Miri
SARAWAK
​second largest city in Sarawak
Miri is the second largest city in Sarawak with a population close to a quarter of a million but until oil was first drilled in 1910 it was little more than a fishing village. The town developed rapidly following the discovery of oil and it became the administrative centre for northern Sarawak by 1929.
There is not a huge amount for tourists to see in the city itself and most visitors pass through rapidly on their way to Mulu Caves or Niah Caves, but there are a few sights in town for those who are not in a hurry. Most can be covered on foot if you are staying near the city centre.
KEY FACTS
CURRENCY : MYR
LOCAL CUISINE : CHINESE, MALAY, INDIAN
SPECIALITIES : LOCAL DELICACIES
PEAK HOURS : 12p.m.
COMMUNICATION MEDIUM : CANTONESE
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Features
Miri is the second largest city in Sarawak. Miri is the birthplace of Sarawak's and Malaysia's petroleum industry. The world famous Gunung Mulu National Park, a half an hour flight from the city, is one of the favourite eco-tourism destinations. Miri is also the main tourist gateway for the Loagan Bunut National Park, Lambir National Park, and the Niah Caves. Miri is also known for its exotic coral reefs. Due to its close proximity to Brunei; Miri is a perfect place to start your trip to the small oil state.
Khan’s Islamic Restaurant
This simple canteen is one of Miri’s best North Indian eateries, serving up mouth-watering tandoori chicken (RM12), naan bread and mango lassi (RM5) as well as a variety of curries and many vegetarian dishes.
Malaysia's 1st Oil Well (Grand Old Lady)
Canada Hill is a limestone ridge overlooking Miri City and offering excellent views of Miri and its surrounding. Situated on top of Canada Hill, Well No.1, also known as the 'Old Lady' or 'Grand Old Lady' in the later years is the first oil well in the country. It represents the petroleum history of Miri which is almost a century old and is one of the places of interest in Miri. This oil well is no longer in production of crude oil and it has been declared a protected historical site by the Sarawak Government. There is an observatory platform where visitors can have an excellent view of Miri City. Next to this oil well is the newly completed Petroleum Science Museum.
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Sarawak River Cruise
The Cebu Taoist Temple was built in 1972 by the Cebu’s substantial Chinese community. This temple is composed of two different temples: one is the Phu Sian Temple, built by another Chinese community, which is not open to the public; another is the main temple which is 270 meters above sea level.
The latter is the only temple open to worshippers and non-worshippers. Entrance to the temple is a replica of the Great Wall of China. The temple includes a chapel, library, souvenir shop, and a wishing well. It also has a spacious balcony that has an access to the scenic of the city.
Miri City Fan
Built in stages in the mid 1990s and completed by the late 1990s, Miri City Fan is a unique fan-shaped (when viewed from the air) urban civic public park, it is about 26 acres is carefully sited in the hub of sports, educational and cultural facilities of Miri. The City Fan is designed to create civic consciousness by the embodiment of several symbolic parks.
It is a world-class urban civic park with the setting for sport, educational and cultural activities. It includes a promenade, parkland, an amphitheater, musical fountain, a library and cultural center and various ethnic gardens. The 10.4-hectare park was accorded the country's best landscaped city park.
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​The Miri Handicraft Centre
The Miri Handicraft Centre on Jln Brooke is a fascinating showcase of the ethnic arts and crafts of northern Sarawak. Stalls are run by the individual producers, and craftspeople can often be viewed at work here. Items on sale include Penan mats and basketry, Orang Ulu beadwork and woodcarvings, and a variety of textiles from around the state. Cultural performances are occasionally held at weekends. Open 9am – 6pm daily.
Miri Night Street Market
Wanna know what to do in Miri , definitely hit the Pasar Malam Night Market for crazy street good street food opposite Imperial Mall! Roti Johns are popular in Miri, along with hella-huge burgers and yummy spicy and healthy dishes prepared with passion! If you’re looking for a fun night out this is your spot.
The Pinnacles Trail
Hiking the Pinnacles was honestly one of the most challenging but yet fun climb that we’ve ever experienced before! Most people also say that this hike is tougher than Mt Kinabalu! Read on to find out why!
Niah National Park
Rot Fai Market (Train Market) in Bangkok is an authentic open-air bazaar selling an incredible array of vintage collectables and memorabilia from yesteryear, from antique furniture to hippy fashion and Mao kitsch.
Niah Museum
Across the river from park HQ, this museum has displays on Niah’s geology, ecology and prehistoric archaeology, including an original burial canoe that’s at least 1200 years old, a reproduction of the Painted Cave, a case featuring swiftlets’ nests, and a replica of the 40,000-year-old ‘Deep Skull’ discovered in 1958.
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To get to the museum, cross Sungai Niah by motor launch. Torches – essential if you want to go any distance into the caves – can be rented at the museum (RM5)
Dragon Seafood Restaurant
Dinner at Dragon Seafood Restaurant Miri. Exceptional quality food and relaxing atmosphere next to the beach are two things you will find when you visit Dragon Seafood Restaurant. Seafood such as Lobster, Humpback Grouper, Miniatus Grouper and etc are regularly available in our aquarium tanks. We pride ourself to provide some of the finest live seafood available in Miri if not Sarawak.
Tusan Beach
MIRI: Tusan Beach in Bekenu, located about 40 kilometres from here, is gaining popularity among tourists with its latest offering – the “blue tears” phenomenon – after pictures of bright blue lights on its beaches went viral on social media.
Prior to the “blue tears” discovery, Tusan was only famous among locals and photography enthusiasts for its stunning sunsets and beautiful landscapes.