☰Miri

Miri bars and cafes are welcoming and lively and should be a stop on any trip to the city. The local Sarawakian rice wine name 'tuak' should be tried if you are in town during any of the festive seasons such as Gawai, but otherwise there are numerous places to check out that will serve a variety of drinks and provide some great entertainment.

Casual dress is suitable for clubs, bars and cafes here, but keep in mind that the hot and humid weather will linger throughout the night so be sure to keep your clothing light so as not to be overpowered by the evening heat when out and about late night in Miri.

**Bars in Miri **

Cherry Berries is one of the most popular bars in the city. With two floors of live music and a second floor balcony, this is one of the hottest places to be, especially on the weekends when it is usually completely packed. The environment is good and you can choose between drinking, dining and dancing.

Also in the same area are two other clubs, Balcony and Talking Point. Both are in the same element as Cherry Berries with dancing and dining, and both make great stops in a long night of partying.

For lovers of karaoke, Club Infinity Miri is a high end karaoke bar and pub in the middle of Oil Town. This is a fun place to spend an evening if you enjoy singing along to some of your favorite songs while enjoying some drinks.

Another nice gathering place is Passion Corner, a nicely appointed Chinese-style bar and restaurant perfect for a gathering with friends and relaxing.

** ** ** Cafes in Miri **

There are numerous cafes in the city serving both coffee and coffee drinks, as well as many that serve alcohol too.

For American-style cafes, check out Starbucks, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and San Francisco Coffee. Though these are American-style cafes, the menu may be slightly different than what you are used to at home to accommodate local tastes and can be fun to explore while on your trip to Malaysia.

Spend some time wandering the city and finding your own favorite cafe and bar for a light meal and drinks and you will not be disappointed. There are plenty of great bars and cafes throughout the entire city and you will surely find something that fits with your style and interests.

Contributors February 17, 2010

February 16, 2010

Here is a description of the Miri beaches.

**Hawaii Beach

**Miri's most popular beach is without a doubt Hawaii Beach. Located at Kampong Bakam, Hawaii beach boasts pristine water, golden sand and palm trees. Its slope is perfect for kids to play in its shallow area and for adults who like to swim in deeper water. The coconut trees offer plenty of shade, making it a perfect location for a picnic. This beach can be very crowded on weekends with locals and tourists alike. Visitors wishing to stay overnight can rent small chalets.

**Taman Selera **

Taman Selera is the oldest recreational park in town. It offers a beautiful golden sand beach, Tanjong Loban beach. It offers a kids' playground and an open-air snack bar and the area is well lit in the evening. It is a popular place to watch the sunset over the water.

**Luak Bay Esplanade

**Luak Bay Esplanade is located 12 km away from Miri's town center. It is a very popular beach with local on weekends and is slightly quieter on weekdays. This is a golden sandy beach and is perfect for families. Bring a picnic and relax on the grassy areas or directly on the beach. You can buy soft drinks, snacks and chicken wings from hawkers selling on the parking lot. The sunset views here are breathtaking.

**Beraya Beach **

Beraya beach is located 15 km from Miri. The beach is great for swimming, but the real attraction here is the wealth of seashells and fossils to be found. You only have to look down at the surf line as you walk to discover beautiful seashells and some fossils of different species of crabs and other sea creatures.

**Trusan Beach

**Trusan beach is also a shell collector's paradise. Located approximately 40 km from Miri, Trusan Beach boasts a long white sandy beach with a gentle slope. You can find several types of fossils and seashells in the breakers and on the beach itself.

Bungai Beach

If you are a nature lover and prefer a beach that is less populated and urbanized, Bungai Beach is definitely for you. Bungai Beach is approximately a 1-hour drive from Miri and is well worth the drive. The surroundings are wild and untouched, and it is secluded and very private and the only sounds you will hear are from the water. The pale golden sand is pristine, the water crystal clear with a gentle slope. There are no amenities close by, so you should remember to bring a picnic lunch and plenty to drink. You can access this area by car, but a local bus makes 3 stops here from Berkenu each day.

Contributors February 19, 2010

February 12, 2010

Miri day trips not only guarantee you a life-changing experience but also a memorable one. Miri is a city northern Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It is the second largest city in Sarawak. The first oil well was drilled by Shell in 1910 (the Grand Old Lady), and is now a state monument and one of Miri’s tourist attractions.

Almost all locals speak a tiny smattering of English and are quite helpful when it comes to direction or any help needed.

Chinese Hawker Center

If you want to experience this small oil town, you may start by visiting the Chinese Hawker Center located in the hub of the city center next to the Chinese Wet Market. For breakfast, the milk tea is the best, particularly at some stalls. You may also try out the curry rice, fried rice noodles, dried noodles and laksa (spicy rice noodles) which are local delicacies.

