Miri Mulu Destination Guide

In the north-eastern side of Sarawak, sometimes referred to as the Land of the Hornbill, lies its largest town, Miri. Sharing its borders with the fabulously wealthy kingdom of Brunei, Miri is on the coast of the South China Sea. Miri’s highlights are the Miri River, the Brighton Beach and Miri’s oldest oil well, fondly called the Grand Old Lady. At Taman Salera, walking along the Promenade you can dine on delicious seafood served at alfresco stalls. Just some distance away is the Mulu National Park.

Enjoy the sound of waves, soothing breezes and beautiful sunsets at Luak Bay Esplanade one of Miri's favoured destinations.

Our Miri Destination Guide below, provides some information about the great things to see and do in Miri and also some background information about the attractions. The Miri tours page will provide you with some information about when is the best time to visit these attractions and provide a hassle free, fun way to get to them. Visit our Malaysia Country Guide for additional information to help you organise your Malaysia holiday.

Things to See & Do in Miri

Follow the links to the right or scroll further down the page for details on some of the many interesting tourist attractions in Miri:

The Bario Highlands are just about an hour’s flight away. The Orang Ulu people who once belonged to the Kelabit tribe live here. Famed for their scenic beauty, these hills are encircled by rainforest encrusted mountains of Brunei and Kalimantan.

Miri being a seaside town has to its credit some very good beaches indeed. Among the most visited ones are the Luak Esplanade, Tanjong Lobang Beach (Tamang Selera), Hawaii Beach, Marina Park and Bekenu-Sibuti Beach.

As a diving location, the Miri Reef off the Miri coast is a new find. What makes it one of the best reefs in Borneo is the varied coral and marine life seen among these reefs that occur at depths varying from 7 m to 30 m.

The Grand Old Lady or the Oil Well No.1 is on the Bukult Telaga Minyak, also known as the Oil Well Hill. This was once called Canada Hill. This oil well was started by the Shell Company as early as 1910. When it was eventually shut down in 1972, it was declared a national monument.

Considered the 12th largest biodiversity zone in the world, the Lambir Hills National Park with its varied species of animals and plants is a mere 30-minute car ride away from the Loagan Bunut National Park. Its main attraction is a lake reputed to be the biggest natural one in all of Sarawak. Apart from fascinating coral reefs, it is home to various aquatic and bird species.

This national park gets its name from Loagan Bunut or the “shrinking lake”. During the dry months lasting from February to June, the waters of this bird watchers’ paradise dry up and walking across the lake bed is possible.

Situated in the Korop area of Miri is this fabulous Taoist Temple, which is reputed to be South East Asia’s largest. Its structure and the detailed sculptures which adorn it are marvellous.

Mulu Caves National Park has the longest system of connected caves in the world. Forty Boeing 747 planes can be parked in the world’s most spacious underground space, the Sarawak Chamber! That is not all. The Deer Cave, which is the world’s largest cave corridor, is large enough to hold five cathedrals, all as large as Saint Paul’s in London. Waves of cave swiftlets and bats that inhabit these caves fly out into the wilderness to feed at dusk every day.

This park gets its name from the 2377 m high Mount Mulu. It is marked by limestone formations, which extend underground also. These formations provide drainage for water. When measured in February 2007, the Clearwater Cave was the 10th longest cave in the world.

Clearwater and Wind Caves

Measuring 107 km, the Clearwater Cave is ranked the 7th longest cave corridor in the world. It is also considered Asia’s longest cave. The karst formations have produced an underground river that can be crossed by boat. For the adventurous, there is a 4 km long hike, which can take around one and a half hours. Another choice is to opt for a boat ride down the Melinau River until it finally stops at the Wind Cave.

Limestone formations like stalagmites, stalactites, helitites, rock corals and flow rocks, which can be seen in the Wind Cave, have been illuminated in the part called ‘King’s Room’.

Deer Cave

Stretching more than 2 km in length and 174 m high, the Deer Cave, which has the longest cave corridor, is a stellar attraction. The remarkable 3 km walk starting from the park’s headquarters takes you to these caves. The cave is a grand spectacle. Do not be in a hurry to depart as such sights do not come your way often.

Moon Milk Cave

For those thirsty for adventure, this is an inviting option. There is a steep climb along the way. Be equipped with a headlamp for the cave. Wild creepers that seek out darkness infest the cave. Be wary of them once you are inside the cave.

Lang’s Cave

Lang’s Cave is a comfortable one hour long walk from the park’s headquarters. Though easy, the walk along the plank needs shoes that do not slip. Do not be without essentials like a bottle of water, a hat, raincoat and a headlamp or a torch. Lang’s Cave resembles Santa’s Grotto.

The Pinnacles

These are large needles of limestone that dominate the sides of the Gunung Api. It is no wonder that these are called the Pinnacles for they can be as high as 45 m and as sharp as a blade. The trek to view them is not for the fainthearted. Though popular, the climb is an arduous one that calls for a firm step and some skill.

Drunken Forest

To get to this part of the Clearwater Cave, take the Mulu Summit Trail. A three hour walk starting at the park headquarters takes you to the entrance of the caves. A stretch of white stalagmites dominates this section of the cave

A two hour drive along excellent roads takes you from Miri to the Niah National Park. This is a pre-historic site of South East Asia. The exhibits here include sections of an unforgettable 40000-year-old human skull. The burial cave chamber has painted walls. Inside are boat-like coffins with parting gifts of pottery and beads of glass.

There are 14 amusement and picnic parks in all. Popular among locals and tourists alike are the Luak Bay Esplanade (a sea side park), Taman Awam Miri (a theme park), Taman Selera (picnic location for families) and Miri City Fan.

For the sporting types, Miri has much to offer. Facilities, among others, include swimming, tennis, golf, car-racing, go-karting, motocross racing, paintball and para-gliding.

It was in 1910 that the Miri Golf Club was established. The brand new Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, which is only 5 km away from the Miri city centre and a mere 5 minutes ride from the airport at Miri attracts all golfing enthusiasts.