2025 Marudi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

### 🌟 Miri's Must-Dos ❗️ A city of oil, with rainforest on one side and the South China Sea on the other ❗️ Mulu Caves, a World Heritage Site + wild blue tears beach ❗️ A mix of Chinese, Malay, and indigenous cuisine, with incredibly low prices --- ### 🗺️ Itinerary **DAY 1: Journey to the Center of the Earth** Niah National Park → Archaeological Museum to see 40,000-year-old murals → Canada Hill viewing platform for sunset → Tamu Muhibbah night market for Sarawak Laksa **DAY 2: Rainforest Adventure Mode** Mulu National Park (Pinnacles + Deer Cave bat exodus) → Lunch: Indigenous bamboo rice → Afternoon: Lambir Waterfall diving → Night exploration of rainforest fireflies **DAY 3: Relaxing Beach Day** Tusan Beach seashell collecting → Lunch: Nasi Lemak with three-color milk tea → Afternoon: Bungai Beach hot springs → Durian Cendol before returning --- ### 📸 Instagrammable Spots 1️⃣ **Niah Caves "Church of Light"** ⏰ 10:00 Sunlight penetrates the cave's skylight! Wear a long red dress and stand in the beam of light to feel humbled by nature. 2️⃣ **Mulu Pinnacles** 🗡️ Capture an otherworldly feel like in *Avatar* in the morning mist. Hiking sticks and non-slip shoes are recommended (available for rent on-site for RM10). 3️⃣ **Tusan Beach Blue Tears** 💧 On moonless nights around the new moon/full moon, step into the waves to trigger the fluorescent blue! Adjust your camera to high ISO + 30-second long exposure. --- ### 🍜 Local Cuisine 🔥 **Miri Kolo Mee**: Dry noodles with pork crackling and char siu, try "Lao Lee Kee." 🔥 **Midin Fern**: Rainforest fern shoots stir-fried with belacan sauce, crispier than asparagus. 🔥 **Sarawak Layer Cake (Kek Lapis)**: Rainbow layered cake, DIY available at Coco Cabana. ❗️ Hidden Gem: "Uncle's Curry Stingray" food truck at the foot of Canada Hill. --- ### 🛏️ Accommodation Guide ✔️ Luxury: **Mulu Marriott Resort** (Rainforest treehouses + infinity pool facing Mount Mulu) ✔️ City Center: **Pullman Miri Waterfront** (5-minute walk to the seafood night market) ✔️ Budget: **Dillenia Guesthouse** (Mixed dorm RM35/night, easy to join group tours) --- ### 🚗 Transportation Tips ✈️ Fly from Kuala Lumpur/Kuching to Miri (around RM200, AirAsia often has promotions) 🚗 Grab within the city averages RM8-15, renting a motorbike for RM40/day offers more freedom. ⚠️ Warning: Book a small plane in advance to Mulu (MASwings, RM230 round trip). --- ### 💎 Unique Experiences ✅ Witness millions of bats emerging from Deer Cave at 5 am (one of the top 10 wonders of the world!) ✅ Participate in an Iban Longhouse Homestay and learn to blowpipe. ✅ Shop for black peridot necklaces at the Sunday morning craft market (bargaining starts at 50% off). ✅ Rent a kayak and explore the Sibuti mangrove forest (watch out for playful monkeys!). --- "Compared to the crowded Semporna, this is Malaysia's ultimate hidden gem!" A symphony of rainforest, caves, and fireflies awaits you. Come and press play 🌏

#outdooradventure Gunung Mulu National Park, nestled deep in the rainforests of Sarawak, Malaysia, is a wonderland of biodiversity and natural beauty. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, this extraordinary destination offers a harmonious blend of stunning landscapes, fascinating caves, and vibrant flora and fauna that left me absolutely enchanted. Reaching Mulu is an adventure in itself, with flights from Miri providing a bird’s-eye view of the dense tropical canopy. The moment I stepped into the park, I was greeted by the symphony of the rainforest—chirping cicadas, rustling leaves, and the distant calls of birds. It felt like stepping into another world, where nature reigns supreme. One of the park’s crown jewels is the Deer Cave, renowned as one of the largest cave passages in the world. Entering this massive limestone wonder was awe-inspiring, with its cathedral-like interior, natural skylights, and even a rock formation resembling Abraham Lincoln. As dusk approached, I witnessed the spectacular bat exodus—a mesmerizing display of millions of bats swirling out of the cave to hunt, a sight that will forever be etched in my memory. The Clearwater Cave, another highlight, boasts one of the longest underground river systems on Earth. Exploring its crystalline waters and intricate formations felt like uncovering a secret hidden beneath the surface. The Cave of the Winds, with its delicate stalactites and ethereal breeze, added a mystical touch to the experience. Beyond the caves, Mulu’s lush rainforest is a treasure trove of biodiversity. I encountered vibrant orchids, towering dipterocarp trees, and fascinating carnivorous pitcher plants. The wildlife was equally captivating—playful macaques, darting lizards, and colorful butterflies added life to the verdant surroundings. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, with hornbills and other exotic species gracing the treetops. For the adventurous, the Canopy Skywalk provided an exhilarating perspective of the rainforest from above, while jungle treks offered an up-close encounter with Mulu’s rich ecosystem. Walking through the ancient forests, with the dense foliage filtering sunlight and the earthy scent of the jungle filling the air, was an unforgettable sensory experience. Gunung Mulu National Park is more than just a destination; it’s a reminder of the incredible beauty and resilience of nature. Whether you’re marveling at its caves, trekking through its rainforests, or simply soaking in the tranquility of this untouched paradise, Mulu offers an experience that’s both humbling and inspiring. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers alike, leaving you with memories as vast and enduring as the caves themselves.

