Miri, Malaysia Travel Guide

Discover Miri: A Gateway to Borneo's Natural Wonders and Cultural Riches, Offering a Unique Blend of Adventure, History, and Local Flavors.

Miri, located on the northwest coast of Borneo, Malaysia, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse cultural heritage. Often referred to as the 'Oil Town' due to its pivotal role in Malaysia's oil industry, Miri offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, making it a fascinating destination for travelers. Surrounded by lush rainforests and pristine beaches, Miri is a paradise for nature lovers. The nearby Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its limestone karst formations, expansive caves, and diverse wildlife. Adventure seekers can explore the park's famous Sarawak Chamber and Deer Cave or embark on a thrilling hike up Mount Mulu. In the heart of the city, visitors can immerse themselves in Miri's cultural tapestry. The Miri Handicraft Centre showcases traditional crafts and local products, while the Miri City Fan is a beautifully landscaped urban park that features an array of cultural and recreational facilities. The Tua Pek Kong Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in the region, offers a glimpse into the city's spiritual side. Miri's vibrant culinary scene is another highlight. The city's night markets, such as the Saberkas Weekend Market, offer a tantalizing array of local delicacies, from satay to Sarawak laksa. For those looking to unwind, the nearby beaches, like Tusan Beach and Luak Esplanade, provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day by the sea.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Miri.

Visit Gunung Mulu National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Bring insect repellent when exploring the rainforests and national parks to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
Try the local food at Saberkas Weekend Market for an authentic taste of Miri's culinary delights.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing when visiting the Miri Handicraft Centre and exploring the city.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and cultural sites.

Explore Miri: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Miri

Top-rated picks

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Coco Cabana

Discover the natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Coco Cabana, a premier tourist attraction and park in Miri, Sarawak, perfect for relaxation and recreation.

4.4

Miri City Fan Recreation Park

Experience the natural beauty and cultural charm of Miri City Fan Recreation Park, a must-visit destination in Sarawak for every traveler.

4.2

Tamu Muhibbah

Discover Tamu Muhibbah, Miri's bustling farmers' market, where local flavors and vibrant culture come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.1

Luak Esplanade

Explore Luak Esplanade in Miri, Sarawak - a stunning public beach offering relaxation, adventure, and breathtaking sunset views.

4.3

Best landmarks in Miri

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Coco Cabana

Discover the beauty and tranquility of Coco Cabana, Miri's premier park and tourist attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

4.4

Bintang Megamall

Explore Bintang Megamall, Miri's shopping gem, offering diverse retail, dining, and entertainment options for an unforgettable experience in Sarawak.

4.2

Permaisuri Imperial City Mall

Explore diverse shopping and dining experiences at Permaisuri Imperial City Mall, Miri's ultimate outlet mall destination for locals and tourists alike.

4.4

Imperial Hotel Miri

Discover luxury and comfort at Imperial Hotel Miri, your perfect base for exploring the enchanting beauty of Sarawak.

4.2

Best restaurants in Miri

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Ming Cafe Miri Borneo

Experience authentic Sarawakian flavors at Ming Cafe Miri Borneo – where deliciousness meets hospitality in every bite.

4.3

Restoran Ayam Penyet Ria

Discover authentic Indonesian cuisine at Restoran Ayam Penyet Ria in Miri - home of the famous smashed chicken and vibrant dining experiences.

4.2

Sea Village Seafood Restaurant

Discover the best seafood in Miri at Sea Village Seafood Restaurant – where freshness meets flavor in a stunning coastal setting.

4.0

Excapade Japanese Cuisine Tanjong Lobang

Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Excapade in Miri—savor exquisite flavors in a charming setting.

4.4

Best bars in Miri

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Island Dreams Bistro, Miri

Experience the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere at Island Dreams Bistro in Miri, where authentic Malaysian cuisine meets local entertainment.

4.1

EAGER BISTRO & LOUNGE MIRI

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and delectable dishes at Eager Bistro & Lounge in Miri, your go-to spot for a delightful dining experience.

