Major city · Malaysia
Miri
Base in Miri 2–3 nights for Niah Caves and Lambir Hills; skip the city beach and use it as a transit hub for Mulu.
Miri is Sarawak's second city and the oil town that started Malaysia's petroleum industry in 1910. Most travellers pass through on the way to Gunung Mulu National Park or the Kelabit Highlands, but the city itself earns 2–3 nights for Niah Caves, Lambir Hills and cheap seafood. It sits on the northern coast near the Brunei border, so it is also a practical stop between Sabah and Brunei.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MYR
- Best months
- Mar–Oct (drier)
- avoid Nov–Feb (northeast monsoon, heavy rain)
- Airport
- MYY
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Malaysia ↗Most foreign visitors must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online shortly before arrival; use only the official immigration site.
- Malaysia ↗Remove shoes before entering mosques, temples and homes; cover shoulders and knees, and use the robes on loan at major mosques.
- Malaysia ↗Cards and e-wallets are common in cities; keep some ringgit in small notes for hawker stalls, taxis and tolls.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Miri999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Miri, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Malaysian ringgit (MYR, RM); cards and e-wallets are widely used in Kuala Lumpur.Malaysia-wide
- SIM or eSIMCelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile and Unifi sell tourist SIMs at KLIA with passport registration.Malaysia-wide
- Tap waterTreated in cities, but most people filter or boil; bottled water is cheap.Malaysia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Nothing if 10% service charge is added; otherwise round up.Malaysia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 240 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Malaysia-wide
- SafetyMiri is generally safe for tourists; the real risks are monsoon flooding, slippery jungle trails and heat.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern and squat toilets side by side; water hose instead of paper; some public toilets cost RM0.20–1.Malaysia-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police and ambulance · 994 fire · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidayscheckKelantan, Terengganu and Kedah have Friday–Saturday weekends; Johor Saturday–Sunday since 2025 — check…Malaysia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMYY Miri Airport (About 10 km (6.2 mi) south of the centre; Grab or taxi to town, roughly 15–20 min.).MYY Miri Airport (About 6.2 mi (10 km) south of the centre; Grab or taxi to town, roughly 15–20 min.).
- Getting aroundLocal buses run from Wisma Pelita Tunku at a flat RM1 fare; routes cover Permyjaya, Tudan, Senadin and the hospital.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or milk tea at a hawker centreRM2–5
- Sit-down mealSeafood dinner at Marina BayRM40–90 per person
- BeerBeer at a barRM12–25
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus rideRM1
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekRM20–50
- Budget bedHostel bunk, a night, per personRM32
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRM140
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRM260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget RM90 · Mid RM180 · High RM350
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MYY Miri Airport (About 10 km (6.2 mi) south of the centre; Grab or taxi to town, roughly 15–20 min.)MYY Miri Airport (About 6.2 mi (10 km) south of the centre; Grab or taxi to town, roughly 15–20 min.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Mar–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C) low), wettest Dec (20 rain days), driest Mar (13). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Miri: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
20 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Local buses run from Wisma Pelita Tunku at a flat RM1 fare; routes cover Permyjaya, Tudan, Senadin and the hospital. Taxis run 24 h and add a surcharge after midnight. Grab is the easiest option for short hops. A car rents from about RM80 a day plus delivery; parking tickets cost RM0.50 each and parking is free after 17:00, at weekends and 11:45–14:15 on Fridays.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Niah National Park
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Bas Suria from Miri Express Bus Terminal to Batu Niah, then boat or walk to park HQ
The Great Cave and Painted Cave are the reason to come; start early, the walk in is hot.
Lambir Hills National Park
goDoor to door: About 1 h
30 min by car or about 1 h by bus toward Bintulu; buses may charge the full RM25 fare
Trails open 08:00–16:00; be back at HQ by 16:00. Entry about RM20 (check).Trails open 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; be back at HQ by 4:00 PM. Entry about RM20 (check).
Gunung Mulu National Park
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h flight plus transfers
MASWings flight from MYY to Mulu
Needs 3 nights minimum; book flights and park beds well ahead.
Bintulu
skipDoor to door: About 4 h
Express bus from Miri Express Bus Terminal
Industrial port town; only worth it as a transit stop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City centre (Jalan Brooke, Jalan Yu Seng)
Walkable to the waterfront, hawker centres and Tua Pek Kong Temple; best for a short stay without a car.
Marina Bay / Luak Bay
Resort strip with the Marriott and seafood restaurants; 2–8 km (1.2–5 mi) from the centre, needs a car or Grab.Resort strip with the Marriott and seafood restaurants; 1.2–5 mi (2–8 km) from the centre, needs a car or Grab.
Airport Commercial Centre
Cheap homestays near MYY; useful for a late arrival or an early flight to Mulu.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- RM90–150 excl. bed
- Mid
- RM150–280 excl. bed
- High
- RM280+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × RM140 | RM280 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × RM180 | RM720 |
| Grab airport to centre, one way2 × RM25 · check | RM50 |
| Lambir Hills entry2 × RM20 · check | RM40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × RM30 | RM60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | RM115 |
| Trip total≈ RM316 per person per day, bed included | RM1,265≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate in ringgit; flights and park fees excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or milk tea at a hawker centre | RM2–5 |
| Sarawak laksa or kolo mee | RM6–12 |
| Seafood dinner at Marina Bay | RM40–90 per person |
| Beer at a bar | RM12–25 |
| Local bus ride | RM1 |
| Car hire per day | RM80 + RM30 delivery (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | RM20–50 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Afternoon storms Nov–Feb can flood roads and make Canada Hill trails slippery.
- Lambir Hills: no taxis wait at the park, so arrange a return time or flag a bus on the highway.
- Bring your passport or a photocopy for national park entry.
- No direct bus to Brunei since about 2021; BSB transfers now need a private driver or shuttle van.
Emergency numbers
- Police and ambulance
- 999
- Fire
- 994
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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MiriMiri
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Tolong pergi ke alamat iniTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police and ambulance999
- Fire994
- From mobiles112
Embassy
Most embassies are in Kuala Lumpur; check for a consulate in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- MYY → city centre, Grab: about RM20–30, 15–20 min (check)
- Local bus, flat fare: RM1
- Miri → Bintulu express bus: about RM27, 4 h (check)
Say or show
- Terima kasih — Thank you (terima kasih)
- Berapa harganya? — How much is it? (berapa harganya)
- Di mana tandas? — Where is the toilet? (di mana tandas)
- Boleh bayar dengan kad? — Can I pay by card? (boleh bayar dengan kad)
- Saya tidak faham — I don't understand (saya tidak faham)
- Tolong — Help (tolong)
Malay is the official language; English is widely spoken in Miri.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Miri. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–Oct (drier) · avoid Nov–Feb (northeast monsoon, heavy rain) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MYY: last Grab window, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: waterfront and Tua Pek Kong, Canada Hill, Marina Bay, the malls.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Petroleum Museum, Niah, Lambir, Mulu) and eat pages with last orders.
- Monsoon and haze fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialMiri City Council
- officialSarawak Tourism Board
- secondaryWikivoyage: Miri, revision 5318361 (CC BY-SA 4.0)