Bintulu

The cruise ship will dock in a large industrial area. Most cruisers will take a tour to Simalajau National Park, about 30 minutes away from Bintulu town center. This small national park has pretty beaches, some where green turtles lay eggs.

Bintulu is a coastal town, and the capital of Bintulu District (7,220.4 square kilometers) in the Bintulu Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is about 650 kilometers from Kuching and about 215 kilometers from either Sibu or Miri.

Bintulu old town is quite pedestrian-friendly with lots of traffic lights served for pedestrians. However, there is not much to see or to do.

The Malaysian currency is the ringgit.

ATMs are widely available in cities, but do stock up on cash if heading out into the smaller islands or the jungle. Credit cards can be used in most shops, restaurants and hotels, although skimming can be a problem in dodgier outlets.

Tipping is not customary in Malaysia. However, hotel porters and taxi drivers will appreciate a small tip if you have been provided with exemplary service. Most expensive restaurants, bars and hotels may indicate prices in the form of RM19++, meaning that sales tax (5%) and service charge (10%) will be added to the bill.

The sole official language of Malaysia is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). English is also taught in schools and widely spoken in the cities although in rural areas a little Malay will come in handy.

Broadband Internet is available in most hotels, cafes which offer free WiFi for customers, and some restaurants and cafes. Both cable broadband and wireless broadband (available in hot spots areas such as Starbucks and McDonalds) are available.

Emergency numbers All type of emergency 999; From mobile phone - 999 or 112

In general shops open from 10.30am till 9.30pm in the large cities. They open and close for business earlier in the smaller towns and rural areas.