Once a sleepy fishing village, Bintulu has morphed into a thriving urban centre in recent years, thanks to its generous oil and gas reserves - however, it still retains its old-world atmosphere and much of its traditional stilted architecture. Key attractions in the city include its vibrant local markets and the Kuan Yin Tong Chinese Temple - a tranquil shrine and garden complex complete with koi ponds and a waterfall. Several national parks are dotted around the city outskirts, including Lambir, Mulu and Similajau national parks.