Miri – Location Facts

Miri is one of the major cities in the East Malaysian state of Sarawak. Besides Kuching, which is the capital of the state, Miri plays an important role as the major economic and tourism location here. Known as the ‘Oil City’, it is where the oil and gas industry is most prevalent. Miri offers a lot of attractions and entertainment options that draw tourists in each day.

Facts about Miri

1. Currency: MYR (Malaysian Ringgit)
2. Dialling code: In Miri, you will need to dial the +6082 prefix to call land lines. If you are calling mobile number, the prefixes like 013 and 017 are used according to their telco operators
3. Airport: Miri is served by the Miri International Airport that provide connections via domestic and international flights.
4. Airport Tax: applies for both domestic and international flights
5. Distance from airport to city centre: About 5km
6. Temperature: Miri experiences temperature between 23 to 33 degrees Celsius at average
7. Climate and Weather: Tropical with high humidity
8. Common languages: English, Sarawakian Bahasa, Mandarin, Iban

Transportation Facts

Getting into Miri city centre is very easy. Bus services are available which stops at the Pujut terminal. Meanwhile, taxis are available from the airport to the city center which costs about RM30 per trip. You can however, hail ride-sharing services like Uber and Grab as well.

Highlights around Miri

Miri is an interesting place to visit if you like a bit of everything. The city centre is constantly bustling with activities while you can enjoy the seaside and maybe some countryside as well. Among the attractions here include:

1. The Grand Lady and Petroleum Museum – You can get here quite easily in the heart of Miri city. It is on top of Canada Hill which can be seen from around the city which is the first oil well by Shell
2. Enjoy some food around Taman Selera which is by the beach
3. Taman Muhibah wet market is nice if you like to buy local products. Look for chilies and pepper
4. Beach – The Esplanade Beach is about 15 minutes away from the city center.
5. San Ching Tian Temple – Reputed to be the largest Taoist temple in South East Asia
6. Lambir National Park – One of the many parks where you can go to get close to nature and to indulge into the peace of the waterfalls
7. Diving – Look for Coco Dive or Hoopa Diving to arrange excursions to the diving spots off the coast here
8. Caving – The Mulu caves would be your best option here. A World Heritage Site on its own, you can go there for a few days and head into the caves
9. Miri Heritage Centre – A popular spot to go if you are going to shop for souvenirs and craft. With a rich and traditional culture spanning more than 30 tribes, you will be spoilt for choice
10. Kelabit Highlands – Take a twin-otter flight to the Kelabit highlands from here and learn how rice is planted while staying with a local family in the longhouse

Food in Miri

Miri is very much like most of other Sarawakian cities where you can enjoy the local dishes at their best. Among those that you should try include:

1. Kolo Mee – You can literally find this in most shops around the city. Try out 2020 where it has dim sum as well but Kolo Mee is one which you must try
2. Kek Lapis – A distinct cake from Sarawak, you can get it at Miri airport or most shops around town

Entertainment in Miri

Miri has a vibrant night life which comes alive on most evenings. Located near to Grand Palace Hotel, there is a strip of bars and pubs to check out.