Ex UiTM Students Reunion
Jun 29, 2008 Uncategorized
Mr Peter Abon and friends is organizing sort of re-union for ex-UiTM (Universiti Teknologi Mara) students. This is not the first reunion though, as similar event already been held last year in Miri. However, this year Ex-UiTM in Bintulu is given the honour to organize the reunion. 
Tentatively the date is on 16th August 2008, at Highland Restaurant, Parkcity. If you’re ex-UiTM you’re most welcome to join in the gathering at only RM35 per head.
Any query, do contact individuals listed below:
- Bintulu -Mr. Peter Abon – 0128712993, Mr. James – 0198747943 Madam Inoi – 0198553702
- Miri – Mr Pasang Muli – 0162223618
- Sibu – Mr Andrew Bukoh – 0198883285
- Kuching – Mr Kubu Jenggi – 0168975795
Mr. Christopher Danan – 0168934309 - Kuala Lumpur – Mr Stephen Dinggai – 0198853956
- Mukah – Mr Solomon Kumbong – 0138043237
- Kapit – Mr George Stanley – 0194440574.
Check the website as well – Ex-UiTM Student Re-Union 2008.
24 good budget hotels or motels to spend your night Bintulu
Jun 29, 2008 Uncategorized
There are few budget hotels in Bintulu that offer safe, clean place for travelers to spend the night in Bintulu. Check our review of places to stay in Bintulu for details. Here is additional list of 24 budget hotels / motels in Bintulu.
Partially hidden in the photo is Royal inn, Sunlight Inn and National Inn. These are some of the budget hotels in down town Bintulu.
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60) 86-317204AA Inn and Welcome Inn. AA Inn recently underwent some refurbishment work. Both budget hotels located right in the midle of Bintulu town center
Updated : July 28, 2008
If you’re first time visitors, please also check out this Bintulu map
Bintulu Bridal Fair 2008
Jun 28, 2008 Uncategorized
This is probably the first Bridal Fair organized in Bintulu? Well – what do you expect. Being a small town, Bintulu only has it first mall as recent as December 2007! However the fair which officially open today attracted quiet a crowd.
The opening ceremony of the fair. New World Suites GM Mr Keith Pointer on the left
Several bridal shops in town participate the fair and below are few photos from the parade they held tonight – started around 7.30 pm.
The fair was co-sponsored by New World Suites. For more photos check our flickr.
Bill Gates says goodbye to Microsoft
Jun 28, 2008 Uncategorized
Watch this pretty hilarious Bill Gates clip. He’s leaving Microsoft a company that give us the Windows, Office, Visual Studio etc.
It’s a rush to the gas station again in Bintulu
Jun 24, 2008 Uncategorized
It’s another rush to petrol station again! I begin to hate the fuel hike as it creates sort of uncertainties. Rumor of gas station strike, out of stock etc today, immediately resulted in long queue to top up the tank again!
Unfortunately, my camera wasn’t in tow today – although I often carry one each time I step out of my house. If the rumor proven to be true, then I will not going anywhere tomorrow.
4th floor guys take over Petronas and CEO will be replaced?
Jun 24, 2008 Uncategorized
Hassan Merican is probably feeling the ‘heat’ now that the fourth floor guys are looking for scapegoat for their blunder in advising PM to hike fuel prices recently. Hassan is being targeted although he had done a good job in steering the oil company for the past few years.
Remember KJ recently called for Petronas to make it account accessible to public scrutiny . But Che Det who said his job as Petronas Advisor is nothing more than a post box – sensed something when this SIL made the call.
Certain members of Parliament are focusing on Petronas, apparently trying to divert attention from Government over the thoughtless increase in oil prices. If I am not mistaken this is a prelude to appointing a 4th floor candidate as head of Petronas as they did when removing Tengku Mahaleel of Proton
Che Det believes it is also an attempt to blame him for ‘advising’ the Government on removing the subsidy. These greedy guys apparently want a share off the billion dollars in Petronas coffer!
Doom doom … be prepared for more hike once they got into Petronas.
BDA allowed exceptions to the rules?
Jun 23, 2008 General
Bintulu promenade (Bintulu Waterfront) is the latest multi-million ringgit beautification project undertaken by BDA to transform the town landscape. It’s a much welcome development.
In Bintulu, there are exceptions to the rule
If you look at the signboard erected at the entrance of the promenade, there are certain things you can’t do – eg, No fishing, no alcohol (no drinking session here), no hawker, and no motorcycle are allowed into the promenade area.
