Miri is located in Northern Sarawak, Borneo island. Miri City is the gateway to Borneo and is also adjacent to the neighboring country of Brunei. Being the first oil town in Malaysia, the petroleum industry has played a significant role in Miri's initial economic development. This is the town that oil built, subsequently other industries such as timber and oil palm have also contributed to its prosperity today.
Miri City's natural diversity offers visitors a wide range of attractions including the world renowned Mulu Caves, the spectacular Niah Caves, beautiful beaches, exciting game fishing, colorful coral reefs, exotic tropical rainforests and the ever famous Grand Old Lady - The First Oil Well in Malaysia and probably one of the oldest still standing such structure around this region.
Miri has a tropical climate. There are two monsoon seasons; the dry season from April to September and the wet season from October to March. The annual rainfall is around 100 to 150 inches. Miri is home to a population of about 300,000 people, consisting of Chinese, Iban, Malay, Indian and other indegenous groups like Melanau, Kedayan, Kayan,Kenyah, Kelabit, Bidayuh, Penan, Lun Bawang, Berawan, Bisaya, etc.. living in harmony and are proud to contribute to make Miri a Resort City.
Kuching is beautiful, clean, and generally a pleasure to visit. It is also a great jumping off point for three wonderful parks, Bako, Gannung Gading, and Kubah. Kubah is the closest (although in some ways the hardest to get to) and has the nicest hostels... it's like staying in a country cottage, very beautiful. Bako definitely has the best opportunities to see nature and wild life (at least 3 kinds of monkeys as well as mudskipper fish, monitor lizards, and more!). Gannung Gading is very nice and also well worth a vist. A week plus trip can be a great way to see the city with ample opportunities to visit the wild life of Borneo! In Kuching, check out the BB Inn, a wonderful place to visit at very cheap (15-25 RM per night for 1 person depending on if you want a dorm or a hostel.). Very close by is a giant neon colored mall with great malaysian food in the food court, and a nice sidewalk cafe on the corner. In the early evening you get the impression that Kuching rolls up the sidewalks at dusk... but by 11 the night life explodes into a wide array of trendy bars, clubs, and disco's...
If you're travelling to Niah Cave, few things you must remember to bring along besides the basic stuff.
1. A pair of glove (preferably with grib), the cheap one will do. You'll need this because the railings are full of guanos (bat's dropping) and you'll need to hold it for the steps are rather slippery.
2. Torch light with sufficient supply of batteries. Niah caves is not well-lighted. Part of the cave is pitch dark and you must bring your fully charged torch light there.
3. A good pair of hiking shoes or comfortable shoes with good grib. The path could be slippery.
Of course, water, snack food, towel, cap, additional clothing are must-bring items.
