Marudi

Introducing Marudi

Marudi is a quiet river town situated inland from Miri, similar in size to Kapit though nowhere near as busy. Its main attraction is yet another of the Brooke outposts, the beige wooden Fort Hose (admission free; 10am-6pm Tue-Sun), built in 1901 and named after Charles Hose, who became administrator of the district in 1891. The site became the Baram District Museum in 1997 and features some interesting historical displays. The surrounding Taman Tasik recreation park is a nice hilltop spot with a suspended walkway and river views.

Marudi sits on the north bank of the Batang Baram, and the main street, Jln Cinema, runs east–west right through town. Most places to stay and eat are within a block or two of the centre. An ornamental square with a longboat monument spans from Jln Cinema down to Jln Merdeka, the riverfront drag, and all boats moor at the adjacent jetty.

Although the forest between Marudi and Kuala Baram on the South China Sea has long since been devastated, travel beyond Marudi to upriver longhouses can still be rewarding, at least once you get to Long Lama. Locals in Marudi can help arrange a visit, and the longhouses are welcoming if you’re expected. The district office (085-755211) can help arrange permits.

There is a reasonable road network around Marudi, giving access to longhouses at Long Selaban and Long Moh. You can also travel much further afield, though you’ll have to arrange a lift locally. A road linking Marudi and Miri has been in the pipeline for years, but as yet only a few rough logging tracks exist.

Last updated: Mar 24, 2009