10 Reasons Why You Should Make Miri Your Next Travel Destination

10 Reasons Why You Should Make Miri Your Next Travel Destination

Uncover this hidden gem of a city tucked away in the heart of Sarawak!

Have you ever heard of Miri? A hidden gem in Malaysia, this coastal city in northeastern Sarawak certainly deserves more attention. It is Sarawak’s second largest city packed with numerous natural wonders, perfect for nature lovers looking to just relax, unwind, and revel in lush greenery. A force to be reckoned with, indulge yourselves with a rejuvenating escape to Miri on your next vacation! And to entice you even further, here are some reasons why you should explore this underrated city.

To make things even sweeter, AirAsia is offering all-in-fares from RM79* (one-way from Kuala Lumpur to Miri) and from RM172* (one way fly-thru from Penang, Melbourne, Hong Kong and others to Miri)!  Grab your flights now on their website or mobile app from now till 6th May 2018 and travel by 31 October 2018 to enjoy these amazing fares!

1. Indulge in soulful tunes at the Borneo Jazz Festival

Image credit: Borneo Jazz

The 13th edition of the renowned Borneo Jazz Festival held annually, is back in Miri! Happening from 11th to 13th May 2018 at Coco Cabana, be prepared for amazing performances by both local and international musicians. There’s no better way to revel in soulful jazz tunes than with a quaint city filled with passionate music lovers! Be it classical jazz, rock-infused, progressive or even afro, get ready to groove to an array of jazz variants at this long-awaited festival.

Apart from night performances, there’ll also be arts, crafts and food stalls all around! Grab your picnic mats along too, because they have plenty of space for you to sit around, hang out with loved ones, or even dance to the music. It’ll certainly be an experience you’ll never forget!

2. Take in panoramic views from The Grand Old Lady

Image credit: (left) Jordan Rockerbie, (right) Achmed Azizie

Situated atop Canada Hill, The Grand Old Lady is a famous landmark of Miri. It was the first oil well in Malaysia, dating back to 1910. This iconic landmark marked the birth of Malaysia’s petroleum industry, and now houses the Petroleum Museum as well. You can trace the historical development of the oil and gas industries in the country at the museum. But above all, the highlight of this attraction has to be the observatory platform that offers panoramic views of Miri’s skyline! Get your cameras ready to capture this breathtaking sight.

3. Stroll along the shores of idyllic Tusan Beach

Image credit: Miri City Website

A short half-hour drive away from the city of Miri lies Tusan Beach, an untouched seaside paradise. Escape the crowds and bask in the serenity of the beach, while the calm blue waters lap at your feet. Look out for the icon of Tusan beach — Tusan cliff, a rock formation that looks like a horse drinking straight from the sea! Another incredible natural occurrence of Tusan beach that you mustn’t miss would be the Blue Tears phenomenon. As night falls, watch as sea waters glow in a striking shade of blue due to the bioluminescent algae that dwells in the water!

Excited to witness the Blue Tears phenomenon for yourselves? AirAsia is offering all-in-fares from RM79* (one-way from Kuala Lumpur to Miri) and from RM172* (one way fly-thru from Penang, Melbourne, Hong Kong and others to Miri)!  Grab your flights now on their website or mobile app from now till 6th May 2018 and travel by 31 October 2018 to enjoy these amazing fares!

4. Trek through Mulu National Park

Image credit: (top) Sarawak Tourism, (bottom) Luke Price

Sarawak’s largest national park and Malaysia’s first ever UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mulu National Park is the pride and glory of Miri. Popular for its limestone cave systems, Mulu National Park has raked in numerous titles, such as having the world’s largest cave passage (Deer Cave), world’s largest natural chamber (Sarawak Chamber) and longest cave in Southeast Asia (Clearwater Cave)! How impressive is that? Rich in biodiversity and featuring stunning karsts, Mulu National Park is truly a magnificent sight to behold! You’ve got to check it out for yourselves to find out.

5. Dive at Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park

Image credit: Sarawak Tourism

Apart from natural land formations of staggering beauty, Miri’s coastal waters also boast their fair share of wonders. Delve into a world of psychedelic colours and exquisite marine life when you plunge into the waters of Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park! Marvel at the myriad of corals carpeting the seafloor, from leather corals and anemones to elephant’s ear sponges and bubble corals. Swim along and catch sight of the teeming marine life, such as clownfishes, barracudas, seahorses and even leopard sharks. With interesting wreck dive sites for you to explore as well, you’ll never want to leave this underwater paradise!

