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Miri Seal Miri Location in Malaysia Coordinates: 4°23′35″N 113°58′49″E / 4.39306°N 113.98028°E / 4.39306; 113.98028 Country Malaysia State Sarawak Establishment Local Authority (Granted city status in 2005) Government  - Mayor Yang Berbahagia(Y.Bhg)Lawrence Lai Yew Son Area  - Total 4,707.1 km2 (1,838.71 sq mi) Elevation 21.95 m (72 ft) Population (2005)  - Total 269,000(2,008)  - Density 50.90/km2 (130.31/sq mi) Time zone MST (UTC+8)  - Summer (DST) Not observed (UTC) Postal code 98xxx International dialling code prefix +6085 (landline only) Vehicle registration plate prefix QM (for all vehicles except taxis) HQ (for taxis only) Website www.miricouncil.gov.my

Miri is a city in northern Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. Miri is home to a population of about 300,000 people and is thus the second largest city in Sarawak. It serves as the government administrative centre of Miri District (4,707.1 square kilometers) in Miri Division of Sarawak. Miri was elevated to city status on May 20, 2005 and it is the 9th city in Malaysia and its local authority i.e. Miri City Council is the 10th city council in Malaysia.^[1]

Miri is the birthplace of Sarawak's and Malaysia's petroleum industry, which remains the major industry of the city. The first oil well was drilled by Shell in 1910 (the Grand Old Lady), and is now a state monument and one of Miri's tourist attractions. Shell also built Malaysia's first oil refinery in Lutong, a suburb of Miri in 1914. Recently, vast oil reserves were discovered just offshore northeast of the city. Miri has grown phenomenally since oil was first discovered in the early 1900s, burgeoning into the modern and dynamic business, commercial and educational centre it is today.^[2]

The city's other major industries include processed timber, oil palm production, and tourism. The world famous Gunung Mulu National Park with the Sarawak Chamber, a half an hour flight from the city, is one of the favourite eco-tourism destinations. Miri is also the main tourist gateway for the Loagan Bunut National Park, Lambir National Park, and the Niah Caves. Miri is lately known for its exotic coral reefs as well.

History

The earliest evidence of human population in the area dates back to 35,000 BC, from the nearby Niah Caves.^[3]

The earliest officially recorded oil find in Malaysia was made in July 1882 by the British Resident of the Baram district in Sarawak. The oil was used by the local residents for medicinal purposes and later for lighting lamps and waterproofing boats. Commercial exploitation only began in 1910 when the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company, the forerunner of the present Sarawak Shell which was granted the sole right to explore for petroleum in Sarawak, struck oil in the town of Miri, marking the start of the Malaysian petroleum industry.

By the 1950s, attention turned to the seas as the onshore oil fields in Miri shows serious depletion. This was made possible by new improvements in offshore petroleum technology. Marine seismic surveys were carried out for the first time in Sarawak in 1954. The shift offshore began to show results in 1962 with the discovery of oil in two areas offshore Sarawak. Other finds followed in rapid succession. The first offshore oil platform was West Lutong, about 6 miles from shore.

The last onshore oil field was shutdown in early 1970s as oil production from offshore Miri started. Miri started developing very fast ever since the Parliament enacted the Petroleum Act which force Shell and Exxon to share their oil revenues with the people of Malaysia. It is by this time that Miri began developing its tourism and service industry.

In 1989, the vision for Miri to become a city was mooted. The proposal received the blessing of Sarawak state government in 1993. A public forum was held in 1994 and a grand signature-collecting campaign was organised in 2004 and more than one-third of the population in Miri had put down their signatures in support of the government's efforts for Miri to obtain city status. Miri had the city blue-print drawn up in the early 2000s, while the government together with the private sector had managed to fulfill the Federal Government's ten main criteria of becoming a city. The Sarawak State Government approved the then Miri Municipal Council's application for Miri to be elevated to a city and concurrently the Council to be upgraded as Miri City Council on 20 May 2004. The Federal Government approved its application on 16/3/2005. The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak made an order on 12 May 2005 on the establishment of Miri City Council. The King of Malaysia, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong XII issued the Instrument for conferment of city status of name Miri City Council on Miri Municipal Council with full jurisdiction on Miri City on 13 May 2005. The appointment of Mayor, Deputy Mayor and City Councillors of Miri City Council was published on Sarawak Government Gazette on 19 May 2005. On 20 May 2005, the official proclamation of Miri City and appointment of Cr. Dato Wee Han Wen as first Mayor of Miri City Council were held at Miri and this was then followed by city day celebration. Now, 20 May every year is the Miri City Day.

