Bintulu, Malaysia

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Bintulu, Malaysia

Region: Sarawak


Geographic Coordinates: 3.170000, 113.030000
Temperature Range: 24.0°C to 32.0°C (75°F to 90°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, with occasional typhoons during the rainy season.
Population: 114058
Language: Malay

Bintulu is a coastal town located in the northern region of Sarawak, Malaysia. The town is situated approximately 650 kilometers from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and 215 kilometers from Kuching, The state capital. Bintulu has a population of around 200, 000 people and is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural resources. One of the main attractions in Bintulu is its beautiful beaches. The town has several stunning beaches that are perfect for swimming, Sunbathing, And water sports activities such as snorkeling and diving.

One of the most popular beaches in Bintulu is Tanjung Batu Beach which offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea. Another attraction that draws visitors to Bintulu is its vibrant food scene. The town boasts an array of local delicacies such as Sarawak laksa, Kolo mee (noodles), Rojak (fruit salad), And satay (grilled meat skewers). Visitors can also sample fresh seafood at one of the many seafood restaurants located along the coast. Bintulu’s economy primarily relies on its natural resources including oil, Gas, Timber products, Palm oil plantations and fishing industries.

Visitors can learn more about these industries by visiting some of Bintulu’s industrial areas such as Samalaju Industrial Park or exploring nearby forests by taking guided tours with local companies. For those interested in history or culture, Bintulu has several museums worth visiting such as Tua Pek Kong Temple Museum which showcases Chinese artifacts or Similajau National Park Visitor Centre which provides information about local flora and fauna. There are also several traditional longhouses where visitors can experience rural life firsthand while learning about indigenous cultures like Iban or Orang Ulu tribes.

nature lovers will appreciate Bintulu’s lush rainforests which offer opportunities to hike through pristine jungle trails with stunning views over riverside waterfalls like the Batu Lawi waterfall. Visitors can also go on river cruises to explore the mangrove forests and spot wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, Crocodiles, And various bird species. Bintulu offers a unique blend of natural beauty, Cultural heritage and industrial development that makes it an interesting destination for travelers seeking diverse experiences in Malaysia.

Whether you’re interested in exploring pristine beaches or learning about local industries like oil and gas production, There is something for everyone in Bintulu.



Important Landmarks

  1. Similajau National Park
  2. Taman Tumbina Bintulu
  3. Tanjung Batu Beach
  4. Bintulu Promenade
  5. Pasar Utama Bintulu (Central Market)
  6. Kidurong Tower
  7. Bukit Kuda Recreation Park
  8. Assyakirin Commerce Square Mall
  9. The Old Mosque of Bintulu
  10. Bintulu Paragon Mall

Primary Industries

  1. Oil and Gas Industry: Bintulu is home to Petronas, which operates Malaysia’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal. This industry also involves upstream exploration and production activities.
  2. Manufacturing Industry: The city has a significant manufacturing sector that includes wood processing, palm oil refining, fertilizers production, steel fabrication, and shipbuilding.
  3. Agriculture Industry: Bintulu’s agriculture industry comprises oil palm plantations that produce crude palm oil (CPO) and rubber plantations that produce latex for glove manufacturing.
  4. Fishing Industry: Located on the coast of Malaysia, Bintulu’s fishing industry plays an essential role in the city’s economy.
  5. Tourism Industry: With its natural attractions like Similajau National Park and beaches such as Tanjung Batu Beach, tourism is an emerging industry in Bintulu.
  6. Retail Business: As a growing city with over 200,000 people residing there, numerous retail businesses operate in the area such as shopping malls & supermarkets etc., serving both locals & tourists alike.
  7. Construction Industry: Due to its rapid development pace, Construction market is also booming here, which includes housing projects, commercial buildings etc.