“I work here” therefore I’m above the rule
However, certain individual such as the guy on the above photo enjoyed certain immunity to these rules. When asked why is he allowed to ride motorcycle on the promenade area – he answered “saya bekerja disini” (I work here). Kinda wonder if BDA actually has an exception to rule?
“No fishing here – but look at what he’s doing?
There is “no fishing” signboard nearby but look at what this guy is doing?
Tags: Bintulu
Tips finding good places to stay in Bintulu
Jun 22, 2008 Uncategorized
Bintulu offers a wide choice of accommodation ranging from the suites hotel to the budget and affordable inns and hotels. So finding a place to sleep at night is definitely not a big deal.
New World Suites – is the newest star rated hotel in Bintulu that we highly recommended to business travelers and holiday makers
Star rated hotels / suites
Those who prefers comfort and pampering, can opt to stay at New World Suites, ParkCity Everly Hotel and Plaza Regency Hotel. New World Suites is the newest hotel in town, offering an all suite accommodation ranging from Royal suites to Deluxe rooms. The hotel is located at ParkCity commercial center – a vibrant new township near Tanjung Batu. At the door step of New World Suites is Bintulu biggest shopping mall – the ParkCity Mall.
A distant away from New World Suite is ParkCity Everly Hotel a 4 star rated hotel a preferred choice among business travelers. The hotel boast 228 outstanding rooms, tastefully decorated in simple elegance and furnished with modern-day conveniences which make it a restful haven for busy business and leisure travellers alike.
Budget hotel / accommodation
Apart from star rated hotels, there are plenty of budget hotels and inns with relatively clean and safe environment to choose from in Bintulu.
Hoover hotel locate at the town center offer affordable accommodation and ideal location
Below are list of hotels in Bintulu that charges as low as RM50+ per night to RM90+ per night.
Regent Hotel
Regent Hotel is located at Kemena Commercial Centre, in Tanjung Batu – about 15 minutes drive away from the town center. Taman Tumbina is about 10 minutes walk from the hotel. Ideal for family and those who drive their own car. Contact Regent Hotel at Tel: (60) 86-335511
Hoover Hotel
Hoover hotel (see above photo), Regent Hotel is own by the same owner – a well known local business man. Hoover hotel is located right in the middle of the town next to City Point shopping complex. For reservation call: (60) 86-337166.
Royal Inn
Royal Inn room rate start from RM69 for single bed, RM78.20 for double bed and RM82.90 for king size bed. The hotel is located in the middle of the town with easy access to coffeshop, foodstalls, and shopping complex – Center point. Tel: (60) 86-332166
Sunlight Inn
Sunlight Inn is next to Royal inn located in the middle of Bintulu town. Their room rate started at RM68 on the low and RM78 on the high – offering both single and double bed room. Call them at (60) 86-332577.
Note: For our recommended budget hotels and inns please contact us or email us at btuorg_at_gmail.com
Travel tips getting around Bintulu and beyond
Jun 22, 2008 Uncategorized
Bintulu is a coastal town with total population of less than 200,000 peoples. Administratively, Bintulu town is under the 9th Division (or Bintulu Division) of Sarawak, with size almost as big a Malacca (Melaka) state in peninsular. The town is about 650 kilometers from Kuching and about 215 kilometers from either Sibu or Miri. Bintulu Division consisted of two districts – Tatau district and Sebauh district and two smaller sub-district – Sangan and Tubau.
Bintulu old town aerial view with the old Bintulu airport on the left. Photo by Simon Sandi
How to get to Bintulu by plane? The main gateway to Bintulu for international travelers is via the Bintulu Airport, located about 25 km from the town center. Malaysia Airlines and Airasia are the only airlines servicing Bintulu-Kuala Lumpur route on daily basis. Domestic flights (within Sarawak and Sabah) is handled by MASWings (a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines) which took over the rural air service from FlyAsian Express (FAX) on October 1, 2007.
MASWings links Bintulu with other towns such as Mukah, Sibu, Miri, Kota Kinabalu and Belaga. International connections are not available since that Bintulu is not declared as an international airport. When checking in, note that all flights outside Sarawak are considered “international”, even if you’re only going elsewhere in Malaysia. A restaurant is located on ground floor at the lower ground and in the boarding hall.
