Tebedu

Tebedu is a town located in the Serian Division of Sarawak, Malaysia, near the border with Indonesia. It sits close to the Malaysian-Indonesian frontier, directly opposite Entikong in West Kalimantan. Tebedu functions as a border town and hosts one of Sarawak’s principal land border checkpoints, the Tebedu–Entikong crossing, which includes Customs, Immigration and Quarantine facilities. The crossing is a major gateway for people and goods moving between Sarawak and West Kalimantan, contributing to cross-border trade and daily commerce for local residents.

The town serves as a hub for a mix of agricultural and trading activity. Local livelihoods are supported by cross-border trade in goods ranging from daily groceries to Indonesian-made merchandise, plus agricultural produce from nearby villages. The population is multi-ethnic, with Iban, Chinese, Malay and Bidayuh communities, reflecting the broader demographic mosaic of Sarawak’s interior. Malay and Iban are common languages among residents, alongside Mandarin and local varieties.

Transportation to Tebedu is by road, connecting with broader road networks that link to Kuching and other Sarawak towns; the border checkpoint at Tebedu–Entikong is a key link for travelers and freight moving between Malaysia and Indonesia. The town’s role as a border point has shaped its development, with markets, lodging, and services geared toward cross-border traffic.