Miri Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and adventurous city of Miri with our comprehensive guide featuring top attractions, food, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Miri

Miri, located in the north of Sarawak, Malaysia, is a vibrant coastal town that offers an attractive mix of city life and nature. Known as the “Oil Town” of Sarawak, Miri is renowned for its booming petroleum industry and is situated near the Brunei border. This lively town caters to tourists with its rich cultural heritage and natural surroundings.

List of Places to Visit in Miri

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Petroleum Museum: The museum exhibits the history of Miri’s oil and gas industry and is perfect for oil enthusiasts who enjoy learning about the science and mechanics of drilling for fossil fuels.
  • Miri Heritage Centre: The center displays traditional Iban and Orang Ulu longhouses, providing an insight into the lives of indigenous communities that reside in the Bornean rainforest.
  • Grand Old Lady: Built in 1910, the Grand Old Lady was the first oil well in Malaysia and is a noteworthy landmark located on top of Canada Hill.

Natural Attractions of Miri: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Niah National Park: One of the main attractions in Miri is the incredible caves of Niah National Park. Take a walk along the plank which extends 3 km from the park’s entrance to arrive at the Niah Caves, where you can witness the ancient cave paintings and learn about the archaeological discoveries.
  • Lambir Hills National Park: It is widely recognised as one of the world’s most varied and beautiful natural rainforests that contains a diverse collection of trees, wildlife, birds, and four stunning waterfalls.
  • Luak Bay Esplanade: It’s a popular sunset spot for locals and visitors alike located just a short drive from Miri town. It is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration while enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Miri

Miri is a natural paradise with endless opportunities for hikes and bike rides. Numerous hiking adventures throughout the region provide panoramic views of the rainforest canopy and the South China Sea. Lambir Hills National Park and the Gunung Mulu National Park are excellent places to hike or trek. For more experienced hikers, the Pinnacles trail in Mulu is a must-visit.

Best Things to Do in Miri: Activities and Tours

  • Bintulu-Miri River Safari: It’s a five-hour river safari from Bintulu to Miri that takes you through a picturesque adventure down the coast of Northern Sarawak.
  • City Tour of Miri: This guided tour gives visitors an overview of Miri’s local culture and highlights the city’s landmarks, cuisine, and people.
  • Coral Reef Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Miri is home to some of the world’s most beautiful coral, showcasing an unparalleled diversity and abundance of marine life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Miri

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival, Check-in, Relaxation
Day 2 Visit Grand Old Lady, Petroleum Museum
Day 3 Bintulu-Miri River Safari
Day 4 Lambir Hills National Park
Day 5 Niah National Park day trip
Day 6 Coral Reef Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Miri

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kolo Mee: A local specialty, Kolo Mee is a dish prepared with wheat noodles, barbecue meat, and shallot oil—all tossed in soy sauce. Olio Cafe and Restaurant serves one of the best Kolo Mee in Miri.
  • ABC (Air Batu Campur): This is a popular shaved ice dessert with coconut milk, red beans, and fresh fruit. It’s ideal for cooling down in hot tropical weather.
  • Nasi Lemak: A classic local dish consisting of fragrant rice with pandan leaf, served with fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and sambal, a chili-based paste.

Local Beverages

  • Teh C Peng Special: This is a refreshing drink made of blended ice and Ceylon tea, sweetened with evaporated milk and condensed milk.
  • Teh Tarik: A popular Malaysian drink, its name translates to “pulled tea.” Hot milk tea is mixed with condensed milk and then poured back and forth repeatedly between two vessels to create a frothy top.
  • Lime Juice with Sour Plum: A refreshing and tangy drink made of fresh lime juice, sour plum, and sugar.

Where to Stay in Miri: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotels

  • Park City Everly Hotel Miri: A relaxing seaside hotel, prioritising comfort, and value for money for their guests. The hotel boasts an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a terrace which is perfect for unwinding after a long day.
  • Mirrored Inn: This hotel offers boutique-style rooms that come with black and white frames, creating modern vibes with artistic flair.

Hostels

  • Miri Hotel Backpackers: A perfect location for backpackers, the hotel provides a comfortable stay in the main town of Miri, catering to budget travellers. It has a peaceful backyard, with a social atmosphere to meet other travellers.
  • Borneo Seahare Guesthouse: A friendly and relaxing hostel that offers an excellent balance between comfortable rooms and value for money.

What to Buy in Miri: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sarawak Layer Cake: It is a traditional treat made of colorful layers of rice flour, butter, and sugar, with flavors like chocolate, pandan, and durian.
  • Sarawak Pepper: It is the most fragrant and sought-after pepper in the world, making a great souvenir and culinary gift.
  • Borneo Beads: Beads are handmade by the local community and come in a variety of materials and colors. It’s ideal for souvenirs or as a home décor.

Local Culture and Customs of Miri

The state of Sarawak has numerous indigenous communities who have their unique set of customs, traditions, and languages. While visiting Miri, learn about the local Iban and Orang Ulu tribes that are predominantly located in the Bornean rainforest areas in Miri. A proper salutation and customary warm greetings can go a long way in communicating and respecting the local people.

Best Time to Visit Miri

The best time to visit Miri is during the dry season, which is traditionally from November to February. Temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C, and the lack of rain makes it an ideal period for outdoor activities like hiking and snorkeling.

Do’s and Don’ts of Miri

Do:

  • Respect the culture and beliefs of the local communities.
  • Dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Try the local cuisine and drink.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter.
  • Do not use drones near national parks, as its against the law.
  • Do not take any coral or wildlife souvenirs home, as it is illegal.

Safety and Health

Safety in Miri

It is safe to travel to Miri, but just like any other city, visitors should take necessary precautions. Avoid walking late at night in deserted areas and be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Miri

Visitors should drink and buy bottled or purified water. Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue and Malaria may be present in the tropical regions, so it is best to take necessary precautions and vaccinations before traveling.

Getting to Miri: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Miri

The closest airport to Miri is Miri International Airport, which is four km southwest of the city centre. Several airlines operate to and from Miri International Airport, which is Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, and Batik Air.

Bus Stations Near Miri

Miri’s main bus station is located in Jalan Padang Kerbau in the downtown area, with buses run throughout the city.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Miri via land from Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, which is about two hours from Miri. The journey passes through immigration checkpoints in the two countries.

How to Get Around in Miri

Local buses and taxis are readily available in Miri, but renting a car or motorbike directly at airport or gateway offers more flexibility and mobility. Several companies offer car rentals for visitors.

Where to Go Next from Miri: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bario Highlands: In the central region of Sarawak, Bario Highlands is a peaceful location for travellers, offering hiking tours and organic local produce.
  • Gunung Mulu National Park: Popular for its striking limestone formations, Mulu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with caves being a major highlight.
  • Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a marine and bird sanctuary ideal for visitors seeking an authentic experience with protected flora and fauna.

Conclusion

Miri is not only an oil and gas town, but a cultural and adventurous destination that combines natural beauty and vibrant city life. The destination caters to visitors with pleasant surprises that are sure to delight each segment of travelers. Visitors can explore Miri’s scenic backdrop, immerse in the local culture, and experience outdoor activities and delicacies only found in this part of the world. Whether you’re into museums, hiking, or food, Miri has something for everyone. Book your journey to this unexplored destination today!

Marina Bay, Miri Marina Bay, Miri Petroleum Museum Petroleum Museum Pantu Waterfall Pantu Waterfall File-eared tree frog File-eared tree frog