If you love exploring nature and relaxing along tranquil beaches, you must check out Miri in Sarawak, Malaysia, which is just a short flight from Singapore. Fly with Scoot, which offers direct flights that connect Singapore Changi Airport directly to Miri International Airport, and you can be transported from Singapore to Miri in about two hoursâthe ultimate nearby gateway from Singapore if you ask us. Located on the island of Borneo and near the border of Brunei, Miri was found in the early 20th century to be rich in oil, which led to Malaysiaâs first oil well being drilled here in 1910 atop Miriâs Canada Hill.
Many ethnic groupsâsuch as the Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Penan, Melanau, Chinese, and Malaysâcall Miri home. Its population is around 300,000 to 400,000, with most of them speaking English and Bahasa Sarawak (Sarawak native language).
Miri has made a name for itself as a tourist destination because of its dramatic natural landscapes. Awe-inspiring rock formations, Instagram-worthy waterfalls, turquoise beaches and a diverse array of wildlife await you in mesmerising Miri.
What to do in Miri, Sarawak
Party on Coco Cabana
Pick a sunny day to visit Coco Cabana, where you can relish breathtaking seaside views! Itâs one of the most visited tourist spots in Miri, and where the iconic seahorse lighthouse is located. Take a picture with the lighthouse and enjoy a stroll along this breezy beach.
This beach in Miri hosts a litany of festivals all year round, from Japan-inspired matsuris and gregarious Christmas and New Yearâs parties to various music and arts festivals. At these thematic events, youâll be entertained by different performances and treated to tantalising dishes at pop-up food stalls.
Sunset Bistro is a popular watering hole along Coco Cabana beach, which serves delicious food and a wide variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Coco Cabana beach also has a large function hall and childrenâs play areas.
Unwind with nature on Piasau Beach
Piasau Beach is another tranquil seaside destination where you can sip tasty cocktails and tuck into western and asian cuisine, like corndogs, sandwiches and Sarawakian rice dishes. Piasau Beachâs star attraction is the Piasau Boat Club, where you can even learn to sail.
This popular hangout constantly rolls out new food items and holds various kid-friendly activities, from Christmas parties to ketupat- (local rice dumplings) making lessons. As you enjoy panoramic vistas at Piasau Boat Club, you might even spot experienced sailors training for competitions.
The entrance fee for Piasau Boat Club is RM10 (S$2.80) for adults and RM5 (S$1.40) for teens aged 12 to 17. You can exchange your entry ticket for a free drink or popcorn. Kids under 12 enter free of chargeâperfect for families with children.
Piasau Beach is right beside Piasau Nature Reserve, which is home to various wildlife, including Sarawakâs iconic hornbills. Piasau Nature Reserveâs 900-metre Community Trail is meant for beginners and hikers of all ages, while its 2.1 kilometres Faridah Loop will bring you up-close with the parkâs avian residents.
Check out Piasau Beach and its boat club here.
Walk through the Mulu Caves
The Mulu Caves are one of the most extensive cave systems in the world, which is why they are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Donât miss the Deer Cave, which is the largest cave passage in the world, and the Sarawak Chamber, which is the largest cave chamber in the worldâ40 Boeing 747 jets can fit in this capacious chamber. Visit the Mulu Caves at sunset to see thousands of bats flying and foraging for food.
The Mulu Caves are part of Gunung Mulu National Park, which comprises 15 different forests and is home to thousands of species. A popular spelunking destination, Mulu Caves also offers treks of varying difficulties. Walk through its 480 metre-long rainforest canopy skywalk for a birdâs eye view of unspoiled nature, or hire a guide to take you on the Mulu Summit Climb. This climb will bring you to the Pinnacles of Mount Api. Although this climb is challenging and might be strenuous depending on your level of fitness, it is a gorgeous trek.
Explore Miri Crocodile Farm and Mini Zoo
Miri Crocodile Farm, the largest crocodile farm in Northern Sarawak, is located near Kuala Baram River Mouthâa mere 20-minute drive from the city.
The 22 acres of natural breeding enclosures and manmade sanctuaries are home to more than 1,000 Estuarine Crocodiles (Crocodylus Porosus) and Malayan Gharials (Tomistoma Schlegelii).