#hiddengems Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa Getting there - Sungai Melinau, 98008 Mulu, Sarawak Highlight - Located in lush rainforest of Borneo, by the Gunung Mulu National Park. Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa is an international class nature and activities destination, offering the best combination of resort activities, nature and comfort. #awesomepic Rating : 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Miri, located in Sarawak, Malaysia, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural diversity, natural beauty, and economic significance. Situated on the northwest coast of Borneo island, Miri is the second-largest city in Sarawak, serving as a hub for the oil and gas industry due to its proximity to offshore oil fields. The city's cultural tapestry is woven from various ethnic groups, including the Iban, Malay, Chinese, and other indigenous communities. This diversity is celebrated through festivals, cuisine, and traditions that showcase a harmonious blend of cultures. Visitors can experience the Gawai Dayak festival, where the Iban people celebrate their harvest and culture with dance, music, and traditional rituals. Miri's natural attractions are a major draw for tourists. The city is the gateway to Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its limestone karst formations, extensive cave systems, and unique biodiversity. The Piasau Nature Reserve offers a chance to spot a variety of bird species and other wildlife, while the pristine beaches along the coastline provide relaxation and water sports opportunities. Economically, Miri's significance is tied to its role in the oil and gas industry. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century transformed the city into a key player in Malaysia's energy sector. This industrial growth has led to modern developments, infrastructure, and a thriving business environment. The city's skyline is marked by a mix of traditional architecture and modern structures, showcasing its transition from a small fishing village to a bustling urban center. Visitors can explore the Petroleum Museum, which traces the history of the oil industry in the region. In recent years, Miri has focused on diversifying its economy through tourism, agriculture, and education. Efforts to promote eco-tourism and preserve its natural wonders contribute to sustainable development. In essence, Miri, Sarawak, is a city that encapsulates the essence of cultural diversity, economic growth, and natural beauty. Its history, industry, and traditions form a tapestry that continues to evolve while embracing its roots. Whether exploring caves, enjoying local delicacies, or witnessing the fusion of tradition and progress, Miri offers a unique and enriching experience for both residents and visitors.

The toughest climb I've ever done. Yes it was more difficult than Mount K and more of mental challenge than anything. We trekked the 9km muddy trail to & from the camp5, survived the whole 3 days without the internet, went thru a complete mess of climbing up and down the Pinnacles, getting bruises on the legs and scratches on hands, and now having aches all over the body. Tired af but overall satisfied with the journey. #mulusarawak #pinnacle #climbingadventures

We were all hyped to be able to witness the beauty of the largest cave passage in the world. Just a walking distance of 3 kilometre from the lobby of Taman Negara Mulu. The place was huge enormous and gigantic. 2 kilometers in length and not leas than 90metres high and wide. The main chamber is 174 meters wide and 122 meters high. It is a home to 3 million bats of 12 species and deers always come here to eat guano- dropping of the bats that gove energy to these animals

we bid goodbye to Camp 5 and made our way to Kuala Litut. hiked at 8:14am for 9km & Alhamdulillah we made it for 2 hour and 19 minute boarded the boat & reached Taman Negara. we took the Rainforest Lodge (RM302 for 2 pax). we then unpacked, showered and nap before embarking on our next mission. 245pm Om brought us to Deer Cave. true beauty! this cave is the largest cave passage in d world. and it has sunk million years ago.