Bintulu town is about 20 minutes away by taxi. Get your taxi coupon from the taxi stand just outside the arrival hall – at a fixed price of RM29.50. Currently, there are no buses feeder bus serving the airport to the town center. However, if you’re adventurous enough, about 1.5 km from the airport is the main highway where you can catch a bus (Bintulu-Town bus) to the town center. The interval is about 45 minutes – 1 hour.
How to get to Bintulu by bus? Bintulu regional express bus terminal is located at Medan Jaya about 5km from the town center. All Sarawak major towns and cities like Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Mukah, Betong, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Batu Niah and Sungai Tujuh are well connected with Bintulu. There are wide array of bus choices such as Borneo Bus, MTC Transport, Biaramas, Eva Transport etc.
All major towns and cities in Sarawak are well connected.
Medan Jaya bus terminal also served Sungai Asap (Bakun resettlement area) and Bakun (a hydro-electric project). An international link bus such as to Brunei (via Sg. Tujuh) and Pontianak, Indonesia can be bought at the terminal. Estimated travelling time from Kuching to Bintulu is 10 hours, which sometimes transit to other main towns.
There is a logging road linking Bintulu with Belaga town. However, you’d have to hire / pay private vehicle locally known as 4WD (Four Wheel Drive Vehicle) such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Landcruiser. You can easily hire one near Li Hua Plaza area.
How to get to Bintulu by Car? Bintulu is linked to major town and cities in Sarawak by extensive network of roads. The nearest city Miri is only 3 hours drive from Bintulu via the coastal road and 3 hour plus using the old highway.
Bintulu Taxi station at the heart of Bintulu old town center.
The furthest you can go by car is from Bintul is Pontianak, Kalimantan which is about 1050km away, or to as far as Tawau in Sabah (more than 1000km).
Get around Bintulu Town
On foot. Bintulu old town or town center is quite a pedestrian-friendly with lots of traffic lights served for pedestrians. However, a walk to other parts of the town might be a tiring one, especially to Parkcity Commercial area (1 km away) and Medan Jaya (5 km away). So opt for bus which cost you less than RM2 for one way.
ParkCity commerce center – a new township about 1 km away from the old town center
By bus. Bintulu has one of the most efficient bus transportation system in Sarawak, which is served by Jepak Transportation Sdn. Bhd. The bus serves transport to other minor parts of the town to as far as Tatau and Kuala Tatau. Intra-town or municipal bus can be found at the Pasar Tamu Bus Terminal.
Car. The most convenient option to get around the town and intra town travel is by car. You can rent a car such as Kancil as low as RM70 per day and bigger capacity car such as Toyota Camry for RM380 per day.
Beyond Bintulu town
Express boat. Express boat is another mode of river transportation linking Bintulu town to other smaller towns and native’ longhouses found along the Kemena river areas such as Sebauh, Tubau and Labang.
Express boat. Express is the preferred mode of transportation to places like Sebauh, Tubau and Labang along the Kemena river.
The fare ranges from RM5 to RM80 (depend on your destination). Travelers can also opt to rent a ‘perahu’ (longboat) or speed boat to other minor towns for greater adventure. However, it is rather expensive – from as low as RM100 to RM700 per day (not inclusive of fuel surchage) depend on they type of speed boats.
Driving around Bintulu town
This video was captured using a digital camera on the eve of Gawai Dayak 1 June 2008.
Have you been to Bintulu before? Are you planning to visit Bintulu? Please share your experience or leave a comment below.
New study confirm web use at work can be constructive
Jun 19, 2008 Uncategorized
Several studies have shown that banning access to web during office hours can be counter productive. The popular notion that web access is a time wasting thus must be prevented is disputable.
Photo: Forest For Trees
A study of 1,700 employees by computer games firm PopCap Games showed that people felt refreshed if they had an “ebreak” during the working day.
Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic of London’s Goldsmiths University, who helped with the research, said: “Tea breaks and fag breaks have long been the most common types of break within office culture but the report shows that ebreaks are fast becoming the most popular choice of break for British workers.
The results of the study were taken with a pinch of salt by some because the study was commissioned by a company that made online video games.
However, another new study done by different group of researchers from in the US revealed stunningly similar findings.
Installing filters to block access to Web sites and e-mail services in a workplace could backfire by reducing job satisfaction and thus productivity.
Many legitimate reasons may be at play, speculates R. Kelly Garrett, one of the study’s authors and a communications professor at Ohio State University.
For instance, people may use the Web at work to help balance job and life responsibilities; with the personal matters taken care of from work, they can focus on the task at hand.
Perhaps, it times to tell your boss to stop blocking Yahoo, Gmail and Youtube at your office.