How to get to Sarikei

When planning a journey through exotic Malaysia, many tourists wonder how to get to Sarikei — a cozy town in the state of Sarawak, known as the region's "pineapple capital." You can travel to Sarikei in various ways, most often by combining domestic flights to neighboring major hubs with a trip by bus, car, or river transport. This vibrant spot on the banks of the Rajang River is welcoming to visitors and offers sufficiently convenient logistical routes for experiencing the authentic atmosphere of the island of Borneo.

Although Sarikei is assigned the IATA code TGC, it actually refers to Tanjung Manis Airport. This small air hub is located about an hour's drive from the town and serves primarily local flights (for example, by MASwings) from the state capital. This is a good option for those flying from Kuching who wish to land as close as possible to their final destination.

However, the main hub for tourists is considered to be Sibu Airport (SBW). It is located approximately 80 kilometers from Sarikei, and the journey by taxi or rental car will take about 1.5 hours. Significantly more flights arrive here from various parts of the country, including direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, making the route via Sibu the most popular and reliable.

Kuching International Airport (KCH) is the main gateway to Sarawak, but it is distant from Sarikei by more than 300 kilometers. A land transfer from there would take 5–6 hours, so using a taxi is not rational. The optimal solution is to choose Kuching as a transit hub and transfer to a short domestic flight to Sibu or Tanjung Manis.

There is no direct railway connection to Sarikei, as the passenger train network is not developed in this part of Borneo. The town has no station, and the railway infrastructure of Malaysia is concentrated mainly on the mainland part of the country (Malay Peninsula).

The nearest major transport hubs, such as Sibu and Kuching, also do not have railway stations. For travel within the region, tourists are recommended to use the developed network of intercity buses or river transport, which is very popular here and allows one to enjoy scenic views.

Bus services connect Sarikei with key transport hubs in the state of Sarawak, making the trip budget-friendly and accessible. The shortest and most popular route runs from the neighboring city of Sibu: a distance of about 65 kilometers can be covered in just an hour and a half. Departures are regular throughout the day, allowing tourists to flexibly plan their transfer after arriving at the local airport.

Traveling from the state capital, Kuching, will take more time — about 6 hours to cover the distance of 360 kilometers along the Pan-Borneo Highway. There are also direct routes from the coastal town of Mukah, from where the approximately 160-kilometer journey takes about 3–4 hours. Modern express buses are usually equipped with air conditioning, so long journeys through the tropical terrain are quite comfortable.

Traveling by car to Sarikei allows you to see the real life of Borneo and not depend on public transport schedules. The fastest and easiest route leads from the neighboring city of Sibu: a distance of about 65 km can be comfortably covered in just 1 hour 15 minutes, crossing the majestic Rajang River via modern bridges. If you are departing from the state capital, Kuching, prepare for an extensive adventure along the Pan-Borneo Highway covering 360 km, which will take around 5–6 hours.

A scenic route is also available from coastal Mukah, from where the road stretching 160 km takes about 3 hours to drive. For those who do not plan to rent a car, a convenient option would be a taxi or local ride-hailing services: a trip from Sibu will cost on average 80–120 Ringgit, whereas a long-distance private transfer from Kuching will cost significantly more and often requires prior arrangement.

A trip to Sarikei promises to be peaceful and pleasant if you take into account the local way of life and climate in advance. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations that will help you quickly adapt to this cozy town in the state of Sarawak.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is equatorial, hot, and humid all year round. Bring light clothing made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen), a hat, and sunglasses. Be sure to pack a compact umbrella or raincoat in your suitcase, as tropical downpours can start suddenly.
2. Transport. Public transport within the town is not widely developed, so it is most convenient to use taxis or the popular Southeast Asian app, Grab. The city center is compact, and many sights can be explored on foot while enjoying the local atmosphere.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit. Major supermarkets and hotels accept cards, but for visiting markets, small cafes (kopitiams), and street stalls, be sure to carry cash. ATMs can be found in the central part of the city and near bank branches.
4. Health and Safety. Sarikei is a calm city, but basic precautions are advisable. Drink only bottled water and avoid drinks with ice at street stalls. Due to the humid climate, it is recommended to use mosquito repellents, especially in the evening and during trips to nature.
5. Communication. The official language is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), and the Iban language is also widely spoken. English is well understood in the service sector, hotels, and shops, so the language barrier is unlikely to be a serious problem for tourists.
6. Local Etiquette. The people of Sarawak are very welcoming and value politeness. It is customary to remove shoes when entering a private home or place of worship. Passing money or objects should be done with the right hand (or both hands), as using only the left hand may be perceived as a sign of disrespect.
7. What to Avoid. You should not wear provocatively revealing clothing when visiting conservative areas or religious sites. Also, refrain from loud arguments in public — it is customary here to remain calm and "save face" in any situation.
8. Gastronomic Tip. Do not leave without trying the famous Sarikei pineapples, considered some of the sweetest in the world. You can buy them fresh at the central market or try them in local desserts and beverages.

Following these simple tips, you will be able to avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the culture and nature of this hospitable corner of Borneo. May your acquaintance with the "Pineapple City" leave only warm and vivid memories!