The day is finally here. nervous excited plus grateful because it wasnt raining that morning. if it rains, we can never hike because it is dangerous. if anyone wants to extend, it comes with extra cost woke up around 430am. breakfast at 550am (a simple but delicious) while Om the guide packed us fried rice as well. cut off time for first leg is 60 minutes. so off we went at 6.17am from Camp 5. Only 900 metre to meet Mini Pinnacle, but i cant lie how difficult it was plus slippery and sharp stones along the way. spent 15 minutes for break and taking pictures.

Gua Mulu Sarawak is an incredible destination that you definitely don't want to miss. Here are some reasons why you should visit: Jaw-Dropping Caves: Gua Mulu Sarawak is home to some of the most impressive caves in the world. The Clearwater Cave System, which is located in the park, is one of the longest cave systems in Asia and features breathtaking underground rivers, waterfalls, and rock formations. Unique Wildlife: The park is also home to a wide variety of unique wildlife, including bats, swiftlets, and cave-dwelling insects. If you're lucky, you might even spot a rare species like the Sarawak Chamber beetle or the Wrinkle-lipped Bat. Adventure Activities: If you're looking for adventure, Gua Mulu Sarawak has plenty to offer. You can take a guided tour of the caves, go river rafting or kayaking, or hike through the jungle to explore the park's many trails and waterfalls. Rich Cultural Heritage: The park is also steeped in local history and culture. The area has been inhabited by indigenous people for thousands of years, and you can learn about their way of life by visiting nearby longhouses or attending a cultural performance. Stunning Scenery: Finally, Gua Mulu Sarawak is simply a stunningly beautiful place to visit. The park is located in a remote and untouched area of Borneo, and you'll be surrounded by lush rainforest, towering cliffs, and crystal-clear rivers. Gua Mulu Sarawak is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and culture. So why not add it to your travel itinerary and experience this incredible place for yourself?

within 3 min boat ride, we reached the next cave; Clear Water Cave (Gua Air Jernih). the plankwood passage near Gua Angin was closed during that time. if not its only within a walking distance. upon arriving we went for toilet break n eat. and off we went for cave exploration. OMG it was waayyyy stunning at Clear Water Cave. It is believed to be one of the largest interconnected cave systems in the world (dengan kewujudan subterranean river dalam tu). and the 9th longest (236.796km) cave in d world. as u walk around and along the cave, u wotness stunning view, endless cave tunnel, bright sky roof & nice rock formation.

within 3 min boat ride, we reached the next cave; Clear Water Cave (Gua Air Jernih). the plankwood passage near Gua Angin was closed during that time. if not its only within a walking distance. upon arriving we went for toilet break n eat. and off we went for cave exploration. OMG it was waayyyy stunning at Clear Water Cave. It is believed to be one of the largest interconnected cave systems in the world (dengan kewujudan subterranean river dalam tu). and the 9th longest (236.796km) cave in d world. as u walk around and along the cave, u wotness stunning view, endless cave tunnel, bright sky roof & nice rock formation.

While still cruising at Melinau River, the next stop Om broughts us to was Cave of the Winds just 8 mins from handicraft centre. The cave name is taken from the breezy wind that enters the cave from the grand entrance. Two important features of Gua Angin: 1. King's Chambers- it resembles the King and his soldiers 2. Sky Garden-ada sinkhole at the cave roof top my pictures don't do it justice but trust me you gonna love it. #mytripvlog #yearofrabbit

While still cruising at Melinau River, the next stop Om broughts us to was Cave of the Winds just 8 mins from handicraft centre. The cave name is taken from the breezy wind that enters the cave from the grand entrance. Two important features of Gua Angin: 1. King's Chambers- it resembles the King and his soldiers 2. Sky Garden-ada sinkhole at the cave roof top my pictures don't do it justice but trust me you gonna love it. #mytripvlog #yearofrabbit

⛳️ LAMBIR NATIONAL PARK, SARAWAK Entrance fee: RM10 (Adult/Malaysian), RM20 (Adult/Non-Malaysian) CHILD : FREE Around 30-45 mins drive from Miri City. Suitable place for picnic with family or friend. 10-15mins walk from main entrance to reach the waterfall. Recommend to wear suitable shoes, it quite slippery. If you’re looking interested in jungle tracking, you may prepared for mosquitoes repellent and be aware of leech. Small leech, you can’t even see then. So, don’t panicked aahahhaha Bring enough water too. The trail quite tough for first timer. #Lambir #miri #Sarawak