Sky view of Miri

World War II

Realizing that war was imminent, the Brooke Government, under Sir Charles Vyner Brooke, conducted preliminary work to establish airstrips at selected locations throughout the country. These airstrips would be located at Kuching, Oya, Mukah, Bintulu, and Miri.

With no air or sea forces stationed in or around Sarawak, the British government encouraged the Brooke Regime to adopt a "scorched earth policy" in the event of a Japanese attack. Later, it was proposed to develop a Denial Scheme. Denial Schemes were in place to destroy the oil installations at Miri and Lutong.^[4]

The oilfields in British Borneo lay in two groups: one at Miri close to the northern boundary of Sarawak, and the other thirty-two miles north, at Seria in the State of Brunei. The crude oil was pumped from both fields to a refinery at Lutong on the coast, from which loading lines ran out to sea. Landings were possible all along the thirty miles of beach between Miri and Lutong and there was, with the forces available, no possibility of defending the oilfields against determined attacks. Plans had therefore been made for the destruction of the oil installations.

In December 1940, a company of 2/15th Punjab was sent to Miri for the protection of the demolition parties, and in May 1941 the rest of 2/15th Punjab was sent there to provide a garrison. This lone battalion consisted of approximately 1,050 soldiers under the command of Major C.M. Lane. These troops were entrusted with the destruction of Miri Oil Fields. It was to be known as the Miri Detachment.

In December 1941, The Brooke Government which had already heard of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (on 7 December 1941) quickly ordered the complete and total destruction of the oil fields and airfields at Miri and Seria. Orders for the demolition of the refinery at Lutong and the denial of the oilwells reached the officer commanding at Miri on the morning of the 8th December, and by the evening of the same day the task was completed.

On the 19th December 1941 the Dutch flying boat X-32 from Tarakan Island sank the Japanese destroyer Shinonome (Cdr. Hiroshi Sasagawa) of 1,950 tons off Miri, while another flying boat X-33 damaged a transport ship. The destroyer could not take the pounding and went down with her entire crew of 228 officers and men.

Miri fell to 2,500 Japanese invaders on 17 Dec 1941, after two days of fighting. The small garrison of Dutch troops was no match for the Japanese.^[5]

Demographics

Miri's population consists of Chinese, Dayak, Malay, Melanau, Indian, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Iban, Bidayuh, Penan, a handful of Eurasians and other indigenous groups. Through this broad classifications, the races are further sub-divided into different tribes, each having their own particular areas of abode, occupation and language.

Economy

The regional airline MASwings has its head office in the Beautiful Jade Centre in Miri.^[6]

Transportation

Air transport

Miri International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in Malaysia in terms of aircraft movement after Kuala Lumpur International Airport,Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Penang international airport and Kuching international airport and receives flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan, Sibu, Bintulu and many other smaller towns throughout Sarawak. The airport is also an important aviation hub for MASwings's fleets to rural services that operate connecting flights to isolated communities in the interior. It serves as the essential airway to national parks such as Mulu Caves, Niah Caves, and Lambir Hills. MASwings is headquartered in Miri Airport. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia operate flights from Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Kuching and Kuala Lumpur to Miri.

By land

Miri is accessible by road from Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) and all major towns in Sarawak. Connected to major towns in Sarawak and to Brunei and Sabah by the Pan-Borneo Highway.

Tourism

Miri Airport

Miri is often called the Northern Gateway to Sarawak and is one of the state's main and most important tourist attractions. It boasts to be surrounded by four world-class national parks (Mount Mulu National Park, Niah National Park, Lambir Hills National Park and Loagan Bunut National Park).

National Parks

The Gunung Mulu National Park is a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts the world's largest natural cave chamber, the Sarawak Chamber.

