If you've ever scrolled through photos of a beach that glows blue at night, chances are it was Tusan Beach. Tucked away on the Sarawak coastline near Miri, this stretch of sand has quietly become one of Borneo's most talked-about natural wonders, thanks to its dramatic cliffs, golden sunsets, and the rare bioluminescent "blue tears" that light up the shore after dark.

Whether you're road-tripping through Miri or planning a dedicated day trip from the city, this guide covers everything you need for 2026: opening hours, admission (spoiler, it's free), what to see, how to get there, and where to stay nearby. 

Tusan Beach isn't just one photo spot, it's a whole coastline of things worth your camera roll. Here's what to look out for when you visit.

This is the beach's biggest claim to fame. On the right night, bioluminescent plankton wash up along the shoreline and glow an electric blue whenever the water is disturbed. It's completely natural, genuinely magical, and one of the few places in Malaysia where you can witness it.

The cliffs here are made of layered sandstone that's been carved by wind and waves for thousands of years, creating dramatic overhangs and textures that photographers love. Ongoing coastal works in the area mean the formations can shift year to year, so what you see may look a little different from older photos online.

This natural arch, shaped like a drinking horse, used to be Tusan's signature landmark. Recent visitor reports suggest the original formation has been affected by erosion and nearby construction work, so don't be surprised if it looks different, or even isn't there, when you arrive. It's worth checking recent reviews before you go if this is your main reason for visiting.

Away from the cliffs, the beach itself is a quiet stretch of pale sand that's perfect for a slow walk, especially in the late afternoon when the South China Sea turns gold and pink.

If you'd rather keep your shoes clean, there's a cliff-top path that runs above the beach, giving you sweeping views of the coastline without needing to climb down to the sand.

Here's the practical stuff you actually came here for.

Tusan Beach is a public, open-air beach, so there are no gates and no fixed opening or closing times, it's accessible 24 hours a day. That said, most visitors come either in the late afternoon for sunset or after dark to try and catch the blue tears. Daytime visits are best for photography and exploring the cliffs, since the trails and parking area can be tricky to navigate at night.

- There is no entrance fee to visit Tusan Beach.

- No advance booking or ticket is required.

- Parking is typically available near the entrance, sometimes with a small informal fee for upkeep.

1. Basic public toilets and shower points near the parking area.

2. A handful of small food and drink stalls run by locals, selling snacks, coconut water, and cold drinks (availability can be inconsistent, especially outside peak visiting hours).

3. Open-air parking for cars and vans.

4. No lifeguards, formal signage, or safety barriers, so visit with a bit of caution, particularly around the cliff edges and at night.

Read More: 12 Things to Do in Miri: Nature, Culture, and Local Food

Tusan Beach is located at Kampung Terahat, 98150 Bekenu, Sarawak. It is about 40 to 50 kilometers south of Miri city, right on the way toward the Brunei border.

Tusan Beach is roughly a 30-to 40-minute drive from Miri city centre, depending on traffic and which part of town you're starting from. The easiest way to get there is by car or hired van via the Miri–Bintulu coastal road, following signs toward Bekenu. 

There's no public bus route directly to the beach, so self-driving, a private car charter, or a ride-hailing app (with a return trip arranged in advance) are your best bets. Grab availability in this area can be patchy, so it's smart to plan your return trip before you set off.

For sunset views and cliff photography, aim to arrive around 5:00 to 6:30 PM, giving yourself time to explore before the light fades. If blue tears are on your bucket list, come back after dark, ideally on a moonless night, as bright moonlight tends to wash out the bioluminescent glow. 

The phenomenon is also seasonal and weather-dependent, so it's worth checking recent traveller posts or local social media groups for sightings in the days before your trip, rather than relying on a fixed calendar.

A few things that'll make your trip smoother, based on what past visitors wish they'd known.

1. Check recent reviews before you go. Because the site is affected by ongoing coastal works and erosion, conditions change fairly often. A quick look at recent Google reviews will tell you what's currently accessible.

2. Wear proper footwear. The path down to the beach involves a fairly steep, sometimes slippery climb. Trainers or hiking sandals are far more practical than flip-flops.

3. Bring cash The food stalls and informal parking attendants generally don't accept cards, so keep some small ringgit notes handy.

4. Time your visit around the tide. High tide can shrink the usable beach area significantly and make the cliffside paths more dangerous. A quick tide check before you leave your hotel is worth the two minutes it takes.

5. Bring a torch if you're staying for “blue tears”. The car park and trail aren't lit at night, so a torch or a fully charged phone light is essential for getting back safely.

6. Don't rely on swimming. The waters here aren't set up for swimming, currents can be unpredictable, and there are no lifeguards. Treat it as a photography and sightseeing beach rather than a swimming spot.

Read More: 10 Best Waterfalls in Malaysia Worth Visiting in 2026

Since you're already out this way, it's worth pairing your Tusan Beach visit with a few nearby stops.

A small local town roughly 10–15 minutes away, good for a quick food stop and a look at everyday Sarawakian life.

Miri's historic oil well site, around 45 minutes’ drive (40 km) from Tusan Beach, back toward the city.

A quick, family-friendly stop, also about 40 km away, covering the region's oil heritage.

A popular seafront promenade in Miri city, roughly 40 minutes' drive, great for an evening stroll and street food.

Located a bit further away, around 71 km or a 1-hour and 16-minute drive, but highly worth visiting. This is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. 

There aren't hotels right on Tusan Beach itself, most visitors base themselves in Miri city and drive out for the day. Here are four options across different budgets, all bookable via Traveloka Malaysia.

Miri Marriott Resort & Spa is a five-star beachfront resort that sits around 35–40 minutes' drive from Tusan Beach, right on Brighton Beach in Miri. Expect spacious rooms, a large pool, spa facilities, and sea views. Room rates typically range from roughly RM 340 to RM 899 per night,  depending on the season. 

A comfortable 4-star hotel roughly 40 minutes from Tusan Beach, Mercure Miri City Centre is centrally located near Bintang Plaza and Imperial Shopping Mall. It has an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and easy walking access to local eateries. Rooms typically start from around RM 275 to RM 862 per night. 

Rated a 3-star and located around 40 minutes from Tusan Beach, Dynasty Hotel Miri sits close to Bintang Plaza and the Petroleum Museum, making it a handy base for combining city sightseeing with your beach trip. Expect a sauna, restaurant, and 24-hour front desk, with rates from roughly RM 119 to RM 368 per night. 

A practical choice for an independent-traveller, this property is located next to Miri Airport, roughly 35 minutes from Tusan Beach. Jinhold Hotel & Serviced Apartment is a good pick if you're flying in or out around your beach trip, with an outdoor infinity pool and apartment-style rooms for longer stays. Rates typically start from around RM 207 to RM 454 per night. 

*Please note that all prices mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of publication. Prices are subject to change at any time depending on the season, availability, and the hotel's policies. 

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