Miri

Marina Bay Miri - Marina Bay, Miri

Miri is the second largest city in Sarawak (with a population of about 300,000), located on its northern coast near the border of Brunei. Miri as known by its nickname "Oil Town", is the birthplace of the Malaysian petroleum industry as the city was founded in 1910 when the first oil well was drilled by Royal Dutch Shell and since then, petroleum has continued to drive the city's economy and development ever since.

Miri is the main tourist gateway to various national parks, which makes it a favourite ecotourism destination and can be arguably called the "Resort City".

Miri Halal Explorer

The Sarawak Shell Berhad and Petronas Carigali are headquartered here. As a result, Miri has a cosmopolitan whiff as it hosts expatriates from all over the world. These expats work in many of the multinational oil and gas giants that are headquartered in Miri.

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

Miri boasts a 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.

Almost all local residents speak a tiny smattering of English, along with Mandarin. The main language is the Bahasa Sarawak which is a local Sarawakian language; it is similar to (Malay) but with local slang.

Miri celebrated its fifth city status anniversary on 20th May 2010.

Visitor information

The people are quite helpful when it comes to directions or any help needed. A visitor's information centre is available downtown for any further enquiries:

• Visitors' Information Centre Jalan Melayu and Jalan Padang

Travel to Miri

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Miri

Miri International 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 Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia . The airport is also connected to all major tourist destinations in Malaysian Borneo, including Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. AirAsia also operates an international flight to Singapore several times a week.

• 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.
• From Johor Bahru:AirAsia flies on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
• From Kuching: Malaysia Airlines flies three flights daily and AirAsia has one flight daily.
• From Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia Airline and AirAsia each have two flights daily. MASWings also puts on a Fokker flight on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• From Singapore:AirAsia has one flight on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (Looked up 2015-08-23).

MASWings, 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.

Travel on a Bus in Miri

• Express Bus Terminal also called Pujut bus terminal and is located approx. 4km north from the downtown. There are frequent city bus service (from 5am to 9pm, takes 20-30 min) to nearby Boulevard Shopping Mall. The bus stop is at the pedestrian overpass and about 5 minutes walk from bus terminal. The taxi will cost RM20-30.

• 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. From Bintulu the bus jouney takes roughly 4 hours and cost MYR 50. From Sibu it takes about 7 hours and costs MYR50 (2022).
• From Brunei: As of early 2019 and there are two direct services between Bandar Seri Begawan and Miri. PHLS Express operates a dedicated BSB-Miri service, leaving BSB at 07:00 and 13:00. In Miri buses leave from the long distance bus station at 08:15 and 15:45. Fare is B$22 or RM50; B$12 or RM25 for children 3–10 (2023); tickets can be purchased at the bus station or online. The bus will also stop in Seria, Tutong, or Kuala Belait if you buy a ticket to or from one of those towns. There is no longer local bus service between Miri and Kuala Belait in Brunei. The only bus connection between two cities is the above mentioned express service.
• To/From Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: Bintang Jaya Express opened a new route from Miri to Kota Kinabalu (KK) and return in November 2008. The route originates from Pontianak in Indonesia to Kuching, Miri, Limbang, Lawas ending in KK Wawasan Bus Terminal. Bus departs Miri at 8.00AM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The journey takes roughly 10 hours without changing buses. From KK the bus departs at 7.30AM on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays.
• 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.

How to get around in Miri

Bus services are available.

24-hour taxi service is also available and can be visited at +60 85432277. Fare extra charge applies after 12AM.

Car can be hired for for a day for as low as MYR 80 + MYR 30 (delivery charges). Remember to purchase some parking tickets, which cost MYR 0.5 each.

What to see in Miri

• Grand Old Lady and the Petroleum Museum. On top of Canada Hill. 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. The museum is closed on Mondays.
• 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.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Miri

• 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 option.

• San Ching Tian Temple - Largest Taoist temple in South East Asia.
• 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.

• Dive near Miri - Dive in the unspoiled coral gardens near Miri. CO.CO.DIVE (Miri trusted dive operator) and Red Monkey Divers (The always cheerful Steve) organizes day trips from the Miri Marina.

• Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club - Latest Golf attraction in Sarawak. TeeTimes Malaysia's Top 10 Golf Courses.

Lambir Hills National Park

Lambir Hills National Park - Pantu Waterfall - Pantu Waterfall

Lambir Hills National Park GPS 4.198260,114.042898 is some 30km south of Miri. Enjoy the wonders of nature and take a hike in the park. There are plenty of impressive tall trees, interesting bird songs, and several big and small picturesque waterfalls in the part so enjoy the scenery of the waterfalls where you can swim as well. If you have keen eyes you may also spot frogs, lizards, and other wildlife. The park is popular at weekends when people from Miri travel there for a day visit. For longer stays, visitors can book one of several chalets. At the park headquarters there's a shop with Snacks, drinks, and simple MYR5 hot meals.

