Exploring
Central Sarawak Te x t b y S H A H I DA S A K E R I Imeges by G AYA T RAV EL M AG A Z I N E P H O TO G RA P H Y U N I T & S A R AWA K T O U R I S M B O A R D
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Sibu. Mukah. Bintulu. Although these three towns may have not reach the metropolitan standard like Kuching and Miri just yet, they still have an endless amount of charms on their own that never fail to attract the travellers to visit. Sibu is the gateway to the hinterland of Malaysia’s longest river, the mighty Rejang. Mukah on the other hand is popular for Melanau culture while Bintulu, thanks to oil and gas industry, is on its way to become Sarawak’s next major city. In this issue, Gaya Travel lets readers appreciate in-depth the cross-cultural experiences as we unveil Central Sarawak’s exceptional legacies. Where to go in Sibu:
» Malaysia Pepper Board (www.mpb.gov.my/mpb2/index.php/en) Sarawak is always popular as the top provider of pepper within and outside of the country. The proof ? Malaysia Pepper Board is the governmental body that controls and monitors this commodity, which is exported to Asia Pacific and the ASEAN region, including Europe. One of the board’s units, which is situated in Sibu, supports the ever growing industry by providing dry and wet processing services. The unit also buys pepper from local farmers at competitive prices and offers assistance in terms of input, infrastructure and guidance. The board hopes that more farmers will be involved in the pepper industry to boost local economy. Travellers can contact the board to arrange for a guided tour to see how Sarawak pepper is processed and packed for export. After the tour, travellers can purchase processed pepper products sold at the unit. T: +6 084 211 059 » Ng Sian Hap Earthenware Factory Sdn Bhd (Facebook: Ng Sian Hap Earthenware Factory Sdn Bhd) Sibu is also famous for fine quality pottery. The town features many pottery manufacturers that offer different kinds of ceramic products designed in either traditional or contemporary style. One such place is Ng Sian Hap
Earthenware Factory Sdn. Bhd., which has been in business for over 70 years. The The founder of the factory started from a humble beginning. Due to his determination, his pottery business expanded from Pulau Kerto to Kg. Bakut, Tuaran, Tawau, Keningau and Miri in the spam of two generations. The factory now produces and sells various products such as flower pots, vases, sculptures and coin banks for as low as MYR3 to hundreds of ringgit per piece. Travellers could also watch the pottery sculpting process at the factory, which requires precision and patience. T: +6 084 213 633 » Sibu Central Market (www.sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sibu-central-market) Sibu Central Market is the best place for travellers to observe daily life. This place, which is huge, where native merchants from Sibu and nearby areas gather under one roof, selling various items. Located on Channel Road opposite the Express Boat Passenger Terminal, this market has two floors to accommodate different purposes. Travellers can expect to encounter the well-known sago worm along with traditional delicacies like celorot (cone shaped snack made from glutinous rice) and the organic Bario rice. Despite being a tourist magnet, the prices at Sibu Central Market remains reasonable. Plus, the locals are warm and friendly, making it so easy to mingle and ask questions about local culture and products available. The market opens from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. » Homestay Rumah Panjang Bawang Assan (www.right.sarawak.gov.my/Homestay/Rumah_Bawang_ Assan/introduction.shtml) Claimed to have existed since 18th century, this homestay perfectly portrays the evolution occurred in the place as it features not only traditional longhouses but also modern ones. They even have a wireless internet connection there. This place is dominated by the Iban community, one of the major ethnics in Sarawak. Since most of the residents there are able