4.5

Room Music Cafe

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Miri at Room Music Cafe, where live music and karaoke create unforgettable evenings.

4.3

Maldives Bar

Experience the tropical vibes at Maldives Bar in Miri, where refreshing cocktails and lively atmosphere await every traveler.

4.0

Best nightclubs in Miri

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Kenyalang Pub & Karaoke

Discover the lively atmosphere and vibrant entertainment at Kenyalang Pub & Karaoke, the perfect nightlife destination in Miri, Sarawak.

4.3

Teresang Pub & Lounge

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Teresang Pub & Lounge in Miri, where music, drinks, and entertainment meet in a lively atmosphere.

4.2

Night Street Pub & KTV

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Night Street Pub & KTV in Miri, where great drinks, karaoke, and friendly vibes await every visitor.

4.8

Sayau2000 NightClub

Sayau2000 NightClub: Dive into Miri's Vibrant Nightlife with Pulsating Beats and Unforgettable Memories.

4.3

Best shops in Miri

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Bintang Megamall

Discover the vibrant shopping and entertainment experience at Bintang Megamall in Miri, Sarawak, where local culture meets global brands.

4.2

Boulevard Shopping Mall, Miri

Discover a vibrant shopping experience at Boulevard Shopping Mall in Miri, where retail therapy meets culinary delights and entertainment.

4.1

Miri Handicraft Center

Discover the artistry and culture of Sarawak at Miri Handicraft Center, where unique handicrafts and local traditions come to life.

4.2

UNIQLO Bintang Megamall

Explore the vibrant world of fashion at UNIQLO Bintang Megamall, your go-to destination for quality clothing in Miri.

4.3

Explore Miri on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Miri, mapped for you.

Miri Essentials

Miri is located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The nearest airport is Miri Airport (MYY), which is well-connected with daily flights from major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching. International travelers can reach Miri via connecting flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or Kota Kinabalu International Airport. From the airport, taxis and ride-sharing services are available to take you into the city.
Miri offers various transportation options. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are widely available and convenient for short trips within the city. For a more local experience, you can use the public bus system, which connects major areas and attractions. Renting a car is also an option for those who wish to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace. Bicycles can be rented for short distances and are a popular choice for tourists looking to explore the city center.
The official currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Miri. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and currency exchange services can be found in major shopping centers and at the airport.
Miri is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas and always be vigilant of your surroundings. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep your belongings secure. Areas like the old town near the fish market have reported higher instances of petty theft, so exercise extra caution there.
In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Miri General Hospital and Columbia Asia Hospital Miri are the main medical facilities in the city. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Local police stations can provide assistance for lost items or other non-medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing is advisable due to the tropical climate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering homes or religious places. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Apa Khabar' (How are you?). A handshake is common but use your right hand. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it can be considered impolite.
To experience Miri like a local, visit the Tamu Muhibbah market for fresh produce and local crafts. Explore Canada Hill for panoramic views of the city and visit the Petroleum Museum to learn about Miri’s oil history. Engage with locals at the local coffee shops (kopitiam) where you can enjoy traditional Malaysian breakfast. Don't miss out on the seafood at Tanjong Lobang, which is popular among locals.

When is the best time to visit Miri?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Miri

