Miri, Malaysia
Region: Sarawak
Geographic Coordinates: 4.392500, 113.986000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year.
Population: 234541
Language: Malay
Miri is a city located in the northern region of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is the second-largest city in Sarawak and is famous for its beautiful beaches, National parks, And oil industry. The population of Miri comprises Malays, Chinese, Iban, Bidayuh and other indigenous groups. Gunung Mulu National Park is one of the main attractions in Miri. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 due to its extensive cave system with over 295 km of explored caves like Deer Cave which has millions of bats that can be seen flying out at sunset.
Visitors can also explore other attractions such as Clearwater Cave and Lang’s Cave where they can admire impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations. Tanjong Lobang Beach is another popular destination for tourists visiting Miri as it offers stunning views of the South China Sea. The beach has a long stretch of white sandy beach perfect for sunbathing or taking leisurely walks while enjoying sea breeze. There are also various water sports activities available including jet skiing and parasailing.
For those interested in learning about Miri’s history, They can visit Petroleum Museum which showcases exhibits on oil exploration history in Sarawak since 1910s until today. The museum highlights how oil discoveries have transformed Miri from just a small fishing village to become one of Malaysia’s wealthiest cities. Visitors to Miri should try local cuisine such as Kolo Mee (noodles served with minced meat), Laksa Sarawak (spicy rice noodles soup), Ayam Pansuh (chicken cooked inside bamboo) or Udang Galah (giant freshwater prawns). These dishes are commonly found at local hawker centers or food courts around town.
visitors who want to experience traditional Iban culture should head to Rumah Garie Longhouse located about an hour’s drive from Miri where they can learn about their way of life, Customs, And traditions. They can also participate in activities such as blowpipe shooting, Traditional dance performances or try local rice wine called tuak. Miri offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences that make it a must-visit destination in Malaysia.
From exploring caves at Gunung Mulu National Park to relaxing on the beach at Tanjong Lobang or learning about the oil industry at Petroleum Museum, There is something for everyone in Miri. With its friendly locals and delicious cuisine, Visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience in this charming city.
Important Landmarks
- Niah National Park – famous for its limestone caves and prehistoric artifacts.
- Canada Hill – a hill overlooking the city with a petroleum museum and panoramic views.
- Taman Awam Miri – a public park featuring gardens, playgrounds, and walking trails.
- Grand Old Lady – an oil rig monument symbolizing the start of Malaysia’s petroleum industry.
- Miri City Fan – a recreational park with botanical gardens, an amphitheater, and sports facilities.
- San Ching Tian Temple – a Chinese temple known for its intricate architecture and cultural significance.
- Tanjong Lobang Beach – a popular beach destination with water activities such as jet skiing and banana boat rides.
- Esplanade Beachfront – A promenade along the beach that offers stunning views of the sunset.
- Miri Handicraft Center- A center showcasing traditional handicrafts such as weaving, pottery making, wood carving.
- Miri Crocodile Farm- A crocodile farm that features various species of crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Primary Industries
- Oil and Gas Industry: Miri is known as the oil town of Malaysia and is home to several oil and gas companies such as PETRONAS, Shell, Nippon Oil, and Murphy Oil.
- Tourism Industry: Miri is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, including national parks like Gunung Mulu National Park and Lambir Hills National Park.
- Agriculture Industry: The agriculture industry in Miri focuses on crops such as palm oil, rubber, pepper, cocoa, and fruits.
- Manufacturing Industry: The manufacturing industry in Miri includes companies that produce electronic products, textiles, furniture items among others.
- Retail Industry: There are numerous shopping malls in Miri such as Bintang Megamall and Permaisuri Imperial City Mall which cater to the retail sector of the city.
- Education Sector: There are many educational institutions like Curtin University Sarawak Campus located in Miri which has contributed significantly to the education sector of the city.
- Healthcare Services: Numerous hospitals provide healthcare services in the city including Columbia Asia Hospital-Miri & KPJ Specialist Hospital-Miri which have become a major hub for medical tourism from neighboring countries like Brunei Darussalam & Indonesia.
