Tourism

MIRI: The Borneo International Yachting Challenge (BIYC) has grown in size and stature since it was launched five years ago, paving the way for spin-off events in Miri and throughout Sarawak.

The number of participants this year was four times greater than during the event’s debut.

The number of participants this year had surpassed even that of the more established Raja Muda Mahkota Cup in Peninsular Malaysia.

As a tourism spot, Miri is ideal for yachting events because participants are usually well-to-do members of society and retirees who can afford to sail round the world and spend up to two months in a particular port of call.
Lee hoped this would lead Miri to eventually become a yacht manufacturing hub.

This year’s BIYC participants include those from Denmark and Austria.

In the past the competition has attracted participants from the Philippines, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.

Source

The Old Town Miri shophouses were being demolished starting today (18th August 2008). Heavy machinery were brought in this morning and started tearing into foundations, beams and concrete walls.

If you happen to be touring the area, please take care walking in between Centerpoint Phase 1 and High Street, as a lot of de-construction work is being done at the shophouses there.

Red Crescent Society International Dance for Humanity 2008
Multi-ethic cultural dance performance

Date: 15th June 2008 (Sunday)
Time: 1pm - 6pm
Venue: Miri Indoor Stadium

Entry is FREE, but lucky draw tickets are available with donations of RM5 or above.

Gawai Day or Gawai Dayak is a festive celebrated only in Sarawak on 1st June every year.

Gawai means a ritual or festival whereas Dayak is a collective name for the natives races in Sarawak. Thus Gawai Dayak literally means "Dayak Festival". Dayak would visit their friends and relatives, known as "ngabang".

To learn more about Gawai, click here.

Selamat Hari Gawai, everyone!

Miri Divisonal Gawai Dayak Celebration 2008

"UchuKeling" of RumahDayak.com informed me that they will be organising the Miri Divisonal Gawai Dayak Celebration 2008 on 17th May at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club from 6.30pm onwards.

Highlight of the event is the yearly Kumang Gawai Iban/Bidayuh and Kelegit Orang Ulu and the Keling Gawai competitions.

Date: 17th May 2008
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Eastwood Valley Gold & Country Club

You've seen the photos of the Tua Pek Kong Parade, here is the video.

Please pardon the bad videography, image quality and the 5-minute editing, but hey - at least I got video from what was supposed to be a digital still camera. (My Olympus SP 550uz - now you know why I didn't go for an SLR, especially shooting for low resolution web). Utility is more important to me.

Miri Marriott welcomes Prince Albert
By Norlaila Abdullah

The Miri Marriott Resort & Spa had the honour of welcoming Prince Albert II of Monaco to the resort on Tuesday.

The prince, who was on a brief stopover in Miri, following a visit to the Mulu National Park, stopped by the resort for a luncheon before proceeding to Singapore.

Prince Albert, who holds nature conservation close to his heart, was greatly impressed with the rich biodiversity of Mulu and Sarawak as a whole.

He said the world-renowned park and world heritage site was an amazing natural heritage that should be safeguarded and protected.

[ Source ]

This is most interesting news that seemed to have escaped my attention - Prince Albert II of Monaco! In Miri!

It's happening! Throughout the month of May, the city will celebrate the May Festivals. Be sure not to miss out the many activities going on during this period.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES OF MIRI MAY FEST 2008

Big names for Miri jazz fest

Eight international jazz artistes and bands will appear along with a local group at the third Miri International Jazz Festival this May.

The line-up includes Habana Sax from Cuba, Charmaine Clamor (Philippines), Rumba Calzada (Canada), Mood Indigo (Britain), Diamond Dave and the Doodaddies (Australia), Oma Sound (Japan), T’Inventielke (Holland), Amar Sundy (Algeria) and Sarawak’s own Borneo Jazz Quartet.

Organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), the 2008 edition of the festival will take place at ParkCity Everly Hotel, Miri, on May 9 and 10.

[ Source ]

The Jazz Festival keeps growing larger and larger. They're expecting over six thousand people to attend the Festival - over four thousand people attended last year.

Security information:

Security arragements will be provided by M-Guardians Security Guard Dogs Services.

- No outside food or beverage is allowed, no drug of course and definitely no weapons to be allowed in. Metal detectors may be used as a preventive measure.

- Wrist bands will be provided - keep the wrist-band till the end of the show or those found without any will be escort out

- no bad behaviour or stupid moves, (i.e. like disturbing the third party) or action will be taken.

I believe these points and more will be briefed or stated clearly at the venue or upon purchasing the tickets.

M-Guardians provide a highly professional protection team. Besides their trained canine, all of their personnel are trained to the highest level in a wide variety of tactical, protective and security related subjects including first aid, protocol and diplomacy. Their protection team have the experience and knowledge to ensure that you feel safe and relaxed in all situations.

Telephone No. : +6085 432399
Email : info@mgk9.com mguardians@gmail.com
Web site: http://www.mgk9.com

Some police and red crescent aid will be available at the venue as well.

Tickets

Festival tickets are priced at RM60 a night for adults and RM30 for children aged three to 12. They are available online at www.ticketcharge.com.my and at the Visitors’ Information Centre in Miri.

For more information, call 085-434181 or send e-mail to info@mirijazzfestival.com

Link:
http://www.MiriJazzFestival.com

Venue : Exhibition Hall, Imperial Mall Shopping Complex
Date : 13th April 2008
Organizer : The Imperial Mall (Mr. Darren Lo)

Tel: 6 013 838 5752