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Public Transportation

Public Transportation

Malaysian Borneo Sarawak, Malaysia

Bus Network Overview

Miri holds no metro or tram system. Its public transit relies solely on a bus network. These buses work as a cost-effective way to move within the city and to immediate outskirts.

Bus routes often start from or pass through the city center. Hubs include areas near Miri Central Market (Tamu Muhibbah) or the main bus terminal. Detailed, clearly displayed route maps might not appear at every bus stop. A practical approach involves asking hotel staff or bus drivers for specific routes to your destination. Locals are generally helpful.

Public Transport Aspects

  • Main Mode: Bus system only (no metro/trams).
  • Hubs: Miri Central Market, main bus terminal.
  • Fares: Cash only to driver, RM 1-5 per ride.
  • Hours: Early morning (~6 AM) to late evening (~9 PM). Frequency irregular outside peak.

Guidance

Ask hotel staff or locals for advice on bus numbers and routes to your destination.

Patience

Patience is handy when using public buses, notably during off-peak times.

Accessibility

Public buses are generally not wheelchair accessible. This presents a challenge for travelers with mobility needs.

Efficiency Tips

Using Cash
  • Carry small denominations of Malaysian Ringgit for bus fares. This makes boarding smoother and quicker.
  • Miri holds no integrated ticketing system or travel cards.
  • Fares are paid in cash directly to the driver when you board.
Grab for Convenience
  • For convenience and predictability, specifically to specific tourist sites or if time is limited, consider using Grab.
  • Grab offers a more direct and often quicker option.
  • Download offline maps using Google Maps for areas with weak connectivity.

Public Transport Summary

Buses Only

Main and sole public transport.

Cash Payment

Pay fares directly to the driver.

Irregular Frequency

Especially during off-peak hours.

Limited Accessibility

Not generally wheelchair accessible.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps offer convenient transportation options in Miri. Ride-sharing, notably Grab, has become the preferred choice for many travelers due to its ease of use and transparent pricing.

Licensed Taxis

  • Identification: Miri taxis usually appear red and yellow or blue. Look for a taxi sign on the roof.
  • Hailing: You can hail taxis on the street or find them at designated taxi stands (shopping malls, bus terminal, Miri Airport).
  • Fares: Generally higher than Grab. Drivers might negotiate fares. Agree on fare or insist on meter before starting.
  • Airport: Fixed-fare coupon taxis available from a counter inside the arrival hall.

Ride-Sharing with Grab

  • Dominant App: Grab is the dominant ride-sharing app in Miri.
  • Download: Download the Grab app (Android) or Grab app (iOS) before arrival to set up account.
  • Payment: Link a credit card for cashless payment or pay cash to the driver.
  • Safety: App displays driver's info. You can share ride details with others.

Safety Considerations

  • Both taxis and Grab services generally safe in Miri.
  • For taxis, always take licensed ones. Confirm price clearly beforehand.
  • Grab allows sharing ride details with friends/family.
  • Airport: Grab pick-up points clearly marked.
  • Bus Terminal: Taxis wait outside; Grab is also convenient.
  • Rely on Grab for most in-city travel. It offers transparent pricing and ease.

Ride-sharing App Recommendation

Grab

Rely on Grab for most of your in-city travel. It offers transparent pricing and ease that taxis often do not match.

Pre-Download

Download the Grab app before your arrival in Malaysia to set up your account and payment methods.

Cash or Card

You can link a credit card to your Grab account for cashless payment, or choose to pay cash directly to the driver.

Rental Options

Renting a vehicle in Miri presents significant freedom to explore beyond the city center, especially for trips to national parks.

Car Rental

  • Requirements: A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) along with domestic driving license, passport, credit card.
  • Minimum Age: Typically 21 (some companies might have 23).
  • Companies: International brands (Hertz, Avis) at Miri Airport, plus local companies.
  • Booking: Booking in advance comes recommended, especially during peak seasons or for specific vehicle types. This confirms availability and sometimes better rates.

