Miri Division, Sarawak

Oil Capital, Coastal Charm & Cultural Crossroads

Miri Division is Sarawak’s second-most populous division, anchored by Miri City, a thriving hub of petroleum industry, nature tourism, and cultural diversity. With beautiful beaches, caves, and highlands, alongside vibrant city life, Miri is the gateway to northern Borneo.

Formation & Historical Background

• Site of Malaysia’s first oil well (Canada Hill, 1910)
• Developed rapidly by Shell Petroleum Company
• Declared a division under Sarawak’s administrative structure
• Miri attained city status in 2005, reflecting its urban expansion
• Plays a pivotal role in offshore energy, international tourism, and border trade

Basic Information

Districts in Miri Division (5 total)

Local Governance & Representation

Key Features & Attractions

• Canada Hill & Petroleum Museum – Malaysia’s first oil well
• Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park – Diving and marine biodiversity
• Niah Caves (UNESCO nominee) – Prehistoric cave art and archaeology
• Lambir Hills National Park – Waterfalls, bird-watching, rainforest trails
• Loagan Bunut Lake – Sarawak’s largest natural lake
• Mulu National Park (access via Miri) – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Tusan Beach – Famous for “Blue Tears” bioluminescence

Economy & Livelihood

• Oil & Gas Industry – Offshore drilling, Petronas & Shell operations
• Tourism – Nature parks, diving, caving, eco-lodges
• Agriculture – Oil palm, rubber, rice in interior districts
• Timber & Logging – Especially in Telang Usan and Beluru
• Retail & Services – Shopping malls, international trade, education

Transport & Connectivity

• Miri International Airport (MYY) – Flights to KL, Singapore, Brunei, Kota Kinabalu
• Pan Borneo Highway – Links Miri to Brunei, Bintulu, and rural towns
• River Transport – Access to Marudi, Long Lama via Baram River
• Ferry, bus, van, and taxi services connect towns and villages

Education & Healthcare

• Curtin University Malaysia (Miri Campus) – International branch campus
• Technical & vocational institutions, Chinese independent schools
• Miri General Hospital, specialist clinics, rural outreach services
• Boarding schools for Orang Ulu and interior students

Culture & Local Cuisine

• Multicultural blend of Chinese, Iban, Malay, Orang Ulu, and Kelabit heritage
• Signature foods:
  • Kompia, Kolo Mee, Umai, Nuba Layaq (steamed rice), smoked meats
• Major festivals:
  • Gawai Dayak, Miri May Fest, International Jazz Festival, Chap Goh Mei

Summary

Miri Division is Sarawak’s window to the world—where modern energy meets ancient caves, and business thrives beside biodiversity. It is a place for both exploration and enterprise, where people from the highlands to the sea come together to shape Sarawak’s future.