Exploring awesome Sarawak and wondering how to go from Sibu to Bintulu? We can help!
Bintulu and Sibu are major cities on your way along the coastal area of Sarawak. If you are exploring Sarawak, you are likely to pass through both. They also have their own range of attractions to visit while you are there and some great national parks and wilderness areas to explore.
While it’s not far to travel to Bintulu from Sibu, this journey can seem complicated – at least until you take it step-by-step. It’s actually quite straightforward with many people taking this trip every day.
Below, I break down exactly how to get from Sibu to Bintulu so you know exactly what you need to do, when, whether you are looking for a Sibu to Bintulu bus or a flight Sibu to Bintulu option. This way, you will be in paradise as quick as possible!
I also describe the reverse journey from Bintulu to Sibu.
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Contents
Map: Sibu To Bintulu
The following map shows the most direct Sibu Bintulu overland route.
The Sibu to Bintulu distance is around 212 kilometres and driving the Sibu to Bintulu road takes around 3.25 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
BEST OPTION: How To Go From Sibu To Bintulu
The quickest and easiest option for travelling from Sibu to Bintulu is to take a private taxi or drive yourself in a hire car. You can also fly quickly.
The cheapest option is to take a bus.
Here’s a summary of your options:
| Mode of transport | Duration | Best For? | Book |
| Flight | 3 hours | People who like the quickest option | Book here |
| Bus | 5.25 hours | People who want the cheapest option | Book here |
| Car | 3.25 hours | People who are happy to hire a car or who like to stop along the way | Book here |
| Taxi | 3.25 hours | Anyone who wants the easiest and most straightforward way to get between Sibu and Bintulu |
Option 1: Sibu To Bintulu Flight
Even though Sibu and Bintulu are so close, there is a daily MASWing Sibu to Bintulu flight. MASWing is the regional carrier for Malaysia Airlines.
The flight time is a quick 35 minutes with prices starting at RM180. Of course, the price can vary widely depending on when you book and when you are travelling. Booking far ahead is the best way to get the best price.
The Sibu to Bintulu flight schedule is currently once a day around 3pm. Both airports are around 20 kilometres from the centres. A Grab taxi is your best way to get to and from them.
Click here to see the prices for your dates.
Note that this flight can be seasonal. It’s best to click on the link above and check that the flight is running on your dates.
Option 2: Bus From Sibu To Bintulu
Buses are a great option to travel between Sibu and Bintulu.
They run throughout the morning, evening and night but there is a lack of afternoon options in the Sibu to Bintulu bus schedule. I recommend you book ahead to ensure you have your preferred time. How many buses there are really depends on the time of year as well.
Some bus lines that run on this route are Freesia Express, EVA Express, Lanang Express and Sungei Merah Express.
The Sibu to Bintulu bus time is just over four hours. Ticket prices start at RM28.
I took the Lanang Express bus. It was nowhere near as nice as buses in Peninsular Malaysia. The front few rows had three seats across and a lot more space. This is what I booked, but I ended up on a different bus and my seat had to change to one further back where there are four seats across.
My seat didn’t recline properly and the ride was very bumpy.
The upside is that the bus only dropped off and picked up people on the side of the main highway. It had one stop on the way so we could use the toilet and have a snack or get a drink.
Buses depart from the main bus stations in each city. These are both about a ten-minute taxi trip from the centre of town. A Grab taxi is your best option but give yourself plenty of time. I tried to get a Grab at 7:30am in Bintulu and it took nearly half an hour before one showed up.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices now.
Option 3: Sibu To Bintulu By Car
It’s an easy drive between Sibu and Bintulu as this is a major highway. It only takes about 3.25 hours and it is easy to drive yourself. However note that there are a lot of roadworks on this main highway at the moment that look set to continue for awhile yet.
It’s not a big deal but can slow things down.
You are basically taking the AH150 the whole way.
Click here to read more about driving in Malaysia or click here to see car rental prices.
Option 4: Sibu To Bintulu By Taxi
An even easier option is to hire a private taxi to take you between the two cities. You may be able to get one starting at RM400.
However, finding a driver can be the trickier part. You can try local agencies which are likely to cost more or ask any taxi/Grab driver you have while exploring Sibu. You can also try at your hotel.
This will take around 3.25 hours as well and allows you to arrive at your destination all fresh and ready to go.
Bintulu To Sibu
Travelling Bintulu Sibu is just as easy as the other way round. Simply pick your transport option above and reverse the directions.
Flights depart Bintulu for Sibu at around 8am daily. However, it can stop running in the monsoon season. It takes 35 minutes.
You can find the latest Bintulu to Sibu flight options here.
You can also take a direct bus. In this direction, buses run mostly in the afternoon and evening, but it does really depend on the time of year that you are travelling.
Click here for the latest Bintulu to Sibu bus schedules and prices.
You can also hire a car or a private taxi to get you there.
Final Words
Exploring Sarawak is a rewarding and awesome holiday with so many cool places to go and visit. But, of course, you can’t enjoy them until you get to them!
It’s easy to fly, bus or drive between Sibu and Bintulu. Flying and driving take around the same length of time once you include airport formalities and getting to and from airports.
Buses are slower but cheaper and convenient.
I hope you found this guide to how to travel from Sibu to Bintulu useful. Check out all the best things to do in Bintulu here and all the best hotels here. You can also find our complete travel guide to Sibu here and Bintulu here. You can also read about how to get from Sibu to Kuching here and Sibu to Miri here.
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!
