The Pasar Tamu is Bintulu's most useful stop for understanding what the surrounding region actually produces. Indigenous vendors — mostly Melanau, Iban, and Penan — bring in jungle ferns, freshwater fish, sago products, wild mushrooms, and occasionally sago worms (a traditional and still-eaten delicacy). The building itself is recognisable by its cone-shaped roof, modelled on the terendak, the traditional Melanau rattan hat.
Trading is busiest early morning, particularly before 9am. By mid-afternoon on weekdays and by noon on weekends the stalls have largely packed up. It's not a crafts market aimed at tourists — most of what's sold is food for local consumption — but that's exactly what makes it worth visiting. A short walk along Jalan Main Bazaar connects it to the Tua Pek Kong Temple and the esplanade.