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Malaysia Travel Guide

Sibu and the Rumah Nyuka Homestay Product Experience

Sibu and the Rumah Nyuka Homestay Product Experience

Sibu is the gateway to central Sarawak, a town rich with culture and tradition, embraced on all sides by nature. It offers many charms, both on the outskirts of the town and within. Spanning just 129.5km², the town is located at the meeting of the Rajang and Igan rivers. The majority of the population are Chinese, mainly Fuzhou, with other ethnic groups like Melanau, Malay and Iban as well. Together, they live in harmony carrying out their cultural traditions and appreciating the traditions of one another.

During this product experience trip, the group was able to visit some traditional and organic food producers only found in Sibu, enjoy a night of breathtaking cultural dance performance at the Sibu International Dance Festival, see the historical and scenic landmarks as well as spend some time in an authentic Iban longhouse at the Rumah Nyuka homestay.

 

Day 1: Food, How It’s Made and a Dance Show

 

 TYC Goat Livestock Sdn. Bhd.

Owned by the Tang family, the TYC Goat and Livestock Farm is located 45km off the Oya Road (on the Sibu-Bintulu highway).

They first began livestock farming in 2003 on 35 hectares of land, and today they are home to goats, cows, turkeys and other livestock. Their aim is to promote awareness on loving, caring for and protecting the environment through environmentally friendly methods of rearing animals and planting crops.

Family touring the goat pen

Turkeys at the farm

Visiting families touring the farm, with a goat accompanying them
Cows at the farm

 

The farm provides opportunities for visitors to take a tour of the farms, including school trips and tourists.

The farm produces an assortment of dairy based products, especially goat milk. 70% of their sales are in fresh milk while 30% gets produced into other byproducts like soap and ice cream. They also produce coconut pudding, which is handmade and contains no preservatives, additives or coloring.

 

Goat milk ice cream

Fresh goat milk samples

Coconut pudding served inside a coconut.

Soaps derived from goat milk and other organic ingredients like sago, rosehip and charcoal

 

A display of the different soaps produced by the TYC farm

 

The Sua Longevity Noodles (Foochow mee)

Sibu is famous for its foochow dishes, and one of the most famous is the Mee Sua Longevity Noodles.

The noodles are made of wheat flour, powdered lime, salt and water, and while many of the noodles you can buy in the stores are now factory produced, there is one man who keeps the mee sua noodle traditions alive.

Located at located at 6 ½ miles, Jalan Oya, 96000 Sibu, Mr. Ting Cheng Sieng and his wife produce 25 to 30 kg of raw noodles daily, with optimum weather conditions.




Fine noodles being hung out under the sun to dry.

The preparation of the mee sua noodles.

 

These handmade noodles are in high demand throughout Sarawak, prepared in the traditional way. Demonstrations on his technique can be organized, contact Ting Cheng Sieng (012 8531701) for more details.

 

Permai Lake Garden

The lake garden was opened in 2002 with scenic lake (developed by National Landscape department) that spans 11 acres. It is located at 5th mile Oya road in housing estate of Permai.


Every year, this lake holds a remote control boat race that brings remote control boat enthusiasts together, but every other day of the week it is a serene location with good photo opportunities and scenic views.

 

Empawah fruit and vegetable Farm

The Empawah Fruit and Vegetable Farm is on the outskirts of Sibu and Greatown Travel have proposed 6-8km tours via two ferries crossing the Igan river from Sibu town to the farm.



  

Sg Merah LED Night Market

The Sungai Merah LED Night Market is a sight to behold, offering a nice location to go shopping for cheap souvenirs as well as beautiful backdrops for photos.

 





 

Sibu International Dance Festival

The Sibu International Dance Festival takes place at the Sibu Civic Centre and the Ku Tien Memorial Park in Sibu every year. Dedicated to presenting a world-class celebration of the dance arts by creating timeless and adventurous productions that stimulate arts education, foster economic growth, and unite dancer and audiences.

The festival was privately debuted in 2012 at Sibu, Malaysia. Four international dance groups has participated in the 2013 edition of the festival, attracting groups from Lithuania, Southern Thailand, Singapore and local groups. Indoor and outdoor performances will be held throughout the festival.

