Making the most of Bintulu
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth within a large industrial zone. Many passengers join an excursion to Simalajau National Park, roughly 30 minutes from central Bintulu, where attractive beaches include nesting sites for green turtles.
Bintulu is a coastal town and the administrative centre of the Bintulu District, covering 7,220.4 square kilometres within Sarawak’s Bintulu Division. It lies about 650 kilometres from Kuching and around 215 kilometres from both Sibu and Miri.
The old centre of Bintulu is reasonably pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of traffic signals for people on foot, though it offers relatively little to see or do.
Money
Malaysia uses the ringgit.
ATMs are readily available in cities, but obtain enough cash before travelling to smaller islands or jungle areas. Cards work in most hotels, shops and restaurants, although skimming can occur at less reputable businesses.
Malaysia does not normally expect tips, though hotel porters and taxi drivers appreciate a small amount for exceptional service. Expensive restaurants, bars and hotels may show a price such as RM19++, indicating that sales tax of 5% and a service charge of 10% will be added.
Staying connected
Malay, or Bahasa Malaysia, is Malaysia’s only official language. English is taught in schools and spoken widely in urban areas, although some Malay is valuable in rural places.
Most hotels offer broadband internet, while some restaurants and cafés give customers free Wi-Fi. Cable and wireless broadband are available, including hotspots at Starbucks and McDonalds.
For every type of emergency, call 999. From a mobile phone, use 999 or 112.
Opening Hours and
In major cities, shops generally open from 10.30am until 9.30pm. Trading begins and finishes earlier in rural areas and smaller towns.