Sibu soon to have ‘culinary trail’ for tourists

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Tourists can also refer to Sibu’s Heritage Trail at the Hoover Memorial Square.

Datuk Andrew Wong

SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is coming up with a ‘culinary trail’ of sort for tourists, encouraging them to explore this town and at the same time, savour local food.

Council deputy chairman Datuk Andrew Wong said it was working with the United Chinese Association (UCA) Youth Section to come up with the ‘Delicacy Trail’ – a map that would highlight different eateries selling authentic local dishes and snacks.

“They (tourists) are going to be all over the town. So while they’re at it, we encourage them to visit these eateries.

“For example, we want to tell them where to get the best ‘Kompia’, or the most delectable ‘Kuih Jala’.

“This sort of information will be published in the form of a booklet and later, to be uploaded on the Internet, including the ‘Visit Sibu Year 2016’ website.

“Sibu is a town for them to explore; not just to bring them from point A to point B. That is my personal opinion,” Wong told The Borneo Post recently.

He said the ‘Delicacy Trail’ would complement the town’s existing ‘Heritage Trail’.

On a related subject, Wong said Taman Harmoni – the only halal food court here – would be upgraded.

“Our Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem) has approved RM1 million to upgrade the place,” he said, adding that works would commence after Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year.

According to Wong, the front section of the food court would be renovated to allow for better parking, as well as more efficient changing of chairs and tables.

Back on the ‘Delicacy Trail’, Wong said SMC would also incorporate several features such as giving each tourist a special kind of ‘passport’.

“If they manage to patronise a certain number of food outlets here, they can have their ‘passports’ stamped to redeem gifts.”

On the proposal by a former travel agent to build a pedestrian walk connecting the night market with Sanyan Road, Wong said he was uncertain as to what the former agent really referred to.

“I find that if you do a normal pedestrian walk there, it will lose the authenticity of exploring Sibu town. The main thing about this town is that we still have that authentic vintage feel.

“It is a place for tourists to explore the many backlanes, old shops and buildings here,” he said.

On ‘Visit Sibu Year 2016’ website, Wong said it was yet to be ready.

“This is because we’ve just finalised the events, including the Heritage Trail and Delicacy Trail. The website will only be launched either in July or August, but not earlier than that,” he said, also confirming that the long-missed Rajang Regatta would definitely be featured under ‘Visit Sibu Year 2016’ campaign.

“We had a meeting last week on reviving the regatta, which would probably be made a bi-annual event.”