Miri

Miri is a city in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is the second largest city in the state (with a population of about 235,000 in 2010, and 290,000 in its district). It is on its northern coast near the border with Brunei. Known by its nickname "Oil Town", Miri is the birthplace of the Malaysian petroleum industry, as the city was founded in 1910 when the first oil well was drilled by Royal Dutch Shell. Petroleum has continued to drive the city's economy and development ever since.

Miri is the main tourist gateway to various national parks, which makes it a favourite ecotourism destination and can be arguably called the "Resort City".

Understand

The Sarawak Shell Berhad and Petronas Carigali are headquartered here. As a result, Miri has a cosmopolitan whiff as it hosts expatriates from all over the world, who work in these multinational oil and gas giants.

Visitors stop for transit here to change planes before heading onward to Gunung Mulu National Park or the famous Kelabit Highlands.

Miri boasts a diverse population, which consists of Chinese, Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Kelabit, Lun Bawang and many other ethnic groups. International students from a foreign university campus based here and expatriates from international corporations add much spice to Miri as well.

Visitor information

The people are quite helpful when it comes to directions or any help needed. A visitor's information centre is available downtown for any further enquiries:

  • 🌍 Visitors' Information Centre, Jalan Melayu and Jalan Padang. M–F 8AM-5PM, Sa Su holidays 9AM-3PM. 

Talk

The main language the Sarawak dialect of Malay, which is similar to standard Malay but with local slangs. Nevertheless, all locals are able to speak and understand standard Malay if required. Most locals also have a rudimentary grasp of English, while upper class locals and service staff in the main hotels and tourist attractions usually speak English well.

Hokchiu/Foochow is the main dialect spoken by the ethnic Chinese community, though many are able to speak Mandarin as well.

Get in

By plane
  • 🌍 Miri International Airport (MYY  IATA). It is a significant hub for central Borneo. From Peninsular Malaysia there are frequent flights from Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru on Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. The airport is also connected to all major destinations in Malaysian Borneo, including Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, and has an international connection to Singapore. 
    • From Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia Airlines flies four times daily between Kuala Lumpur and Miri, with two stopping over at Kuching. AirAsia also flies direct non-stop three times daily.
    • From Johor Bahru: AirAsia flies on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
    • From Kuching: Malaysia Airlines flies three flights daily and AirAsia has one flight daily.
    • From Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia Airline and AirAsia each have two flights daily. MASWings also puts on a Fokker flight on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
    • From Singapore: Scoot flies three times a week, on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.
    • MASWings operates a web of flights to remote destinations in the interior, most notably Gunung Mulu National Park and Bario in the Kelabit Highlands. MASWings also links Miri with Limbang, Lawas and Labuan which will enable you to by-pass expensive Brunei. Go to their website to book flights on-line and check schedules.

By bus

🌍 Express Bus Terminal, also called Pujut bus terminal, is about 4 km north from the city centre. There are frequent city bus service (from 5AM to 9PM, takes 20-30 min) to nearby Boulevard Shopping Mall. The bus stop is at the pedestrian overpass and about 5 minutes walk from bus terminal. The taxi will cost RM20-30.

  • From other Sarawak cities: Numerous bus companies such as Biaramas, Suria Bus Express and Borneo Highway Express link Miri with other Sarawak cities such as Kuching, Sibu and Bintulu. Most express buses depart from the Express Bus Terminal. From Bintulu the bus journey takes approximately 4 hours and cost RM 27. From Sibu it takes about 7 hours and costs RM 50 (2019).
  • From Brunei: As of early 2019, there are two direct services between Bandar Seri Begawan and Miri. PHLS Express operates a dedicated BSB-Miri service, leaving BSB at 7AM and 1PM. In Miri buses leave from the long-distance bus station at 8:15AM and 3:45PM. Fare is B$22 or RM50 and purchased at the Banting Jaya counter (RM65 online via Easybook) ; B$12 or RM25 for children 3–10 (2019); tickets can be bought at the bus station or online. The bus will also stop in Seria, Tutong, or Kuala Belait if you buy a ticket to or from one of those towns. There is no longer local bus service between Miri and Kuala Belait in Brunei. The only bus connection between two cities is the above-mentioned express service.
  • To/From Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: Bintang Jaya Express operates between Miri and Kota Kinabalu (KK). The route originates from Pontianak in Indonesia to Kuching, Miri, Limbang, Lawas ending in KK Wawasan Bus Terminal. Bus departs Miri at 8AM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The journey takes approximately 10 hours without changing buses. From KK the bus departs at 7.30AM on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays.
  • To/From Niah Caves: Bas Suria departs from the Miri Express Bus Terminal to Batu Niah town regularly. The journey takes over an hour. From Batu Niah, you can either take a speedboat or walk to the Niah National Park headquarters at Pengkalan Batu.

