Miss_Violet

SHORT VACAY: SEAHORSE CITY OF MIRI

Last month my friend and I went to visit Miri, Sarawak for a short holiday of 3 days and 2 nights (weekend getaway). Guess what? The trip was planned at the last minute. We bought Air Asia return tickets from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) directly to Miri Airport. Luckily, the ticket’s cost was affordable at that time, it was around RM 150 per person (Ok Lah). We didn’t have enough time to cover all the places of attractions in Miri, but hopefully, this simple plan will help you and give a quick guide for your travel to Miri soon. Just a plain itinerary.

Somewhere at Sarawak Sky

10 Jun 2017 (Saturday)

Early morning, our flight to Miri was scheduled at 7.30 am. We had an incredible journey during the trip, no harsh shaking and the weather was just fine. Bright sunshine and clear sky. We arrived at Miri at around 8.20 am. Upon arrival, we met this one guy from the Greenmatrix rental car company. Previously, my friend had paid and rented Perodua Axia for two and half days which rated approximately RM234 (that was the best deal we’ve got). Thrilled and excited, both of us searched a place to have breakfast to fuel our self before exploring the seahorse city. I can’t remember precisely the name of the restaurant we stop by, but the foods were delicious, and my tummy was in high for a moment.

Delicious food

So the tour began, first we layover in Taman Awam Miri. No entrance fee. What is so cool about this place is that it has a long canopy walk and almost clean public pool (I guess, from my observation) which is rare. I found the surrounding was pleasant and there were only a few people that morning, couples and families. Near this site, located opposite Taman Awam, there was a colorful staircase which leads to nowhere (why bother). Yeah, really!! The staircase doesn’t do anything, but if you’re like me, a photography freak, well an amateur one, you are going to appreciate it and take a photo with that kind of background.

The pool and the stair

Around noon we went to Miri City Fan Recreation Park and the Miri Library. Both of this places located side by side. Again there are no entrance fees to enter both places. The only thing that captured my eyes is the front structure of the library building. Yeap!! Photo, please!! We took several pictures with the huge white pillars (it’s quite famous then). It was a bit boring to explore the recreation park during the high sun due to the absence of people. Maybe, the atmosphere would be different in the evening. Exhausted and experiencing stomach growl, we headed to the Summit Cafe for lunch. Yummy!! I am in love with the dishes. Recommended!!

White pillar vs. my clothe

With our stomach full, we moved to Marina Bay also known as Coco Cabana which is just 2.4 Km from the Summit Cafe. The environment was wonderful. Although the heat from the sun slowly burned our skin, the cold, strong smelly ocean breeze ease the moments. Don’t worry if you got dehydrated because there are a few stalls selling foods and drinks. Remember to bring your families or your loved one to adore the sea and the setting.  I love the sea unconditionally. I can live and relish this view forever. How can you resist this?

Sea. Breeze. Relax. Chill

Almost 3.00 pm we checked in at Coco house. We booked the hostel for two nights through Traveloka app. The app is convenient and easy to use plus it does offer discounts. Imagine for two days we only have to pay RM104.58 for two people (there were, female dorm, male and mixed gender dorms available). Halleluiah!! We rested for almost 2 hours.

Wide awakened we started beach hunting near the town. Miri grant plentiful, beautiful beaches namely Luak Bay and Tanjung Lobang. We went to this mysterious splendid beach. Several people were enjoying the beaches. Kids were building a sand castle, some seen chasing one another. While the adults were taking photos, playing bubble and couple seen enjoying their chit-chat. Hmm!! Not so mystical after all. Okay, I admit it, I forgot the location. It was just a typical beach with the presence of ordinary people enjoying their evening.

Beach is gorgeous

Roughly at 5.30 pm, we headed to the Sky Garden Meritz. Almost all searches on the internet suggested visiting this hotel for a fantastic sunset experience. We ordered our dinner. Delicious. Unfortunately, that day the clouds were too thick, and the view wasn’t as mesmerizing as I have imagined. But all and all it was the perfect occasion to complete day one in Miri. O wait, we did watch Baywatch after that at Bintang Megamall. 

Beautiful sunset

11 Jun 2017 (Sunday)

Early in the morning, around 7.00 am we started our second-day adventure in Miri. I am hysterical, cannot wait to dive in, the forest of Lambir Hills National Park, to be captivated by the natural cave of Niah National Park and be fascinated by the enchanting Tuscan beach in Miri. I had high hope to be blown away by all the sceneries. 

Alert: Things to remember, before continuing the ride, make sure the car tank is full of fuel because the journey can take almost a half day. Also, make sure to bring along full charged power bank, you need to use google maps and Waze along the way (plus you need to update FB and insta, right?). Wear appropriate attire with proper shoes when visiting the National Park (hungry leeches are waiting for you...Blood!! Blood!! Kidding).

It takes almost 40 minutes to reach Lambir Hills National Park, with the distance of 31.4 Km from our hostel. The entrance fee was only RM 10. Due to the Short amount of time, we only manage to hike to watch the Latak Waterfall which was just 2 Km from the main counter.  We spend almost an hours walking, chit-chatting and enjoying the morning ambiance in the forest (only a nature lover would acknowledge the jungle). We also had our breakfast in the canteen. Overall, it was a light sweaty visit.

We departed to Niah National Park around 10.00 am and drove more than one hour to reach the National Park. The distance from Lambir Hills National Park to Niah National Park is about 71.5 Km. Almost 11.30 am, we arrived at the counter and paid the entrance fee for RM 10 / per person. We had our short boat ride. Ha-ha!! I thought it was going to be a long ride.

Proof: I was there

The pathway to get to the main caves was in good condition, but that particular day there was drizzle rain which made the plank a bit slippery. Despite, the moody weather, we succeed in entering the caves and were in awe for a moment. One word, Magnificent!!! The cave was humongous and had strong faulty smelling. I wonder how it is made. There were many visitors during our visit. Relatively, we spend more than three hours there.              

Alert – take you pee and business before the expedition because there are no toilets along the way except for the building near the jetty and at the entrance.

Majestic view, like a painting

Next, we went to Tusan Beach which was approximately 40 minutes from Niah National Park. We were not going farther away from Miri town. The direction of Tusan Beach from Niah Cave was on the way back to Miri town. We arrived at the beach, and there were groups of people already strolled around and enjoyed the sea. The environment of the beach was stunning and windy. Even my eyes caught some sand particles. Fuh!! I was annoyed. Lesson learned, do not forget to bring sunglasses.  Most people went here to take photos with the magical Tusan Cliff that look like a horse head. The view was breathtaking.  Hopefully, in the future, the food and drink shop will be upgraded into more convenient and clean premises.

More beaches

OMG beautiful 

Head horse

Throat reliever

12 Jun 2017 (Monday)

Early in the morning, we spent our last day by watching the sunrise from the top of Canada Hills. We saw the extended sea and entertained by the image of Miri City. There were Petroleum Museum located on the hill. Unfortunately, the museum was closed every Monday. Other attraction near the petroleum museum was the Grand Old Lady Miri also known as Miri well. After we satisfyingly explored the hill, we departed to the heart of Miri city. There we searched for the handicraft shop and bought some souvenirs. Around 11.30 am we went to the airport and returned the rented car.  We waited for our flight and headed home.

Miri at the top hill

Yesss!! Finally, it is finished. Ha-Ha!! If you ask me if I ever want to come back to Miri, the answer is definitely YES. Why? I wish to explore the Mulu cave someday.