MileHacker Logo
Air Travel

Air Travel

Malaysian Borneo Sarawak, Malaysia

Airlines and Routes

Major Airlines

Several airlines operate flights to and from Miri, linking it to major Malaysian cities and regional destinations.

Carriers

  • Malaysia Airlines (MAS): Connections to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) for international network.
  • AirAsia: Low-cost connections to KUL, Johor Bahru, Penang, Singapore.
  • MASwings: Regional flights within Sarawak and Sabah (Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Mulu etc.) using turboprop aircraft.

Flight Connectivity

Miri Airport (MYY) serves as the main airport. Miri holds no direct international flights from major global hubs outside of Southeast Asia.

Connecting Through Hubs

  • Travelers typically connect via Kuala Lumpur (KUL) or Singapore (SIN).
  • KUL and SIN serve as major international gateways.
  • Seasonal price fluctuations happen. Prices rise during Malaysian public and school holidays, major festivals (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak, Christmas).

Airport Facilities

Miri Airport offers basic facilities: food outlets, duty-free shops, car rental counters, ATMs, and currency exchange.

Taxi Transfers

Fixed-fare coupon taxis are available. Purchase a coupon inside the terminal. Fares to city center around RM 25-30.

Ride-Sharing Grab

Grab is widely used and affordable. Book via app. Pick-up points are clearly signed. This gives convenience and transparent pricing.

Airport Transfer Options

Taxi and Grab

  • Taxis: Fixed-fare coupon taxis at airport arrival.
  • Fares: RM 25-30 to Miri city center.
  • Grab: Book via app. Often offers more affordable fares than traditional taxis.
  • Grab pick-up points clearly signed. This gives convenience and transparent pricing.

Car Rental & Booking Tips

  • Car Rental: Counters at airport (Hertz, Avis, local operators).
  • Flexibility: For independent exploration of Miri and surrounding areas.
  • Booking: Book flights well in advance for better rates and availability.
  • For flight deals: Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Travel Tip: Airport Arrival

Booking Flights

Booking flights well in advance comes recommended, especially if your travel dates coincide with Malaysian public holidays or festivals, to gain better rates and availability.

Airport Time

For international connections (from Miri), arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours is sufficient.

Smooth Arrival

Pre-book your Grab or have cash ready for a taxi coupon at Miri Airport. This makes your arrival smoother.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing Brunei

Miri functions as a frequent entry and exit point to Brunei by land.

Sungai Tujuh Checkpoint

  • Main land border crossing, 30 km north of Miri.
  • Operates daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
  • Travelers need passports and any needed visas for Brunei. Confirm visa needs.

Bus Services

Miri operates a main bus terminal, Pusat Bas Bandaraya Miri, for inter-city and cross-border routes.

Routes and Booking

  • No train services in Sarawak. Buses only.
  • Routes to Bintulu (2.5-3 hrs), Sibu (6-7 hrs), Kuching (10-12 hrs), and Brunei (Kuala Belait, Bandar Seri Begawan).
  • Booking: At bus terminal or online via Easybook.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car in Miri grants flexibility for exploring at your own pace.

Requirements & Conditions

  • A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) along with domestic license is a must.
  • Minimum age for rental typically 21 (some companies 23).
  • Roads in/around Miri generally good. Pan Borneo Highway under upgrades; expect diversions.

Road Safety Concerns

Driving happens on the left side of the road in Malaysia. Stay alert for local driving habits and road conditions.

Hazards & Tips

  • Be aware of motorcycles, which can appear suddenly.
  • Wildlife: Vigilant for animals on rural roads, especially at night.
  • Heavy rain can reduce visibility and make conditions slippery.

Car Rental Resources

  • Car rental counters: Miri Airport (Hertz, Avis).
  • Present passport and credit card for rental.
  • Daily cost: RM 100-250, depending on vehicle type.
  • Cross-border travel: Check if rental includes cross-border insurance for Brunei.
  • Take photos of the vehicle's condition before driving off.
  • For car rentals: DiscoverCars.com.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sea & Ferry Services

Sea and river transportation options in Miri stand uncommon for general tourist arrivals. The port mainly serves industrial purposes.

Port Functions

  • Miri has a port, but its main function backs cargo, oil, and gas operations.
  • It holds no major passenger cruise port.
  • No regular passenger ferry services link Miri to other Malaysian states or international destinations.

River Transportation

General tourism largely does not use river transportation within Miri city itself. Local communities along the rivers mainly use these routes.

Specialized River Journeys

  • Longboats: Employed for specific tours into interior areas, e.g., parts of Mulu National Park.
  • These typically come as part of a guided tour package, not public transport.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not relevant for general tourist arrival in Miri.

Cargo Port Focus

Miri's port is mainly for cargo, oil, and gas, not passenger ferries or cruises.

No Land Connections from Sea

Connections to land transportation from sea arrivals stand not applicable for international tourist arrivals.

Longboat Tours Only

River transport via longboats is for specific tours into interior areas, not public transport.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

No separate exit fees or taxes apply to departing travelers from Malaysia. Departure taxes typically come included in your airfare.

Departure Cost Details

  • No separate exit fees.
  • Departure taxes included in airfare.
  • No need to pay separately at the airport.

Departure Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Miri to gain a seamless end to your trip.

Timing & Check-in

  • International Flights (connecting from Miri): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights (from Miri): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Online check-in comes recommended to curtail time at the airport.

Airport & Station Facilities

Miri Airport Facilities

Basic facilities for departing travelers: food & beverage outlets, small retail shops, duty-free areas.

Lounges

Lounges appear available for eligible passengers, offering a quieter space before a flight.

Bus Terminal Facilities

Bus terminals have basic waiting areas and food stalls. These facilities assist in making your wait more comfortable.

Departure Checklist

Reconfirm your flight details the day before departure. Account for potential traffic to the airport, especially during peak hours.