Get around

Local bus services are available in front of Wisma Pelita Tunku. Available route are Permyjaya, Tudan, Senadin, Taman Tunku, Hospital, RTM (Pujut Corner to Pujut 5) and Sungai Rait+Bakam. The fare is RM1 under RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Programme.

24-hour taxi service is also available and can be reached at ☏ +60 85432277. Fare surcharge applies after midnight.

A car can be hired for a day for as low as RM 80 + RM 30 (delivery charges). Remember to purchase some Miri City Council-designed parking tickets, which cost RM 0.5 each. Parking space is free of charge during 11:45AM until 2:15PM on Friday, after 5PM, and weekends.

See
  • Grand Old Lady and the Petroleum Museum. On top of Canada Hill. More prosaically Miri's No. 1 Oil Well , this was Shell's first oil well (the company's, that is, not just in Malaysia) and has now been declared a national monument. The museum is closed on Mondays. 
  • Taman Selera. One of the most-visited beaches in Miri. A great place to go to on a Sunday afternoon for picnics, as well as a place for families and friends to have fun. 
  • Tamu Muhibah. A market where fresh and exotic fruits, vegetables and local foodstuff are available. 

Do
  • Esplanade Beach. Local's favourite beach front located at Luak Bay. Miri's beaches are nothing to shout about, but if you really want to go to the beach, this would be your best bet. 
  • San Ching Tian Temple. Largest Taoist temple in South East Asia. 
  • Canada Hill, Go for an extreme hike on the jungle treks of Canada Hill. Every evening a group of trekkers or anyone else would go there for hike. It's a test of endurance but yet a healthy activity since you will be burning a lot of calories for that. However, slopes can get slippery during the rainy season, so always be careful and be prepared.
  • Dive near Miri. Dive in the unspoiled coral gardens near Miri. CO.CO.DIVE (Miri trusted dive operator) and Red Monkey Divers (The always cheerful Steve) organizes day trips from the Miri Marina. 
  • Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Lot 1379, Block 17, Jalan Miri By Pass, ☏ +60 85 421010. TeeTimes Malaysia's Top 10 Golf Courses. 

Lambir Hills National Park

🌍 Lambir Hills National Park is some 30 km south of Miri. Enjoy the wonders of nature and take a hike in the park. There are plenty of impressive tall trees, interesting bird songs, and several big and small picturesque waterfalls where you can swim as well. If you have keen eyes you may also spot frogs, lizards, and other wildlife. The park is popular at weekends when people from Miri travel there for a day visit. For longer stays, visitors can book one of several chalets. At the park headquarters there's a shop with snacks, drinks, and simple MYR5 hot meals.

There are several hiking trails for visitors to explore. These range from short and fairly flat walks to the long, challenging, and steep trek to the summit of Bukit Lambir, the tallest point in the park. If heading towards the peak, bring plenty of water, and turn back if it starts to rain, because the streams can flood dangerously.

Cost to enter the park is RM 20/person (RM 7 for children 7–18, free for 6 and under; prices updated 2019). Bring your passport or a photocopy—you need it to enter the park. The trails are open 8AM–4PM, but arrive as close to 8AM as you can to beat the midday heat for a short hike or to have enough time for a long hike—you have to be back at headquarters by 4PM.

Getting to the park takes 30 minutes by car or an hour by bus—buses en route to Bintulu may drop you at the park entrance gate however may charge full fare RM 25. It's also easy enough to take a taxi or a Grab to the park, but getting back can be tricky, as you won't find any taxis hanging around to pick you up. So either arrange a specific time for the taxi to come back and get you, or plan to take a bus back. The buses run once an hour, more or less; you can wait at the bus stop at the side of the road and flag one down to get back to Miri for RM 10. Alternatively you can take the bus the other direction to head to Bintulu or Niah National Park.

