local, you must try the famous mee sua (fine noodles in thick herbal broth), kampua noodles, and kompia (flat pastries often filled with meat).
So why not give Sibu a chance? It might not be as well-known as other Malaysian destinations, but it has a lot to offer those who are willing to explore. And best of all, you won’t have to break the bank to have a great time!
The region’s most affordable spots
In Malaysia, the remaining five most wallet-friendly locations are Alor Setar in Kedah, Kuala Terengganu in Terengganu, Kota Bharu in Kelantan, and Taiping in Perak.
For those who wish to travel a bit further, Khon Kaen in Thailand, Surakarta in Indonesia, Puri in India, Bacolod in the Philippines, Ninh Binh in Vietnam, Chiba in Japan, Gwangju in South Korea, the Kinmen Islands in Taiwan, and Brisbane in Australia have the lowest average nightly hotel rates in all of Asia Pacific.
Sibu website | FB | INSTA