Two flights and a car ride and here you are at one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Malaysia! I personally like the route via Miri but you can get here via Kuching and KK too. My choice accommodation is in the park itself where everything is well maintained and resort-like. Heater, air-conditioning, electric kettle, comfy beds…it’s all available! Say goodbye to 4G connectivity unless you are on Digi (The locals are delighted that they can now watch YouTube uninterrupted with it.) ☘️ Walks, caving, climbing, boat rides, waterfalls…it’s all here. Just soak it in. The bat exodus is mesmerizing and discovering sleeping bats is so fun! The guides speak good English and are fun people. Visitors range from little kids to lil’ ol’ grannies. The nightwalk is a must (although photos are hard to take) as you might see sleeping birds, wild life and glowing fungi. There’s a cafeteria onsite but you can walk out to the park entrance for a few home-cafes. The food is simple and there is a good variety. Keep expectations to a minimum and you’ll be impressed! 😉 My #2023travelwish would be visit New Zealand south island and explore nature hikes there. The outdoors are therapeutic for urbanites like me. #2023travelwish #mulu #backtonature

Gunung Mulu located in preserve area in Sarawak.A must place to go for everyone. Most amazing cave I've ever visited so far. It's a famous cave system and also the natural beauty of millions year of rainforest. As a tourist alot of activities can be done here like jungle trekking, mountains climbing, flores exploring, bat exodus and so on. Please come to visit here one of the Malaysian wonders. Not forgetting to mention a very friendly Sarawak Ian particularly mulu community. #sarawak #travel

#celebratewithtrip The temple "Tua Pek Kong", a century-old ancient temple built-in the land reclamation period of Marudi since 1891. The temple has gone through 3 major fire disasters in the history of Marudi, and it has survived unharmed, surprisingly to many devotees. Worth to stop by if you are in Marudi. #marudi

#celebratewithtrip A visit to Marudi, a quiet riverine town in northern Sarawak, would be incomplete without a visit to Fort Hose. Fort Hose construction began in 1889 and completed in 1901 named after Charles Hose, who was appointed as Resident of the Fourth Division in 1891. The fort was built with belian hardwood which was very durable and until now the building still in good condition. It was built at the top of the hill along the Baram River. #marudi

Fantastic hotel that is well integrated into the Mulu park experience. The rooms are really nice with a balcony overlooking the river. It has all the amenities you expect of a modern hotel with a really comfortable bed and a super modern bathroom. We stayed for 2 nights as part of our Borneo Adventure to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. We were greeted at the airport by a Marriot staff member and transferred on the back of a truck - a great experience in itself! The greeting at reception was very warm and friendly and we were very pleasantly surprised to have a free room upgrade to a suite. The suite was huge with a separate living room, large bedroom, very nice bathroom, and large balcony with views to the river. The 2 tours to the caves conducted by the Marriot were excellent and we were lucky to see the bat migration on our first evening tour. The breakfast and dinner buffets were both good although it would be nice to have an al a carte option in the evening. Wifi is only available at the lobby and there are van shuttle service to Mulu Airport and also Mulu national park. #tripblazers #awesomepic #nationalpark

The famous Pinnacles’ at Mulu consist of a series of 45 meter high, razor-sharp limestone spikes that tower above the surrounding vegetation, mid-way up the slopes of Gunung Api. The trek to view them is one of the most popular in the park. But be warned, the Pinnacle Summit Trek is a tough and challenging one. The trail itself is very steep (near vertically parts) and requires a certain level of fitness. The Pinnacles Summit Trek is usually done as 3 day / 2 night trek. The first stage is a 1-2 hour boat trip along the Melinau River to Kuala Berar. If the water level is low, the boat has to be pushed over rocky sections so the trips takes longer. Base Camp 5 is relatively easy 7.8 km walk from Kuala Berar, following flat jungle terrain and taking 2-3 hours. Camp 5 is situated near the Melinau Gorge which separates Gunung Benarat from Gunung Api. There is hostel –style accommodation at the camp, and cooking facilities. The Melinau River in front Of Camp 5 is Crystal clear and ideal for a swim after the trek from Long Berar. The real hiking begins the following morning. The trails is 2.4 km in length but rises some 1,200 meters from Camp 5 to the viewpoint, passing through lowland dipterocarp forest before climbing steeply through moss forest. Here the trees are a lot smaller and everything is covered in slippery green moss. Limestone debris also litters the trail so trekkers must proceed with care. The last section of the trails near vertical, with rope section and 15 aluminums ladders strategically positioned to help with the climb. The vegetation is sparse although orchids, rhododendrons and pitcher plants thrive in the area, and can be seen at the side of the trail. After some tough climbing you finally come out onto a rocky outcrop where the stunning views provides a good reward for all the effort. The viewpoint area is made up of a number of Pinnacles, rocks and vegetation. After taking some photos and a short rest and a last glimpse of the Pinnacles, it is time to begin the descent back to Camp 5 and the second overnight stay. It is very difficult to put an exact time on how long it takes to trek to the Pinnacles’ viewpoint. Fit and experienced trekkers should be able to reach the top in 2-3 hours. The not so fit but to determine generally take around 4-5hours. Most people spend an hour or so at the top before coming down. For many the descent is actually more difficult and therefore takes longer, so the return trip can take anything from 5 to 10 hours depending on fitness level. #tripblazers #awesomepic #pinnacle