Bring more water than you think you'll need. It's humid!

Buy

There are three major shopping malls to shop around in Miri City, During the weekends Bruneians and Sarawakians from Bintulu, Bekenu, Niah would come down for shopping.

  • Boulevard Shopping Complex, Lot 2528, Jalan Boulevard Utama, Boulevard Commercial Centre, ☏ +60 85432999, fax: +60 85422999. 
  • The Imperial Mall, Jalan Pos, ☏ +60 85431133, fax: +60 85431122. 
  • Bintang Plaza
  • Miri Heritage Centre, a place where you get a memorable souvenir of a local made handicrafts.

Eat

For a fabulous gastronomical experience, Miri is the place to try out all sorts of food. Depending on your budget, there is a variety of eateries around.

  • Cafenika & Catering, 437 G Jln Bendahara (Located very near to Mega Hotel, next to the Dr Aziz Dental building.), ☏ +60 8-5424600. Serves local Halal Malaysian dishes, and various types of Western cuisine. Must try: Chicken Chop, Nasi Briyani, Nasi Lemak, Mee Kolok. They also provide catering services for weddings and other occasions. 
  • Chinese Hawker Center - Located in the hub of the city center next to the Chinese wet market. You can get the best local food here day and night. For breakfast, the milk tea is the best, particularly at some stalls. The curry rice, fried rice noodles, dried noodles and laksa (spicy rice noodles) are dishes that you should not miss. Moreover, at night, the porridge and dried noodles with steamed chicken are the must-eat.

Chen Kee Hainan Chicken Rice- Miri famous Chinese dishes, traditional steamed Chicken rice, located at krokop 10, Tokyo Restaurant. It's delicious, Fresh, Cheap.

  • Siamese Secrets - Serves Western, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, and local cuisines. Portions are huge.
  • Double Star - Serves Chinese, Western, Local and fusion cuisines.
  • Cafe Miri - Serves Western food and is undoubtedly Miri's most famous place for quality Western food.
  • 2020 Cafe - This restaurant is always packed on Sunday mornings. Famous for their dim sum. Be sure to get there extra early to secure a seat.
  • Ming Cafe - Good Indian, Malaysian, Chinese and sea food. Serves Tiger Beer which is quite expensive at local prices but served cold in an ice cold glass. Good service. Try Laksa in Ming Cafe which is very delicious and is comparable to the Laksa in Kuching. Also highly recommended is the Roti!
  • Naga Liar - Serves a local Malaysian delicacy, Nasi Lemak together other local favourites as well
  • 8 Lotus Cafe, 751-752 Jalan Merpati (opposite imperial mall), ☏ +60 85-418 659. Serves varieties of Asian and some Western food, coffee and beer. 
  • Fratini's - Serves Italian food and is located near the Boulevard Shopping Complex.
  • Pete's Deli - A cozy Australian-styled deli with authentic Western food. Their oxtail stew, lamb shank and pies are bestsellers. Located opposite SMK Chung Hua.
  • Marina Bay Seafood Restaurant - A new restaurant with intricate architecture and an amazing view of the sea. Pick your seafood fresh from the tanks. Open for lunch and dinner. Located at the Marina Bay, next to a gigantic, iconic seahorse statue.
  • Sun City - Good selection of food and drink, indoor and outdoor seating, nice furnishings and great outdoor feel but fully covered with canvas with huge fans.
  • Shiki Japanese Restaurant, Boulevard Commercial Centre (Just Opposite the Boulevard Mall), ☏ +60 84-422323. The place where you can get the most authentic Japanese Cuisine, at the most affordable price and great atmosphere. Call today for reservations. 
  • Sunny Meido Cafe - The first Japanese theme maid café in Sarawak.
  • Piato Bistro - Serves Western cuisines.
  • Kent's Garden - A bistro area for great ambience to dine and drink. Located at Lutong Baru.

Drink

Tourists are encouraged to try the Sarawakian authentic rice wine known as 'tuak'. 'Tuak' is usually served during festive seasons, especially during Gawai (the Harvest Festival celebrated by the Ibans). Apart from that, if one is looking for a place for drinks and some entertainment, there are few places to go.

