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Information from the visitors' Guide to Miri

Some useful information when visiting Longhouses - Redirects to MiriCommunity.

Miri airport receives flights from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, and Labuan, and interstate flights from Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and other smaller airports in and around Miri.

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.

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.

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.