 




While filming and photography were not allowed in the Dance Festival, the entire event proved to be a  breathtaking experience for all in the team. It was certainly a highlight for those who appreciate performing arts.

 

Day 2: Paradom and the Rumah Nyuka Homestay

 

Jetty Paradom

Jetty Paradom is a historical landmark in Sibu, bustling with people who travel to and from Sibu by boat and ferry since 20 years ago. The shops lining the jetty was built in 1954.

You can drink coffee at the kopitiams (coffee shops) next to the river, go prawn fishing or view fireflies at night.

 




 

Homestay Rumah Nyuka

Rumah Nyuka Homestay, Lubuk Lemba in Sarikei District is located 85 KM from Sibu (17KM from Sibu – Kuching junction) and was built in 1955. It first opened its doors as a Homestay  in March 2011. Now, 19 “Bileks” of families are registered as Trained Homestay Operators.

Also known as one of the oldest longhouses in Sarikei District with about 300 people from 45 families living under one roof, the Nyuka longhouse is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience their hospitality and nature.

Among popular activities for visitors to this longhouse are trekking to the nearby waterfalls, and of course, learning the ways of life for the local Iban people.

The waterfalls are relatively easy to reach, ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, and are a great reprieve from the day heat, especially after a trek through the jungle.

  

As for experiencing the Iban lifestyle, you can join in on the fun in the ruai (the main hall of the longhouse) or see how the Iban cultivate pepper on the nearby hills and other farm products, as well as how they process it.

 

The longhouse has its own exhibit, boasting everything from the smoked heads from the bygone era of when Headhunting was still frequent, old gongs collected over the years in the longhouse, earthenware pots and household appliances, intricately woven mats and traditional costumes.

  

 

 

 

 

The longhouse people also sell an assortment of handicrafts including jungle products made from bamboo and ratan, woven products, jewelry and accessories and recycled products.

 

 

 

All in all, the journey was a memorable 2 days, spanning across Sibu and Sarikei, and offered a glimpse into the traditional ways of the people, the environmental closeness of the different races to the land, and the rich culture of the different people that can be found in central Sarawak.

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Tourism Malaysia

Tapestry 2011

December 29, 2011 at 1:30 pm

There are many things about the earth and its living things that never fail to capture our interest and attention. One good example is the fascination that many people have regarding wild animals, in particular the way they move about in the jungle. Many inspirations have been derived from that one simple act, for instance incorporating animal-like movements into dances like the lion dance or a traditional Indian folk dance known as the Peacock dance.

ASWARA students performing the ‘Datun Julud’. This is a traditional dance of the Kenyah tribe in Sarawak

The Peacock Dance is a dance that mimics the movements and image of a peacock

Joget Gamelan Timang Burung dan Ketam Renjong

Tapestry 2011 by the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA) is a series of performances that was formed with the intention of showcasing Malaysian traditional dances to the public. Each performance usually begins with research on the origins of the dance and its uniqueness. As most of these dances were not properly documented in the past, researchers often face a lot of problems when it comes to determining the actual steps and dance movements involved in each of these traditional dances. This year’s performance concentrates on traditional dance inspired by animals. Each of these performances shows the creativity of the choreographer and the dance creator, both of which are responsible for creating such amazing dance routines.

The traditional dance called ‘Ketam Bawa Anak’ is a repertoire of tarian Terinai

The traditional dance known as ‘Penyu Menangis’ is usually performed when the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs

This dance is called Ikan and it is based on a traditional symbol in China, that of which is a fish

The Tapestry 2011… Inspirasi Alam Haiwan was held at ASWARA’s Panggung Eksperimen from the 22nd till 26th November. The performance showcased 14 short traditional dances incorporating animal movements. For example, Datun Ulud is a traditional dance of the Kenyah tribe in Sarawak, Malaysia. This dance was invented as a symbol of happiness dedicated to the God of Thanksgiving and was once performed to celebrate the warriors’ return from hunting. This dance is normally performed by women only and the performers will wear a ‘Kirip’ (a hand decoration made by the feathers of the Hornbill) on their hands when they dance.

