Sibu Central Market (SCM), Sarawak

There's a saying 'If you have not visited Sibu Central Market, you have not visited Sibu". 

Located on Channel Road just opposite the Express Boat Passenger Terminal, is the first destination Kembara Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia program took us to. A perfect spot for travelers and aspire photographers to capture Sibu's local scene; its vibrant local characteristic, authentic delicacies and their interesting livestock. One will not be disappointed with the result. 

Entering the newly refurbished market, you will notice that Sibu Municipal Council has done a great job in combining the old wet market and the native Lembangan market giving it a clean look and a more organized surrounding, thus making it easier for both locals and travelers.

Housing hundreds of stalls making Sibu Central Market the biggest indoor market in Malaysia, its top floor caters for food stalls, ground floor for both dry and wet market where else on its far left section caters for the local native traders.

I've learnt that local and exotic delicacies and snacks can be found on the ground floor such as the famous Mulong or Sago worm, pxxxr kambing or Finlaysonia obovata fruit, celorot and others.

Sarawak have similar kuih or snacks as those in Peninsular Malaysia but with different packaging style, here everything was wrapped in plastic; even their nasi lemak, and their tapai comes in 2 packagings.

 Nasi Lemak.

Sibu Municipal Council

Celorot.

Jln Channel opposite the Express Boat Passenger Terminal, is the largest and most interesting in Sarawak - See more at: http://www.sarawaktourism.com/en/itinerary-detail/itin-detail?catid=9&itinid=98#sthash.6D0b4QLG.dpuf

Jln Channel opposite the Express Boat Passenger Terminal, is the largest and most interesting in Sarawak - See more at: http://www.sarawaktourism.com/en/itinerary-detail/itin-detail?catid=9&itinid=98#sthash.6D0b4QLG.dpu

Tapai.

The most well known Sarawak rice is the Bario rice and one should not leave Sarawak without it. The rice stalls are located near the mid section close to the main entrance, here they sell all type of rice, from red to black Bario rice to normal brown rice. The Bario rice is priced slightly higher as it is a very labour-intensive planting process, as fertilizer was not being used during this process, it is also consider as organic rice.

Brown rice.

Bario Merah / Red Bario.

The sight of Chinese poultry sellers selling their livestock wrapped neatly in old newspaper in a tube fashion thrilled fellow Kembara Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia participants, photos was taken, interviews was conducted and smiles were exchanged. They were happily and willingly pose their livestock for us, no pose nor livestock was spared.

Chicken feet.

Rooster.

Asam paya or asam kelubi (Eleodora conferta).

Asam meaning sour or acidic in Malay language pretty much describe this fruit, the local Sarawakians call it asam payak or asam paya where else asam kelubi is the name given in Peninsular Malaysia. Asam payak grows near swamp area hence how it got it's name (paya meaning swamp in Malay) and available largely in local native market however it is a seasonal fruit. Due to the sourish or acidic taste, it is used to make popular dish such as Masak Asam and Sambal Asam Payak; one local dish that I am yet to try.

Bane or beaded necklace and beret or beaded belt (in Kelabit tribe language).

Back in those days when society were divided based on differences wealth, rank and status; certain beads were status symbols and not merely the object of beauty. It is also worn when visiting other villages or attending an event.

Beaded uyut (in Iban language) or belanyat (in Kayan language).

Uyut (small size bag) known by the Iban tribe or belanyat by the Kayan tribe is basically a woven rattan bag in a cylindrical shape, some were beaded to enhance the look. This have become a popular souvenir item for traveler visiting Sarawak, crafted and made popular by the Kayan tribe from central highlands/up river, or the Kelabit and Tatau (also known as Orang Ulu) tribe of northeastern Sarawak.

Local native market.

This is where you'll find the famous food in Sarawak, Ulat Sago which I will blog about in later. Meanwhile, enjoy watching this 2 short keek video of Sibu Central Market (SCM), Sarawak.

Credit to : Sarawak Tourism Board

A #KCC1M - #Sarawak Media Fam Trip in collaboration with #GayaTravel.