60 other exotic birds and animal species also live in this peaceful habitat. Here, youâll get to meet a unique array of creatures: baby crocodiles, bearcats, binturongs, cassowaries, gibbons, porcupines and sunbears, most of which are indigenous species. Youâll also be allowed to feed some of the animals with food sold at the zooâs canteen.
A visit to the Miri Crocodile Farm and Mini Zoo makes for a leisurely and educational experience that is suitable for all ages. Introduce your little ones to these fascinating animals and their habitats!
Discover local produce at Miri Open Air Market
Forget the typical Nasi Lemak and Kolo Mee from Sarawak! The Miri Open Air Market is not a touristy market but a native tradersâ market where people of various ethnic groups buy and sell their unique crafts and produce at affordable prices.
Also known as the âHarmony Marketâ, the Miri Open Air Market is where locals sell exotic fruits such as jantung pisang (commonly known as banana flower), tarap (fruit native to Borneo that is similar to jackfruit) and durian at some of the lowest prices. Besides savouring the unique fruits and local desserts sold here, you can also buy uniquely Bornean products like kayu selukai (insect repellent), salt refined in the Bario region, ikan tahai (dried seafood) and a variety of fresh vegetables from Tamu Muhibbah.
Most of all, youâll bear witness to Borneoâs rich tapestry of cultures in this teeming market, which was built to bring farmers of various backgrounds together, and to foster strong relationships between local ethnic groups.
Take a hike up Canada Hill
The historical Oil Well No. 1, also known as the Grand Old Lady, sits at the top of Canada Hill, overlooking the city of Miri.
If you love heritage and culture, we highly recommend a trek up Canada Hill. Named after a group of Canadiansâthen employed under oil and gas company Shellâ who dug Malaysiaâs first oil well here, this hill is where you can discover the history of Miri.
This hill is intertwined with the history of Miri, and you can learn about it through an informative museum called the Miri Petroleum Museum.
Shell dug the regionâs first oil well here on this limestone hill in 1910, which has been christened âThe Grand Old Ladyâ. The walk up this 150-metre tall hill isnât that easy, so come prepared in comfortable clothes and suitable shoes. However, the climb is very rewardingâthe peak of Canada Hill offers a breathtaking view of Miri.
You should also look out for the Grand Old Lady monument, which illustrates the history and evolution of Miri through a detailed timeline, and sheds light on minerâs tools, processes and the challenges they faced.
Witness historical wonder and natural beauty at the Niah Caves
No visit to Miri is complete without a trip to the Niah Caves, also known as Gua Niah, located within the Niah National Park. This incredible cave system holds the key to Sarawak's ancient past. Evidence suggests human presence here stretches back a staggering 40,000 years!
Explore the impressive caverns of Gua Niah, some adorned with centuries-old paintings, and imagine the lives of the early people who called these caves home. Niah National Park itself boasts a rich tapestry of rainforest teeming with life, making it a perfect combination of historical wonder and natural beauty.
Visit the Tua Pek Kong Temple
The oldest temple in Miri was built by Chinese migrants in dedication to the God of Prosperity, also known as âTua Pek Kongâ or âGreat Uncleâ. Photographers will love capturing its colourful statues and intricate wood carvings.
Legend has it that the Tua Pek Kong Temple was built as a plea to Tua Pek Kong for a mysterious epidemic to end. Its construction began in 1913, and it has been expanded and carefully restored since.
Its main prayer hall is divided into three sections, dedicated to the gods Fude Zhengshen (Righteous God of Virtue and Blessing), Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) and Mazu (Goddess of the Sea).
Enjoy a round of golf in Eastwood Valley
A renowned golf course that golfers from around the region flock to, Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club is beloved for its lush greenery and calming atmosphere. Situated near tranquil waters and beside an ancient tropical rainforest, this serene sanctuary has modern golfing facilities like a driving range and a pro shop, and a junior coaching programme is available for advance bookings.
This family-friendly country club also offers a variety of accommodations, has an in-house cafe and restaurant, and capacious function rooms that can host weddings and other functions.
Swim with Miriâs diverse marine life
Miriâs waters are home to a diverse array of aquatic life because it is near the Pacific Ring of Fire. When you dive into Miriâs azure waters, youâll be amazed by Miriâs thriving coral reefs, which are some of the healthiest and most beautiful coral reefs in the region.
