Bintulu Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food to eat, where to stay, and how to get around in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia, through this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Bintulu

Bintulu is a coastal town located in the northern region of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is known for its bustling ports, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural attractions. The town has a population of around 200,000 people and is home to various ethnic groups, including the Melanau, Chinese, Malay, and Iban. The town serves as a gateway to many popular nearby destinations, such as Similajau National Park, Niah Caves, and Lambir Hills National Park. In this comprehensive tour guide for Bintulu, we will take a closer look at the best places to visit, things to do, food to eat, where to stay, and how to get around.

List of Places to Visit in Bintulu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tanjung Batu Beach
  • Assyakirin Mosque
  • Chinese Temple
  • Tua Pek Kong Temple
  • Bintulu Museum

Bintulu has a rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of museums and historical places in the town that showcase its diverse and fascinating past. One of the most popular places to visit is Tanjung Batu Beach, a scenic spot with a breathtaking view of the South China Sea. Assyakirin Mosque is another must-visit place, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful interior. The Chinese Temple and Tua Pek Kong Temple are also worth exploring, as they offer a glimpse into the local Chinese culture. Finally, the Bintulu Museum is an excellent place to learn about the history of the town, with exhibits showcasing its unique culture and heritage.

Natural Attractions of Bintulu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Similajau National Park
  • Niah Caves
  • Lambir Hills National Park
  • Tukau Mountains
  • Luak Bay

Bintulu is a paradise for nature lovers, with plenty of outdoor adventures and scenic views for visitors to enjoy. The Similajau National Park is a popular spot, known for its secluded beaches, pristine forests, and diverse wildlife. The nearby Niah Caves are also worth exploring, as they offer a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric past of the area. For those who love hiking and trekking, the Lambir Hills National Park and Tukau Mountains offer some of the best trails in the region. Finally, Luak Bay is an excellent spot for water sports, including kayaking, jet-skiing, and swimming.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bintulu

  • Similajau Trail
  • Tukau Mountains Trail
  • Lambir Hills Trail
  • Tanjung Batu Trail

For those who love hiking and biking, Bintulu offers some of the best trails in the region. The Similajau Trail offers a challenging but rewarding hike, with stunning views of the coastline and dense rainforests. The Tukau Mountains Trail is another popular spot, with a variety of trails catering to different fitness levels. The Lambir Hills Trail is known for its scenic views of waterfalls, wildlife, and lush greenery. Finally, the Tanjung Batu Trail is a popular spot for a leisurely stroll along the beach.

Best Things to Do in Bintulu: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the Bintulu Wetlands
  • Go on a river cruise
  • Try local food at Pasar Utama
  • Attend the Borneo International Kite Festival

There are plenty of things to do in Bintulu, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. The Bintulu Wetlands is a popular spot for nature lovers, offering a unique ecosystem of mangrove forests, mudflats, and ponds. A river cruise is another excellent way to explore the region, with tours offering stunning views of the coast and wildlife. For those who love food, Pasar Utama is the place to be, with plenty of stalls offering delicious local cuisine. Finally, the Borneo International Kite Festival is an annual event that draws visitors from all over the world, featuring colorful kites of various shapes and sizes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bintulu

Day Activity
1 Visit Tanjung Batu Beach and Assyakirin Mosque
2 Explore the Bintulu Museum and Tua Pek Kong Temple
3 Go on a river cruise and try local food at Pasar Utama
4 Visit Similajau National Park
5 Explore Niah Caves
6 Hike or bike in Lambir Hills National Park or Tukau Mountains
7 Attend the Borneo International Kite Festival

Food and Drink Scene of Bintulu

Must-Try Dishes

  • Belacan Bee Hoon
  • Bintulu Laksa
  • Bubur Pedas
  • Kompia

Bintulu has a rich food culture, with plenty of local dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. One of the most popular dishes is Belacan Bee Hoon, a spicy and savory dish made with rice noodles, dried shrimp paste, and various vegetables. Bintulu Laksa is another must-try dish, known for its creamy coconut-based broth and fresh seafood toppings. Bubur Pedas is a spicy porridge that is usually eaten for breakfast, while Kompia is a type of bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with pork or chicken fillings.

Local Beverages

  • Teh C Peng
  • Air Batu Campur
  • Tuak

Bintulu is also known for its refreshing beverages, with plenty of options to keep you cool on a hot day. Teh C Peng is a popular iced tea drink, often served with a generous amount of evaporated milk and sugar. Air Batu Campur is a refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, syrup, and a variety of toppings, including red beans, agar-agar, and corn. Finally, Tuak is a local rice wine that is popular during special occasions and festivals.

