Bintulu, Sarawak
UN/LOCODE MYBTU · Malaysia
Shore leave
Bintulu, on the Sarawak coast of Malaysian Borneo, is a specialised LNG and chemical/petrochemical export port — one of the world's busiest LNG terminals. Shore leave is granted under the standard Malaysian procedure. Welfare provision is more limited than at Port Klang — Bintulu is a smaller town with fewer services. Most crew use Bintulu as a fuelling stop, not a tourist visit.
Walking distance and transit
Bintulu town is 15-20 minutes from the port by agent van. The town has a small commercial centre with the basics. The wider Borneo destinations require flights.
Essentials
ATMs: Maybank, CIMB, RHB in the town centreMoney changers: limited; bring cardsHospital: Bintulu Hospital (public), Columbia Asia Hospital Bintulu (private)Prayer rooms: town has surau in the central mall + Masjid Assyakirin BintuluHalal food: ubiquitous — same Malaysian default as Port KlangSupermarket: Servay, Sing Kwong, smaller AEON in townSIM card: same Malaysian options as Port Klang
Seafarer tips
Do: confirm with agent before going far — Bintulu is a small town and rides back to the port may be limited at night. Don't: wander into the LNG terminal restricted areas. Watch for: weather in the Sarawak coast can deteriorate quickly during the northeast monsoon (Oct-Mar); crew-change flight delays are common in that period.
See also
- · Full port record — Bintulu, Sarawak — timezone, currency, welfare, PSC.
- · Other port crew guides
- · Crew-change hubs directory
Last verified: 2026-06-29