Miri | Malaysia

Here’s a detailed guide to Miri, a vibrant city in Sarawak, Malaysia, known as the "Oil Town" and a gateway to stunning natural wonders:

1. General Overview

Miri is the second-largest city in Sarawak, located on the northern coast of Borneo. It is the birthplace of Malaysia’s petroleum industry and serves as a key hub for eco-tourism, offering access to lush rainforests, caves, national parks, and pristine beaches.

• State: Sarawak
• Population: Approximately 350,000
• Nickname: The "Oil Town" and "Gateway to the Highlands"
• Languages: Malay, English, Chinese (Mandarin, Foochow dialect), Iban, and other indigenous languages
• Economy: Oil and gas industry, tourism, agriculture, and trade

2. Historical Background

Miri's history is closely tied to its role as the birthplace of Malaysia's petroleum industry. In 1910, Shell drilled the first oil well, known as the Grand Old Lady, atop Canada Hill. This event transformed Miri into a booming oil town and played a significant role in Malaysia's economic development. Over the years, the city has diversified, emerging as a cultural and eco-tourism hotspot.

3. Major Destinations and Attractions

Nature and National Parks

Gunung Mulu National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Famous for its limestone karst formations, the world’s largest cave chamber (Sarawak Chamber), and extensive cave systems, including Deer Cave and Clearwater Cave.

Niah National Park

• Known for the Niah Caves, where some of the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia (dating back 40,000 years) were discovered. The caves also feature stunning prehistoric wall paintings.

Lambir Hills National Park

• A biodiversity hotspot offering jungle trekking, waterfalls, and bird-watching opportunities.

Loagan Bunut National Park

• Home to Sarawak’s largest natural lake, this park is ideal for observing wildlife, particularly migratory birds.

Piasau Nature Reserve

• A coastal forest reserve focused on conserving the endangered Oriental Pied Hornbill.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Canada Hill & The Grand Old Lady

• Canada Hill is a limestone ridge offering panoramic views of Miri. It is home to the Grand Old Lady, Malaysia’s first oil well, and the Petroleum Museum, which showcases the history of the oil and gas industry in Miri.

Miri Handicraft Centre

• A cultural hub where you can purchase traditional crafts such as beadwork, woven textiles, and rattan products made by local artisans.

San Ching Tian Temple

• The largest Taoist temple in Southeast Asia, featuring intricate carvings and vibrant architecture.

Miri City Fan

• A landscaped urban park with themed gardens, an amphitheater, and recreational facilities.

Tamu Muhibbah Market

• A vibrant local market where you can find fresh produce, exotic fruits, Sarawakian snacks, and traditional crafts.

Beaches and Islands

1. Tusan Beach

• Known for its breathtaking rock formations and the rare “Blue Tears” phenomenon (bioluminescent plankton glowing at night).

1. Hawaii Beach

• A quiet and scenic beach, ideal for picnics and relaxation.

1. Luak Esplanade

• A popular spot for locals to enjoy sunsets, featuring barbecue facilities and food stalls.

1. Bungai Beach

• A pristine and lesser-known beach perfect for those seeking solitude.

4. Activities

Adventure and Eco-Tourism

• Caving: Explore the intricate cave systems at Mulu and Niah National Parks.
• Hiking: Trek through Lambir Hills and Gunung Mulu for stunning views and waterfalls.
• Diving: Miri is a growing diving destination, with coral reefs and shipwrecks at dive sites like Eve’s Garden and Anemone Garden.

Cultural Experiences

• Visit the Miri Handicraft Centre to learn about and purchase local crafts.
• Attend traditional festivals like the Miri May Fest or the Borneo Jazz Festival.

5. Food and Cuisine

Miri’s diverse population ensures a vibrant culinary scene with influences from Malay, Chinese, and indigenous cuisines.

Must-Try Dishes

Kolo Mee

• A Sarawakian noodle dish tossed with light soy sauce, often topped with minced pork or chicken.

Laksa Sarawak

• A rich, spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk, sambal, prawns, and shredded chicken.

Ayam Pansuh

• Chicken cooked in bamboo with herbs, a traditional Iban dish.

Umai

• A traditional Melanau dish made with raw fish, lime juice, onions, and chilies.

Midin (Wild Fern)

• Stir-fried jungle fern served with garlic or belacan (fermented shrimp paste).

Layer Cake (Kek Lapis Sarawak)

• A colorful and intricate cake made with layers of flavored batter, popular during festivals.

6. Festivals and Events

Borneo Jazz Festival

• An annual music festival featuring international jazz artists.

Miri May Fest

• A month-long celebration with cultural performances, food fairs, and sporting events.

Miri Country Music Fest

• A festival celebrating country music, attracting local and international performers.

Gawai Dayak

• A harvest festival celebrated by the indigenous Dayak people, featuring traditional rituals, dances, and feasts.

7. Transportation

By Air

• Miri Airport is a major gateway in Sarawak, offering domestic and international flights. It connects to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Brunei.

By Road

• Miri is well-connected via the Pan Borneo Highway, linking it to Brunei, Bintulu, and other cities in Sarawak.

By Sea

• Passenger and cargo ferries operate between Miri and coastal towns like Labuan and Brunei.

8. Accommodation

Luxury Hotels

• Pullman Miri Waterfront
• Miri Marriott Resort & Spa

Mid-Range Options

• Imperial Hotel Miri
• Kingwood Boutique Hotel

Budget-Friendly Stays

• Ajang Hotel
• Citi Hotel

9. Fun Facts

• Oil Town of Malaysia: Miri was where Malaysia's first oil well, the Grand Old Lady, was drilled in 1910.
• UNESCO Site: Gunung Mulu National Park is one of Malaysia’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Diverse Communities: Miri is home to various indigenous groups, including the Iban, Melanau, and Penan, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.