Places of Interest
Places of Interest in Miri
coastal charm · heritage · rainforest wonders
Taman Awam Miri
Only a few minutes drive from the City centre, this creatively landscaped public park provides you with a pleasant environment for a family outing, or for some light walking exercise. Taman Awam Miri includes a botanical garden, an observatory tower, a suspension bridge, a well-equipped children's playground, pavilions and food stalls.
San Ching Tian Taoist Temple
You have the rare opportunity while in Miri to see one of the largest Taoist Temples in South-East Asia. Located in Krokop (about 10 minutes drive from the City centre), the San Ching Tian Taoist Temple was opened in 2000 and is cared for by Taoist priests. Visitors are welcomed (as a sign of respect, please dress appropriately).
Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple
An important icon of Miri's early history, this is the oldest Chinese temple in Miri City. Located in the "Old Town" section of the City (at the junction of China street and Jalan Bendahara), the Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple was originally built in 1913 by Chinese migrants then working in Miri's recently-established oil industry. Visitors are welcomed (as a sign of respect, please dress appropriately).
Miri City Fan
Perfect for an early evening stroll, or if you just want to sit back and relax, the national award-winning City Fan public park - located in the middle of the City - is a complex of elegantly landscaped parks, theme gardens and an open-air amphitheatre. And you can also check out local Sarawakian artworks in the Miri Library (Pustaka Miri) right next to it.
Canada Hill
Transportation is definitely needed to get there, but it is worth it. Canada Hill is an excellent lookout point over the whole of Miri City and its coastline. You can also see Malaysia's very first oil well - the "Grand Old Lady" - and visit the brand new Petroleum Science Museum, right on the hilltop.
Luak Bay Esplanade
Only 15 minutes drive from the City centre, this is a great place for your family barbecues, seaside picnics and casual strolls on the sandy beach. There is plenty of parking space and cold drink stalls are usually available. The Luak Bay Esplanade is also accessible by bus.
Taman Selera
This is Miri City's first recreational park and it is still very popular with locals. About 10 minutes drive from the City centre, Taman Selera encompasses a land-filled pier that extends out into the sea for a different view of Miri's coastline and glorious sunsets. Available amenities include a children's playground and the open-air Taman Selera seafood centre where you can enjoy excellent seafood cooked the way you like.
Loagan Bunut National Park
The "shrinking lake" Loagan Bunut gives its name to the park. During the dry season (February to June), you can walk right across the dry mud flats of this popular bird-watching site. Wildlife activity changes with the seasons and there's usually plenty of it to see. The drive from Miri City to Loagan Bunut National Park generally takes about 3 hours by four-wheel drive vehicle.
Gunung Mulu National Park
If you are planning a longer stay in Miri, this world heritage site is an excellent gateway that's very much worth visiting. While famous for its impressive cave complex, the biodiversity and scenic beauty of the whole park - which also includes rock pinnacles and a Canopy Skywalk (the first world's longest tree-based structure) - are just as breathtaking. Gunung Mulu national Park is only a 25-minute flight away from Miri City; regular flights are available from Miri City's International Airport. Park guides and bookings are usually organised by tour operators.
Lambir Hills National Park
If you are feeling a little adventurous, how about some walking tracks and cool waterfalls in one of the world's most biodiverse rainforests? Only 30 minutes drive from the City Centre, Lambir Hills National Park is an ideal day-trip soft adventure gateway; camping sites and chalets are also available for overnight stay. (Public buses heading for Batu Niah and Bintulu pass the front gate of Lambir Hills).
Niah National Park
It's not every day that you will get to see a significant piece of human civilisation history. A mere 1 1/2 hours drive on good roads from Miri City, Niah National Park is one of South-East Asia's most important prehistoric sites. The Niah cave contains some very ancient artifacts and rock paintings that embellish the cave walls. Organised bus trips to the park are available.
Taman Bulatan
If you are looking for a simple and relaxing spot in the heart of Miri, Taman Bulatan is a great choice. The park is famous for its large teapot statue, which has become a favorite photo stop for both locals and visitors. You can take a slow walk, enjoy the green spaces, or just sit and watch the city go by. It is a small but charming place to start your Miri adventure.
Jong Crocodile Farm
For a bit of excitement, head over to the Jong Crocodile Farm. This place is home to hundreds of crocodiles of all sizes, from tiny hatchlings to massive giants. You can watch feeding sessions, learn about these powerful reptiles, and even see other animals like birds and snakes. It is a fascinating and slightly thrilling experience that families and wildlife lovers will surely enjoy.