Lampir Hill National Park

Book a tour to Lampir Hill National Park where you can walk across a suspension bridge to reach the breathtaking Latak Waterfall. Relax at one of the shelters and then trek through the jungle to explore the surrounding. You can climb up the 40 meter Tree Tower to view the green forest & bird watching or alternatively swim at the waterfall and enjoy the cool refreshing mountain stream.

Crocodile Farm

Located about 20 minutes from the city of Miri , is a crocodile farm inside a mini zoo. You get to view over 2000 wild crocodiles that range from young to old; you might get lucky and have the exceptional chance to feed 1 of the baby crocodiles that are cared for there. Also, in the crocodile farm not only do you get to see the crocodiles but also you get first hand information from experts about these fearsome amphibians. Apart from the crocodiles, you also get the chance to take a short trip through the mini-zoo which is filled with a collection of animals such as snakes, deer and gibbons among others.

**Canada Hill and Esplanade Beach **

Another Miri day trip excursion is extreme hiking on the jungle treks of Canada Hill for a test of endurance. Be careful and prepared for the trek.

After hiking, take a dip at Esplanade Beach which is a favorite beach front located at Luak Bay. You can also visit the Tamu Muhibah Market where fresh and exotic fruits, vegetables and local foodstuffs are available.

An Evening in Miri

A Miri day trip in isn’t complete without trying out the Sarawakian authentic rice wine known as ‘tuak.’ ‘Tuak’ is usually served during festive seasons, especially during Gawai (the Harvest Festival celebrated by the Ibans). Apart from that, if one is looking for a place for drinks and some entertainment, there are few places to go like Balcony, Cherry Berries, Siam Thai Bar, Island Bar & Pub, The Chaplins and Club Infinity.

A visitor’s information center located near the public bus stand is available for any further inquiries.

Contributors March 18, 2010

Whenever you take a trip to this beautiful city located north of Sarawak, Malaysia, be sure to sample some of the local foods available in the numerous Miri restaurants in the city center. Here are some of the best restaurants available.

**Local Seafood Restaurants **

Most of the local seafood restaurants in Miri, due to their perfect location along the coast, offer the best seafood in the country. It's recommended that you have a taste of dishes such as the tom yam soup, buttered prawns, deep fried calamari and the steamed fish. Most of the dishes offered in the menu cost less than US$10.

Chinese Cafe

Noodles can be found in any restaurant in Miri. Most hotels either boil or fry the noodles, but the Mee kolok noodles are totally different in terms of taste and also how they are served. Mee kolok are served with slices of meat or vegetables; they can be in a soup or dry, whichever way you prefer. The meal is cheap, costing about US$1 per bowl. Try the Mee kolok in any Miri restaurant with a mix of red sauce, delicious! This dish is one of the most inexpensive ones you'll find in Miri.

**Fratini's Restaurant **

Located next to the court Mammoth building in Boulevard commercial center, Fratini's has the tastiest Italian food in Miri. The restaurant has franchises in the neighboring Bruneians. You can enjoy Italian foods such as pizzas, pastas and some of the best coffee ever made. The restaurant has a comfortable setting that allows you to enjoy the food in a peaceful atmosphere. The service is top notch, and because of this, the price of most dishes is a bit higher than average, ranging between US$11 and US$20.

Siamese Secrets

Wine and dine in the open, as this restaurant has outside seating as well as offering Internet services for those who would like to eat while surfing the net. The restaurant not only offers Thai food, but the menu also covers food from the Philippines and Western. Food is prepared right in front of your eyes, which can be a unique experience for those who have never seen professional cooks at work. Enjoy the lemon grass fish or the Thai pineapple fried rice, which is mouth watering. ** **

Contributors March 12, 2010

March 18, 2010

The Miri Getting There options are quite straight forward and simple to choose from. Miri is considered to be Sarawak's second largest city and is its northern gateway. It thus serves as a major transport hub to other areas in Sarawak. It has a population of approximately 300,000 people. It is a great diving destination and is also well-known for its parks. While traveling to Miri make sure you have a valid visa. The visa has to be stamped for a period of 6 months. You will have to go through immigration at Sarawak, even if you had an immigration check at Sabah or at Peninsular Malaysia.**

****By Air **

From your port of destination check for flights into the Miri International Airport, which is one of the largest airports in Malaysia and has high passenger traffaic. The airport received its international status in the year 2009. There are daily flights from Johar Bahru, Labuan and Kula Lumpur to Miri.**

*Airport Transfers*

** Once at the Miri International airport, you can use taxi service to get to your destination. Remember to buy the coupon for the taxi at the airport. The taxi coupon ensures that you are not cheated by local cab drivers, as you make the payment at the airport to the official authorities. While making reservations at hotels in Miri ask for airport pick ups. Generally hotels include airport pick up and return as a complimentary service.

