Pack your bag now because redBus will lead you to an exciting journey of discovering the hidden gems in Bintulu. The perfect cityscape for workaholics to reconnect with nature and catch the rhythm of peace.
As the Visit Malaysia Year is approaching, authorities have made major glow-up efforts to let Bintulu shine the brightest in the Land of Hornbills. This is literally the true beauty moment for Sarawak.
Eco-Adventures Beyond Ordinary
Tucked between rainforests and the South China Sea, Bintulu offers a rare blend of wild beauty and biodiversity that’s fast becoming a draw for eco-conscious travellers.
Just half an hour from town, Similajau National Park unfolds over a mosaic of beaches, mangroves, and rare tropical forest.
Adventurers can trek to Golden Beach’s sweeping sands, spot the Sarawak langur, gibbons, and over 185 bird species.
To boost your adrenaline, you can join local river cruises that reveal nocturnal estuarine crocodiles and seasonal turtle nesting.
The surrounding mangrove ecosystems play a vital role in coastal conservation, such as beaches, dunes, coral reefs, and many more.
To top it off, this spot protects precious medicinal plants and firefly habitats. Tourists also get hands-on lessons in caring for nature while picking up traditional fishing tricks.
Did You Know? From March to September, green sea turtles quietly return to Similajau’s beaches to nest. This seasonal event adds to Bintulu’s charm as an eco-tourism gem.
A Sanctuary for Living Traditions
Beyond its natural wonders, Bintulu’s heartbeat is best felt in its vibrant Pasar Tamu market, historic temples, and diverse festivals.
The town’s identity is shaped by Melanau, Iban, Malay, and Chinese traditions, flowing through daily life and colorful gatherings.
Among the most iconic is the Borneo International Kite Festival, held every September. It is a dazzling spectacle that draws thousands of visitors and transforms the town’s skies into a canvas of colour and creativity.
This year’s edition welcomed 160 kite flyers from 29 countries, including first-time participants from Haiti, Macau (China), and Tamil Nadu (India).
This festival not only uplifts small businesses and artisans but also showcases the warmth and hospitality Bintulu is known for.
Fun Fact: According to redBus, travel to and from Bintulu during September 2025 increased by 14% increase compared to the same month last year (on the company platform). It is a testament to the town’s growing cultural pull and improved connectivity.
Path to Hidden Treasures of Sarawak
Bintulu, strategically located along Sarawak’s central coastline, serves as a gateway to lesser-known destinations like Mukah, Belaga, and the remote upriver settlements of the Rajang.
These places remain largely untouched by mass tourism, offering a glimpse of authentic and serene experiences.
Just a few hours away, Mukah offers a deeper dive into Melanau heritage. At the Mukah Kaul Festival Site on Kala Dana Beach, rituals, performances, and community gatherings celebrate the sea’s bounty and ancestral traditions.
As infrastructure improves from upgraded highways to regional airports and eco-lodges, Bintulu is quietly transforming into an immersive and off-grid experience.
Youthful Travel Surge & Easy Access with redBus
Bintulu is no longer just a quiet coastal town. It’s becoming one of Sarawak’s most sought-after towns.
Road improvements and regional transport upgrades have made travel to Bintulu much easier. Hence, digital platforms like redBus also allow convenient online bus ticket booking.
Students and adults actively use the most popular routes linking Bintulu with Miri, Sibu, and Kuching to head off for study or commuting for work.
RedBus has strengthened its role as a key transport link by partnering with Damri to launch a Brunei–Bintulu route. This new connection expands cross-border travel and creates fresh opportunities for regional tourism.
RedBus now offers over 30 routes to and from Bintulu. Between January and October 2025, nearly 20,000 passengers were recorded. Notably, travellers aged 18–36 make up 79% of all passengers, highlighting a growing youth interest in exploring coastal Sarawak.
This new wave of connectivity is helping travellers rediscover Bintulu’s charm, a place where nature, culture, and community come together.
Whether you’re tracing Sarawak’s coastline, venturing deeper inland, or beginning a cross-border journey from Brunei, Bintulu is your perfect starting point to see a different side of Borneo.