There are several hiking trails for visitors to explore. These range from short and fairly flat walks to the long, challenging, and steep trek to the summit of Bukit Lambir and the tallest point in the park. If heading towards the peak, bring plenty of water, and turn back if it starts to rain, because the streams can flood dangerously.

File-eared Tree Frog (Polypedates otilophus) (8440971112) - File-eared tree frog

Cost to enter the park is MYR 20/person (MYR 7 for children 7–18, free for 6 and under; prices updated 2023). Bring your passport or a photocopy—you need it to enter the park. The trails are open 8AM–4PM, but arrive as close to 8AM as you can to beat the midday heat for a short hike or to have enough time for a long hike—you have to be back at headquarters by 4PM.

Getting to the park takes 30 minutes by vehicle or an hour by bus—buses en route to Bintulu may drop you at the park entrance gate however may charge full fare MYR 25. It's also easy enough to take a taxi or a Grab to the park, but getting back can be tricky, as you won't find any taxis hanging around to pick you up. So either arrange a specific time for the taxi to come back and get you, or plan to take a bus back. The buses run once an hour, more or less; you can wait at the bus stop at the side of the road and flag one down to get back to Miri for MYR 10. Another option you can take the bus the other direction to head to Bintulu or Niah National Park.

Bring more water than you think you'll need. It's humid!

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Miri

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
• The Imperial Mall
• Bintang Plaza
• Miri Heritage Centre, a place where you get a memorable souvenir of a local made handicrafts.

Halal Restaurants in Miri

For a fabulous gastronomical experience, Miri is the place to try out all sorts of food. Depending on your budget and there is a variety of eateries around.

• Cafenika & Catering - 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.

• Naga Liar - Serves a local Malaysian delicacy, Nasi Lemak together other local favourites as well

• Halo Cafe - serve eastern & western cuisine. drinks include mocktails, soft drinks, 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.
• 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.
• Sun City - Good selection of food, indoor and outdoor seating, nice furnishings and great outdoor feel but fully covered with canvas with huge fans.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Miri

Miri - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Miri, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Miri. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Miri and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Miri. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Miri. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMiri: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Miri.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Miri: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Miri, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Miri.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Miri, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Miri, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Miri and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Miri, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Miri, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Miri without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Miri is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Miri.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Miri is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Miri, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Miri Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Minda Guesthouse - Brand new guesthouse with free breakfast, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, rooftop garden and two lounges with flatscreen, mini library etc. Dorms RM 20/person & private from RM 50/room (twin). Friendly staff and good location. Just tell the cabby Mega Hotel then it's less than a minutes walk from there. [New ownership, new name in 2016. For 50 MYR, you can get a room with it's own bathroom elsewhere.]

• Miri Waterfront Homestay - Perfect for families, or a backpackers lounge, as is cheap, clean, brand new and safe accommodation / hotel with new fittings and furnishings! A friendly family run business. Amenities: Free Wi-Fi. Hot shower. Air conditioning. Late check out allowed and they are very flexible!

• Miri Trail Guesthouse - The best value accommodation which is ideal for travelers, especially backpackers. This is the place to meet other travelers and enjoy your trip without big expenses. If you are waiting for long hours next flight, or early morning flight, Miri Trail Guesthouse is the right place for you! Miri Trail Guesthouse is located only two minutes away from the airport and 10 minutes away from the city.

• Dillenia - 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 Wi-Fi 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 swimmingpool (1RM per person) only a few min-walk away.

• Next Room Homestay Hostel with air conditioning and free wifi. Free breakfast prepared by the staff: coffee or tea and two pieces of toast with butter and jam. Only has squat toilets.

• Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club - Offering an integrated resort lifestyle and the Club provides chalets with 120-room accommodation located within the golf course area. Built with natural timber and the chalets spread around a beautiful and lush landscape surrounding are complemented with a well-equipped fitness centre with wwimming pool, gymnasium, steambath, private secluded sauna and Jacuzzi.

• Miri Marriott Resort & Spa - 5-star full-service spa resort located at the coast, 2 km from downtown and 8 km from airport. Lovely gardens, nice pool, swimmingpool bar, food can be ordered from the swimmingpool and eaten at the café. Basic but sandy beach, meals are quite expensive but good quality, although there is a nice food court just a 2-minutes walk from the Marriott.

• Imperial Hotel

Travel Next

Sarawak

• Bintulu and nearby Niah National Park
• Gunung Mulu National Park
• Kuching

Brunei

• Bandar Seri Begawan

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