  • Passion Corner, 856,Jalan Permaisuri (opposite Jackson's Motor), ☏ +60 85-423213. nice environment, Chinese style, place for relaxing and gathering.. 

Sleep

Budget
  • Miri Waterfront Homestay, Lot 1160, Jalan Sri Dagang, Miri Waterfront Commercial Centre (Opposite Mega Hotel, behind Maybank). Perfect for families, or a backpackers lounge, as is cheap, clean, brand new and safe accommodation / hotel with new fittings and furnishings! A friendly family run business. Amenities: Free Wi-Fi. Hot shower. Air conditioning. Late check out allowed, they are very flexible! RM55 - 88 (different sized rooms available, twin or double beds available). 
  • Tabun Homestay, Sub Lot 10634, 1st Floor, Airport Commercial Centre, ☏ +60 13-828 6656. Backpacker accommodation 
  • 🌍 Next Room Homestay, Lot 637, 1st & 2nd Floor, North Yu Seng Road, ☏ +60 85411422, . Check-out: noon. Hostel with air conditioning and free wifi. Free breakfast prepared by the staff: coffee or tea and two pieces of toast with butter and jam. Only has squat toilets. RM32 for a bunk; RM 60–85 for a private room. (updated Feb 2019)

Mid-range
  • Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Lot 1379, Block 17, Jalan Miri By-Pass, ☏ +60 85-421010. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Offering an integrated resort lifestyle, the Club provides chalets with 120-room accommodation located within the golf course area. Built with natural timber, the chalets spread around a beautiful and lush landscape surrounding are complemented with a well-equipped fitness centre with wwimming pool, gymnasium, steambath, sauna and Jacuzzi. Rates from RM110. 
  • Million Inn, No 6, Jln Yu Seng Selatan, ☏ +60 85415077, fax: +60 85415085. Rates from RM50. 
  • Miri Hotel, No 47, Jln Brooke, ☏ +60 85421212, fax: +60 85412002. Rates from RM69. 
  • Pacific Orient Hotel, No 49, Jln Brooke, ☏ +60 85413333, fax: +60 85410003. 
  • Park Hotel, Jln Raja, ☏ +60 85414555, fax: +60 85414488. Rates from RM69. 
  • Metro Inn, Lot 762. Parent Lot 529, Block 9, 1st Floor, Jln Merpati, ☏ +60 85411663, fax: +60 85424663. Rates from 58. 
  • Kingwood Inn Miri, Lot 826, Jln Yu Seng Selatan, ☏ +60 85415888, fax: +60 85415009. Rates From RM70. 
  • Cosy Inn, Lot 545 - 547, Jln Yu Seng Selatan, ☏ +60 85415522, fax: +60 85415155. Rate from RM48. 
  • Brooke Inn, 14 Brooke RD, ☏ +60 85-412881. Central location, Wi-Fi, clean, tv. Double RM50. 

Splurge
  • Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, Lot 779 Jalan Temenggong Datuk Oyong, ☏ +60 85421121, fax: +60 85421099. 5-star full-service spa resort at the coast, 2 km from city center and 8 km from airport. Lovely gardens, nice pool, pool bar, food can be ordered from the pool and eaten at the bar. Basic but sandy beach, meals are quite expensive but good quality, although there is a nice food court just a 2-minute walk from the Marriott. 
  • Imperial Hotel, Jalan Pos (at the center of Miri City, adjoining the Imperial Mall), ☏ +60 85431133, fax: +60 85431122. 

Cope

Laundry

Laundromats are scattered around downtown.

  • 🌍 TALLY Laundry Services, on Jalan Merbau between Jalan Brooke and Jalan South Yu Seng. RM 10-15 to wash and dry a load (2019); detergent is included. (updated Feb 2019)

Consulates
  • Romania, Mutang &Sam Advocates 2 nd Floor, lot 660, Unity Center, Miri-Pujut Road, PO Box 1114, ☏ +60-85-419226, fax: +60-85-413097. Honorary Consulate (Does not provide consular services. Instead, Romanian citizens in need of assistance should contact the embassy in Kuala Lumpur.) 

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Sarawak

Brunei
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