Miri

Miri is the capital of Miri District and a coastal city in Sarawak State on the island of Borneo, Malaysia. The town is recognised as the birthplace for Malaysia’s petroleum industry as the first oil well was drilled in Miri in 1910. Miri is also a gateway to the world-famous UNESCO site of Gunung Mulu National Park. A walk around the main streets of Miri is a great way to feel the local Malaysian vibe. As Miri is one of the major oil cities of Malaysia, a visit to the Grand Old Lady Miri’s first oil well and Oil Well Museum is a must. Apart from a crucial oil resource center, Miri is well-known for its ecotourism spots of national parks and rich wildlife. It is surrounded by five national parks and forests. You can plan a visit to Lambir National Park, Niah National Park, Miri Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park, Loagan Bunut National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All of them are located within the Miri district and near the city of Miri.Hikers would love to go for hiking to Canada Hill. The view of the city and the beaches from Canada Hill is breathtaking and worth the hike. There is also a place for diving in Miri, the most renowned resorts and divers being COCO Dive and Hoopa Diving. They provide you with diving lessons and a PADI license. Miri is also home to Taoist’s largest temple in South East Asia, San Ching Tian Temple. If you want to spend the day by a beach, Miri has Tamara Selera Beach and Esplanade Beach with crystal clean waters and white sand.Another highlighting feature of Miri is the Miri May Festival which is an annual month long festival that takes place in the month of May. It started in 1989 and consists of several cultural festivals and events open to local and international participation. Saberkas Weekend Night Market is perfect to try local Malay food in Miri. Do try their special local rice wine called Tuak. It is widely available especially around the harvesting period of Ibans.