Noteable History

  1. The arrival of the Brooke family in Bintulu in 1861 marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Sarawak.
  2. The construction of Bintulu Port in 1975 transformed the town into a major hub for timber and oil exports.
  3. In 1978, the establishment of Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) oversaw rapid development of Bintulu as an industrial center.
  4. The discovery of natural gas reserves off the coast of Bintulu in 1969 led to development Malaysia’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant.
  5. Notable people associated with Bintulu include Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, a businessman and politician who served as Member Parliament for Bintulu from 2004 to 2018; Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, former Deputy Chief Minister and Minister Industrial Development Sarawak born and raised in Bintulu.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Tua Pek Kong Temple is a Chinese temple situated in the heart of Bintulu.
  2. Similajau National Park is a protected rainforest area with stunning beaches and wildlife.
  3. Bintulu Promenade is a waterfront park that offers scenic views of the South China Sea.
  4. Tanjung Batu Beach is a famous beach for swimming, picnicking, and watching sunsets.
  5. Niah National Park houses the renowned Niah Caves that contain prehistoric artifacts and human remains.
  6. Bintulu Regional Museum showcases exhibits on the history and culture of local communities in Sarawak.
  7. Kidurong Tower was an oil rig tower converted into an observation deck providing panoramic views of Bintulu town.
  8. Pasar Utama Bintulu (Central Market) is a bustling market selling fresh produce, seafood, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
  9. Bakun Dam stands as one of Malaysia’s largest hydroelectric dams located 50 km from Bintulu town.
  10. Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a nature reserve that houses various species such as hornbills, gibbons, macaques & more!


Sports Teams

  1. Football (soccer)
  2. Badminton
  3. Hockey
  4. Sepak takraw (a traditional Southeast Asian sport)
  5. Rugby Union

Bintulu is also known for its water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling due to its proximity to the South China Sea.

If you need more specific information about sports teams and their histories in Bintulu, it’s best to consult local sources or search online for up-to-date information.



Cultural Events

  1. Borneo International Kite Festival is an annual event held in August that showcases kite flying competitions and cultural performances.
  2. Bintulu Regatta is a boat race event that takes place during the Malaysian Independence Day celebrations in August.
  3. Borneo Jazz Festival is a music festival featuring both local and international jazz artists, usually held in May.
  4. Bintulu Fishing Festival is a fishing competition that occurs every year between September or October.
  5. The Chinese New Year Celebration is celebrated by the local Chinese community with vibrant decorations, lion dances, and traditional food.
  6. Gawai Dayak Festival honors the harvest season and celebrates the indigenous Dayak people of Sarawak, typically occurring in June.
  7. Malaysia Day Celebration commemorates the formation of Malaysia on 16th September 1963 with parades and cultural performances.
  8. Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Festival) uniquely celebrates Rajang River’s natural phenomenon of tidal bore waves which occur twice each month during full moon or new moon periods from June to September every year.

Note: Due to COVID-19 pandemic many events might have been cancelled or postponed until further notice so it is advisable to check before planning to attend any such events/festivals mentioned above.


Cuisine

  • Ikan Bakar Bintulu is a well-known seafood restaurant that specializes in grilled fish.
  • Kueh Chap is a traditional Sarawakian dish made with flat rice noodles and pork broth, often served with braised pork belly and other meats.
  • Nasi Lemak Bintulu is a classic Malaysian breakfast dish consisting of coconut rice, sambal chili sauce, fried anchovies and peanuts, cucumber slices, and boiled egg.
  • Kampung Jepak Food Court is an outdoor food court that offers various local dishes such as satay skewers, laksa soup noodles, and rojak fruit salad.
  • Restoran Sri Payung serves Indian-Muslim cuisine such as biryanis, curries, tandoori chicken and other North Indian specialties.
  • Ah Hock Kopitiam is a popular coffee shop chain throughout Malaysia known for their strong kopi-o (black coffee) and toasted bread with kaya (coconut jam).
  • Top Spot Seafood Centre is another bustling seafood market featuring fresh catches from the South China Sea that can be cooked to order at one of the many restaurants on site.
  • Chai Hong Restaurant & Cafe located in the town center near Taman Millenium park serves Chinese-Malaysian cuisine like noodle soups such as beef ball noodle soup or pork rib noodle soup along with stir-fried dishes like black pepper beef or sweet & sour fish fillet.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Taman Millenium Bintulu is a well-known park that boasts jogging tracks, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
    2. Similajau National Park is a nature reserve that provides hiking trails, beaches, and opportunities to view wildlife.
    3. Tanjung Batu Beach is an attractive beach area with water sports activities such as jet skiing and banana boat rides.
    4. Kidurong Tower is an observation tower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
    5. Bintulu Promenade Park is situated on the waterfront and includes walking paths, fishing spots, and outdoor exercise equipment.
    6. Pasar Tamu Bintulu is a local market where you can buy fresh produce and handicrafts.
    7. Taman Tumbina Bintulu features exotic species such as tigers, crocodiles, and birds of prey in an animal park setting.
    8. Samalaju Resort Beach Club provides swimming pools, restaurants, kayaking facilities as well as paddleboarding options for water sports enthusiasts.

    Suitcase

    Enjoy The Journey.


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