Bintangor Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Bintangor with our comprehensive travel guide, including must-visit places, activities, local food, and cultural experiences.


Introduction to Bintangor

Bintangor is a small town located in the Sarikei Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is a quiet, laid-back town with a population of around 30,000 people. Bintangor is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and food scene. It is an ideal destination for those who want to experience the slow pace of life in a small Malaysian town and immerse themselves in local culture.

List of Places to Visit in Bintangor

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bukit Lima Forest Reserve: This forest reserve is a popular hiking spot and has several trails to explore. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the forest and spot local flora and fauna on the way.
  • Wentworth Memorial Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and works of Sir Alexander Wentworth, a Scottish planter who settled in Bintangor in the 1800s. The museum showcases colonial artifacts, photographs, and personal items that offer a glimpse into the daily life of locals and the Wentworth family in Bintangor.
  • Bintangor Public Library: This library has a collection of books, magazines, and newspapers about the history and culture of Bintangor and Sarawak. Visitors can learn about the local customs, traditions, and way of life through the library’s educational resources.

Natural Attractions of Bintangor: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Batu Lintang Park: This park is located in the heart of Bintangor and is a popular spot for picnics and family outings. It has a playground, jogging track, and a pond where visitors can rent a paddle boat.
  • Sarikei Wetlands: The Sarikei Wetlands are a bird-watching paradise. Visitors can spot several species of local and migratory birds here, including the White-bellied Sea Eagle, the Brahminy Kite, and the Purple Heron.
  • Sungai Rajang: Sungai Rajang is the longest river in Malaysia and the second longest in Southeast Asia. Visitors can take a boat ride along the river and admire the scenic views of the Borneo rainforest and local villages.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bintangor

  • Bukit Lima Hike: The Bukit Lima hike is a moderate hike that takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the Bintangor forest and spot local flora and fauna on the way.
  • Sungai Rajang Cycling Route: The Sungai Rajang cycling route is a scenic route that takes visitors along the Sungai Rajang river. It is a great way to explore the beauty of Bintangor’s countryside and local villages.

Best Things to Do in Bintangor: Activities and Tours

  • Local Food Tour: Bintangor is known for its local food scene, and visitors can take a food tour to taste the local delicacies such as Kueh Chap, Pansuh, and Sarawak Laksa.
  • Bintangor River Cruise: Visitors can take a river cruise along Sungai Rajang to explore the local villages and scenic views of Borneo’s rainforest.
  • Traditional Weaving Workshop: Visitors can learn about traditional weaving techniques and make their own handicrafts at a local weaving workshop.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bintangor

Day Activity
Day 1 Bukit Lima Hike, Wentworth Memorial Museum
Day 2 Local Food Tour, Bintangor Public Library
Day 3 Sarikei Wetlands Bird Watching, Batu Lintang Park
Day 4 Sungai Rajang River Cruise, Traditional Weaving Workshop
Day 5 Day Trip to Sibu Town
Day 6 Free Day to Explore Bintangor
Day 7 Departure from Bintangor

Food and Drink Scene of Bintangor

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kueh Chap: Kueh Chap is a noodle soup dish that features pork meat, pork innards, and handmade flat noodles.
  • Pansuh: Pansuh is a traditional dish where the ingredients (usually chicken or fish) are cooked in bamboo tubes over an open flame.
  • Sarawak Laksa: Sarawak Laksa is a popular noodle dish that features rice noodles in a spicy coconut curry broth garnished with prawns, chicken, and bean sprouts.

Local Beverages

  • Teh C Special: Teh C Special is a popular local beverage that is a combination of black tea, evaporated milk, and sugar.
  • Tuak: Tuak is a local rice wine that is made from fermented glutinous rice and is usually served during festivals and celebrations.

Where to Stay in Bintangor: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Bintangor Inn: Bintangor Inn is a budget-friendly accommodation option with clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk.
  • New Stay-Inn Hotel: New Stay-Inn Hotel is a mid-range accommodation option with modern rooms, a restaurant, and free parking.
  • ManHua Hotel: ManHua Hotel is a high-end hotel with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.

What to Buy in Bintangor: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sarawak Layer Cake: Sarawak Layer Cake is a traditional cake that has layers of cake and jam, and is a popular souvenir to bring back home.
  • Borneo Beads: Borneo Beads are handcrafted beads made from local materials such as wood, clay, and shell and are often used in traditional bracelets and necklaces.

Local Culture and Customs of Bintangor

  • Religion: The majority of the locals in Bintangor practice Buddhism or Christianity.
  • Gawai Dayak Festival: Gawai Dayak is a harvest festival celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak. In Bintangor, visitors can witness the Gawai Dayak celebrations and traditional dance performances.

Best Time to Visit Bintangor

The best time to visit Bintangor is from March to October when the weather is dry and pleasant. The average temperature during these months is around 25°C to 30°C, which is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the town.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bintangor

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local food and drink.
  • Be courteous and friendly to the locals.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing inside temples and other religious places.
  • Disrespect the local culture and customs.
  • Litter or damage the natural resources of Bintangor.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bintangor

Bintangor is a safe town, and crime rates are low. However, visitors should take the usual precautions such as locking their valuables and not leaving their belongings unattended.

Health in Bintangor

Bintangor does not have any major health risks. Visitors should take usual precautions such as wearing mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever.

Getting to Bintangor: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bintangor

  • Sibu Airport: Sibu Airport is the closest airport to Bintangor, and is located around 45 kilometers away. It has daily flights to major cities in Malaysia.

Bus Stations Near Bintangor

  • Sibu Express Bus Terminal: Sibu Express Bus Terminal is the main bus terminal in Sibu, and has regular buses to Bintangor.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Bintangor from Sibu.

How to Get Around in Bintangor

The best way to get around Bintangor is by taxi or by renting a car. Bintangor is a small town, and most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Where to Go Next from Bintangor: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sibu Town: Sibu Town is a bustling town located around 45 kilometers away from Bintangor and is known for its food scene, night markets, and local festivals.
  • Kuching: Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak and is located around 300 kilometers away from Bintangor. It is a major tourist destination that offers a lot of nature and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Bintangor is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and local cuisine. It is a must-visit destination for those who want to explore the beauty of rural Malaysia and immerse themselves in local culture. With our comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip to Bintangor and enjoy all that the town has to offer.