Jouney To Sibu Airport

On Saturday, I have to make a trip to the airport to fetch up Colin as we will be attending Henry’s wedding on Monday, which is today! Congratulation Henry!

Sibu airport is located some 23km from the town. The journey is smooth but I have to pass through 4 annoying traffic lights from my house to the airport. The local council really should look into this matter, there are too many traffic lights around Sibu. Anyway, some 1km before reaching the airport, the road get bumpy as road widening work is carrying out. This work had been ongoing for ages, at least a year now as far as I can remember. I really don’t know why they took so long for just a small stretch. This road can be particularly dangerous at dark as the reflective tape seems to be the only guide for motorist at this area.

Sibu Airport, front view

Sibu airport is the gateway to the town for those travelling by air. Frankly, it is probably the lousiest airport in Sarawak and Sabah. Almost all airports in Sabah and Sarawak had been upgraded/refurbished except this one. I believe the political leaders here got something to do with it. They do not want third party to upgrade it as there is no monetary benefit for themselves.

Sibu Airport, side view, entrance side

Sibu Airport, side view, exit side

I always think every airport in a place should be unique to reflect on the town/city itself. Sadly, most airports in Sarawak & Sabah (for example Kuching, Bintulu, Miri, Kota Kinabalu & Tawau) are upgraded/refurbished by the same contractor with basically the same design reminiscence of mini KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport). The old Kuching International Airport design is based on the Iban’s longhouse and this in my opinion is unique and truly reflects the culture of the place.

Concourse of the Airport

Empty car park

The check in and waiting area is not air conditioned as shown and it can get pretty hot on a very hot day. However, the departure hall is air conditioned. You will not see this type of scenario in other major airports in Sabah and Sarawak. Another annoying thing is the people here. They tend not to use the allocated parking spaces and park nearby the entrance of the airport and areas adjacent to it. Today is alright though. But on peak season, it is disastrous. The parking lot used to be free but now they charge RM1 for one hour. See how empty the parking lot is now.

Nearby bus stop

There is a bus stop further up at the airport but I never see any bus serving this area. What a shame! For the budget traveler, public transport is the preferred choice. Anyway, to get to the town, taxi is available and one needs to purchase the coupon from the coupon booth. A trip to the town will cost around RM25-30.

Air Asia's Airbus A320

Mas Wing's Fokker-50

Passenger walk at apron to embark Air Asia's A320

There are 2 aircrafts when I arrived. Air Asia’s Airbus A320 (which Colin boarded) and Mas Wings Fokker-50. Air Asia is a low cost carrier and sky bridge facilities are not been used for this company to cut cost. The passengers have to walk at the apron to embark and disembark from the aircraft. Same goes for the Fokker-50 passengers as the sky bridge unable to accommodate Fokker-50 aircraft. The Fokker-50 aircrafts will be phased out in the coming years. So, we probably won’t be seeing this aircraft in another 3 years time. By the way, Fokker is created by a Dutch company which no longer exists.

There is a beautifully maintained plant/flower beside the airport which I would like to share.