The Labi-Labi dance is a Malay folk dance that is popular in Rompin and Pekan, Pahang

The Ketam Bangkang is an Orang Asli from the village of Bakar Batu, Johor Bahru and is inspired by the daily activities of the Orang Asli

The dance known as ‘Kuda Pasu’ is normally performed during weddings and Tamu festival in Kota Belud, Sabah

There was also the Peacock Dance, which is actually a dance that imitates the movements and actions of a peacock. Dancers wear a skirt made out of peacock feathers so that it looks like a peacock’s train when the dancer expands it and another Chinese dance inspired by a fish’s movements. Other performances include the Kuda Pasu, which is a dance by the Bajau tribe in Kota Belud, Sabah. This dance highlights the tribe’s expertise in horse-riding and is often performed during weddings and Pesta Tamu in Kota Belud.

The main purpose of dancing the ‘Tarian Anak Tedung’ was actually to cure any illnesses relating to poison, especially from snake bites

This cute dance known as ‘Tari Pelanduk’ tells a tale of how the kings hunt mousedeers in the jungle

Hanuman Salor is a dance that was created by two Zapin dancers who displayed dancing movements inspired by wild monkeys in the area

For more pictures of the different types of dances performed during the event, please log on to our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/malaysiadotcom

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Tourism Malaysia

The Secret Life of Nora

September 28, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Istana Budaya’s play for October begins early, starting on on the 29th of September 2011. The play, entitled The Secret Life of Nora, offers an interesting premise and combines various iconic elements of the Malaysian 60s, including the cabaret theatre, outlandish 60s outfits and attitudes, and the unique Malaysian mix of east and west popularised by Malaysian icons such as P Ramlee and Saloma. The play also adds a dash of international intrigue, and manages to marry together a current social issue with the tried and tested female fatale spy concept to produce what promises to be a colourful and entertaining musical spectacle.

The Secret Life of NORA

The Secret Life of NORA

The play is set in the colourful era of the 60s and focuses on the life of a young woman named Nora. The young woman soon discovers there is much more to life than what glitters, and is thrown into a web of illegal activities, an unfortunate legacy of her deceased father, which leads her to strike a bargain with Interpol to become a spy for the agency to save herself and her theatre.

Being a rich and spoilt dancer, Nora of course knows nothing about spying and her training at the hands of Ashok, Interpol’s best spy, sets the scene for some of the play’s most memorable moments. Will sparks fly between these two total opposites? Of course they will. But how will everything turn out for Nora? Find out this October at Istana Budaya.

For more information, please visit the Istana Budaya’s official website.

Photo (c) Enfiniti Productions

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Tourism Malaysia

8th Kua Bu Dance Showcase

September 15, 2011 at 2:00 pm

Dance performances are often an experience to watch, especially when a skilled dancer is performing. Dance is a medium that expresses without words, using the movements of the body as ways to convey a message or idea. As such, a dance performance is able to invoke very different responses in the people who watch it, and unlike something that is written in words, it is not necessary for the dance to actually have a message at all.

8th Kua Bu Dance Showcase

8th Kua Bu Dance Showcase – Wandering Within

The Kwang Tung Dance Company, a long established local dance troupe in Kuala Lumpur, is hosting a dance performance this 16th, 17th and 18th of September at klpac. Entitled the 8th Kua Bu Dance Showcase ‘Wandering Within’, the performance celebrates the beauty of living, and explores the various rhythms in life through a series of dance and creative movements by the company’s dancers. The performance also showcases the transcendant nature of dance, being both beautiful and strong, and uses it as an analogy for life.

Performances begin at 8:30pm on 16th and 17th September, while there is a students only performance at 3pm 17th September. An invitation only event will be held on 18th September 2011 at 3pm. Tickets are priced at RM35 for adults and RM25 for students, senior citizens and the disabled. Those who are interested in purchasing the tickets can contact klpac at 03 4047 900 / 9010 or walk in to klpac at Sentul Park. For more information, please log on to klpac’s website here.

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