Why go to Miri

Hello, We are looking at Sarawak for our holiday, and Miri keeps on appearing, when doing my research. We will be in Kuching, flying to Miri, and then onto Brunei. How long should we allow in Miri.? What are the top sights to see there.? The Marriott looks nice, and is reasonably priced. What is the best way to get to Brunei?from Miri. Boat, bus, or fly. Look forward to any imput. RSA

Why go to Miri

Well there%26#39;s not really much to see in Miri town itself, but Miri is the staging point to get to other attractions further inland.

It is surrounded by four National Parks:

i) Gunung Mulu National Park

ii) Niah National Park

iii)Lambir Hills National Park

iv) Loagan Bunut National Park

Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has the largest natural underground chamber in the world (Sarawak Chamber - not accessible to general public) and the largest cave passage (Deer Cave). To get there you need to take a MASWings flight from Miri or travel upriver by boat. There is no road to Mulu.

Niah National Park is home to the Niah Caves. 110km south of Miri by road. The oldest human remains ever found in South-East Asia were found in the caves, making it one of the most important archaeological sites. Birds nests are also harvested by locals from these caves.

Loagan Bunut has Sarawak state%26#39;s largest natural lake. Home of the Berawan people, its attraction is the wildlife of the surrounding peat swamp forest.

Why go to Miri

Hi Rsa,

Why not come to Miri?

Miri is the secong biggest city of Sarawak. It s also the gateway to three remarkable national park of Malaysia, ie, Mulu National Park, Niah National Park and Lambir National Park. Both Niah and Lambir National Park can access through road, but to get to Mulu, you need to travel either by flight, or alternatively, an more adventurous way through express boat, then by long boat. Flight operated by MAS Wing, took only 25 mins to Mulu Airport. However boat ride will take you 6 to 7 hours, and depend on the weather.

Please visit their website : www.mulupark.com for more information about Mulu National Park, or www.royalmuluresort.com if you planning to stay in Mulu for a one or two day.

Miri city by itself, is a beautiful city by the sea. And Marriott Resorts and Spa, which is 15 mins drive from Miri Airport, and 10 mins drive to city center, is the only 5 star hotel in Miri. However, there are some other hotels within the city center that are good and cheaper then Marriott. The resort do provide shuttle van to city center, and they offer very good buffer dinner. But if you prefer to try local cuisine, just take 5 mins walk to Taman Selera, and you will find lot of hawker stalls and restaurants where you can have cheap seafood and local delicacies.

You can also head to town center, drop by North Yu Seng Road, where all the restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping malls are located. Mega Hotel, Imperial Hotel and some small hotels are located at this area. Take a cab and visit Canada Hill (5 mins drive), where the Petroleum Museum, and the Grand Old Lady (the Petroleum %26amp; Oil Well No. 1 in Miri, built in 1912), overlooking the town and offering excellent views of Miri and the surrounding area.

Alternatively, local tour guide can be arrange to visit all these places, including Niah National Park. If not mistaken, Marriott do provide such services, but I recommend you try some of the local guide in town.

For more site seeing of Miri, please browse through this website for more infor.

Last but not least, the only way to get to Brunei is by road. From Miri to the border of Brunei, the immigration point to be exact, are just 25 mins by road. Recently, there are buses / coach provide services from Miri to Bandar Seri Begawan, then to Limbang and eventually to Kota Kinabalu. You can arrange for private car or car rental to get to brunei as well. I recommend you drive yourself to Brunei, as most of the bruneian do when they come to Miri.

Enjoy your stay in Miri!

Hello fellow travellers,

Thank you so much for replying to my post. Yes, we have agreed to trave to Miri, and then onto Mulu. Only have to work out the best way to get to Miri, from the Empire BSB Brunei. Regard RSA

Hi Rsa,

Like I said, the only way to get to Miri from Brunei, is by road. You can either take a coach, or express bus, or you rent a private car. Are you coming with family? I believe big hotel like the Empire Hotel can arrange transport for you to get to Miri...of coz, with certain payment.

Some local guides at Miri do provide their own pick up from Brunei to Miri. Just need to contact the right person.

Anyway, you can always drop me an email if you have transport problem.

www.bl421my@gmail.com

Cheers!

Hi RSa

We are looking at the Miri Marriott for December/January this year and would be very interested to hear what you think of the resort and surrounding attractions. It will be myself, husband and 7 year old daughter. Thanks

We stayed at the Marriot for a couple of nights last August. It was our base for the Niah caves.

I think it is the best hotel in Sarawak. Huge pool. Very friendly and helpful staff. Good breakfast - lots of choice.