Bintulu has a modern deepwater port — cruise ships berth at the commercial port area, with the town centre and waterfront about 2 km away.
💡 Pro move: Bintulu is primarily an LNG and industrial port, not a dedicated cruise terminal — signage is limited. Confirm shuttle or taxi arrangements with your cruise line before disembarking.
Cruise ships berth at Bintulu Port's deepwater commercial wharf on the Kemena River estuary.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Bintulu Port commercial berth, Kemena River📍 | Docked |
| Small expedition ships | Same berth or outer anchorage depending on size📍 | Docked |
Bintulu punches above its size — a pristine national park with turtle beaches, a real fishing village, and markets packed with Sarawak specialties are all within reach.
About 30 km north of town, Similajau protects 7,000 ha of coastal rainforest and some of Sarawak's most untouched beaches. Turtle Beach and Golden Beach are the highlights — jungle trails thread through dipterocarp forest, and guides regularly spot gibbons, hornbills, and saltwater crocodiles along the river mouth.
Find Similajau tours →Stroll the Kemena River promenade past the Council Negeri Monument — the spot where Sarawak's first State Legislative Assembly met in 1867. Duck into Pasar Utama and Pasar Tamu for local belacan (shrimp paste), cincaluk, fresh seafood, and Sarawak kek lapis layer cakes.
Book a Bintulu walking tour →A motorboat cruise up the Sebauh River, inland from Bintulu, offers chances to spot long-tailed macaques, kingfishers, hornbills, and possibly crocodiles along the forested riverbanks and village waterways. Local guides run half-day trips — a good alternative if Similajau is sold out or time is tight.
Find river cruise tours →A short drive across the Kemena River estuary, this traditional Malay fishing village is where Bintulu's famous belacan shrimp paste is still made by hand. Watch fish drying on racks, chat with fishermen, and pick up the real thing direct from producers.
Arrange a Kampung Jepak visit →Bintulu's hilltop botanical and zoological park overlooks the South China Sea. The grounds mix tropical orchids and native plants with a modest zoo featuring crocodiles and pythons. The hilltop viewpoint gives a sweeping panorama — a decent half-hour stop on a town day.
Find Taman Tumbina tours →The Bintulu Waterfront is the most rewarding walk — flat, shaded at times, and bookended by history and local food.
Follow the paved promenade along the Kemena River from the Council Negeri Monument past colourful fishing boats to the old Tua Pek Kong Chinese temple. Morning is best — fishermen are active and the market vendors are setting up. End at Pasar Utama for a Sarawak laksa breakfast.
A short taxi ride south of town, Tanjung Batu is Bintulu's main public beach — a mix of rocky outcrops and sandy stretches with basic facilities. Good for a swim, a stroll, and catching a sea breeze between the town itinerary and heading back to the ship.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 84°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 29 |
| Feb | 84°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 24 |
| Mar | 85°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 26 |
| Apr | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 26 |
| May | 87°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | 26 |
| Jun | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 24 |
| Jul | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 23 |
| Aug | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 26 |
| Sep | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 25 |
| Oct | 85°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 28 |
| Nov | 85°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 29 |
| Dec | 84°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 29 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.