Kanowit Town is the administrative capital of the Kanowit District, located within the Sibu Division of Sarawak. Covering an area of approximately 2,253.5 square kilometres, the district recorded a population of 28,985 as of the 2010 census.
Strategically situated at the confluence of the Kanowit River and the Rajang River, the town lies about 174 kilometres from the South China Sea coast. Kanowit is accessible by road, taking around 45 minutes by land or approximately one hour by boat from Sibu Town, making it an important riverine settlement in central Sarawak.
The town derives its name from the Kanowit people, a subgroup of the Melanau people, who are referred to as Rajang by the Iban community. The Kanowit language is still preserved and spoken among local residents.
The traditional village of the Kanowit people is located at Kampung Bedil, situated upriver from Kanowit Town and accessible by a short boat journey along the Rajang River.
Major ethnic communities in the area include the Iban, Chinese, Malay, and Melanau groups, contributing to the town’s diverse cultural landscape.
The town centre features a row of 1930s-era Chinese shophouses located near the waterfront, reflecting the historical trading heritage of Kanowit. Modern commercial developments have gradually expanded with the addition of new shophouses.
Kanowit also hosts a wet and dry market, offering fresh local produce, meats, and traditional handicrafts. During festive celebrations, entertainment activities such as local karaoke performances can sometimes be heard throughout the town, featuring popular songs in English, Malay, and Chinese from past decades.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the town by strolling along the riverside promenade or exploring nearby hills such as Telecom Hill Kanowit and Bukit Memaluh Kanowit, both of which are popular vantage points for photography and leisure walking.
Kanowit offers a tranquil riverside atmosphere combined with historical charm, making it an interesting destination for cultural exploration and local river lifestyle experiences in central Sarawak.