Federation of Orang Ulu Association
To understand the rich culture of Sarawak's highland tribes, visit the Federation of Orang Ulu Association in Miri. This cultural center proudly displays the art, music, and traditions of the Kayan, Kenyah, and other Orang Ulu communities. You can see beautiful beadwork, intricate carvings, and hear the haunting sounds of the sape, a traditional lute. It is a warm and welcoming place that offers a meaningful glimpse into Borneo's indigenous heritage.
Usun Apau National Park
Usun Apau National Park is located at Baram, Sarawak. The Usun Apau plateau is an old volcanic plateau, located near the Indonesian border, unknown until 1951, when Tom Harrison, the curator of the Sarawak Museum in Kuching, discovered it. There are a number of waterfalls within the park.
Tusan Beach Subis
Tusan Beach lies approximately 30 minutes away from the city centre. Popular with beach lovers and photographers, Tusan offers white sandy shorelines against rugged cliffs and unusual rock formations. Relax and enjoy the ambience while snapping pictures, or witness Borneo's spectacular sunsets. Lucky visitors might also observe the rare natural phenomenon when the sea begins to glow as tiny micro-organisms emit blue light.
Sky Garden Meritz
Miri Sky Bar sits on the 17th floor of the Meritz Hotel. Offering a selection of food, including a steamboat buffet and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, the Sky Bar is one of the top things to do in Miri for a sunset experience. Customers can sit outside on a terrace overlooking the city and South China Sea. The Sky Bar has regular promotions on beer, wine and cocktails.
Miri Marina
On the coast of Sarawak, East Malaysia, the new Miri Marina offers unique and safe berthing for yachts of up to 115 feet. With modern facilities, security and prime location, the Miri Marina is an excellent hub for sailing in Southeast Asia. Located in Miri town, the Marina offers plenty of travelling opportunities to discover the wonders of Sarawak. It is an ideal base from which to explore the nearby Mulu, Niah and Lambir Falls National Parks.
Miri Handicraft Centre
For a cultural experience and glimpse into the lives of Sarawak's indigenous communities, head to Miri Handicraft Centre on Jalan Brooke. Several stalls offer a variety of souvenirs and handicrafts, including textiles, Penan mats and woven products. Lucky visitors might also catch one of the occasional cultural shows at the centres.
Long Bedian
Long Bedian is a thriving Kayan settlement that has withstood the test of rural migration, as many of its community members have chosen to stay on at Long Bedian. This amazing feat has caught the attention of many, and the most notable visitors to Long Bedian are the King and Queen of Malaysia. Keen to share their success with others, the Kayan people of Long Bedian have set up a community tourism programme with riverbank chalets and a lodge attached to the longhouse. They offer an authentic upriver experience, and have set up an extensive network of jungle trails, providing treks and boat trips to picturesque waterfalls and other idyllic locations.
Hawaii Beach Miri
Hawaii Beach is located at Kampong Bakam, a 15-minute drive from Miri. The entrance to the beach is in the village, next to the bus stop. Visitors can take leisurely stroll along the wooden footbridge before being greeted by the palm-fringed beach. Picnic and barbecue facilities can be provided for a small charge.
Bungai Beach
Bungai Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach stretching from the mouth of the river Sungei Sibuti to Tusan outcrop in Sarawak. The beach has a few rocky parts, and one portion has black rocks which jut out into the sea for about half a mile at low tide. It is also popular with beachgoers who appreciate its pristine beach, clear waters, and the beauty of the untouched surroundings. Its relatively secluded and a great spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Beach Republic
Situated in Luak Bay along the South China Sea, Beach Republic is a kid and family-friendly venue for all. There are so many ways to enjoy Beach Republic. Start with the outdoor pool, fully-equipped gym, basketball court, beach volleyball, soccer, weekly classes such as Zumba and yoga (FREE to gym members or pay-per-class for non-gym members).
Batu Lawi
Mountaineers can tackle Gunung Murud (2,424m, reasonable going) or the famous Batu Lawi (2,043m, very tough) located within the Kelabit Highlands area. However, these are both serious expeditions and guides and porters will need to be hired (RM 80 per day) in Bario or Bakelalan. For Batu Lawi, mountaineering equipment and experience is also necessary. MasWings operates regular DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprop flights to and from Miri to Ba'Kelalan and Bario. From there trekking are needed about four days trek through forest that is now part of Pulong Tau National Park for those who wish to visit Batu Lawi.
And if you also wish to experience first-hand the unique native cultures of Sarawak and see the everyday life of the local native communities, there are numerous longhouses near Lambir Hills and Niah that you can visit.
Miri — gateway to Borneo's treasures
