Miri Half Day City Tour: Discover Malaysia's Cultural and Oil History

Embark on a half-day city tour of Miri and delve into Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and oil history. Visit the Petroleum Museum, explore local markets, and admire the beautiful Tua Pek Kong Temple.

Duration: 3 hours
Highlights
  • The Grand Old Lady - Pick up is at 9.00AM or 1.00PM. You will meet our friendly English Speaking driver at your hotel lobby.

Malaysia 1st Oil Well

The Grand Old Lady located at Canada Hill. It represents the petroleum history of Miri which is almost a century old and is one of the places of interest in Miri. This oil well is no longer in production of crude oil and it has been declared a protected historical site by the Sarawak Government. There is an observatory platform where visitors can have an excellent view of Miri City. Next to this oil well is the newly completed Petroleum Science Museum. Miraculously, the oil well was one of the very few structures that was spared from the bombings, fires and other attacks of World War II.

  • Petroleum Museum - Petroleum Museum has various exhibits that show us the history of the petroleum industry in Sarawak. The museum itself is a modern design, completed in 2005. Being partially financed by Petronas, Malaysia’s giant oil company, it bears some similarity to the Petrosains Museum in KLCC in Kuala Lumpur. Good place to get a bird’s eye view of Miri. You can see offshore oil rigs and oil supply vessels from here. This is an interesting museum for geology students or those wanting information on the history of oil exploration in Sarawak. Since it’s free and there’s not a great deal else to see in Miri, it should be on most tourists’ itineraries.
  • Miri Handicraft Centre - Miri Handicraft Centre showcases all sorts of unique and handmade art craft, T-shirts, bead work and many more. It is definitely a place that you must stop by to have a short shopping spree for native handicrafts before going back to your hometown. There are various stalls in the centre and so, the choices and options are uncountable with vibrant colors and unique crafting. These stalls are all run by individuals. Regularly, you can see the locals, mostly elderly, hand craft their products live on the spot. Besides crafting and bead work, there are more products selling in the centre including the Penan mats and bakestry items. Wood tied bracelet and necklace are to be seen around too. The building that houses the handicraft centre has rich historical means as it is previously functioned as the Community Hall of Miri state.
  • Tua Pek Kong Temple - The Tua Pek Kong Temple is a dedicated to the deity most beloved by overseas Chinese. According to local legend, work started in the temple in 1913, in order to give thanks to the deity for helping to end a mysterious epidemic. The temple is situated right next to the Miri Fish Market, where the local catch is landed early every morning. An enormous variety of fresh fish and seafood is sold here.
  • Tamu Muhibbah - Tamu Khas is the native market, where a variety of stalls are selling various tropical fruits and vegetables. Among the favourites are Ikan Terubok Masin, Bario Rice & salt.
  • Lian Hua San Ching Tien Temple - Taoist temple – San Ching Tian temple was one of the largest Taoist temples in Southeast Asia. The superb red roof, elegant lotus design and the delightful wind chimes make this a very impressive and atmospheric place of worship.
  • Coco Cabana - Coco Cabana is the latest landmark of Miri which houses the 25 meters high seahorse light house. Besides that, you can find varieties of local food stalls (only open from late evening). Enjoy the local food while having a magnificent view of the South China Sea during sunset.
What's Included
  • Transportation during tour
  • Entrance fees
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Guide fees
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities (recommended)
  • Meals
  • Sales & Service Tax (if applicable)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Things not mentioned above
Additional Information

Miri, a city located at the northwest coast of Borneo in Malaysia, houses the Petroleum Museum atop Canada Hill. This spot is famous for interactive displays about local oil history. Nearby stands the ‘Grand Old Lady’, a historic 1910 oil well and a noteworthy site. In the heart of the city, the Pasar Raya and Tamu Muhibbah markets teem with vendors showcasing fresh goods and artisanal crafts. The Tua Pek Kong Temple, renowned for its golden dragon-engraved pillars, is another attraction.

  • Insect repellent, good trekking shoes, swimwear, umbrella and hat or cap is required for the trip.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • 30% SURCHARGE DURING FESTIVE SEASON “Chinese New Year” “Hari Raya Aldilfitri” “Hari Gawai Dayak” “Christmas Day”
Location
The Grand Old Lady
Canada Hill
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Customer Ratings
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Blinkybillwhistler
Jun 27, 2023
Flexible sight seeing tour - As myself and my daughter were the only ones on this tour, the tour guide, Andy, was friendly and accommodating. Besides the mentioned destinations on this tour, I was able to have a drive down memory lane and visit the site of my previous primary school in Miri, which is now Piasau Nature reserve. To make up for time, some of the other places we drove past, and others were closed on the Sunday (eg Petroleum museum). Our last stop was so crowded as it was the weekend and we were unable to find a parking spot so had to just drive past Coco Cabana instead. I suggest doing the tour on a weekday. All in all our tour duration was still 3 hours. Andy could answer the 100 of questions I asked him about Miri and Sarawak - he is a bank of information and knowledge. This tour is highly recommended if you would like to see the sights of Miri in half a day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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