Sibu - Kapit

Introduction I An Ethnic Kaleidoscope I Sibu I Kapit I Sarikei I
Belaga I Exploring The Rejang

Anyone expecting a sleepy upriver town is in for a surprise when they arrive at Kapit. Although Kapit is situated halfway up the Rejang river and is accessible only by express boat or light aircraft, the town is a vibrant commercial and social centre, catering to the longhouse communities and timber camps further upriver. Kapit was founded by Rajah Charles Brooke as a garrison town to pacify the warring tribes and bring the Central Rejang under Brooke administration.

Kapit is an excellent base for exploring nearby Iban longhouses, and is the gateway for the Upper Rejang and the Baleh River. The town consists of a few main streets running along or parallel to the Rejang waterfront. The main landmark is Fort Sylvia, built by Charles Brooke in 1880, Other notable sights include the day market and the Civic Centre Museum, which houses a fine collection of ethnic arts and handicraft, and evocative sketches and water-colours of life along the Rejang.

Kapit has plenty of simple but good Malay and Chinese restaurants. There are some excellent hawker stalls along Jalan Teo Chow Beng, as well as some of the world's remotest Western fast food outlets. Suprisingly, night life is plentiful, with a number of pubs offering karaoke and live music. First class handicrafts can be found in Kapit, and it is a good place to stock up on travellers requisites and provisions before proceeding further upriver.