6. Explore a Kelabit Longhouse at Bario Highlands

Image credit: Labang Longhouse

The chilly highlands of the Kelabit territory is where the minority Orang Ulu tribes of Sarawak reside. Bario Highlands is a remote part of Miri packed with about 10 villages. One of the main attractions of Bario would be to explore the Kelabit longhouses, a truly unique layout unlike any other that’s ideal for communal gatherings! You can even try staying at a longhouse for a few nights. Apart from trekking through the surrounding jungles, discovering monoliths and other historical monuments in the area is also a popular activity among visitors. Immerse yourself in the Kelabit culture and indulge in their unique cuisine when you visit Bario Highlands!

Keen to try out a homestay at a Kelabit longhouse, or learn about their intriguing traditions and culture? AirAsia is offering all-in-fares from RM79* (one-way from Kuala Lumpur to Miri) and from RM172* (one way fly-thru from Penang, Melbourne, Hong Kong and others to Miri)!  Grab your flights now on their website or mobile app from now till 6th May 2018 and travel by 31 October 2018 to enjoy these amazing fares!

7. Discover flora and fauna at Lambir Hills National Park

Image credit: (right) Mike Shanahan, (left) Nicolai Edgar Andersen

As one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the world, Lambir Hills is an abode to thousands of different species of flora and fauna! So keep a lookout for wild orchids, tropical birds and wildlife such as the clouded leopards! Explore the jungle via the vast network of forest trails that snake around small pools and cascading waterfalls, the most popular being Latak and Pantu waterfall! Don’t forget to take a refreshing dip in these falls before continuing on your nature trek.

8. Feast on authentic Kelabit Cuisine

Image credit: Summit Cafe

Miri’s cuisine reflects the spirit of the city, home to an array of vibrant cultures and diverse people! Many eateries in Miri serve up authentic Malaysian fare with dishes taking inspiration from the Chinese and Indians. Sip on the local Miri brew of rice wine, known as tuak. For more unusual and traditional culinary fare, make your way to The Summit Cafe, where delectable dishes from the jungle are available! Indulge your taste buds with the flavours of indigenous cuisine such as wild boar, minced tapioca and fried jungle leaves! Get ready for a unique gastronomic experience you’ll remember for years to come.

9. Catch magnificent sunsets at Brighton Beach

Image credit: Sarawak Tourism

A popular recreational spot amongst Miri’s locals, Brighton Beach, also known as Tanjung Lobang, sees daily joggers, Tai Chi gatherings, patient anglers and children. Hang out at the extended piers where you can catch breathtaking sunsets. After soaking up the incredible view, make a beeline for the beach’s food centre, Taman Selera, for a sumptuous seafood dinner while enjoying the calm sea breeze!

10. Uncover Miri’s vibrant nightlife scene

Image credit: Club Celebrities

As dusk falls, you’ll be delighted to find that Miri is a city that never sleeps! Experience the thriving nightlife of Miri as you go pub-hopping and enjoy local brews. Although bars, clubs and pubs can be found in different parts of Miri, Jalan North Yu Seng, Jalan Merpati and Pelita Commercial Centre are the top places to head to for popular drinking holes! You can interact with friendly locals and even meet Brunei nationals who have crossed the border for a night out (Brunei prohibits alcohol within its borders).

With a slew of exciting attractions and activities in store for you, Miri’s a great destination for a short getaway. Grab your loved ones and head to Miri to bask in the festivities of the Borneo Jazz Festival this May!

To kickstart your adventure in Miri, AirAsia is offering all-in-fares from RM79* (one-way from Kuala Lumpur to Miri) and from RM172* (one way fly-thru from Penang, Melbourne, Hong Kong and others to Miri)!  Grab your flights now on their website or mobile app from now till 6th May 2018 and travel by 31 October 2018 to enjoy these amazing fares!

Exploring this hidden gem of Sarawak has never been easier. The Borneo Jazz Festival is happening from 11th to 13th May 2018, so what else are you waiting for? Book your tickets now!

 


Brought to you by AirAsia.

About Author

Begum Khalida
Begum Khalida

A curious yet quirky oddball who believes that she is the spirit animal of Matthew Gray Gubler. Apart from having a part-time job of having to correct the pronunciation of her name, Khalida is a passionate tea enthusiast who also loves to read, daydream, travel and watch a plethora of dramas.

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