The Niah Caves in the Niah National Park are an important archaeological and historical site as one of the oldest human remains in South East Asia was found here.

Lambir Hills National Park contains very diverse species of flora and fauna and is ranked as the 12th mega-biodiverse site in the world. The Loagan Bunut National Park has Sarawak's largest natural lake and also contains diverse species of birds. There is also the recently gazetted Miri-Sibuti Marine National Park that has one of the region's most beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life.^[7]

Parks and Gardens

The city has 14 public parks and recreational grounds. Out of which, Miri Bulatan Park (a lake garden), Luak Bay Esplanade (a park at the sea front), Taman Selera (family picnic spot), Taman Awam Miri (a theme Park) and Miri City Fan are the more popular parks among residents as well as visitors. The Miri City Fan, a 10.4-hectare park right in the heart of the city, was accorded Malaysia's best landscaped city park in 2001.

Shopping

Shopping complex

Miri is also well known as a shopping paradise among Malaysians and Bruneians. These include the Bintang Plaza (now refurnished and renamed "Bintang Megamall" (or Parkson as most of the locals call it); Boulevard Shopping Complex, Imperial Shopping Mall, E-Mart, Miri Plaza, Miri Square (closed down), Wisma Pelita Mall, Merdeka Mall (under construction) and more.

In addition, Miri is also well-known for its fine handicrafts, especially the bead products. Handicraft shops along Jalan Bendahara and Brooke Road are favourite destinations among tourists and locals.

The entertainment outlets, restaurants and road-side cafes along South Yu Seng and North Yu Seng Roads, are the ideal and popular night spots.

Lotus Hill (Lian Hua San) Taoist Temple

This magnificent grand Taoist Temple located in the Krokop suburbs of Miri is South East Asia's largest Taoist temple. ^[8]

Beaches

View of Sunset from the Luak Esplanade Beach

Miri, being geographically close to the sea, boasts some spectacular beaches. Some of the popular beaches include Tanjong Lobang Beach (Taman Selera), Luak Esplanade, Hawaii Beach, Bekenu-Sibuti Beach, Marina Park, Lutong Beach and many more.

Coral Reefs

The Miri Reef off Miri is one of Malaysia’s most recent discovered diving locations. Within this patch of reefs at varying depths, from 7 to 30 meters, there is a variety of coral and marine life that rivals the best anywhere in Borneo.

Night Life

The Miri night life is full of colours and exciting places to visit, be it for a drink or two or supper. Most pubs and clubs in Miri not only cater for drinks and dancing, but also provide Western food and finger food. For those who are into karaoke, dancing, drinking and clubbing, examples of places that you must visit are Club Infinity and Karaoke (located at Boulevard Commercial Centre - www.clubinfinity.com.my), Cherries Berries, Islands, Balcony (located at Pelita Commercial Centre), Thai Bar (located at Yakin Commercial Centre), and many more.

People and culture

Zee Avi, a talented Malaysian singer-songwriter was born in Miri and lived there until the age of 12, when she moved to Kuala Lumpur.^[9]

Higher Education

Curtin University of Technology Sarawak Campus is the first offshore campus of Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia. Opened in 1999 in partnership with the Sarawak Government, it serves the educational needs of local and foreign students. Curtin Sarawak is the first foreign university campus to be set up in East Malaysia.

References

Sarawak Divisions Betong Division · Bintulu Division · Kapit Division · Kuching Division · Limbang Division · Miri Division · Mukah Division · Samarahan Division · Sarikei Division · Sibu Division · Sri Aman Division Cities Kuching (capital) · Miri Districts Belaga · Meradong · Sarikei · Song · Sri Aman Towns Asajaya · Ba'kelalan · Bau · Beladin · Betong · Bintangor · Bintulu · Dalat · Daro · Debak · Engkilili · Julau · Kanowit · Kapit · Kota Samarahan · Lawas · Limbang · Lingga · Lubok Antu · Lundu · Maludam · Matu · Mukah · Marudi · Oya · Pakan · Pusa · Saratok · Sebuyau · Serian · Serikin · Selangau · Sibu · Siburan · Simunjan · Spaoh · Sungai Tujuh · Tanjung Kidurong · Tatau · Tebedu

Cities in Malaysia Alor Setar • Georgetown • Ipoh • Johor Bahru • Kota Kinabalu • Kuala Lumpur • Kuala Terengganu • Kuching • Malacca Town • Miri • Petaling Jaya • Shah Alam

From Wikitravel

Miri [1] is a small city in northern Sarawak on the Malaysian island of Borneo. It has a population of about 300,000.

