Miri City, located in the heart of Sarawak, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern attractions. A half-day sightseeing tour provides an opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant history and uncover its fascinating oil industry. From the panoramic views of Canada Hill to the intriguing exhibits at the Petroleum Museum, this personalized experience promises to captivate visitors with Miri’s diverse offerings. Whether you’re a history buff, a craft enthusiast, or simply seeking to learn about the local way of life, this tour caters to a range of interests, leaving you eager to explore further.
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Tours In Miri.
Good To Know
- Explore the highlights of Miri City on a 3-hour sightseeing tour, including iconic landmarks like Canada Hill, Miri Handicraft Centre, Petroleum Museum, and Tamu Muhibbah Market.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Miri and the South China Sea from Canada Hill, the site of the first oil well in Malaysia.
- Discover the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak by visiting the Miri Handicraft Centre, showcasing local arts and crafts.
- Gain insights into the oil and gas industry’s history and development at the Petroleum Museum.
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Tamu Muhibbah Market, where you can sample authentic local cuisine and purchase artisanal products.
Tour Overview
The sightseeing tour of Miri City offers visitors a half-day exploration of the key attractions in this vibrant Malaysian city.
The 3-hour tour departs in the morning or afternoon, with transport provided by a coach and hotel pickup/drop-off included. The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
Highlights include visiting Canada Hill, the Miri Handicraft Centre, the Petroleum Museum, and the Tamu Muhibbah Market.
Throughout the tour, travelers will gain insights into Miri’s rich history, culture, and the importance of the oil and gas industry in shaping the city’s development.
Want to dig deeper into Miri? We've also reviewed these city tours
Exploring Canada Hill
Situated atop the city, Canada Hill offers visitors a stunning panorama of Miri and its surroundings. The highlight of this stop is the iconic Oil Well No. 1, fondly known as the "Grand Old Lady." Guests can marvel at this well, which marked the beginning of Miri’s oil industry in 1910. The viewpoint also provides a sweeping vista of the town, the South China Sea, and the Miri River estuary. Visitors can enjoy the fresh breeze and capture picturesque photographs to commemorate their visit.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Viewpoint | Offers panoramic views of Miri city and surroundings |
| Oil Well No. 1 | Historic "Grand Old Lady" that started Miri’s oil industry |
| Scenic Landscape | Overlooks the South China Sea and Miri River estuary |
| Photo Opportunities | Ideal spot to capture memorable pictures |
Visiting Miri Handicraft Centre
From the Canada Hill, the tour proceeds to the Miri Handicraft Centre, where visitors can enjoy the vibrant local arts and crafts.
This cultural hub showcases a diverse array of handmade products from various ethnic groups in Sarawak. Visitors can browse through:
- Penan mats, woven with intricate patterns
- Iban Pua Kumbu cloth, renowned for its intricate ikat weaving
- Kenyah woodcarvings, featuring intricate designs and craftsmanship
The Miri Handicraft Centre offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak, providing an opportunity for travelers to appreciate the talent and creativity of the local artisans.
Discovering Petroleum Museum
Next, the tour visits the Petroleum Museum, which highlights the history of oil development in the region since 1910.
Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the evolution of the oil and gas industry in Miri, from the early 20th century to the present day. The museum provides an in-depth look at the challenges and technological advancements that have shaped this important economic sector.
Guests will come away with a deeper understanding of how Miri’s identity as the "Oil Town of Malaysia" has been forged over the decades.
The 45-minute stop at the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, present, and future of the region’s energy industry.
Wandering Tamu Muhibbah Market
After exploring the Petroleum Museum, the tour concludes with a visit to the vibrant Tamu Muhibbah Market.
This lively outdoor market showcases a diverse array of local produce, from farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to live poultry. Visitors can enjoy the bustling atmosphere and interact with friendly vendors.
The market offers a unique opportunity to:
- Discover the culinary traditions of Miri’s multicultural community
- Browse stalls brimming with artisanal crafts and handmade goods
- Savor a taste of authentic local cuisine, such as signature Bornean dishes
The Tamu Muhibbah Market provides a captivating finale to the Miri city sightseeing tour, allowing travelers to experience the vibrant heart of the community.
Transport and Pickup Details
The tour’s comprehensive itinerary includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services. Travelers can start their Miri city sightseeing journey from the comfort of their accommodations. The transport is provided by a coach with a maximum group size of 15 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
| Pickup/Drop-off | Inclusion |
|---|---|
| Hotel | ✓ |
| Miri Airport | Additional surcharge |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Transport | Coach |
| Group Size | Maximum 15 travelers |
This hassle-free arrangement allows guests to fully enjoy the tour without the worry of navigating the city on their own. With the transportation details taken care of, travelers can look forward to an enjoyable and enriching exploration of Miri’s top attractions.
Group Size and Duration
The Miri city sightseeing tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
The tour duration is a compact 3 hours, making it an efficient way to explore the highlights of the city. The tour departs either in the morning or afternoon, providing flexibility for travelers’ schedules.
-
The tour length of 3 hours allows participants to cover the key attractions without feeling rushed.
-
The small group size ensures a more personalized experience and allows the guide to better cater to individual needs.
-
Departures in the morning or afternoon give visitors the option to fit the tour into their broader travel plans.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Miri city sightseeing tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and coach transport.
Entrance fees to the tour sites, if applicable, are also covered. However, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, or any additional surcharge for round-trip transport from Miri Airport.
Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves some walking.
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult, and the child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults.
Free cancellation is available up to six days in advance.
Sum Up
This half-day sightseeing tour of Miri City offers a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture, rich history, and unique heritage. Visitors can explore key attractions, admire stunning views, discover local crafts, and savor delicious cuisine, all while gaining insights into Miri’s thriving oil industry. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and a personalized experience for small groups, this tour provides an enriching and memorable way to experience the essence of Miri.