Bintulu is a part coastal, part riverine town, and the capital of Bintulu District (7,220 km2) in the Bintulu Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is a home to about 214,000 inhabitants (2020) in the area. Bintulu is known as a place of 'making a living'. Although it is not a main tourist destination in Sarawak, the local authorities such as Sarawak Tourism Board and Bintulu Development Authority are now putting in the effort to make Bintulu a tourist heaven.
Bintulu is a major industrial centre, and soon to be a capital of energy-intensive industries in Malaysia. Its port area to the east of the main town hosts the Petronas Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Complex, which is the world's largest liquefied natural gas production facility on a single site, and also the very first Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis plant. The town is half-way between Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
Local bus in Bintulu is served by City Public Link. The bus goes to other minor parts of the town to as far as Sungai Plan, Nyalau and Tatau/Kuala Tatau. Municipal bus can be found one stop at the Pasar Tamu Bus Terminal. The fare is RM1 under RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Programme. Normally, only rural people and low-income group urban and suburban people use the bus. So if you are a first-time traveler to Bintulu, be prepared to speak in a simple Bahasa Melayu, Bahasa Iban or Bahasa Melayu-Sarawak language.
1 Kampung Jepak (by tambang from main town of Bintulu, or via road from Bintulu-Sibu Road using the exit to Kuala Tatau/Kampung Jepak). A traditional fishing village where majority of the inhabitants are Melanaus (Bintulu Melanaus) and Malays. It is separated from the main town of Bintulu by Sungai Kemena. You may be mesmerized by the traditional feature and lifestyle of Bintulu Melanau such as sago processing, fish drying, manufacturing of belacan (shrimps paste), cencaluk (salted shrimps), making of Terendak (Melanau Headgear) and Tutop (food cover or "tudung sarang/tudung saji"). (updated Jul 2022) 2 Council Negri Monument.
1 Similajau National Park (30 km north of Bintulu), ☏ +60 86-336101. This coastal park is known for its easy forest hikes, beautiful beaches, and saltwater crocodiles. There is modern and inexpensive accommodation available at the park in the form of chalets and a hostel, as well as a basic canteen. There is no public transport to the park. An e-taxi will cost around 30 RM. The return journey may require a more expensive regular taxi. Take protection for mosquitoes. Adult RM20, disabled person RM10, child 7-18 RM7, child 6 and under free. (updated Jul 2022) Golfing: The annual event of Piala TYT makes Bintulu Golf Course a must for visitors who love to play golf.
Be it budget or splurge, Bintulu is somehow a fine place for casual dining. Seribu Bintang Restaurant, Jalan Kg. Baru (end of Kpg Baru) (located just at the splitted road of Kg. Baru), ☏ +60 19-8853412, +60 19-8298790, +60 17-2783721. This is a place where you can savour variety of Thai, Chinese, Malay, Indian and Indonesian cuisine under one roof. The local favourites here are Brocoli with Sea Asparagus, Sea Cucumber Soup, Stim or Deep Fried fish with various type of sauce (eg: Asam Nyonya, Cantonese Style, Thai Paste), Tandoori, Nan, Nasi Bryani (Real Bryani style), Sizzling Food, Claypot, Kerabu, Umai (sarawak Local Food), Mussel, Ambal, Burung Puyuh and lots more.
Due to the sizeable expat population here thanks to its oil & gas industry, Bintulu is not lacking in night life. There are numerous bars, pubs, clubs & karaokes here for the working class to relax and enjoy themselves after a hectic day. The oil & gas boom era also brought prostitution into the city. It is illegal, and is allegedly controlled by triad gangs. Casablanca (fun pub), Lebuhraya Abang Galau (opposite PJ Corner Restaurant). Narrow, crowded, noisy, three words to describe Casablanca.the place is reputatble for it good sound system and the "Best Live Band" in town. It's a fun place for all age group. Pub Kitai, Lebuhraya Abang Galau (opposite City Point).
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Sep, Bintulu typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 23 rainy days.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-09-22. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
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