Borneo Cultural Festival

A celebration with a sense of place.

Borneo Cultural Festival brings cultural performance, food and community activity into the centre of Sibu. The 2026 edition was listed for 3–12 September at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, commonly known as Sibu Town Square.

The festival is best understood as a civic gathering rather than a single performance. Sarawak’s Dayak, Chinese and Malay communities take turns across stages and themed areas, presenting music, dance, dress, craft and cooking to a broad local audience.

Evenings are the liveliest time. Arrive before the main performances to walk the food areas, see smaller community presentations and understand how the grounds are arranged. The programme can change by edition, so the council schedule matters more than past running orders.

Build a wider Sibu visit around the festival: the central market, riverfront, temple and a morning bowl of kampua mee give useful context to the culture encountered after dark.

What to look forward to

• Cultural performances in the centre of Sibu
• A gathering of different community traditions
• Time to explore Sibu’s riverfront and local food
• Food and craft areas shaped by Sibu’s communities
• A relaxed, family-oriented evening atmosphere

Make the most of your visit

1. Check Sibu Municipal Council’s latest programme before planning a visit.
2. Give yourself time to walk through the grounds and find a viewing spot.
3. Ask vendors about ingredients and follow photography guidance at performances.
4. Arrive before sunset for easier parking and a first circuit of the grounds.
5. Pair the festival with Sibu Central Market and the Rejang riverfront.