Bintulu is traditionally a home to Iban, Chinese, Melanau, Malay, Orang Ulu and Kedayan people.

Chinese people are more concentrated at town areas, such as at Bintulu, Sebauh and Tanjung Kidurong, while some resides at Kuala Kebulu and Jelalong.

Kedayan people, although small in number, can be spotted at Nyalau areas (100 km from Bintulu) just at the border with Miri Division.

Bintulu also has about half of Sarawak's crude oil reserves of 500 million barrels (79,000,000 m3), with production wells located some 40 kilometers offshore.

Bintulu has around 27% of Sarawak's tropical rainforest, and the timber industry remains a strong component of the Division's economy.

People of Bintulu District can opt for rural shuttle bus service to Tatau, Sebauh, Nyalau, even as far as Sungai Asap in Kapit Division.

River transport charges remain high in Bintulu Division due to the long distance of the upriver areas.

Availability of transports to these areas are limited through bookings at Bintulu town, using private vans or four-wheel drive vehicles.

Bintulu District is expected to expand rapidly due to Similajau being part of Sarawak Corridor of Renewal Energy regional development and ongoing gas pipeline project from Sabah to Tanjung Kidurong.