Cruise up the Melinau river in a longboat and visit a Penan longhouse & market at Batu Bungan. 2nd stop at Cave of the Winds where you have to negotiate a long ramp and a few stairs. 3rd stop Clearwater where the subterranean river emerges from the cliff face. Take 200 stairs to enter the cave to marvel at the Monophilia Pendula endemic to Mulu. Clearwater is one of the biggest cave systems in the world, measuring over 220km in length. Swimming inside the cave is not permitted, however a cool down in the natural crystal-clear waters at the picnic deck is a must. Float with the fish and enjoy the rainforest around you. #tripblazers #awesomepic #caves

#bucketlistreboot #hiking #miri #gooutside I’ve climbs quite a lot of mounts in Kuching, like the Santubong, Matang, Sentah, Gading, Singai, and etc. Some of the mount was really challenging when going up to the summit, but non of the mounts are as tough as the Lambir Mount. By far that’s the toughest one I’ve ever climb!!! When we go hiking on mountain trails, normally its just ascend, then descend. But if your at Lambir, its not consistent, you may ascend at start, then descend until the foot hill, then have to ascend again. Just when we tough its flat trail ahead, it surprise us with some hidden trails, some rope climb, some river crossing, or ascend a steep and long trail. We started our journey at around 7.15AM from Miri town, and it took us nearly ½ hour drive to reach the Lambir National Park. We paid RM10 each for the entrance fees, and off we go. Here I would like to highlight about the entrance, there are two. One it’s at the back of the hostel (1.5 KM to a checkpoint), and another one it’s at the main entrance at the front of the park HQ (2.2 KM to the same checkpoint). The differences are 0.7 KM, but this can save you a roughly one hour of very tough walking distant. My cousins and I don’t know about the short route, so we just ascend by using the main entrance. The hike was tiring and fun at the same time when you do it with family members who share your passion for nature!

Due to original flight cancelled, rerouted to alternative by transit to Mulu, before touching down, the greenish of the forest captured my attention, my eyes telling is so beautiful. short transit time, can’t go for any activity, just sit at the park restaurant, enjoying the chat with my friends and listening to group of travels sharing their happiness on the tracking experiences, sound of the inserts and river, all about natural. *line coverage is poor, choice is use of telco-Digi

Miri City Fan, where the urban beauty and culture of Miri intersect, is home to the Garden of Vision at its heart. This grand circular amphitheater, featuring four pavilions, symbolizes societal harmony and evolution. Here, the Musical Fountain, a fusion of water performances and music, creates a magical experience for visitors. Adjacent to it is the Miri Civic Center, a hub for cultural events. The overall design of the park is stunning from every angle, offering a new perspective with each visit. Walking along the intertwining curved and straight paths reveals fresh discoveries at every turn. In 2001, this park was awarded first place in the Urban Park category during Malaysia Landscape Day. The fact that you can enjoy all of this for free makes it a true gem!

#summervacay #july2025 #naturalwonders #unesco Mulu National Park is where the wild speaks — and we listened. From the grandeur of Deer and Lang Caves to the cool silence of Wind and Clearwater Caves, each step brought us deeper into Sarawak’s underground marvels. Towering chambers, ancient rock formations, and the sound of dripping echoes made the caves feel almost otherworldly. We stayed right at the Mulu Park HQ, which gave easy access to trails, tours, and early morning stillness. Clean, comfortable, and surrounded by the rainforest — it’s a stay that truly connects you with nature.

Fly to miri and go on off road trip adventure and exploring the nature - beautiful waterfall. Good deals on hotel and flight through Trip.com and there after take the local package for the offroad trip which is inclusive of transportation,meal and lodging.Explored the stunning Waterfalls and immersed myself in Sarawak’s raw natural beauty. 🌿🚙 📍Book your flights & hotel at great rates via Trip.com, then join a local all-in package by Usun Apau Travel&Tours (transport, meals & lodging included) for the ultimate nature escape! #tripdotcom #MiriAdventures #TekiwitWaterfall #3sisterswaterfall #uleywaterfall #SarawakHiddenGems

#borneotravel gunung mulu located in Borneo island is UNESCO world heritage site. Amazing natural creation with impeccable.