Miri has several famous dive sites such as Eveâs Garden, Siwa Reef and two shipwrecks. The Sri Gadong Wreck is a 30-metre cargo ship where jacks, yellow grunts and batfish can be spotted, while the Atago Maru Wreck is a 100-metre Japanese WWII ship that attracts large moray eels, jacks and barracudas. Among Miriâs kaleidoscopic reefs, youâll also meet groupers, marble rays, napoleon wrasses, schooling mackerels, reef sharks and leopard sharks.
Where to stay in Miri
Pullman Miri Waterfront
Escape to luxury at Pullman Miri Waterfront, where breathtaking sea views and indulgent amenities await just moments from Miri's vibrant city centre.
A stoneâs throw from major shopping malls and just 10 kilometres from Miri Airport, the 5-star Pullman Miri Waterfront invites you to relax on its sun terrace and in its infinity pool, or indulge in a pampering massage in its chic spa.
You can also soak in majestic views of the South China Sea and surrounding nature when you dine in its in-house restaurants like Tree Tops Terrace and Le Cafe, and Pullman Kitchen.
The friendly staff here are experienced in booking hikes and tours for guests.
Mercure Miri City Centre
Discover urban elegance at Mercure Miri City Centre: from all-day dining to rooftop sunsets, indulge in luxury amidst city vibrancy.
The stylish Mercure Miri City Centre has all-day dining eateries, luxurious ballrooms and even a co-working space. This award-winning hotel in the heart of the city provides shuttle services to Miri International Airport and nearby attractions.
After lounging in its swimming pool or enjoying a workout in its gym, treat yourself to scrumptious cocktails at sunset in Mercure Miri City Centreâs vivacious rooftop bar.
Miri Marriott Resort & Spa
Discover luxury by the sea at Miri Marriott Resort & Spa: indulge in gourmet dining, rejuvenate at Mandara Spa, and enjoy leisure facilities amidst lush gardens.
This five-star resort faces the South China Sea and Miriâs many attractions can be easily accessed from the Miri Marriott Resort & Spa. Guests are treated to an assortment of cuisine at in-house restaurants, live entertainment in its sophisticated lounge and pampering treatments in its acclaimed spa.
Youâll love this propertyâs huge pool and array of fitness facilities, and you can even book a private session with professional coaches on its tennis courts. Indulge in retail therapy in this family-friendly hotelâs shopping arcade, or take a stroll through this resortâs beautifully manicured gardens.
This hotel is also known for its in-house spa, Mandara Spa, which is where you can be energised by an Aromatherapy Floral Footbath, Lavender Body Wash, Coffee Body Scrub or Muscle Ease Massage. You can even customise your Mandara Spa experience, by pairing your massage with a Refresher Facial or Foot Massage, for example. The spaâs products and beauty devices are available for purchase too.
How to get around Miri
There are many buses, taxis and ride hailing services available in Miri. Both Uber and Grab operate in the area, so youâll be able to use the same phone appsâgetting around will be a breeze.
The city of Miri is also serviced by many bus routes that serve attractions outside the city and to other cities in Sarawak. If youâd like to burn some calories while exploring Miri, you can even rent a bike to explore this eclectic city.
Ready to immerse in Miriâs unique culture? Book your flight tickets to Miri now and get ready to discover the hidden gems of Sarawak. Another nearby city that indulges you in rich Sarawakian heritage and food is Sibu, which teems with so many exotic experiences that it topped our 2023 Travel Bucket List. In fact, if you canât get enough of Sarawakian culture and cuisine, Kantin restaurant in Jewel Changi Airport serves Sarawakian fare, so youâll be able to tuck into authentic Sarawak Laksa without having to board a plane.
This story is brought to you by Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore.
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Best Time to Visit Miri, Sawak
Optimal weather in Miri spans March to August, offering warmth with lower humidity, perfect for enjoying outdoor pursuits.
Transportation
Navigating Miri city centre is convenient; it's compact enough for easy walking so that you can check off your list of things to do while there, while public transport makes exploring beyond the city hassle-free.
Currency
The currency code used in Miri is MYR, which represents Malaysian Ringgit.