Getting Around Sibu: An Overview
Sibu sits at the confluence of the Rajang and Igan Rivers in central Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. For a visitor, the good news is that the downtown area is compact and easy to explore on foot, while taxis, ride-hailing and a local bus network cover the wider city and its outskirts. There is no rail, metro or tram system in Sibu, so getting around relies on road transport, walking, and — for onward travel upriver — express boats.
By Foot
Downtown Sibu is a very compact area, so it is easily walkable. Many of the places a visitor is likely to want — the Central Market, the waterfront, the express boat terminal and the short-distance bus terminal — sit close together, making walking a practical option for short trips within the city core.
Taxis
Taxis are widely available, but most are not metered, so you should agree on the fare with the driver before setting off. You can find taxis at major hotels, the Central Market, the waterfront and the bus terminal. For destinations outside the city or on the outskirts, yellow-roofed taxis gather near the Central Market and run to specific places. If you need to book one, the local taxi line is 6084-313384. Fares are typically paid in cash in Ringgit, though some drivers accept e-wallets.
Ride-Hailing
The ride-hailing app Grab is popular in Sibu and is widely available in the city and nearby suburbs. It is a convenient alternative to taxis, particularly if you would rather not negotiate a fare. You can pay by cash, card or GrabPay. Fares can rise during rain and at peak hours, which tend to fall in the morning and late afternoon.
Local Buses
Local buses are the cheapest way to move around, but they require a little patience. Services run from the short-distance bus terminal near the Central Market and the express boat terminal, where there is an inquiry counter you can visit for directions. The buses are not air-conditioned, and schedules are not strict, so plan for some waiting. Fares are low and you should have exact change ready.
Useful routes for visitors include:
- City Loop — connects the Central Market, Wisma Sanyan, Sibu Gateway and Kampung Datu.
- Ulu Sungai Merah — runs via Brooke Drive and Farley Commercial Centre.
- Sibujaya — runs via Ulu Oya Road.
- Salim Area — serves Jalan Salim and Tun Ahmad Zaidi Road.
- Lanang / Wong King Huo Road — runs via Lanang Bridge and Kampung Hilir.
To reach the long-distance bus terminal on Jalan Pahlawan from the city centre, take the local Lanang service from the short-distance bus terminal; it runs roughly every hour to hour and a half from about 6AM to 6PM. If the timing does not suit you, a Grab or taxi is a straightforward alternative.
Intercity Buses
For travel to other parts of Sarawak, air-conditioned express buses depart from the intercity terminal next to the local terminal on Jalan Pahlawan, using the Pan Borneo Highway. Companies such as Biaramas, Suria Bus Express and Borneo Highway Express link Sibu with Kuching, Miri, Mukah, Sarikei and Bintulu. Buses to Miri run several times a day, with both daytime and overnight departures available. Buses from Sarikei arrive at the short-distance bus terminal downtown, near the express boat terminal. Buy tickets at the counters or through the companies' websites, and arrive well before departure.
Express Boats on the Rajang
Sibu is the entry point to the upper Rajang, and express boats are the way to travel upriver. They depart from the Sibu Express Boat Terminal (Sibu Wharf) on Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, near the Central Market and waterfront. The terminal has ticket counters, a waiting area, small shops and washrooms. Boats serve destinations including Song, Kapit, Belaga (via Kapit) and Kanowit, and some services transit at Song before continuing to Kapit. The Kapit route is the most popular. Boats are air-conditioned with assigned seating and luggage storage, and life jackets are provided. Tickets are bought on-site and are cash only — no cards or e-wallets — and advance booking is advisable during holidays. Arrive about half an hour before departure, and note that heavy rain can delay schedules, so it is worth bringing snacks and water.
Reaching the City from Sibu Airport
Sibu Airport (SBW) is the main gateway by air, with connections to Peninsular Malaysia, other East Malaysian cities and an international link to Singapore. From the airport, you can purchase a taxi coupon for the trip downtown; the fee is fixed and paid at the airport counter. There is no bus service connecting Sibu town and the airport, so your options are the airport taxi, a Grab, a hotel transfer, or a rental car if you plan to drive yourself. Grab is generally the cheaper of the ride-hailing and taxi options, while the coupon taxi offers a set, predictable rate.
Practical Tips
- Keep small cash notes on hand — some kiosks and the express boat counters do not accept cards or e-wallets.
- Agree on taxi fares before you set off, since most taxis are not metered.
- Allow extra time for local buses, which run without strict schedules and are not air-conditioned.
- Book flights early for weekends, festive seasons and Gawai celebrations, and arrive well ahead of domestic departures.
- Car and motorcycle rentals are available if you prefer to travel independently.