Understand

Malaysia's first oil well was drilled here in 1910, and petroleum has continued to drive the city's economy and development ever since. The Sarawak Shell Berhad and Petronas Carigali are headquartered here. As a result, Miri has a cosmopolitan atmosphere as it hosts many expatriates from all over the world. These expats work in many of the multinational oil and gas giants that are headquartered in Miri.

Visitors are able to stop for transit here to change planes heading onward to Gunung Mulu National Park or the famous Kelabit Highlands.

Miri boasts of a very diversified population, which consists of Chinese, Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Kelabit, Lun Bawang and many other ethnic groups. International students from a foreign university campus based here and expatriates from international corporations add much spice to Miri as well.

Language is certainly not a problem here, as almost all locals are able to speak English and Mandarin. The main language is the Bahasa Sarawak which is a local Sarawakian language; it is similiar to Malay but with local slangs.

The people are quite helpful when it comes to direction or any help needed. A visitor's information centre located near the public bus stand is available for any further enquiries needed by visitors.

Miri celebrated its third city status anniversary from 21st-23rd May 2008.

Get in

By plane

Miri International Airport (MYY), which moved to a sparkling new facility in 2005, is a significant hub for central Borneo. From Peninsular Malaysia there are frequent flights from Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru on Malaysia Airlines [2] and AirAsia [3]. The airport is also connected to all major destinations in Malaysian Borneo, including Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

• To/From Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia Airlines flies four times daily between Kuala Lumpur and Miri, with two stopping over at Kuching. AirAsia also flies direct non-stop three times daily.
• To/From Johor Bahru: AirAsia flies on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
• To/From Kuching: Malaysia Airlines flies three flights daily and AirAsia has one flight daily.
• To/From Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia Airline and AirAsia each have two flights daily. MASWings also puts on a Fokker flight on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• To/From Singapore: AirAsia flies nonstop four times a week, providing the sole international flight into the airport.

MASWings [4], which took over operations of the rural air service from FlyAsian Express on October 1, 2007, operates a web of flights to remote destinations in the interior, most notably Gunung Mulu National Park and Bario in the Kelabit Highlands. MASWings also links Miri with Limbang, Lawas and Labuan which will enable you to by-pass expensive Brunei. Go to their website to book flights on-line and check schedules.

• To/From other Sarawak cities: Numerous bus companies such as Biaramas, Suria Bus Express and Borneo Highway Express link Miri with other Sarawak cities such as Kuching, Sibu and Bintulu. Most express buses depart from the Express Bus Terminal

• To/From Brunei: There are unfortunately no direct buses between Miri and Bandar Seri Begawan or any other Brunei city. The journey will have to include several bus changes. Miri-Belait Bus Company runs five buses between Miri and Kuala Belait in Brunei, with a change of buses at the Sungai Tujuh border checkpoint. The bus stops at a river which is crossed by boat, then a minbus takes you the final few km to Kuala Belait.

From Kuala Belait, there are onward buses to Seria, where another change is necessary before you can get to Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB). As not all buses arrive on time for connections for the next leg of the journey, those planning to do the Miri-Bandar Seri Begawan (or vice-versa) run should start early. Effective 26th May,2009 there are only two buses leaving Miri for BSB. The 9AM is the only bus that will enable the Miri-BSB journey to be completed within one day. Those who intend to spend a night in Brunei can catch the later bus which leaves at 3.30PM. Buses arrive and depart from the Miri local bus terminal at Jalan Padang in the south of the town (not the long haul bus terminal outside of town). Having said that the whole journey takes about 5 hours.

Note that there have been reports that buses from Miri do not go all the way to the border and stop just before the Asean Bridge at Kuala Baram because of the high toll charge for using the bridge. You may have to use taxis to complete the final 5 km between the bridge and the actual border.

