Sibu Express Boat
The Sibu Express Boat Terminal, located along the mighty Rajang River in Sibu, Sarawak, serves as a key transport hub connecting Sarawak’s riverine towns and settlements. This terminal is popular among locals and tourists who wish to explore the interior regions of Sarawak, such as Kapit and Belaga, via scenic express boat rides through lush rainforests and remote river villages.
Whether you’re a backpacker, nature lover, or an adventure traveler, the Sibu Express Boat Terminal offers an authentic way to experience Borneo’s river life and local culture.
Location Details
Address: Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Coordinates: 2.2843° N, 111.8305° E
The terminal is conveniently located near Sibu Town Centre, within walking distance of hotels, local markets, and dining spots.
How to Get to Sibu Express Boat Terminal
From Sibu Airport
- By Taxi/Grab: Approx. 25 minutes (around 23 km).
- By Bus: Local buses operate between Sibu Airport and town center, with a short walk or taxi ride to the terminal.
- By Car Rental: Available at the airport for travelers who prefer self-drive flexibility.
From Major Landmarks
| Departure Point | Mode | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sibu Town Centre | Walk/Taxi | 5–10 mins | Easily accessible by foot or Grab. |
| Central Market Sibu | Walk | 7 mins | Near the Rajang Esplanade. |
| Wisma Sanyan | Taxi/Grab | 5 mins | Short ride from the tallest building in Sibu. |
Domestic & International Access
From Other Malaysian Cities
- By Flight: Daily flights connect Sibu Airport with Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Kuching (KCH), Miri (MYY), and Kota Kinabalu (BKI) via AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and MYAirline.
- By Bus: Long-distance coaches link Sibu with Kuching, Bintulu, and Miri.
International Travelers
Foreign visitors can fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or Kuching International Airport (KCH), then take a connecting domestic flight to Sibu.
Ferry Routes & Destinations
The Sibu Express Boat Terminal operates regular river services to major upriver destinations, primarily along the Rajang River.
| Route | Duration (Approx.) | Frequency | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sibu → Kapit | 3–4 hours | Daily (Morning & Afternoon) | Express Bahagia / Express Sejahtera |
| Sibu → Belaga | 8–9 hours | Limited (via Kapit) | Express Bahagia |
| Sibu → Song | 2.5 hours | Daily | Express Bahagia / Express Sejahtera |
Ticket Prices (Approx.)
| Destination | Adult (MYR) | Child (MYR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kapit | 45–55 | 25–30 | Prices vary by operator & boat class. |
| Song | 35–40 | 20–25 | Tickets available at terminal counters. |
| Belaga | 60–80 | 35–45 | Longer route; subject to river conditions. |
Tip: Tickets can be purchased on-site or pre-booked through local travel agents in Sibu.
Operating Hours & Schedule
- Ticket Counters: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- First Departure: Around 8:00 AM
- Last Departure: Around 3:00 PM
(Schedules may vary depending on weather and river conditions.)
Facilities at Sibu Express Boat Terminal
The terminal provides a range of convenient facilities for travelers:
- Waiting Area: Covered seating with fans and rest areas.
- Ticket Counters: Multiple counters for different boat operators.
- Restrooms: Clean public toilets available.
- Restaurants & Food Stalls: Nearby eateries serve Sarawak specialties such as laksa and kolo mee.
- ATMs: Available within walking distance at nearby shops.
- Prayer Room (Surau): Accessible for Muslim travelers.
- Parking Area: Secure parking available near the terminal entrance.
- Information Desk: Offers travel and schedule updates.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sibu Central Market | 500 m | One of Malaysia’s largest markets featuring local produce, crafts, and food stalls. |
| Rajang Esplanade | 400 m | Riverside walkway perfect for evening strolls and local dining. |
| Tua Pek Kong Temple | 1 km | Historical Chinese temple with a scenic pagoda overlooking the river. |
| Wisma Sanyan | 1.2 km | Iconic shopping mall and Sibu’s tallest building. |
| Sibu Heritage Centre | 1.5 km | Museum showcasing Sibu’s multicultural history. |
Getting Around Locally
- Grab: Widely available in Sibu for short trips.
- Taxi: Available at taxi stands and near hotels.
- Bus: Local routes connect the town with residential areas.
- Car/Motorbike Rental: Offered by agencies around Sibu Airport and town center.
Tips for International Travelers
- Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). ATMs and money changers are easily available in town.
- Language: Bahasa Malaysia and English are widely spoken.
- Visa: Most ASEAN and selected countries enjoy visa-free entry for short stays.
- Connectivity: SIM cards (Maxis, Digi, Celcom) available at airport kiosks.
- Safety: Sibu is generally safe; just exercise standard travel caution.
- Weather: Equatorial climate; expect hot, humid weather and occasional rain.
Travel Tips
- 📅 Plan Early: Morning ferries are most reliable due to favorable river conditions.
- 💧 Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially for long upriver journeys.
- 🎟️ Keep Tickets Handy: You’ll need them for both boarding and inspection.
- 🕐 Arrive Early: Be at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.
- 📸 Capture Views: The Rajang River scenery is spectacular—keep your camera ready.
- 💼 Light Luggage: Space on express boats can be limited.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, Sibu, Sarawak |
| Main Routes | Sibu–Kapit, Sibu–Belaga, Sibu–Song |
| Ticket Price Range | MYR 35–80 |
| Operating Hours | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Facilities | Waiting area, restrooms, ATMs, food stalls, surau |
| Nearby Attractions | Sibu Central Market, Rajang Esplanade, Tua Pek Kong Temple |
| Transport Access | Taxi, Grab, Bus, Car rental |
| Best For | River travel, nature lovers, cultural explorers |
Final Thoughts
The Sibu Express Boat Terminal isn’t just a transport hub—it’s the gateway to Sarawak’s riverine heartlands. The journey upriver from Sibu to Kapit or Belaga offers one of Malaysia’s most scenic adventures, revealing untouched rainforest, traditional longhouses, and authentic local life. Whether you’re traveling for culture, exploration, or photography, this river terminal provides an unforgettable starting point.
FAQs
1. How long is the boat ride from Sibu to Kapit?
Approximately 3–4 hours, depending on water conditions.
2. Can I buy ferry tickets online?
Some operators offer online booking, but most travelers buy directly at the terminal.
3. Are there food options on board?
Light snacks and drinks are sold on most express boats.
4. Is it safe to travel by express boat during the rainy season?
Yes, but schedules may change due to river conditions. Always check with the counter before departure.
5. Are there hotels near the terminal?
Yes, several options like Premier Hotel Sibu and The Paramount Hotel are nearby.
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