Noteable History
- The discovery of oil in 1910, which led to the development of Miri as a major oil town.
- The Japanese occupation during World War II from 1941 to 1945.
- The establishment of the Sarawak Oilfields Limited (SOL) in 1954, which marked a turning point for the oil industry in Malaysia.
- The construction of the first airport in Miri in 1955, which opened up new opportunities for trade and tourism.
- The establishment of Curtin University’s campus in Miri in 1999, which has helped to transform Miri into an education hub.
- Notable people associated with Miri include Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (a former Minister), Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam (former Deputy Chief Minister), and Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew (former state assemblyman).
- Other notable events include the annual Borneo Jazz Festival and International Kite Festival held in Miri every year since 2006 and 2005 respectively.
Museums and Things To See
- Petroleum Museum
- Miri Handicraft Centre
- Canada Hill
- Tua Pek Kong Temple
- Miri City Fan Park and Esplanade
- Grand Old Lady and the Miri Well
- Lambir Hills National Park
- San Ching Tian Temple
- Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort
- Coco Cabana Beach Club
Sports Teams
- Miri City FC – This football (soccer) team was founded in 2015 and competes in the Malaysian Premier League. They’ve had moderate success, finishing as high as third place in the league.
- Miri Rugby Football Club – This rugby team was founded in 1974 and has been active ever since. They compete against other clubs from around Malaysia and have won several championships over the years.
- Miri Badminton Association – This association promotes badminton as a sport in Miri and hosts tournaments throughout the year for players of all levels.
- Miri Bowling Association – This association promotes bowling as a sport and organizes tournaments for both amateur and professional bowlers.
- Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) – Although not based solely in Miri, this association organizes tennis tournaments throughout Sarawak state, including some events held in Miri.
Overall, while there are some sports teams and associations present in Miri, they do not have extensive histories or notable achievements at national or international levels compared to other cities or regions within Malaysia.
Cultural Events
- Borneo Jazz Festival is an international jazz festival that takes place every May.
- Miri Country Music Festival is a two-day music festival featuring local and international country music artists, held in February.
- Miri International Dance Festival showcases traditional and contemporary dance performances by local and international groups, held in July.
- Borneo Cultural Festival is a week-long celebration of the diverse cultures of Sarawak, featuring cultural performances, food stalls, and handicraft exhibitions held in July.
- Miri City Day Celebration is an annual event commemorating the city’s establishment with parades, cultural shows, and fireworks displays held in May.
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a Muslim festival celebrating the end of Ramadan with feasting and family gatherings usually held around June or July.
- Chinese New Year Celebration is a festive occasion celebrated by the Chinese community with lion dances, dragon dances, firecrackers, and traditional food usually held around January or February.
- Gawai Dayak Celebration is an indigenous festival celebrating the harvest season with traditional rituals such as dances, songs and games usually celebrated on 1st June every year.
Cuisine
- Laksa Sarawak is a spicy noodle soup made with rice vermicelli, prawns, chicken, and bean sprouts.
- Kolo Mee is a dry noodle dish that consists of minced meat, char siu (barbecued pork), and green vegetables.
- Nasi Lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and served with various accompaniments such as fried chicken or fish, sambal (spicy sauce), cucumber slices, and peanuts.
- Rojak is a mixed fruit salad that comes with shrimp paste sauce.
- Satay is skewered grilled meat typically made using chicken or beef and served with peanut sauce.
If you’re looking for popular restaurants in Miri to try out these dishes at:
- Ming Cafe
- Al-Tazaj Arabic Restaurant
- Muara Restaurant
- Dragon Seafood Village
- Dynasty Chinese Restaurant at the Imperial Palace Hotel are great options to consider!
Parks and Recreation
- Miri City Fan Park
- Taman Awam Miri
- Lambir Hills National Park
- San Ching Tian Temple and Garden
- Marina Bay Park
- Canada Hill Recreation Park
- Luak Esplanade Beachfront Park
- Piasau Nature Reserve
- Miri Crocodile Farm
- Tanjong Lobang Beach