Sibu Heritage Centre

Sibu Heritage Centre is a museum occupying the upper floor of a 1960s circular building in the busy heart of Sibu. On the ground floor is a Sarawak Tourism Board visitor information centre.

On one side of the building is a timber clad extension leading to a pair of locked doors which, judging from online reviews, has led some visitors into mistakingly thinking that the museum is permanently closed. This is not the case. Enter the museum next to the Tourism office.

The museum's galleries provide detailed information on a range of topics such as:

History of Sibu

The earliest inhabitants of Sibu included the Melanaus, the Malays and the Ibans. The Melanaus lived in longhouses to protect themselves from attacks by other ethnic tribes. Chinese were also early arrivals and after the area was ceded to the White Rajahs by the Sultan of Brunei the Brookes induced more Chinese to settle here to improve the country's economy.

Origin of the Word Sibu

Sibu is named after rambutan fruit, known as 'sibau' in Iban.

painting of the Rejang River and early Sibu

Painting at the museum entitled 'Sibu 1880'

Early Trade

Rare and exotic jungle products from Sarawak like camphor, rhinoceros horns, kingfisher feathers, bezoars and birds' nests were highly prized in China. Chinese merchants brought ceramics, metal objects and silks to barter with indigenous people.

Timber Industry

The museum explains how Sibu's timber industry developed over the 20th Century.

Economic Activity

Pepper, padi and rubber have been other important crops in this area.

Orang Ulu

Handicraft and cultural artefacts by Bornean tribes such as the Kenyah, Kayan, Kelabit, Lun Bawang and Penan are on display.

The Ibans

Background information on the Ibans and details about prominent Iban personalities are provided.

Many foreign visitors will be intrigued to learn how human skulls would be smoked above the fireplace on the verandah of longhouses. In the past, young men would have to present skulls as tokens of their strength of bravery when proposing to their future brides.

The Malays

A mock-up of a Malay room and bridal bed is interesting. Information on famous Malay historical figures from the region is displayed.

The Melanau

Exhibits include a scale model of a longhouse and objects used in Melanau healing ceremonies.

Ceramic Exhibition

A large collection of ceramics donated by Mr & Mrs Lim Poh Chiang is displayed.

The Chinese in Sibu

Biographies and statues of prominent local Chinese. Background to the various clan associations and Chinese pioneers is provided.

Christianity in Sibu

The Methodist Church appears to have a strong foothold in Sibu thanks to Reverend James Hoover, the first Methodist missionary to serve in Sarawak.

Education

Education is so important to the Chinese community and other Malaysians. Visitors can read the history of some of Sibu's longest established schools.

Key Events in Sibu's History

Learn about tragic events like major fires, the Japanese Occupation and the Confrontation with Indonesia.

Museum Verdict

Excellent museum and very informative
Air conditioned.
Free of charge

Opening Hours and Ticket Price

Open from 9am to 5pm Daily Except Mondays.

Entrance Ticket

Admission is free.

How To Get to Sibu Heritage Centre

The museum is located on Jalan Central in the busy commercial heart of Sibu.

The location is shown on this map:

Address

Sibu Heritage Centre
18 2, Jalan Central, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak

Parking

There is a large multi story car park right next to the museum. The car park entrance is on Jalan Wong Nai Siong. There are also on-street parking spaces in front of the museum.

Contact

Tel: 019-868 4139

No official website.

Nearby Attractions

Share this page:

Facebook X Pinterest Tumblr Reddit WhatsApp Messenger

AUTHOR BIO

David (the one on the left) is the writer behind Malaysia Traveller, sharing first-hand travel advice from over five decades of living and travelling across Asia and the Middle East. Based in Malaysia since 2009 and now in Kuching, he has published over 790 pages on this website, personally visited every place he covers, and uses only his own photos. Readers can learn more on his About Me page. He also shares updates on Facebook and YouTube. He loves uncovering overlooked places that even some Malaysians have never visited.