Adrian ChewSarikei, a charming town situated along the scenic Rajang River in Sarawak, Malaysia, is best known for its abundant pineapples, symbolized by the iconic giant pineapple statue at the town center. Visitors can also admire landmarks such as the Water Tower at Lake Garden and Wisma Jubli Mutiara, the tallest building in Sarikei, which adds a modern touch to the town’s riverside skyline.
Immersing yourself in Sarikei’s culture is a rewarding experience. Stay at the traditional Rumah Nyuka Longhouse in Lubuk Lemba to get a taste of local life, or explore the bustling Central Market, where you can sample Sarikei’s unique culinary offerings and discover regional delicacies. Throughout your visit, you’ll encounter fascinating stories about the town, its history, and its people, making every corner of Sarikei a captivating adventure for curious travelers.
1. Rumah Nyuka Longhouse
Image credit: DCCI Homestay Official Website
Image credit: DCCI Homestay Official Website
There are many longhouses throughout Sarawak but the one in Sarikei is the most popular. The longhouse was constructed in 1955 and is made of ‘Belian’ wood. Despite how old the establishment is, Rumah Nyuka is proudly approved by the Ministry of Tourism in Malaysia. You might be wondering how many people actually live here. In total, it houses 300 people from 45 families.
There are also plenty of activities to do during your stay. The locals are more than happy to guide you through jungle trekking and swimming at the waterfalls nearby. If you want to try something a bit different, you can even be a dabai collector or rubber tapper for the day.
Address: Lubuk Lemba, Ulu Sarikei, Sarawak
Price: Private transportation is not more than MYR 10 MYR per person for a one-way trip
2. Pineapple Festival
Image credit: Sarawak Tourism Official Website
Pineapples are not just common in Sarikei but the entire state of Sarawak. Sarikei Farmers began planting pineapples in the 1970s, and the fruit was officially recognized as the town’s main icon in 1998. Among the popular pineapple species are Madu, Moris, and Paun.
The Pineapple Festival is truly fun-filled as there are pineapple fashion shows, pineapple displays and cooking competitions. Be part of this annual celebration in Sarikei Central Market and get the chance to sample the juicy and sweet pineapples. Apart from pineapple, there are other local products that you can buy at the festival such as pepper, durian, and banana. Do check out the dates for the year’s festival and time your visit so you have the chance to experience this festival.
3. Sarikei Central Market
Image credit:カメラマン
Sarikei Central Market has everything under one roof. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, clothes, fresh produce, or snacks, the Central Market caters to everyone including tourists. It is definitely one of the places where you can shop and at the same time interact with locals to see the what’s trending in their local markets.
It’s better to visit the Central Market in the afternoon since it gets really busy early in the morning.
Address: Bandar Sarikei, 96100 Sarikel, Sarawak
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (7am to 1am)
4. Rajang River
Image credit: jo cool
The Rajang River is another popular tourist destination and the longest river in Sarawak. You can enjoy cruising on a ferry to witness the beautiful sunset, but many people mainly use this as an opportunity to go bird watching. There are over 100 species of birds in the surrounding area and some of them are protected under the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance. Over 160 species of fish dwell in the river, as well as crocodiles and monitor lizards.
5. Sarikei Jetty
Image credit: Kong SG
Sarikei Jetty will remind you of the coastal areas in other countries. Most of the locals living nearby are fishermen, tour boat operators and farmers. Because of this, you’ll see various speedboats, ferries and longboats at the dock when you walk by. The boats and ferries are among the daily mode of transportation for the locals.
6. Doraemon Supermarket
Image credit: Doremon Supermarket Sarikei Official Facebook Page
You will not believe that a supermarket such as this exists in the small town of Sarikei. Meet the anime world’s most famous cat in the Doremon Supermarket. You have probably seen Doraemon in the manga series, on the TV, and also in Japan. The store not only sells Doraemon merchandise but also daily groceries. If you’re buying souvenirs, you can even request the staff to wrap them for you or get you one of the Doraemon hampers. It’s the ultimate shopping experience for the generation who grew up watching this beloved character on TV.
Address: 2a, Jalan Getah, Bandar Sarikei, 96100 Sarikei, Sarawak
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (10am to 10pm)
If you are looking forward to a new adventure in Sarawak, then you better include Sarikei in your itinerary as it is sadly overlooked by international tourists. Who knows, you might even be one of the first to make this undiscovered place a go-to destination.
