'''Miri''' [http://www.miricouncil.gov.my] is a small city in northern Sarawak on the Malaysian island of Borneo. It has a population of about 300,000.

By itself, Miri city has much to offer to travellers with spectacular diving paradises, breathtaking national parks, frequent festivals and international events, multiracial and multicultural festive seasons, and plenty of delicious food. It also plays an important role as a transport hub for northern Sarawak, where interconnecting flights to the rural hinterlands of Borneo is crucial and available mainly from Miri. The city is the gateway to the Gunung Mulu National Park, which is a World Heritage Site, and the Kelabit Highlands of the interior of Sarawak. The Niah Cave, where it contains one of the oldest human remains in South East Asia, is located about 100km away. One may also use Miri as a transit point whether coming from or going to Brunei.

Understand

Malaysia's first oil well was dug here in 1910, and petroleum has continued to drive the city's economy and development ever since. The Sarawak Shell Berhad and Petronas Carigali are headquartered here. As a result, Miri has a cosmopolitan atmosphere as it hosts many expatriates from all over the world. These expats work in many of the multinational oil and gas giants that are headquartered in Miri.

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

Miri boasts of a very diversified 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.

Language is certainly not a problem here, as almost all locals are able to speak English and Mandarin. The main language is the Bahasa Sarawak which is a local Sarawakian language; it is similiar to Malay but with local slangs.

The people are quite helpful when it comes to direction or any help needed. A visitor's information centre located near the public bus stand is available for any further enquiries needed by visitors.

Miri celebrated its third city status anniversary from 21st-23rd May 2008.

Get in

By plane

'''Miri Airport (MYY)''', which moved to a sparkling new facility in 2005, is a significant hub for central Borneo. From Peninsular Malaysia there are frequent flights from Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru on '''[http://www.malaysiaairlines.com Malaysia Airlines]''' and '''[http://www.airasia.com AirAsia]'''. The airport is also connected to all major destinations in Malaysian Borneo, including Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
  • '''To/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.
  • '''To/From Johor Bahru:''' AirAsia flies on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
  • '''To/From Kuching:''' Malaysia Airlines flies three flights daily and AirAsia has one flight daily.
  • '''To/From Kota Kinabalu:''' Malaysia Airline and AirAsia each have two flights daily. MASWings also puts on a Fokker flight on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • Unfortunately, flights to Hong Kong have been suspended due to poor loads.

    '''MASWings''' [http://www.maswings.com.my], which took over operations of the rural air service from FlyAsian Express on October 1, 2007, 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

  • '''To/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
  • '''To/From Brunei:''' There are unfortunately no direct buses between Miri and Bandar Seri Begawan or any other Brunei city. The journey will have to include several bus changes. Miri-Belait Bus Company runs five buses between Miri and Kuala Belait in Brunei, with a change of buses at the Sungai Tujuh border checkpoint. The bus stops at a river which is crossed by boat, then a minbus takes you the final few km to Kuala Belait.
  • From Kuala Belait, there are onward buses to Seria, where another change is necessary before you can get to Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB). As not all buses arrive on time for connections for the next leg of the journey, those planning to do the Miri-Bandar Seri Begawan (or vice-versa) run should start early. The buses leaving Miri at 7AM and 10AM are the only buses that will enable the Miri-BSB journey to be completed within one day. However for those who intend to spend a night in Brunei can catch the later buses which leave at 1.00pm and 3.30pm. Buses arrive and depart from the Miri local bus terminal at Jalan Padang in the south of the town (not the long haul bus terminal outside of town). Having said that the whole journey takes about 5 hours.

    Note that there have been reports that buses from Miri do not go all the way to the border and stop just before the Asean Bridge at Kuala Baram because of the high toll charge for using the bridge. You may have to use taxis to complete the final 5 km between the bridge and the actual border.

  • '''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.
  • Getting around

    Go to [http://www.miricommunity.net Miri] to seek or share information on how to get around in this wonderful city.

    Bus services are available.

    24-hour taxi service is also available and can be reached at +6085432277. Fare surcharge applies after 12AM.

    See

  • '''Grand Old Lady'''. 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.
  • '''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.
  • '''Lambir National Park''', Enjoy the wonders of nature and take a hike in the park. Enjoy the scenery of the waterfall.
  • '''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.
  • 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, 98000 Miri Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6085432999 Fax: +6085422999.
  • '''The Imperial Mall''', Jalan Pos, 98000 Miri Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: +6085431133 Fax:+6085431122.
  • '''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. 37 G Jln Bendahara 98000 Miri. ocated very near to Mega Hotel, next to the Dr Aziz Dental building.. 08-5424600. ffortable. 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.
  • '''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.
  • '''Naga Liar''' - Serves a local Malaysian delicacy, Nasi Lemak together other local favourites as well
  • Halo Cafe. 51-752 Jalan Merpati. pposite imperial mall. 85-417417. ttp://www.mirihalo.info. m10.00. serve eastern & western cuisine. drinks include mocktails, beers, shakes and pure Borneo Coffee (only place in town). Every night from 8.30pm will have local performers singing on stage, taking song dedication. Many functions throughout the year.

  • '''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 an gigantic, iconic seahorse statue.
  • 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.