• To/From Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: Bintang Jaya Express opened a new route from Miri to Kota Kinabalu (KK) and return in November 2008. The route originates from Pontianak in Indonesia to Kuching, Miri, Limbang, Lawas ending in KK Wawasan Bus Terminal. Bus departs Miri at 8.00AM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The journey takes approximately 10 hours without changing buses. From KK the bus departs at 7.30AM on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays.

• To/From Niah Caves: Bas Suria departs from the Miri Express Bus Terminal to Batu Niah town regularly. The journey takes over an hour. From Batu Niah, you can either take a speedboat or walk to the Niah National Park headquarters at Pengkalan Batu.

Get around

Go to Miri [5] to seek or share information on how to get around in this wonderful city.

Bus services are available.

24-hour taxi service is also available and can be reached at +6085432277. Fare surcharge applies after 12AM.

• Grand Old Lady. More prosaically Miri's No. 1 Oil Well , this was Shell's first oil well (the company's, that is, not just in Malaysia) and has now been declared a national monument.

• Taman Selera . One of the most visited beaches in Miri. A great place to go to on a Sunday afternoon for picnics, as well as a place for families and friends to have fun.

• Tamu Muhibah. A market where fresh and exotic fruits, vegetables and local foodstuff are available.

• Esplanade Beach. Local's favourite beach front located at Luak Bay. Miri's beaches are nothing to shout about, but if you really want to go to the beach, this would be your best bet.  edit

• San Ching Tian Temple. Largest Taoist temple in South East Asia.  edit

• Lambir National Park, Enjoy the wonders of nature and take a hike in the park. Enjoy the scenery of the waterfall.

• Canada Hill, Go for an extreme hike on the jungle treks of Canada Hill. Every evening a group of trekkers or anyone else would go there for hike. It's a test of endurance but yet a healthy activity since you will be burning a lot of calories for that. However, slopes can get slippery during the rainy season, so always be careful and be prepared.

• Dive near Miri, [6]. Dive in the unspoiled coral gardens near Miri. Red Monkey Divers (The always cheerful Steve) organizes day trips from the Miri Marina.  edit

• Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Lot 1379, Block 17, Jalan Miri By Pass, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, ☎ +6 (085) 421010, [7]. Latest Golf attraction in Sarawak. TeeTimes Malaysia's Top 10 Golf Courses.  edit

Buy

There are three major shopping malls to shop around in Miri City, During the weekends Bruneians and Sarawakians from Bintulu, Bekenu, Niah would come down for Shopping.

• Boulevard Shopping Complex, Lot 2528, Jalan Boulevard Utama, Boulevard Commercial Centre, 98000 Miri Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6085432999 Fax: +6085422999.

• The Imperial Mall, Jalan Pos, 98000 Miri Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: +6085431133 Fax:+6085431122.

• Bintang Plaza

• Miri Heritage Centre, a place where you get a memorable souvenir of a local made handicrafts.

Eat

For a fabulous gastronomical experience, Miri is the place to try out all sorts of food. Depending on your budget, there is a variety of eateries around.

• Cafenika & Catering, 437 G Jln Bendahara 98000 Miri (Located very near to Mega Hotel, next to the Dr Aziz Dental building.), ☎ 608-5424600. Serves local Halal Malaysian dishes, and various types of Western cuisine. Must try: Chicken Chop, Nasi Briyani, Nasi Lemak, Mee Kolok. They also provide catering services for weddings and other occasions. affortable.  edit

• Chinese Hawker Center - Located in the hub of the city center next to the Chinese wet market. You can get the best local food here day and night. For breakfast, the milk tea is the best, particularly at some stalls. The curry rice, fried rice noodles, dried noodles and laksa (spicy rice noodles) are dishes that you should not miss. Moreover, at night, the porridge and dried noodles with steamed chicken are the must-eat.

Chen Kee Hainan Chicken Rice- Miri famous Chinese dishes, traditional steamed Chicken rice, located at krokop 10, Tokyo Restaurant. It's delicious, Fresh, Cheap.