Costs & Driving Conditions

  • Cost: RM 100-250 per day, varies by vehicle type, size, rental duration. Longer rentals often have lower daily rates.
  • Driving Laws: Drive on the left side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, but rural routes (national parks) can deteriorate. Pan Borneo Highway construction means diversions.
  • Safety: Watch for motorcycles and wildlife. Heavy rain reduces visibility.

Other Rental Types

Motorcycles/Scooters

Appear less common. Need a valid motorcycle license. Not recommended for inexperienced riders.

Less Common

Bicycle Rentals

Miri holds no formal city-wide sharing program. Some hotels might offer them.

Check Hotels

Specialty Vehicles

Tuk-tuks or jeepneys are not common for general tourist use. Longboats for tours on interior rivers.

Tour Specific

Walking & Cycling

Walking in Miri
  • Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: Miri city center stands reasonably walkable.
  • Routes: Explore waterfront (Miri Marina, Coco Cabana) and downtown shopping areas.
  • Self-guided Exploration: Use apps like Google Maps to plot your own walking routes to attractions.
Cycling & Safety
  • Bicycle Infrastructure: Miri holds limited dedicated bicycle lanes. Cycling generally happens on roads alongside vehicle traffic.
  • Safety: Exercise caution due to traffic volume and local driving habits.
  • Gear: Wear a Helmet and consider reflective clothing, especially at dusk/night.

No-Go Areas & Hydration

  • No-Go Areas: Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night.
  • Cyclists: Avoid major highways (fast traffic, narrow shoulders). Rural roads can be challenging.
  • Use common sense in less familiar neighborhoods.
  • Hydration: Always carry water when walking or cycling in Miri due to high humidity.
  • Stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion.
  • Uneven sidewalks are common.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond standard public and private options, Miri offers a few specialized transportation methods, especially for tours or accessing unique locations.

Tour & Water Transport

  • Tour Buses: Miri holds no hop-on-hop-off services. Tour operators arrange buses/vans for excursions to national parks.
  • Organized Tours: These are components of organized tour packages, not public transport.
  • Boat Taxis: Not a common mode within Miri city.
  • Longboats: Used for river tours or accessing remote areas, like Mulu National Park. Services typically operate as part of a booked tour.

Unique Local & Accessibility

  • No Cable Cars/Funiculars: Miri holds no such unique transport.
  • Accessibility Services: Public infrastructure poses limitations for travelers with mobility needs (uneven sidewalks, non-accessible buses).
  • Pre-arrangement: Pre-arrangement with tour operators or hotels comes recommended for specific needs to confirm accommodation.
  • Communicate your requirements in advance.

Special Transport Summary

No Hop-on-Hop-off

Miri holds no hop-on-hop-off bus services like those in larger international cities.

  • Tours are organized by operators.
  • Not public transport.
  • Book in advance.
River Longboats

River transportation (longboats) is for specific purposes, like tours into interior areas or Mulu National Park.

  • Part of booked tours.
  • Not city transport.
  • Local guides.
Accessibility Challenges

Public infrastructure in Miri poses limitations for travelers with mobility needs.

  • Uneven sidewalks.
  • Buses lack features.
  • Pre-arrangement needed for specific needs.

Important Accessibility Note

Pre-Arrangement
  • If you have specific accessibility needs, contact tour operators and hotels directly before your trip.
  • They provide information on what they can offer.
  • Communicate your requirements in advance.
  • Older infrastructure may not accommodate all needs.
Expectations
  • Sidewalks can be uneven, especially outside the city center.
  • Public buses generally lack accessibility features.
  • Newer hotels and attractions may offer better accessibility.
  • Verify accessibility before booking.

Final Transport Tip

Do not plan to arrive in Miri via ferry or cruise ship unless you have a specific, pre-arranged private charter. Air travel is the preferred and most practical method.