As one of the most popular destinations in Sarawak, Miri forms a gateway to the famous Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park. Miri used to be a bit of a cowboy village in the past, where people mainly came in search of oil. It is said that Malaysia’s petroleum industry once started in Miri. Years later however, Miri grew out to be a modern city though still a bit overshadowed by the neighboring oil state of Brunei (Miri was granted city status in 2005). The city is home to a population of about 300,000 people, and this makes it the second biggest city of Sarawak behind Kuching.

Grand Old Lady (First Oil Well).

The Grand Old Lady situated at Canada Hill, is the first oil well in the country which was built back in 1910. It represents the petroleum history of Miri which is almost a century old and is one of the places of interest in Miri. This oil well is no longer in production of crude oil and it has been declared a protected historical site by the Sarawak Government. At Canada Hill, there is an observatory platform where visitors can have an excellent view of Miri City. Next to the oil well is the newly completed Petroleum Science Museum.

Tamu Muhhibah (Local Market).

Tamu Muhibbah is a colorful native market where you’ll find a range of exotic fruits and vegetables, handicrafts and produce from upriver areas, including fragrant Bario rice.

Piasau Nature Reserve.

Piasau Nature Reserve (PNR) is very important for the conservations of some components of biodiversity in particular Sarawak’s birdlife and threats to their existence. Therefore the reserve provide varied opportunities for visitors to meet and interact in both formal and informal settings; most importantly, an avenue to appreciate our diverse birdlife and in particular the breeding pair of Oriental Pied Hornbill (OPH).

Tua Pek Kong (Taoist Temple).

Built in 1913, the temple was built and dedicated to the beloved deity by overseas Chinese trading or working in Miri then. It is the oldest temple in Miri, and one of the few buildings in Miri that had survived World War II bombings and fires.