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Bintulu, Malaysia

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,230
Retiree Score
53.0
Safety Index
78.2
Healthcare
4 facilities

With a population of just 114,058, Bintulu is no glittering metropolis. This sleepy coastal town in central Sarawak is centered around the Malaysian national oil and gas company Petronas, which operates a massive LNG complex here producing 25.7 million tonnes per year. The local economy has expanded into wood processing, palm plantations, and cement manufacturing, but the rural-urban migration has led to a rise in squatter settlements and illegal immigration that the government is struggling to address. Bintulu's tropical climate sees a whopping 3,750 mm of rainfall annually, and the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. This town is best suited for those drawn to Malaysia's energy sector or lush natural landscapes, but not for the faint of heart.

Can I afford Bintulu?

$

Bintulu

You could save

1,770/mo

Savings Rate59%

Monthly Costs

Rent $550
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$680

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
59/100
Retiree Score
(i)
53/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
60/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
78
Safety
4
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$4
Meal (Mid-range) $83
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $63
Mobile Plan (mo) $33
Gym (mo) *$70
Cinema Ticket $5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $330
1BR Outside (mo) *$165
3BR Center (mo) $630
3BR Outside (mo) *$281

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Bintulu Town Centre, Kidurong, Tanjong Batu
Best For
LNG and energy professionals, engineers, oil and gas workers

Expat Life Notes

Bintulu is a rapidly growing industrial city in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, the centre of Malaysia's LNG (liquefied natural gas) industry. MLNG plant workers, engineers, and support staff form the expat base.

Pros

  • ✓ High LNG industry salaries
  • ✓ Tax benefits in Sarawak
  • ✓ Growing modern amenities

Cons

  • ✗ Remote Borneo location
  • ✗ Humid tropical climate
  • ✗ Limited cultural scene

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
4484 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Bintulu

Click any question to expand the answer.

Bintulu has a population of approximately 114,058 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,375 per month in Bintulu, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $550/month.

The nearest airport to Bintulu is BWN, approximately 287km away.

Bintulu is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 78.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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