Port Guide | Malaysia | Worth a Wander
Bintulu
David Nakamura | Editor
Published on 2025-09-05
Stepping off your floating condominium and onto the sun-baked docks of Bintulu, Malaysia, you might momentarily doubt your itinerary choice-after all, the place is still shaking off an industrial hangover from decades of oil and gas hustle. But scratch beneath its pragmatic exterior, and you'll discover an off-beat charm hidden in plain sight: a coastal city whose obscure claim to international fame is hosting the world's largest liquefied natural gas complex (we can't all have the Eiffel Tower, can we?) juxtaposed against beaches that belong in travel brochures and gastronomic pleasures that redefine seafood-think freshly grilled prawns as big as your fist, casually devoured in humble seaside stalls. Welcome to Borneo's overlooked port town, a laid-back gateway to prehistoric caves and rainforest adventures; spend your first afternoon soaking in the city's market stalls, savoring spicy street snacks, and coordinating your escape to the awe-inspiring Niah Caves, where 40,000-year-old human remains once casually disrupted anthropological textbooks.
Malaysia has 8 Travel Advisories
Stay up to day with regional travel advisories.
Notes from the Editor
Bintulu is known for its beautiful beaches and seafood cuisine. It's also a gateway to Bintulu's natural attractions like the Niah Caves.
Where do cruise ships dock in Bintulu?
Port Name Bintulu
Country Malaysia
Region Southeast Asia
Ship Terminal Bintulu Port
Port Type Commercial port with dedicated cruise facilities
Accessibility Approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) from the city center, accessible by taxis and local transportation.
What's the weather like in Bintulu?
Best Season to Visit November to March (dry season)
Climate Tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high humidity and temperatures.
Weather Notes The dry season has less rain, making it ideal for cruising. There's a risk of occasional storms in the area.
Temperature Range 75F to 90F (24C to 32C)
High Temp 95F
Low Temp 70F
Average Temp 83F
What do I need to know about Bintulu?
Language Malay (Bahasa Malaysia)
Currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population Approx. 200,000
Timezone Malaysia Standard Time (GMT+8)
How do I get around Bintulu?
Taxis, car rentals, and local buses are available for transit.
What are The Best Things to do in Bintulu?
Discover what you should do while you're in Bintulu.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Bintulu Night Market
Bintulu Central, Jalan Commerce
Experience local cuisine, handicrafts, and bustling nightlife.
Distance from Terminal: 1.3 miles
Belanum Crocodile Farm
Jalan Bintulu-Miri
Home to indigenous crocodiles and a learning center about local wildlife.
Distance from Terminal: 17.6 miles
Sarawak Pepper Farm Tour
Outskirts of Bintulu (exact address N/A)
Visit local farms and learn about Sarawak's famous pepper cultivation.
Distance from Terminal: 9.3 miles
Sarawak Laksa Tasting
Various eateries in Bintulu (exact address N/A)
Taste authentic Laksa, an iconic Sarawak dish.
Distance from Terminal: 1 miles
Traditional Sago Production Tour
Local rural farms (exact address N/A)
Learn about traditional methods of sago harvest and production.
Distance from Terminal: 16.8 miles
Durian Plantation Visit
Local plantations (exact address N/A)
Tour and tasting at a Durian plantation, Southeast Asia's king of fruits.
Distance from Terminal: 10.2 miles
Local Snack Cooking Class
Community centers (exact address N/A)
Join locals to learn cooking traditional Bintulu snacks and dishes.
Distance from Terminal: 1.9 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Similajau National Park
Jalan Similajau
Stunning coastal rainforest with trekking and turtle spotting possibilities.
Distance from Terminal: 15.4 miles
Niah Cave Exploration
Niah National Park
Exploration of prehistoric caves and ancient rock paintings.
Distance from Terminal: 80.6 miles
River Cruise on Kemena River
Kemena River Jetty
Take a leisurely cruise showcasing local wildlife, mangrove ecosystems, and traditional villages.
Distance from Terminal: 1.1 miles
Bird-Watching Expedition
Outskirts of Bintulu (exact address N/A)
Spot exotic birds endemic to Borneo rainforests.
Distance from Terminal: 12.4 miles
Bintulu Promenade Coastal Walk
Jalan Tanjung Batu
Walk along beautifully maintained coastal pathway with regional sculptures and views.
Distance from Terminal: 1.4 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Kampung Jepak Fishing Village
Kampung Jepak
Traditional fishing village showcasing local lifestyle and boat-making.
Distance from Terminal: 2.5 miles
Attend Local Cultural Performance
Dewan Suarah Bintulu
Experience traditional performances depicting indigenous stories and dances.
Distance from Terminal: 0.9 miles
Overnight Trips
Jungle Stay at Sebauh
Sebauh, Bintulu rural area
Overnight jungle experiences in traditional longhouses.
Distance from Terminal: 22.7 miles
A Little Extra
Borneo Sunset Viewing at Pantai Tanjung Batu
Tanjung Batu Road
Witness spectacular tropical sunsets unique to Borneo waters.
Distance from Terminal: 2.2 miles
Seafood Feast at Riverside Stall
Jalan Abang Galau
Enjoy fresh seafood caught daily, cooked in local style.
Distance from Terminal: 0.6 miles
Malaysia Regional Tip
Halal Most local Malay eateries serve halal food; look for halal certification prominently displayed. Non-halal ingredients are prevalent, especially in Chinese cuisines, so when in doubt, politely inquire 'Ini halal?'