Miri is a relaxed coastal city in northern Sarawak, on Borneo's South China Sea shore and close to the border with Brunei. It grew up around Malaysia's first oil well, and today it is best known as the jumping-off point for the caves and rainforest of Gunung Mulu and Niah, as well as for coral reefs, sunset beaches and a friendly, multicultural food scene. Comparing flights to Miri on Traveloka shows your options from Changi in one place, with e-tickets delivered straight to the app.

About Miri Airport (MYY)

Location

Miri Airport lies a short drive south of the city centre, so the trip into town is quick. Beyond serving Miri itself, it is an important hub for rural air services in Sarawak, connecting remote interior communities such as Mulu and the Kelabit Highlands with the coast.

Terminals

The airport has a single, easy-to-navigate passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights. Facilities are modest but comfortable, with food outlets and car rental counters near arrivals.

Getting to and from the airport

Airport taxis operate from a counter in arrivals, and ride-hailing apps are widely used in Miri, often at good value. Public buses are limited, so most visitors rely on taxis, e-hailing or a hire car. Driving is easy here and useful if you want to reach Niah Caves, Lambir Hills or the beaches north of town at your own pace.

Direct and connecting flights to Miri

Nonstop options from Singapore are limited, so most travellers reach Miri with one stop, usually through Kuala Lumpur, Kuching or Kota Kinabalu. Turn on the direct-flight filter in Traveloka's results to see whether a nonstop option operates on your dates. If you are connecting within Malaysia, keep an eye on the layover time shown for each itinerary, because Sarawak has its own immigration checkpoint.

Miri is also a practical base for combined Borneo trips. Some visitors fly in to Miri, head on to Mulu on a small plane, then continue to Brunei by road or return home via Kuching. Traveloka lets you book each leg and keep all the tickets together.

When to fly to Miri, Sarawak

Miri has a hot, humid equatorial climate with rain throughout the year. The northeast monsoon, roughly from late in the year into early the next, brings the heaviest downpours and rougher seas, which can affect diving. The drier middle months are generally the best for the reef, jungle treks and beach sunsets.

Demand peaks around Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year and the Gawai Dayak harvest festival at the start of June, when Sarawakians working elsewhere fly home. Singapore's June and December school holidays add further pressure. If your dates fall around these festivals, compare fares on the charts above and book early, since seats on Sarawak routes can sell quickly.

Popular places in Miri

Canada Hill and the Grand Old Lady

On Canada Hill, overlooking the city, stands the Grand Old Lady, Malaysia's first oil well, next to the Petroleum Museum. The hilltop also offers wide views of Miri and the sea, especially at dusk.

Niah National Park

Niah's vast limestone caves hold some of the oldest evidence of human settlement in Southeast Asia, along with ancient rock paintings. A boardwalk through the forest leads to the Great Cave, where swiftlet nest collectors still work.

Gunung Mulu National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site reached by a short onward flight from Miri, Mulu is famous for enormous caves, the Pinnacles and evening bat exodus. It is the main reason many travellers come to Miri at all.

Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park

Just off the coast, this marine park protects patch reefs that attract divers and snorkellers. Visibility is best when the sea is calm outside the monsoon.

Tusan Beach

South of the city, Tusan Beach is known for its sculpted sandstone cliffs, quiet bays and the occasional glowing blue tears on the waves at night.

Where to stay in Miri

The city centre, around the old town and the waterfront, is convenient for food streets, markets and taxis. Marina Bay, near the coast, is a newer area with seaside promenades and restaurants. Pujut and the Tanjung Lobang area near the coast offer quieter stays with sea breezes and sunset views, while Permyjaya and Senadin suit visitors staying with family or looking for longer, local-style stays.

Food to try in Miri

Sarawak laksa

Sarawak laksa is a rich, spicy broth made from sambal and coconut milk, served with rice vermicelli, prawns, omelette strips and shredded chicken. It is the classic breakfast in Miri's coffee shops.

Kolo mee

These springy egg noodles are tossed in shallot oil and topped with char siu and minced pork. Ask for it red if you want a sweeter, saucier version.

Midin

Midin is a crunchy wild fern much loved across Sarawak, usually stir-fried with garlic or belacan. It appears on almost every Sarawak restaurant menu.

Umai

A Melanau speciality, umai is raw fish cured with lime juice, shallots and chilli, a refreshing dish that shows the coastal roots of the region.

From caves to coral reefs, Miri makes a rewarding escape from the city. Search flights to Miri on Traveloka, set a Price Alert for your preferred dates and start planning your Borneo adventure.