What to see there?
What to see there?
Miri is no stranger to historic sites. It is well known for being the starting point for Malaysia’s booming petroleum industry. The Grand Old Lady as it is affectionately called, is the country’s first oil well and also the first oil well set up by the Shell company in Malaysia. It has run for 62 years and is now declared as a historic monument by the state with a museum detailing the history of Malaysia petroleum industry right behind the 30 metre oil well. It’s a sight worth visiting, especially with family or friends.
If you’re a fan of great sunsets and panoramic views, Tusan Beach is where you need to go. Perched at the top of a tall cliff, the entrance to the beach itself is a little difficult to traverse but isn’t a big challenge. There is a long sandy beach which is perfect for picnics and lounging around. At night, prepare for a whole new experience as you can view the ‘blue tears’ phenomenon where the shore lights up in a pretty blue color caused by bioluminescence from plankton.
For nature attractions, Niah Caves in Niah National Park is worth a visit as well. Some of the oldest human remnants in South East Asia were found here, dating back 40,000 years ago. The Great Cave is the largest chamber here, with a capacity of fitting up to 40 Boeing 747 jets! There are a few other caves here as well that are home to the swiftlets and bats that live here.
If you’re a fan of great sunsets and panoramic views, Tusan Beach is where you need to go. Perched at the top of a tall cliff, the entrance to the beach itself is a little difficult to traverse but isn’t a big challenge. There is a long sandy beach which is perfect for picnics and lounging around. At night, prepare for a whole new experience as you can view the ‘blue tears’ phenomenon where the shore lights up in a pretty blue color caused by bioluminescence from plankton.
For nature attractions, Niah Caves in Niah National Park is worth a visit as well. Some of the oldest human remnants in South East Asia were found here, dating back 40,000 years ago. The Great Cave is the largest chamber here, with a capacity of fitting up to 40 Boeing 747 jets! There are a few other caves here as well that are home to the swiftlets and bats that live here.
What to do there?
What to do there?
Miri is home to some of South East Asia’s most amazing natural features. For those looking for a great challenge, the Pinnacles Hiking Trail is the way to go. Located deep inside rural areas of Sarawak in Gunung Mulu National Park, Pinnacles promises a minimum 2 nights of fun outdoors with boat trips, jungle hikes and camping. You’ll get to see the unique Pinnacles rock formations, enjoy picture perfect views of Miri and experience all the exciting outdoor activities during your trip.
Moving away from land adventures, Miri also has the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park. Dives here offer a memorable experience with over 40 locations to explore in this nearly 200,000 hectare area. Visibility here is good ranging from 15 to 30 metres and packed full of marine life for you to interact with.
Aside from the natural sites, Miri city itself is fun to walk around in and enjoy the atmosphere. You can always get some time to yourself with a healthy stroll in Miri City Fan Park. Housing multiple gardens with exciting themes, a digital library and even a swimming pool, the park was built with community in mind and this has even led it to win some national awards. The city is peaceful and less crowded compared to Kuching. An exciting way to explore Miri by foot is to plot the heritage trails around town and self-guide your way there!
Moving away from land adventures, Miri also has the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park. Dives here offer a memorable experience with over 40 locations to explore in this nearly 200,000 hectare area. Visibility here is good ranging from 15 to 30 metres and packed full of marine life for you to interact with.
Aside from the natural sites, Miri city itself is fun to walk around in and enjoy the atmosphere. You can always get some time to yourself with a healthy stroll in Miri City Fan Park. Housing multiple gardens with exciting themes, a digital library and even a swimming pool, the park was built with community in mind and this has even led it to win some national awards. The city is peaceful and less crowded compared to Kuching. An exciting way to explore Miri by foot is to plot the heritage trails around town and self-guide your way there!
Useful local terms
Useful local terms
- Kamek - I
- Kitak - You
- Auk - Yes
- Sik - No
- Igek - Piece
- Kamek mauk pergi jamban dolok - I would like to go to the toilet
- Kitak dari siney? - Where are you from?
- Nyaman juak makanan tok - This food is tasty
- Kamek ngupok/Mupok dolok - I'd like to make a move
- Nama - Name
- Maok - Want
- Jamban - Toilet
- Duit - Money
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
Lingua francas such as English and Mandarin along with indigenous languages from the Kelabit, Iban, and Kedayan tribes are spoken in Miri. Some common useful terms in Bahasa Sarawak; the localized version of the Malay language including:
- Check out where the locals go to eat, or better yet ask them and make a new friend.
- Be respectful and dress modestly when visiting religious institutions.
- Leave as little of a trace as possible when visiting national parks and do not litter.
- Don’t remove any plant species or wildlife from the national parks as it is an offence.
- Only go for diving tours with reputable companies with good reviews.
- Music lovers unite in February, when there is Miri Country Music Festival. Visitors are welcome.
- To enjoy more events and festival, visit Miri in May as there are plenty of events held annually such as Miri May Fest, Borneo Jazz Festival, Runners Wild Bario, and Ba Kelalan Apple Fest.
- For more cultural experiences, arrange your trip to Miri in July so you can adventure the Heart of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge II and also join the fun in Pesta Nukenen, a Bario Food and Cultural Festival.
- Avoid making travel plans here from October to January since it’s the monsoon season.
Holiday in Miri is an ideal gateway to explore the wonderful world class heritage sites, rainforests and the many native cultures that make up Northern Sarawak.