• Siamese Secrets - Serves Western, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, and local cuisines. Portions are huge.

• Double Star - Serves Chinese, Western, Local and fusion cuisines.

• Cafe Miri - Serves Western food and is undoubtedly Miri's most famous place for quality Western food.

• 2020 Cafe - This restaurant is always packed on Sunday mornings. Famous for their dim sum. Be sure to get there extra early to secure a seat.

• Ming Cafe - Good Indian, Malaysian, Chinese and sea food. Serves Tiger Beer which is quite expensive at local prices but served cold in an ice cold glass. Good service. Try Laksa in Ming Cafe which is very delicious and is comparable to the Laksa in Kuching. Also highly reccomended is the Roti!

• Naga Liar - Serves a local Malaysian delicacy, Nasi Lemak together other local favourites as well
• Halo Cafe, 751-752 Jalan Merpati (opposite imperial mall), ☎ 085-417417, [8]. serve eastern & western cuisine. drinks include mocktails, beers, shakes and pure Borneo Coffee (only place in town). Every night from 8.30PM will have local performers singing on stage, taking song dedication. Many functions throughout the year. rm10.00.  edit

• Fratini's - Serves Italian food and is located near the Boulevard Shopping Complex.

• Pete's Deli - A cozy Australian-styled deli with authentic Western food. Their oxtail stew, lamb shank and pies are bestsellers. Located opposite SMK Chung Hua.

• Marina Bay Seafood Restaurant - A new restaurant with intricate architecture and an amazing view of the sea. Pick your seafood fresh from the tanks. Open for lunch and dinner. Located at the Marina Bay, next to an gigantic, iconic seahorse statue.

• Sun City - Good selection of food and drink, indoor and outdoor seating, nice furnishings and great outdoor feel but fully covered with canvas with hugh fans.
• Shiki Japanese Restaurant, Boulevard Commercial Centre (Just Opposite the Boulevard Mall), ☎ +6084-422323. The place where you can get the most authentic Japanese Cuisine, at the most affordable price and great atmosphere. Call today for reservations.  edit

Drink

Tourists are encouraged to try the Sarawakian authentic rice wine known as 'tuak'. 'Tuak' is usually served during festive seasons, especially during Gawai (the Harvest Festival celebrated by the Ibans). Apart from that, if one is looking for a place for drinks and some entertainment, there are few places to go.

• Balcony

• Cherry Berries

• Siam Thai Bar

• Island Bar & Pub

• The Chaplin's

• Coco's

• Al Fresco's

• Sun City

• SoHo

• Halo Cafe

• Starbucks

• The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

• San Francisco Coffee

• Club Infinity Miri (Club Infinity Karaoke), Lot 2463-2467, Ground Floor, Boulevard Commercial Centre, 98000 Miri Sarawak (Opposite Boulevard Mall and Institut Memandu Miri), ☎ +6085439663, [9]. 6PM-2AM. A luxury high end karaoke cum pub in the centre of the Oil Town (www.clubinfinity.com.my)  edit

• Passion Corner, 856,Jalan Permaisuri (opposite jackson's motor), ☎ 085-423213. nice environment, chinese style, place for relaxing and gathering..  edit

• Passion Corner, 856,Jalan Permaisuri (opposite Jackson's Motor), ☎ 085-423213. nice environment, chinese style, place for relaxing and gathering..  edit

• Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Lot 1379, Block 17, Jalan Miri By-Pass, ☎ 085-421010, [10]. checkin: 1300 hrs; checkout: 1200 hrs. Offering an integrated resort lifestyle, the Club provides chalets with 120-room accommodation located within the golf course area. Built with natural timber, the chalets spread around a beautiful and lush landscape surrounding are complemented with a well-equipped fitness centre with Swimming pool, Gymnasium, Steambath, Sauna and Jacuzzi. Rates from RM110.  edit