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

  • Parkcity Everly Hotel
  • OYO 89747 Nuevera Inn
  • Borneo Guesthouse
  • DK Value Inn

Bintulu offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. The Parkcity Everly Hotel is a luxurious option, offering spacious rooms, excellent amenities, and stunning views of the South China Sea. OYO 89747 Nuevera Inn is a budget-friendly option, offering clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. For those who prefer a more homely feel, the Borneo Guesthouse offers cozy and comfortable rooms, with a shared kitchen and living area. Finally, DK Value Inn is a popular option for backpackers, with cheap and basic rooms, ideal for those who want to save on accommodation costs.

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

  • Sarawak Pepper
  • Bintulu Pineapple
  • Borneo Rosewood Products
  • Iban Weaving Products

Bintulu offers plenty of unique and local products that make for great souvenirs or gifts. Sarawak Pepper is a popular product, known for its unique spiciness and flavorful aroma. Bintulu Pineapple is another must-buy item, famous for its sweet and juicy taste. Borneo Rosewood Products are also worth checking out, as they make for beautiful and long-lasting souvenirs. Finally, Iban Weaving Products, such as baskets, mats, and hats, are unique and intricate handicrafts that reflect the local culture and heritage.

Local Culture and Customs of Bintulu

Bintulu has a diverse and vibrant culture, with a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Melanau, and Iban influences. The people of Bintulu are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness, and visitors are often welcomed with open arms. The town celebrates a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Borneo International Kite Festival, the Bintulu Regatta, and the Bintulu Food Festival. Visitors are encouraged to respect the local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting mosques or temples.

Best Time to Visit Bintulu

The best time to visit Bintulu is between April and September, which is the dry season in the region. The temperatures during this time are warm but comfortable, with plenty of sunshine and clear skies. The wet season, which runs from October to March, can be unpredictable and rainy, making outdoor activities challenging.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bintulu

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local food and drinks.
  • Bring cash, as some places may not accept credit cards.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting the mosques or temples.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the environment.
  • Touch or feed the wildlife in the national parks.
  • Disrespect the local culture or religion.
  • Take pictures of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bintulu

Bintulu is a relatively safe place for visitors, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, visitors are advised to take precautions, such as keeping their valuables safe and avoiding isolated or unfamiliar areas at night. Visitors should also be cautious when swimming or doing water sports, as some areas may have strong currents or dangerous marine life.

Health in Bintulu

Bintulu has good medical facilities, with several hospitals and clinics in the area. Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions, such as using mosquito repellents and drinking only bottled or boiled water. It is also recommended to get travel insurance before visiting Bintulu, as some medical treatments can be expensive.

Getting to Bintulu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bintulu

Bintulu is served by Bintulu Airport, which is located around 15 km from the town center. The airport operates daily flights to Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Miri, with several airlines, including AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and MasWings.

Bus Stations Near Bintulu

Bintulu Bus Terminal is the main portal for long-distance buses traveling to and from Bintulu. Several bus companies operate daily services to major cities in Sarawak and other parts of Malaysia, including Kuching, Miri, and Sibu.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Bintulu by ferry or car. There are several ferry services that operate between Bintulu and other nearby islands, such as Labuan and Mukah. Visitors can also drive to Bintulu from other parts of Sarawak or neighboring states, although road conditions may vary.

How to Get Around in Bintulu

Bintulu is a relatively small town, and most attractions can be easily accessed on foot or by taxi. Taxis are plentiful and relatively affordable, with most drivers charging by the meter. Visitors can also rent a car or motorcycle from several rental companies in town, although it is recommended to have some experience driving in Malaysia.

Where to Go Next from Bintulu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Miri
  • Mulu National Park
  • Sibu

Bintulu serves as an excellent base for exploring some of Sarawak’s other popular destinations. Miri is a bustling city known for its oil industry, with several attractions, including the Canada Hill and the Miri Heritage Center. Mulu National Park is known for its extensive cave systems, karst formations, and diverse wildlife, including bats and primates. Sibu is another popular destination, known for its waterfront area, night market, and traditional longhouses.

Conclusion

Bintulu is a fascinating and beautiful town, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural wonders. Whether you’re looking for history, adventure, or relaxation, there’s something for everyone in Bintulu. We hope this comprehensive tour guide has given you an idea of what to expect and inspired you to visit this beautiful town.

Downtown Jalan Abang Galau Downtown Jalan Abang Galau Council Negri Monument Council Negri Monument Bintulu Prominade Bintulu Prominade Pesta Sg. Asap, held once in 5 years Pesta Sg. Asap, held once in 5 years Kuala Nyalau beach Kuala Nyalau beach Tatau is rich with seafood and freshwater produce. Mi Hong Kong served in Tatau prove this fact. Tatau is rich with seafood and freshwater produce. Mi Hong Kong served in Tatau prove this fact.