Contributors February 19, 2010

February 13, 2010

If you are visiting Miri, then you need to indulge yourself in the unique Miri Shopping experience. There is something for everyone here in this awesome destination. Here are a few ideas that you can use. **Bintang Megamall **

You cannot miss this mall as it is strategically located on the highway at the city center of Miri. A great place to buy designer wear and accessories, you will find international brands like Fila, Vincci and The Body Shop here. The mall has a book store and is a great place to buy cosmetics. If all the shopping has left you tired, you can relax over lunch or dinner in the food court. It also has a pharmacy and a department store. **Heritage Center **

Miri is famous for its handicrafts and traditional methods of producing fine pieces of art. Head over to the Heritage Village, and you will find you need not travel too far as it is located in the heart of the town. These are several stalls that sell traditional vases, the intricately designed Pua fabric and scarfs, skirts and tees with batik prints. This is a great and inexpensive place to buy souvenirs for your friends back home. While you are shopping you can also enjoy live performances and watch batik painting artists at work. **The Boulevard Shopping Complex **

This shopping complex holds around 80 shops, hypermarkets and department stores. This complex has all the fittings of a high class mall, from designer clothing to accessories to sport apparel to cosmetics. Plenty of eateries are evenly spread out and seating arrangements add bliss to the whole shopping experience. The ambiance in the complex is of opulence, with water fountains and other attractive décor items. **The Weekend Market **

This is a typical local market and is great place to soak in the local culture--a shopper's gateway to heaven. This market is run during the night and starts after noon. In contrast to the malls. this local market at the Sarbekas center is apt to sell fashion items and accessories. It is also famous for the toys and handicrafts. More than 170 stalls are available for you to explore. The air carries the aromas of the BBQ chicken stands and other food stalls. **Wisma Pelita Tunku **

The very first shopping area in Miri is still popular amongst the locals. It is located close to the old town. A visit to this oldest shopping center will take you back in time, to shopping before the advent of the whole mall concept. Even though it might not look too appealing, you can definitely grab a few good deals here.

Contributors February 19, 2010

February 11, 2010

Most visitors to Miri are passing through to Mulu or Niah, but the city itself rewards a day or two of exploration. Canada Hill (Bukit Kanaan) is worth an hour for the panoramic views over the South China Sea, and the Petroleum Museum at the site of Malaysia's first oil well — drilled here in 1910 — gives vivid context to Miri's history.

In the city, the Tua Pek Kong Temple by the river is the oldest Chinese temple in Miri, while the San Ching Tian Temple in Krokop claims the title of the largest Taoist temple in Southeast Asia. The Waterfront Commercial Centre has seafood restaurants and evening hawker stalls, and the Tamu open market — busiest on weekends — sells jungle produce, traditional crafts, and local goods.

The main draws beyond the city are exceptional. Gunung Mulu National Park, a 30-minute flight away, has the world's largest cave passage, nightly bat exodus flights, and the dramatic Pinnacles trek. Niah National Park, three hours by road, contains 40,000-year-old human remains and active birds' nest harvesting operations inside its immense cave chambers.

For divers, Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park offers excellent visibility (up to 30 metres), healthy reefs, and several WWII wreck dives from March through November. Music fans should check the dates of the annual Borneo Jazz Festival, held each May at Marina Bay.

If you are getting ready to plan a vacation to Miri, When to Go is going to be the most important decision that you make. To make this decision you will need to know what is going on in Miri, to allow you to plan your vacation according to the things that you want to do. One of the great things about Miri is that the weather is not really a problem because Miri does not have 4 seasons; the weather is the same throughout the year.

August to September

Even though the weather is not a problem in Miri, you may not want to visit Miri during the months of August and September. The main reason that you want to stay away during these months is the smoky haze that blankets the city, which is mainly caused by forest fires. The clearing in Kalimantan can also contribute to the smoky haze that blankets the city.

March to July

If you enjoy diving, you will want to make sure that you visit Miri in March because you can experience some of the best dives. During the month of March, you can have visibility of up to 30 meters, which allows you to see quite a lot underwater. During the months of August and September, you can still experience the perfect diving conditions, but the haze is a huge factor.

September to February

These months are considered the rainy months; it is actually monsoon season, so many of the outdoor activities are not going to be as nice. For example, diving during monsoon season means you are going to have less visibility, it goes down to about 10 meters, but it can be less. Having that low of visibility, you will not experience as much of the beautiful conditions underwater.

Weather

The weather in Miri is normally warm and sunny throughout the year. However, you may also experience rain showers and sunny skies all in one day. All of the activities in Miri are outdoor activities, including exploring caves and visiting the public parks, the nice weather makes doing these activities year round easy.

Tourist Season

Since Miri is a place that you can visit year round, the busiest times of year is going to be when children are out of school, mostly the summer months in the Americas and Europe. If you don’t mind the crowds you can go during the months of May, June and July, but if you are looking for a more peaceful vacation you might want to wait until October or November.

Contributors February 14, 2010