Visitor's Guide

In Miri, alot of the old town area is accessible by walking. However, be careful when walking. Pedestrians are not given priority in miri, and drivers tend not to let pedestrians cross the road (there may be a few exceptions, believe it or not, there are some courteous drivers around.)

Generally, these places have slow traffic, have plenty of traffic lights or are constantly in a jam so crossing the road is not very dangerous.

Most landmarks can be seen from anywhere in the Old Town Center so it is easy to know your location and not get lost. Even if you do get lost, a lot of the locals know English, so asking directions is easy.

Should your feet tire from walking, there are two taxi stations within the town center, and a few more minor ones outside shopping complexes, so finding one and getting a ride back to your hotel or destination is easy.

A lot of the hotels and inns are within the town center too.

One end of the square in the grid to another is about 5 minutes walk. Map is not to scale.

To view a proper high-resolution map, please go to the maps page.

Cycling

If you happen to be on bicycle, please remember that, like pedestrians, priority are not given to cyclists by motorists, so one thing to remember is to always stay on the side of the road and never stray into the road unless it is clear.

Safety

While Miri is considered a safe city to be in, visitors are still advised to take the necessary precautions as a prevention, such as not wearing too much jewelery in public, using snatch-proof handbags or holding their handbag close to their body to avoid getting snatched, although handbag snatching and robbery is not very common. Even so, decrease the chances of opportunity for that to happen.

If you are driving your own car in Miri, be sure to take extra caution on use of steering or brake locks for your car or bike, park in well-lit or high-traffic areas.

By using common sense and just being careful taking precautions you will avoid anything bad from happening.

One of the most attractive features of the state of Sarawak and one which sets it aside from many of the other Malaysian states is its cultural diversity. With the 27 distinct indigenous ethnic groups that speak 45 different languages and dialects, Sarawak can be proud to boast racial harmony amongst a population of 2.1 million who adhere to a variety of traditions, practices and religions. In Miri alone one can see the diverse cultures and traditions.

With such a melting pot of customs and cultures, Mirians enjoy a variety of colorful festivals throughout the calendar year. The cultural diversity also allows Miri to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.

"Open House Culture"
Sarawak's many ethnic groups all celebrate their festivals with "open house", offering visitors traditional hospitality. The major "open house" festivals are Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali, and of course, Gawai Dayak, the Iban ad Bidayuh Harvest Festival that is only celebrated in Sarawak & Sabah.

Information from the visitors' Guide to Miri

  Useful Links    Map of Miri    Hotels    Taxi Fares (2010)    Adventure    Car Rental Miri

Getting here
Sarawak has frequent air links from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu & Penang from Malaysia, as well as Singapore, Brunei, Jakarta & Pontianak, Indonesia. Miri airport receives flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, and Labuan, and interstate flights from Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and other smaller airports in and around Miri. Miri is also a one hour drive from Brunei. Principal carriers are MAS (Malaysia Airlines) & Air Asia.

The flights into Miri are linked daily by MAS, AirAsia and flights, using Boeing 737-400s, Airbus 320s and MASWings connects the intercity and smaller towns over 30 rural destinations in Sarawak & Sabah using ATR-72s and Twin Otters turboprops.

Airport Transport
Travel agents and hotels usually pick up their guests from the airport. Taxis into town are readily available, paid for by a 'taxi coupon' purchased at the airport.

Miri Visitor's Information Center
You can have access to up-to-date- brochure and maps at the Visitor's Information Center in Miri to aid in finding places to visit, tour and friendly advice.
Location:
Lot 452, Jalan Melayu, (Near Centerpoint) Miri.
Telephone : + 6 085 - 434180
Fax : + 6 085 - 434179

Immigration Formalities
Non-Malaysians need a valid passport, with a minimum of six months validity from their arrival date. Sarawak has its own immigration control; arrivals from Sabah or Peninsular Malaysia still need to undergo immigration clearance. Visitors to Brunei may need to apply for a Brunei visa. For peninsular Malaysians and Sabahans, MyKad may be used for immigration clearance and those intending to stay beyond six months, passport is required.

Export of Antiques
Any artifact made in or imported into Sarawak more than 100 years ago is deemed an antique, and cannot be exported without consent by the Sarawak Museum's Curator. The consent form is free and antique dealers should attend to the formalities.

Currency
The local currency is Ringgit Malaysia (RM or MYR) and comes in RM100, RM50, RM10, RM5 and RM1 notes. Money changers are available at most popular destinations and shopping areas. Credit cards are accepted in certain areas.

Agricultural Restrictions
The import or export of plants and seeds is not allowed without a permit from the Sarawak Department of Agriculture.

Time
Miri, like the rest of Sarawak and Malaysia, is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Median Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time.

Language
Malay Language (or known locally as Bahasa Malaysia) is the national language. However, English is widely spoken in Miri. Other languages in Miri include Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Lun Bawang, Mandarin, and several Chinese dialects.

Religion
The official religion of Malaysia is Islam, but freedom of worship is guaranteed by the constitution. There are Christians, Buddhists, Hindaus, Sikhs, and followers of other faiths living here.

Electricity
Electric Voltage is 220-240 (50 cycles). The type of power plugs used is the three square pin variety. Major hotels will be able to supply adapters. There is electricity in all towns and national parks. Where electricity is not available, hurricane lamps and good torchlights are recommended.

Photography
Photographers are advised to bring watertight packaging for their cameras and film materials if they intend to go on upcountry trips. Sudden downpours, or splashes during a boat ride can ruin expensive equipment.

Rural Air Network
Formerly inaccessible destinations in Sarawak are now served by the rural air services of MAS Wings. From Miri, flights operate regular schedules to Bario, Long Lellang, Long Banga, Marudi, Long San, Ba Kelalan, Lawas, Long Seridian, Long Lama and Long Akah. There are direct flights from Limbang to Bario, and from Lawas to Ba Kelalan.

River Travel
The rivers of Sarawak have been the highways since time immemorial; express boats, speedboats and longboats ply their lower reaches. Longboats take over in the upper rivers. On a real 'inland trip' passenger often have to get out and wade in the shallow water while the crew manhandles the craft over rapids and gravel beds.

Overland Travel
There are two bus terminals in Miri. The one in Jalan Padang, adjacent to the Visitor's Information Center, serves the local network, with fares starting at 60 sen. Bus services to Sungei Tujuh (into Bandar Sri Begawan - Brunei) starts from here and is operated by the Miri-Belait Bus Company. The Outstation Bus Terminal is located at Pujut Corner, off the Miri-Pujut Road. Buses to Niah, Lambir Hills National Park, Bintulu, Sibu, Sarikei and Kuching depart from here. You can see the schedule for outstation travel from Biaramas.

Souvenirs
Sarawak is the region's most famous pepper producer./ be sure to bring some back for your friends and families. Many visitors from Malaysia take back with them frozen seafood and local fish. Local food such as shrimp paste, fruit preserves and pickles allow you to share a taste of Sarawak with friends. Kain songket, batik, beaded jewelery weaved mats and rattan baskets are reminders of the natives ingenious use of natural products. The musically inclined may wish to bring a sape back to share its haunting melody with others.