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Bintulu

Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia

Discover Bintulu: A Tapestry of Nature, Culture, and Modernity Escape the ordinary and experience the vibrant tapestry of Bintulu, a coastal gem nestled in the heart of Sarawak, Borneo. More than just an industrial hub, …

#Industrial city#Port town#Oil and gas industry#Cultural diversity#Economic hub

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Bintulu.

Top Hotels in Bintulu

Top Flights to Bintulu

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Bintulu.

Tours

Bintulu Waterfront Promenade

Enjoy a scenic walk along the Bintulu Waterfront with beautiful views of the river and surrounding nature.

Tumbina Park Adventure

Visit Taman Tumbina Bintulu to see a variety of flora and fauna in a beautiful park setting.

Bintulu Beach Relaxation

Relax by the sea at one of Bintulu's serene beaches, perfect for picnics and sunsets.

Kidurong Tower Visit

Climb up the Kidurong Tower for panoramic views of the Bintulu coastline and beyond.

Shopping

Pasar Tamu Bintulu Visit

Experience the local culture and lifestyle by visiting Pasar Tamu Bintulu, a traditional market.

Bintulu Paragon Street Mall

Shop and dine at Bintulu Paragon, a modern shopping mall with various retail outlets.

Outdoor

Similajau National Park Exploration

Explore the rich biodiversity of Similajau National Park, known for its beaches and tropical rainforest.

Niah Caves Day Trip

Take a day trip to the Niah Caves, famous for their archaeological significance and ancient cave paintings.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Bintulu.

Currency

RM | MYR | Malaysian Ringgit

Population

114058.0

Languages

Malay, Malay, English, Mandarin

Average weather

Bintulu

Jan

30°23°

Feb

30°23°

Mar

31°24°

Apr

31°24°

May

32°24°

Jun

32°24°

Jul

32°24°

Aug

32°24°

Sep

31°24°

Oct

31°24°

Nov

30°24°

Dec

30°23°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Bintulu.

What people love

Bintulu, located in Sarawak, Malaysia, offers several pros for travelers looking to explore this region:

Natural Beauty: Bintulu is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, and beachcombing.
Cultural Experience: Bintulu is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the indigenous communities of Sarawak. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting traditional longhouses, attending cultural festivals, and trying local cuisine.
Adventure Opportunities: Bintulu offers various outdoor adventure activities, such as jungle trekking, cave exploration, and river cruising. Adrenaline junkies can also try activities like paragliding and diving in the nearby waters.
Industrial Hub: Bintulu is a major industrial hub in Sarawak, known for its liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. Travelers interested in learning about the energy sector can visit LNG plants and gain insights into this important industry.
Gateway to National Parks: Bintulu serves as a gateway to several national parks in Sarawak, such as Similajau National Park and Lambir Hills National Park. These parks offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, hiking, and eco-tourism activities.

Overall, Bintulu offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, adventure opportunities, and industrial insights, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking a diverse and enriching travel experience.

What to know

Traveling to Bintulu, like any destination, can have its drawbacks. Here are some potential cons to consider:

Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Bintulu is not as developed as other more popular tourist destinations in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur or Penang. This means there may be fewer options for accommodations, dining, and entertainment.
Weather Conditions: Bintulu, like much of Malaysia, experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and significant rainfall, especially during the monsoon season. This can affect travel plans and outdoor activities.
Limited Public Transportation: Public transportation options within Bintulu can be limited. Visitors might need to rely on taxis or rental cars to get around, which could increase travel costs.
Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in Malaysia, in more rural areas like Bintulu, not everyone may speak it fluently. This might pose challenges in communication for some travelers.
Fewer Tourist Attractions: Compared to other cities in Malaysia, Bintulu might offer fewer conventional tourist attractions. The attractions that are available tend to focus more on nature and local industry, which may not appeal to all travelers.
Remote Location: Bintulu is located in Sarawak on the island of Borneo, which may require additional travel arrangements such as domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur or other major cities. This could add to travel time and expenses.
Cultural and Environmental Sensitivity: As a region with indigenous communities and significant natural resources, visitors should be aware of cultural sensitivities and environmental impacts, which may require additional research and respectful behavior.

These cons should be weighed against the potential benefits of visiting Bintulu, such as experiencing its natural beauty and local culture.

Bintulu, located in the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, Malaysia, has a rich and varied history. Originally a small fishing village, Bintulu has grown into an important industrial and economic center, particularly due to its strategic location and natural resources.

Early History

Pre-Colonial Period: Bintulu was originally inhabited by indigenous groups, particularly the Melanau and Iban communities. The area was known for its dense forests and rich biodiversity, which supported a traditional lifestyle based on fishing, hunting, and agriculture.

Colonial Era

19th Century: Bintulu came under the influence of the Brooke dynasty, which ruled Sarawak from 1841 to 1946. The third White Rajah, Charles Brooke, visited Bintulu in 1867 and declared it as part of his territory.
First Council Negri Meeting (1867): Bintulu is historically significant for hosting the first Council Negri meeting on September 8, 1867. This meeting is considered to be the first legislative assembly in Malaysia, and it marked the beginning of formal governance in Sarawak.

Post-Colonial Era

20th Century: After World War II, Sarawak became a British Crown Colony until it joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. Bintulu remained a relatively small community until the late 20th century.

Economic Development

1970s and 1980s: The discovery and exploitation of natural gas and petroleum resources in the 1970s transformed Bintulu. The construction of the Bintulu LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) plant in 1978 marked the beginning of Bintulu's rise as an industrial hub. The plant was one of the largest of its kind in the world.
1980s and 1990s: The development of the Bintulu Port further boosted the town’s economic importance, making it a focal point for exports of natural gas and other resources.

Significant Figures

Charles Brooke: As the third White Rajah of Sarawak, he played a crucial role in incorporating Bintulu into the territory of Sarawak and in the administrative developments of the region.

Landmarks

Council Negri Memorial: A monument commemorating the first Council Negri meeting is located in Bintulu. This landmark is significant as a symbol of the early governance in the region.
Taman Tumbina Bintulu: A botanical and zoological garden that showcases the region’s flora and fauna, representing Bintulu's rich biodiversity.
Similajau National Park: Located northeast of Bintulu, this park is known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful coastline, attracting nature enthusiasts and tourists.

Modern Bintulu

Today, Bintulu continues to thrive as an industrial powerhouse within Malaysia, with its economy predominantly driven by the energy sector. It is part of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), which aims to further develop the region's industrial capacity.

Bintulu's growth has been marked by its strategic importance in Malaysia's energy production and its role as a port city, making it a vital part of Sarawak's and Malaysia’s economic landscape.