Holiday in Miri is an ideal gateway to explore the wonderful world class heritage sites, rainforests and the many native cultures that make up Northern Sarawak.
What to see there?
What to see there?
Miri is no stranger to historic sites. It is well known for being the starting point for Malaysia’s booming petroleum industry. The Grand Old Lady as it is affectionately called, is the country’s first oil well and also the first oil well set up by the Shell company in Malaysia. It has run for 62 years and is now declared as a historic monument by the state with a museum detailing the history of Malaysia petroleum industry right behind the 30 metre oil well. It’s a sight worth visiting, especially with family or friends.
If you’re a fan of great sunsets and panoramic views, Tusan Beach is where you need to go. Perched at the top of a tall cliff, the entrance to the beach itself is a little difficult to traverse but isn’t a big challenge. There is a long sandy beach which is perfect for picnics and lounging around. At night, prepare for a whole new experience as you can view the ‘blue tears’ phenomenon where the shore lights up in a pretty blue color caused by bioluminescence from plankton.
For nature attractions, Niah Caves in Niah National Park is worth a visit as well. Some of the oldest human remnants in South East Asia were found here, dating back 40,000 years ago. The Great Cave is the largest chamber here, with a capacity of fitting up to 40 Boeing 747 jets! There are a few other caves here as well that are home to the swiftlets and bats that live here.
If you’re a fan of great sunsets and panoramic views, Tusan Beach is where you need to go. Perched at the top of a tall cliff, the entrance to the beach itself is a little difficult to traverse but isn’t a big challenge. There is a long sandy beach which is perfect for picnics and lounging around. At night, prepare for a whole new experience as you can view the ‘blue tears’ phenomenon where the shore lights up in a pretty blue color caused by bioluminescence from plankton.
For nature attractions, Niah Caves in Niah National Park is worth a visit as well. Some of the oldest human remnants in South East Asia were found here, dating back 40,000 years ago. The Great Cave is the largest chamber here, with a capacity of fitting up to 40 Boeing 747 jets! There are a few other caves here as well that are home to the swiftlets and bats that live here.
What to do there?
What to do there?
Miri is home to some of South East Asia’s most amazing natural features. For those looking for a great challenge, the Pinnacles Hiking Trail is the way to go. Located deep inside rural areas of Sarawak in Gunung Mulu National Park, Pinnacles promises a minimum 2 nights of fun outdoors with boat trips, jungle hikes and camping. You’ll get to see the unique Pinnacles rock formations, enjoy picture perfect views of Miri and experience all the exciting outdoor activities during your trip.
Moving away from land adventures, Miri also has the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park. Dives here offer a memorable experience with over 40 locations to explore in this nearly 200,000 hectare area. Visibility here is good ranging from 15 to 30 metres and packed full of marine life for you to interact with.
Aside from the natural sites, Miri city itself is fun to walk around in and enjoy the atmosphere. You can always get some time to yourself with a healthy stroll in Miri City Fan Park. Housing multiple gardens with exciting themes, a digital library and even a swimming pool, the park was built with community in mind and this has even led it to win some national awards. The city is peaceful and less crowded compared to Kuching. An exciting way to explore Miri by foot is to plot the heritage trails around town and self-guide your way there!
Moving away from land adventures, Miri also has the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park. Dives here offer a memorable experience with over 40 locations to explore in this nearly 200,000 hectare area. Visibility here is good ranging from 15 to 30 metres and packed full of marine life for you to interact with.
Aside from the natural sites, Miri city itself is fun to walk around in and enjoy the atmosphere. You can always get some time to yourself with a healthy stroll in Miri City Fan Park. Housing multiple gardens with exciting themes, a digital library and even a swimming pool, the park was built with community in mind and this has even led it to win some national awards. The city is peaceful and less crowded compared to Kuching. An exciting way to explore Miri by foot is to plot the heritage trails around town and self-guide your way there!
Useful local terms
Useful local terms
- Kamek - I
- Kitak - You
- Auk - Yes
- Sik - No
- Igek - Piece
- Kamek mauk pergi jamban dolok - I would like to go to the toilet
- Kitak dari siney? - Where are you from?
- Nyaman juak makanan tok - This food is tasty
- Kamek ngupok/Mupok dolok - I'd like to make a move
- Nama - Name
- Maok - Want
- Jamban - Toilet
- Duit - Money
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
Lingua francas such as English and Mandarin along with indigenous languages from the Kelabit, Iban, and Kedayan tribes are spoken in Miri. Some common useful terms in Bahasa Sarawak; the localized version of the Malay language including:
- Check out where the locals go to eat, or better yet ask them and make a new friend.
- Be respectful and dress modestly when visiting religious institutions.
- Leave as little of a trace as possible when visiting national parks and do not litter.
- Don’t remove any plant species or wildlife from the national parks as it is an offence.
- Only go for diving tours with reputable companies with good reviews.
- Music lovers unite in February, when there is Miri Country Music Festival. Visitors are welcome.
- To enjoy more events and festival, visit Miri in May as there are plenty of events held annually such as Miri May Fest, Borneo Jazz Festival, Runners Wild Bario, and Ba Kelalan Apple Fest.
- For more cultural experiences, arrange your trip to Miri in July so you can adventure the Heart of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge II and also join the fun in Pesta Nukenen, a Bario Food and Cultural Festival.
- Avoid making travel plans here from October to January since it’s the monsoon season.
