Things to do in Miri
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Canada Hill
Canada Hill, on the low ridge behind the town centre, is the site of Malaysia's first oil well, the Grand Old Lady. Bored in 1910, the well produced around seven barrels a day until it was abandoned in 1972. The hill is a popular exercise spot with a handful of refreshment kiosks, and it's worth walking up here at sunset just for the views across Miri to the South China Sea. The new Petroleum Museum on the hill has a few interesting displays on the source of the city's wealth.
reviewed
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Summit Café
Not to be confused with the Summit Café across from the Apollo, this spot, specialising in traditional Kelabit cuisine, is a 10-minute walk southwest of Mega Hotel (in the ‘Waterfront Area’; look for a big sign saying ‘Tian Tian’). If Bario isn’t on your travel itinerary, then a meal here is a must. Try the colourful array of ‘jungle food’ – canko manis (forest ferns), minced tapioca, and wild boar – served on leaves instead of plates. It’s best to come for an early lunch, because once the food runs out they close!
reviewed
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City Fan
As a self-proclaimed 'resort city', Miri is cultivating a reputation for its recreational areas, and the whole urban landscape is studded with greenery and amenities. Nearest to the centre is the City Fan, an expanse of themed gardens that boasts the largest open-air amphitheatre in Malaysia. It's popular with joggers, and also has a public swimming pool, indoor stadium and public library.
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A
Seaworld Seafood Centre
Not as good as the nearby Apollo Seafood Centre and with somewhat less efficient service, the Seaworld Seafood Centre still draws a crowd. Even if you have no intention of eating seafood, the massed tanks of live aquatic creatures here can make a visit to Seaworld Miri as educational as a visit to Seaworld Florida. If you've never tried frog, this is your chance.
reviewed
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Lambir Hills National Park
Lambir Hills National Park is the closest primary rainforest to Miri (around 30km south) and it makes for a pleasant day trip out of the city. A perennial favourite among the locals, this scenic scrap of jungle offers waterfalls, picnic areas and a clutch of pleasant walking trails through its dipterocarp rainforest.
reviewed
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Saberkas Weekend Market
If you land in Miri on a weekend, don't miss the Saberkas Weekend Market, which takes place from Friday evening to midday Sunday, about 3km northeast of Bintang Plaza. It's one of the most colourful and friendly markets in Sarawak and vendors are more than happy to answer questions about the various products displayed.
reviewed
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Apollo Seafood Centre
This deservedly popular Chinese seafood restaurant is a big hit with ex-pat visitors. Just about anything you order will be delicious, but we recommend the crabs and the fried midin with belacan. If you are a big spender, you could always go for some lobsters straight from the tank.
reviewed
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Khan’s Islamic Restaurant
This simple canteen is one of Miri’s best Indian eateries, whipping up tasty treats like mouth-wateringtandoori chicken and aloo gobi (Indian potato and cauliflower dish), as well as the usual roti canai. It’s opposite Mega Hotel.
reviewed
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Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
This international coffee chain out at the mall allows you to recreate the experience of being in suburban America right in the middle of Borneo. The coffee is good here, as are the cakes, and wi-fi clinches the deal for computerised travellers.
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B
Twin Happiness Cafe
We all take our happiness where we can find it, and the twin joys of good Chinese food and cheap prices make this particular pleasure zone worth seeking out. Besides, how can you not love a place that serves ‘drunken prawn’?
reviewed
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Pelita Commercial Centre
Those keen on a pub crawl might consider catching a taxi to this warren of small bar-lined streets 3km north of the centre. Anyone with an aversion to disco glitterballs, karaoke and expats need not apply for the experience.
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Tiong Hua Café and Restaurant
If you're just after a quick cuppa or some fried noodles, this standard-issue Chinese kedai kopi is a good call. It's unremarkable but very convenient if you're staying at one of the hotels on Jln Kwangtung.
reviewed
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C
Sea Village Seafood Restaurant
If you want a little atmosphere with your meal, you might try some of the outdoor Chinese seafood specialists that set up each evening along the Sungai Miri such as Sea Village Seafood Restaurant.
reviewed
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Yi Ha Hai Seafood
If you want a little atmosphere with your meal, you might try some of the outdoor Chinese seafood specialists that set up each evening along the Sungai Miri such as Yi Ha Hai Seafood.
reviewed
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Ming Café
Take your pick of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western food at this ever-busy corner eating emporium. There’s a good drink counter here serving fresh juices and signature tapioca teas.
reviewed
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Wisma Pelita
This downtown shopping mall is a little long in the tooth. There are two internet places here. It's one of the two main shopping malls in Miri. Bintang Plaza is the other.
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E
Bintang Plaza
The modern Bintang Plaza has a few internet cafes, a decent bookshop, and several restaurants. It's one of the two main shopping malls in Miri. Wisma Pelita is the other.
reviewed
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WZT Café
This popular coffee shop/eatery is a good spot for breakfast and you can choose from toast served any number of ways. At lunch, the noodle dishes are a good choice.
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San Ching Tian Temple
The San Ching Tian Temple is the largest Taoist temple in Southeast Asia. The design features intricate dragon reliefs brought all the way over from China.
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Taman Selera Beach
Miri has a passable beach and recreation park with food centre at Taman Selera Beach. The food centre juts out into the sea for perfect sunset dining.
reviewed
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Unity Food Centre
Unity Food Centre is not far from Yu Lan Plaza, the high building in the centre of town. It covers all the bases of Malay, Indian and Chinese food.
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Wheels Bistro Café
This slightly dingy bistro-pub often has live music and is a favourite hang-out for Miri’s expat community.
reviewed
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Petroleum Museum
The Petroleum Museum has a few interesting displays on the source of the city’s wealth.
reviewed
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Sin Liang Supermarket
For self-catering, the Sin Liang Supermarket is centrally located and well stocked.
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Tua Pek Kong Temple
The wide courtyard of the Tua Pek Kong Temple is a good spot to watch the river traffic float by.
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