MY · Sarawak · 3.17°N 113.04°E

bintulu

Gas-boom town with a breezy waterfront, next door to Similajau's beaches.

Best time
Any time of year. It's wettest from around November to February.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Direct flights from KL take about 2 hours. By road it's about 3 hours from Miri or 3–4 hours from Sibu.
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MY · Sarawakbintulu3.17°N 113.04°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Gas-boom town with a breezy waterfront, next door to Similajau's beaches.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingBintuluMY, Sarawak
KLbintulu
≈ 1,260 km from KL, as the crow flies
Pasar Utama Bintulu

Photo: Cerevisae · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A coastal town on Sarawak's central coast that grew fast after offshore gas was found in 1969. It's more working town than holiday spot, but the waterfront is pleasant, the market is busy, and Similajau's beaches are close by.

Makan

  1. Bintulu belacanThe town is famous for its shrimp paste. Buy a block to take home.Map ↗
  2. SeafoodFish, prawns and crab from the South China Sea, cooked to order.Map ↗
  3. Sarawak laksaPrawns, chicken and omelette strips in a spiced broth, the usual breakfast.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The waterfrontA breezy riverside promenade for an evening walk.Map ↗
  2. Council Negri MonumentMarks the first meeting of Sarawak's state council, held here in 1867.Map ↗
  3. Tamu BintuluThe main market for fish, jungle produce and local snacks.Map ↗
  4. Tanjung BatuThe town beach, popular for sunsets and picnics.Map ↗
  5. Similajau National ParkBeaches and coastal trails about 30 km north of town.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Belacan smells strong. Wrap it well before it goes in your luggage.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.