Tua Pek Kong Temple Sibu 22 Apr 2017

The 100-year old Tua Pek Kong Temple (Jalan Temple) is the oldest and best-preserved Chinese temple in Sibu.   

Tua Pek Kong Temple in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia is an icon of the town with its 7-storey pagoda.

Its history dates back to 1870. The temple is also known as Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple.

The history of the temple dates back to early 1870. In the 1871 Sarawak Gazette, it was recorded that there was a small wooden Chinese temple in Sibu and that was the Tua Peh Kong Temple.

In 1897, the temple was rebuilt into a typical Chinese temple designed with tiled roof, stone block floor and all the decorative purlin and fixtures which were imported from China.

The statue of Tua Pek Kong deity was specially sculptured and imported from Xiamen, China.

After the building was completed, the list of donors and details of expenditure were recorded in two pieces of stone tablet which are still well preserved in the temple.

The adjacent 7-storey Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) Pagoda was added in 1987, and is said to be one of the most perfectly proportioned pagodas outside Mainland China.

Visitors are welcome to climb its many steps to enjoy spectacular views of the Rajang and the Sibu Waterfront, especially at sunset.

The temple and its well known pagoda with a symbol of the sovereign and kindness of the deity for the worshipper and a prime tourist attraction for the town.

But, we were too tired to climb the pagoda. We were just wondering around just beside the temple ground.

We noticed that the “Tong Kang”s which parked along the jetty are more attractive than the Tua Pek Kong Temple.

Sibu Heritage Centre 22 Apr 2017

Sibu Heritage Centre is located in the central region of Sibu, in between Central Road and Wong Nai Siong Road. It is a center which gathers historical items, Sibu culture and economic activities and social.

We were there just in time to avoid the down pour. We spent almost an hour to explore the uniqueness of the building and information on Sibu culture and history. The entrance fee to Sibu Heritage Centre is free of charge.

The Sibu Heritage Centre housed in the former Sibu Municipal Council building, displays the rich cultural heritage of the various ethnic groups of the Central Region.

The Chinese in Sibu

Wong Nai Siong, leader who resettlement of Sibu

Christianity in Sibu

Opening Up Virgin Soil & Laying of Foundation 1901 – 1935 of Sibu

An exhibit at the museum includes the early beginnings of Sibu, the coming of early Chinese migrants from the various dialect groups and also those of the earliest ethnic tribes.

Prominent Orang Ulu Figures

Orang Ulu Traditional Items

Prominent Iban Figures

Iban Traditional Longhouse Model

Iban Traditional Homewares

Melanau

Melanau Traditional House Model

Also from Iban longhouses displaying genuine skulls which were hung, reflecting the tribes’ warrior past to the seafaring Melanaus’ tools and early signs of the Malay culture, this is a must see for visitors.

Another very impressive feature in the museum is its eye catching collection of Chinese porcelain and clay vases.

These vases, some of which carries with them great sentimental value to the owners, are by far the most tangible link, which the Chinese here have with Imperial China back then.

From time to time, new exhibits are added to give variety and keeping the museum up to date.

Visitors can view stuffed rare animals from around the world and those found in the heart of Borneo, such as the moon rat, the rhinoceros hornbill or even the gigantic Orang Utan.

It is a must visit place if you are at Sibu.

Sibu Central Market 22 Apr 2017

Sibu Central Market is located at Channel Road which is the central region of Sibu. It is actually within the walking distance from our stay at Kingwood Hotel.

The entrance of the Sibu Central Market.

Sibu Central Market is the largest market in Sarawak and Malaysia. There are more than 100 hawkers registered to trade in Sibu Central Market. This double storey market sells various kinds of dried food and Sarawak traditional food.

The stalls are nicely setting up and organised, easier for the locals and tourists to walk around and visit the market.

A section selling the daily groceries and all the kitchen needs.

Sibu Central Market starts operating from 5 early morning daily. “Pasar tamu” is the main attraction for the locals and tourists who wish to buy local vegetables, fruits, and handicrafts.

One of the many fruits stalls at the Sibu Central Market.

One of the many vegetables stalls at the ground floor.

Walking through the small lane in  between the vegetable produces section.

Another view of the vegetables and fruits sections.

The first floor of Sibu Central Market is a place for various Chinese and Malay food. Besides that, there are stalls selling clothes and daily needs.

Big Red Chillies selling at RM2.00 per plate.

Old Ginger selling at RM5.00 and RM2.00 each.

My favourite “Mani Chai” selling only at RM1.00 per bunch!

The biggest bamboo I have ever seen selling at RM2.00 per piece. Normally use it for Lemang or cooking in the bamboo.

Among the specialities and uniqueness that can be seen are chickens and ducks sold in Sibu Central Market is wrapped with newspaper.

Besides that, Sibu Central Market is a favourite spot for hawkers who sell seasonal fruits. Dabai fruit and Engkala which only can be found in Sarawak is among the famous fruit sold in Sibu Central Market.

Buah Salak

Limau Madu that only can found in Sibu, Sarawak.

It is quite an interesting market to walkabout. We did not manage to walk the entire ground floor, as we only have half day and still there are places need to sight-seeing.

It really organised in a neat and clean way, as compared to our Peninsular Malaysia Pasar Borong. We get to know a lot of fruits and vegetables which we do not see at all at Kuala Lumpur.

It is worth for a visit and a must if you in Sibu, Sarawak.

Rapid KL LRT & Sunway BRT Day Out

Last weekend really a busy holiday weekend for our family. Saturday was our Sibu trip and we rushed back yesterday which is a Sunday.

Then from the KLIA2 air port, we rushed down to PJ Chapel to attend the Kuala Lumpur District Activity day together with Issac, for Preparing for the Priesthood and the Young Women activity.

And, today we woke up a little bit late and as Annabelle and Issac requested, we have our LRT and BRT day out day. They are so excited and wanting to have the LRT ride long time ago.

There is a station at our place – Puchong Prima. We were thinking of going to Sunway Pyramid. Thus, we have the LRT rides from our place heading towards USJ 7 for the Sunway BRT exchange.

The fares for total 4 of us are not cheap, Daddy and Mummy calculated out that, it is better for a family to travel by car instead of taking LRT and BRT. Too costly and not economical at all. Anyway, it is a brand new experience for both Issac and Annabelle.

       

We went to Sunway Pyramid and have our lunch there, window shopping for few hours, then we came back by Grab.

       

Tired but still a happy day out for the whole family!