• Dillenia, Lot 846 1st floor Jalan Sida, From the airport, take bus no. 28 to Miri Bus Station. Then, hop on to bus no. 33 or 42, alight just after passing Imperial Mall at the drop-off bay on your left near the blue colour Anakku signboard. Dillenia is situated immediately behind a cafe named Sembang2 Kafe, Tel: +6085434204 (email: dillenia.guesthouse@gmail.com). Check-in time is 1PM while check-out time is 12 noon. However, late check-outs can be arranged depending on occupancy rate. Opened in August 2008, Dillenia is a family-run guesthouse with a "home away from home" atmosphere. Offers safe, clean, comfortable and air conditioned rooms, with a selection of dormitories, twin-sharing, family and honeymoon rooms. Rates range from RM30 per bed/night to RM110 per room/night. Facilities available are free internet access at lobby and free wifi at both lobby and rooms, free continental breakfast (variety of fresh fruits included), refrigerator, shower heater, laundry service, key card access, 24-hours reception, spacious common room, reading corner, mini library etc. Very friendly and helpful staff, and located right in the heart of Miri city. Big public swimming pool (1RM per person) only a few min-walk away.

• Minda Guesthouse, 1st & 2nd floor, Lot 637, North Yu Seng Rd, 98000, [11]. Brand new guesthouse with free breakfast, laundry facilities, free wifi, rooftop garden and two lounges with flatscreen, mini library etc. Dorms RM 20/person & private from RM 50/room (twin). Friendly staff and good location. Just tell the cabby Mega Hotel then it's less than a minutes walk from there.

• The Highlands Backpackers, Lot 1272 3rd Floor, MCLD, Block 9, Waterfront, Phone: +6085422327, email: highlan@streamyx.com, [12]. Comfortable backpackers hostel (25 RM/bed) located on the seafront with AC rooms, TV and internet (5RM/hour). Used to be run by a married couple now 1 lady who is friendly and helpful. This is the only hostel in town and does a very good job. The matresses are comfy!
  Breakfast included means tea and toast so if you are the hungry type, buy some snacks in town. Conveniently situated above 'Wheels' bar which is nice. Imperial Mall 2 minutes walk away.

• Million Inn. No 6, Jln Yu Seng Selatan, P.O Box 2200, Tel: +6085415077 Fax: +6085415085. Rates from RM50

• Miri Hotel. No 47, Jln Brooke, P.O Box 138, Tel:+6085421212 Fax: +6085412002. Rates from RM69

• Pacific Orient Hotel. No 49, Jln Brooke, 98000, Tel:+6085413333 Fax:+085410003.

• Park Hotel. P.O Box 241, Jln Raja, 98007, Tel:+6085414555 Fax:+6085414488. Rates from RM69

• Metro Inn. Lot 762. Parent Lot 529, Block 9, 1st Floor, Jln Merpati, Tel:+6085411663 Fax:+6085424663. Rates from 58

• Kingwood Inn Miri, Lot 826, Jln Yu Seng Selatan, Tel:+6085415888 Fax:+085415009. Rates From RM70

• Cosy Inn. Lot 545 - 547, Jln Yu Seng Selatan, Tel:+6085415522 Fax:+6085415155. Rate from RM48

• SomerSet Hotel

• Apollo Hotel

• Glorial Hotel

• Harbour View Inn

• Brooke Inn - 14 Brooke RD.; 98007 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia : Tel- 085-412881. Central location, wifi, clean, tv. double RM50.

• Cempaka Inn

• Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, Lot 779 Jalan Temenggong Datuk Oyong, Phone: +6085421121, Fax: +6085421099, Sales: +6085421121 ext. 7300, [13]. 5-star full-service spa resort located at the coast, 2 km from city center and 8 km from airport

Lovely gardens, nice pool, pool bar, food can be ordered from the pool and eaten at the bar. Basic but sandy beach, meals are quite expensive but good quality, although there is a nice food court just a 2-minute walk from the Marriot.

• Imperial Hotel, Jalan Pos, Tel: +6085431133, Fax: +6085431122, [14]. Located at the center of Miri City, adjoining the Imperial Mall

• Parkcity Everly Hotel, Jalan Temenggong Datuk Oyong Lawai, Tel: +6085418888 Fax: +6085419999, [15].

• Grand Palace Hotel Tel: +6085428888.

• Mega Hotel Tel: +6085432432.

• Dynasty Hotel Tel: +6085421111. Has an excellent Chinese restaurant.