Things to See In Bintulu
Sarawak

Welcome to my review of Things to See In Bintulu.

Until the 1960s Bintulu was little more than a fishing village. Then came the discovery of offshore oil and gas reserves and Bintulu has since developed into a major container port and manufacturing town. Most of the industry is centred around Tanjung Kidurong and further afield at Samalaju Industrial Park. The main commercial and residential centre of Bintulu still retains a relaxed feel but there is not a huge amount for tourists to see.

Having said that, Bintulu does have a few attractions as I found out on a recent visit. Here are some of the things to see in Bintulu:

Sandy beach at Pantai Tanjung Batu Bintulu

Pantai Tanjung Batu Bintulu

This is a popular sandy beach area with picnic spots, a camping site, a food court, a playground and plenty of trees. Boys were standing waist deep in the water and fishing here, ignoring the beware of crocodile signs.

Sambar deer at Bintulu Taman Tumbina Zoo

Bintulu Taman Tumbina Zoo

A spacious and verdant botanical and zoological garden in the prettiest corner of town. See my review.

Too hot now that so many trees have been chopped down.

Taman Tasik Muhibbah

Near the Bintulu stadium is a boardwalk surrounding a small lake. Potentially a nice area but it needs repair.

Bridge named after a former Chief Minister of Sarawak

Jambatan Tun Taib Mahmud

This impressive suspension bridge spans the Kemena River. It is illuminated with coloured lights at night.

Where the river meets the sea

Bintulu Waterfront - Kemena River

This landscaped walkway follows the river bank until it merges with the sea. Popular with anglers.

Lasar Kenyalang

Lasar Kenyalang

The old Bintulu airport runway area has been landscaped and made into a park with outdoor gym equipment, electric scooters, jogging paths and a globe-shaped monument.

About to rain at Bintang Esplanade

Bintulu Esplanade

This is a wide paved area with a stage suitable for parades, cultural activities etc.

This dog seems too gentle to be a guard dog

Riverside

All along the river are a number of jetties, fishing boats, stilted houses and wharfs. Nice riverfront views here.

Vegetable Market

Market Pasar Utama Bintulu

There are two large covered market buildings here selling the usual range of fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, dried goods etc. A must visit for market lovers.

One of Sarawak's many Tua Pek Kong temples

Bintulu Tua Pek Kong Temple

Opposite the Esplanade is this colourful and historic Taoist temple.

Tugu Council Negri Sarawak

Monument Council of State

This clock tower monument commemorates the centenary of the first meeting of the Council Negri of Sarawak held at this site on 8th September 1867.

Pusat Falak Bintulu

Bintulu Astronomy Centre

This is an Islamic observatory for sighting the new moon to determine the start of Ramadhan, Eid Fitr etc. and to advance astronomical knowledge in general.

Assyakirin Mosque

Assyakirin Mosque

A peaceful mosque with a distinctive folded blue dome and a standalone minaret.

Location of Things to See In Bintulu

Most of the places mentioned in this review can be found on this map.

Nearby Attractions

Similajau National Park (temporarily closed)

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AUTHOR BIO

David (the one on the left) is the writer behind Malaysia Traveller, sharing first-hand travel advice from over five decades of living and travelling across Asia and the Middle East. Based in Malaysia since 2009 and now in Kuching, he has published over 790 pages on this website, personally visited every place he covers, and uses only his own photos. Readers can learn more on his About Me page. He also shares updates on Facebook and YouTube. He loves uncovering overlooked places that even some Malaysians have never visited.