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Miri. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloSelamat petang
  [suh-lah-muht puh-tahng]
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-lah-muht ting-gahl]
- YesYa
  [yah]
- NoTidak
  [tee-dahk]
- Please/You're welcomeSila
  [see-lah]
- Thank youTerima kasih
  [tuh-ree-mah kah-seeh]
- Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
- How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ah-pah kah-bahr]
- Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awak?
  [bah-eek dahn ah-wahk]
- Do you speak English?Boleh berbahasa Inggeris?
  [boh-leh buhr-bah-hah ee-nguh-rees]
- I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya mahu lihat menu, sila
  [sah-yah mah-hoo lee-haht meh-noo, see-lah]
- I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yihng]
- Cheers!Sihat!
  [see-haht]
- I would like to pay, pleaseSaya mahu bayar, sila
  [sah-yah mah-hoo bah-yahr, see-lah]
- Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng]
- Go away!Pergi!
  [puhr-gee]
- Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pahng-geel poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tohr]
- I'm lostSaya sesat
  [sah-yah suh-saht]
- I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]
- I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sah-yah een-geen muhm-buh-lee]
- I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat
  [sah-yah huhn-yah muh-lee-haht]
- How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [buh-rah-pah hahr-gahn-yah]
- That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too tuhr-lah-loo mah-hahl]
- Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [boh-leh koo-rang-kahn hahr-gah]
- What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [poo-kool buh-rah-pah suh-kah-rahng]
- It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [poo-kool sah-too]
- Half past (10)Pukul setengah (10)
  [poo-kool suh-tuhng-ah]
- MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
- AfternoonPetang
  [puh-tahng]
- EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
- YesterdaySemalam
  [suh-mah-lahm]
- TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
- TomorrowEsok
  [eh-sohk]
- 1Satu
  [sah-too]
- 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
- 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
- 4Empat
  [uhm-paht]
- 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
- 6Enam
  [uh-nahm]
- 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
- 8Lapan
  [lah-pahn]
- 9Sembilan
  [suhm-bee-lahn]
- 10Sepuluh
  [suh-pool-uh]
- Where's a/the...?Di manakah...?
  [dee mah-nah-kah]
- What's the address?Alamatnya di mana?
  [ah-lah-mah-nyah dee mah-nah]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [boh-leh toon-jook-kahn sah-yah (dee peh-tah)]
- When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bee-lah bahs suh-tuh-roos-nyah]
- A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sah-too tee-keht (keh)]

History of Miri

Miri, situated in the northern part of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, was originally a small fishing village inhabited by indigenous communities such as the Iban, Kayan, and Kenyah tribes. Its transformation into a bustling town began in 1910 when oil was discovered by the Royal Dutch Shell Company. The first oil well, known as the Grand Old Lady, marked the beginning of Miri’s journey as Malaysia's first oil town. This discovery spurred rapid development and attracted workers from various parts of the world.
In the mid-19th century, Miri came under the rule of the White Rajahs of Sarawak, a dynasty established by James Brooke. The Brooke administration played a significant role in the early development of Miri, including establishing governance structures and engaging in trade with surrounding regions. Their influence is still evident today in the city's historical architecture and administrative legacy.
During World War II, Miri was occupied by Japanese forces from 1941 to 1945. The occupation had a profound impact on the city, including the halting of oil production and significant infrastructural damage. The Japanese used Miri's oil fields to fuel their war efforts, making the city a strategic military target. The end of the occupation brought about a period of reconstruction and recovery.
Following World War II, Miri underwent extensive rebuilding efforts. The discovery of additional oil reserves in the 1950s and 1960s further spurred economic growth. This period also saw the establishment of better infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals. Miri began to diversify its economy beyond oil, developing into a center for commerce, tourism, and education.
Miri is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich tapestry of indigenous, Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities. Each group has contributed unique traditions, festivals, and culinary delights. Notable cultural attractions include the Miri Handicraft Centre, showcasing traditional crafts, and the Tamu Muhibbah market, where one can experience the local flavors and produce. The city also celebrates a variety of festivals, such as Gawai Dayak, Chinese New Year, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Miri is the gateway to some of Malaysia's most stunning natural attractions. The Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its limestone karst formations, caves, and diverse ecosystems. The Niah Caves, another significant site, offer archaeological insights with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. These natural wonders highlight Miri's role in preserving Malaysia's environmental and historical heritage.
In recent decades, Miri has continued to evolve from an oil town into a modern city. The development of the Marina Park and the Miri Waterfront reflect the city's commitment to urban modernization while maintaining its natural beauty. The establishment of Curtin University Malaysia has also positioned Miri as an educational hub. Today, Miri is a vibrant city that balances economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.