  • '''Balcony'''
  • '''Cherry Berries'''
  • '''Siam Thai Bar'''
  • '''Island Bar & Pub'''
  • '''The Chaplin's'''
  • '''Coco's'''
  • '''Al Fresco's'''
  • '''Sun City'''
  • '''SoHo'''
  • '''Halo Cafe'''
  • '''Starbucks'''
  • '''The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf'''
  • '''San Francisco Coffee'''
  • Sleep

    Up to 3 Star Budget Accommodation

  • '''Dillenia''', Lot 846 1st floor Jalan Sida, ''From the airport, take bus no. 28 to Miri Bus Station. Then, hop on to bus no. 33 or 42, alight just after passing Imperial Mall at the drop-off bay on your left near the MAA Asssurance building. Dillenia is situated immediately behind a cafe named Sembang2 Kafe'', Tel: +6085434204 (email: dillenia.guesthouse@gmail.com). Check-in time is 1pm while check-out time is 12 noon. However, late check-outs can be arranged depending on occupancy rate. Opened in August 2008, Dillenia is a family-run guesthouse with a "home away from home" atmosphere. Offers safe, clean, comfortable and air conditioned rooms, with a selection of dormitories, twin-sharing, family and honeymoon rooms. Rates range from RM30 per bed/night to RM110 per room/night. Facilities available are free internet access at lobby and free wifi at both lobby and rooms, free continental breakfast (variety of fresh fruits included), refrigerator, shower heater, laundry service, key card access, 24-hours reception, spacious common room, reading corner, mini library etc. Very friendly and helpful staff, and located right in the heart of Miri city. Big public swimming pool (1RM per person) only a few min-walk away.
  • '''Minda Guesthouse''', 1st & 2nd floor, Lot 637, North Yu Seng Rd, 98000, [http://www.mindaguesthouse.com]. Brand new guesthouse with free breakfast, laundry facilities, free wifi, rooftop garden and two lounges with flatscreen, mini library etc. Opening special until prehaps July 08, all rooms 25RM. Friendly staff and good location. Just tell the cabby Mega Hotel then it's less than a minutes walk from there.
  • '''The Highlands Backpackers''', Lot 1272 3rd Floor, MCLD, Block 9, Waterfront, Phone: +6085422327, email: highlan@streamyx.com, [http://www.borneojungles.com]. Comfortable backpackers hostel (25 RM/bed) located on the seafront with AC rooms, TV and internet (5RM/hour). Used to be run by a married couple now 1 lady who is friendly and helpful. This is the only hostel in town and does a very good job. The matresses are comfy! <br>Breakfast included means tea and toast so if you are the hungry type, buy some snacks in town. Conveniently situated above 'Wheels' bar which is nice. Imperial Mall 2 minutes walk away.
  • '''Million Inn'''. No 6, Jln Yu Seng Selatan, P.O Box 2200, Tel: +6085415077 Fax: +6085415085. Rates from RM50
  • '''Miri Hotel'''. No 47, Jln Brooke, P.O Box 138, Tel:+6085421212 Fax: +6085412002. Rates from RM69
  • '''Pacific Orient Hotel'''. No 49, Jln Brooke, 98000, Tel:+6085413333 Fax:+085410003.
  • '''Park Hotel'''. P.O Box 241, Jln Raja, 98007, Tel:+6085414555 Fax:+6085414488. Rates from RM69
  • '''Metro Inn'''. Lot 762. Parent Lot 529, Block 9, 1st Floor, Jln Merpati, Tel:+6085411663 Fax:+6085424663. Rates from 58
  • '''Kingwood Inn Miri''', Lot 826, Jln Yu Seng Selatan, Tel:+6085415888 Fax:+085415009. Rates From RM70
  • '''Cosy Inn'''. Lot 545 - 547, Jln Yu Seng Selatan, Tel:+6085415522 Fax:+6085415155. Rate from RM48
  • '''SomerSet Hotel'''
  • '''Apollo Hotel'''
  • '''Glorial Hotel'''
  • '''Harbour View Inn'''
  • '''Cosy Inn'''
  • '''Brooke Inn'''
  • '''Cempaka Inn'''
  • 4 - 5 Star Accomodation

  • '''Miri Marriott Resort & Spa''', Lot 779 Jalan Temenggong Datuk Oyong, Phone: +6085421121, Fax: +6085421099, Sales: +6085421121 ext. 7300, [http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/myymc-miri-marriott-resort-and-spa/]. 5-star full-service spa resort located 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 Marriot.

  • '''Imperial Hotel''', Jalan Pos, Tel: +6085431133, Fax: +6085431122, [http://www.imperialhotel.com.my/]. Located at the center of Miri City, adjoining the Imperial Mall, only 15 minutes away from airport by taxi
  • '''Parkcity Everly Hotel''', Jalan Temenggong Datuk Oyong Lawai, Tel: +6085418888 Fax: +6085419999, [http://www.vhotels.com].
  • '''Grand Palace Hotel''' Tel: +6085428888.
  • '''Mega Hotel''' Tel: +6085432432.
  • '''Dynasty Hotel''' Tel: +6085421111.
  • Dynasty has one of the best chinese fine dining restaurants I have ever been to. Mind you, I have been to many all over the Asia Pacific region and this is definitely one of the best. The dishes served are not your typical chinese food from the major brands such as Oriental, Tai Thong or Oversea. The sharks fin soup at Dynasty was so good that I felt that vinegar would be ruining the taste. They have many other signature dishes which I have not seen in other chinese restaurants. If you are ever in Miri, I do heavily recommend trying their chinese restaurant.

    Get out

  • Gunung Mulu National Park - home to one of Malaysia's grandest national parks, with immense caves and jagged mountains.
  • Kelabit Highlands - A great place to go for culture, nature, walking, camping, survival skill camping, fishing etc.