Visit Sibu, Borneo

The city of Sibu is the gateway to Borneo's interior on the mighty Rajang River, and at 640 km this is the longest river in Malaysia, flowing across the island of Borneo from Sarawak into Indonesian Kalimantan.

Though well known to many from Redmond O’Hanlon’s classic 'Into the Heart of Borneo', there is very little tourism here due to the river’s remoteness and lack of facilities.

The scenery is magnificent, a total jungle experience with the rainforest tumbling into the fast flowing river. The Rajang is navigable as far as the Pelagus Rapids, and further on its main tributary the Baleh River.

The river is peopled with the Iban, headhunters till the 1950s, whose unique longhouse culture survives well to this day, blending well animist tradition with modernity.

There is plenty to do and see upriver, whether just gazing at the amazing scenery or visiting longhouses traditional and modern. In these river towns you can explore the architectural vestiges of the Brooke Raj.

Jungle treks, for all levels, are a must as are long boat trips on the many waterways.