This Sarawak guide features must-try local eats, natural landscapes and hidden gems across lesser-known cities like Miri and Sibu for those looking for a relaxing getaway!
When you think of Sarawak, Kuching probably comes to mind as the go-to destination. But did you know that other cities beyond the capital are worth touring as well?
Take it slow and explore lesser-known destinations like Miri and Sibu — each with unique things to see and do! From pristine natural landscapes and cultural experiences to incredible food, this Sarawak guide is the perfect relaxing getaway from the bustling city life.
Read on for what to do there and you might even uncover a few hidden gems along the way 😉
Travelling to and around Sarawak
Flight: Currently, Scoot is the only airline offering direct flights from Singapore to Miri and Sibu. It operates flights to Miri four times a week, and to Sibu three times a week.
We hopped on the new Embraer E190-E2 aircraft with a 2×2 seating arrangement, which was relatively spacious and comfortable. There are only window and aisle seats so we were guaranteed either views or accessibility! The 10kg carry-on baggage was a plus point and the friendly crew also treated us with great hospitality.
Transportation in the cities: Grab is a popular and convenient option for getting around the cities in Sarawak. It’s both affordable (~RM5 for a 5-minute ride) and easy to use. Simply download the Grab app to start booking your rides.
Alternatively, you can also hire a local tour guide to drive you around. During our time there, we had very knowledgeable and friendly drivers, and here are their contacts! (Miri driver, Carol:+60 13-638 2302 and Sibu driver, Mr Ling: +60 19-856 5041). Another option is to rent a car in Sibu or Miri if you prefer to drive yourself!
Sibu
Sibu is a town situated in the central region of Sarawak. It’s known for its cultural diversity and mouthwatering local cuisine, including bai guo gan, kompia, ding bian hu, and more! Here are some must-dos and eats while you’re there:
Catch a sunset on the Sibu River Cruise
Instead of rushing around the city on foot, the Sibu Sunset River Cruise lets you soak in the stunning architecture from the comfort of a boat.
An interesting fact about this sunset cruise is that it takes you along the Rajang River, which is the longest river in Malaysia, stretching around 565km long!
Not only that, we also found out that this river is home to the most expensive edible fish in Malaysia, Empurau fish (~RM600 for one full fish)!
The cruise offers more than just pretty views to capture those Insta-worthy photos. Onboard, you’ll find light entertainment including background music and even a karaoke set for those who enjoy singing.
Cost: RM25 for Non-Malaysian (~S$7.50), RM18 for Malaysian (Non-Sarawakian)(~S$5.50), RM15 for Sarawakian (~S$4.50)
Cruise timings: 5:15PM – 6:15PM, 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Address: Pulau Babi Wharf, Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~4min walk from Sibu Central Market (Google Maps)
Try local delicacies at Sibu Night Market
Sibu Night Market is the ultimate spot to sample a variety of local delicacies in one place.
One standout treat is the uniquely named “Half Moon”. While it’s similar in concept to the beloved min jiang kueh (peanut pancake), this version offers a refreshing take.
Instead of the usual chewy texture, it’s crispy, with a generous chunk of butter added inside — a simple yet brilliant addition that elevates the flavour.
Another dish to try is kuih bawang, which I personally loved due to its balance of sweetness and saltiness. It’s somewhat similar to chwee kueh, but with a thinner and smoother texture that makes it easy to eat.
For drinks, look out for this unique beverage called the 五味汤, which directly translates to “five flavours soup” in English. Containing ingredients like red dates, barley, agar agar, and more, this refreshing drink offers a medley of flavours in every sip.
Other than food, you’ll also find stalls selling things from clothes to electronics. This market operates every night, and it was pretty lively when we stopped by on a Friday night.
Opening hours: 5PM – 10PM
Address: Jalan Market, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~3min walk from Sibu Central Market (Google Maps)
Learn how to make mee sua at Ah Sieng Mee Sua
Most of you have probably tried mee sua before, but how many people have actually made it from scratch?
At Ah Sieng Mee Sua, roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with the process of making mee sua — it’s the only place in Sibu where you can try making it yourself!
But the process isn’t as simple as it seems. There are many steps involved and it takes a lot of skill and practice for the instructors to do it so quickly. Though I definitely struggled to make my mee sua look as good as theirs, I had my fair share of fun trying to create my own version!
Additionally, during the process, I learned that what sets Ah Sieng Mee Sua apart is their use of sago powder instead of flour so that the mee sua doesn’t get sticky.
Cost: RM150/group (max 15ppl) (~S$45)
Opening hours: Bookings based (Make reservations via +60 01156356631)
Address: Lot 376, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~20min drive from Sibu Central Market (Google Maps)
Get your groceries from Sibu Central Market
Sibu Central Market is the largest farmers’ market and indoor market in Malaysia! It has various products ranging from exotic fruits and vegetables to fish, grains, and much more.
The market spans two storeys — the upper level houses a food court, while the ground floor features vendors selling fresh produce.
While visiting, we also took the opportunity to explore iconic murals within the market, including the well-known “Childhood Memories” mural pictured above.
Opening hours: 6AM – 6PM
Address: Jln Channel, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~4min walk from Sibu River Cruise (Google Maps)
Taste local specialties at Yummy’s Kafe
The food at Yummy’s Kafe truly lives up to its name — literally. A must-try item from this stall is a popular local specialty called the kompia.
Kompia (the dish on the right) (RM8), is a bread product originating from Fuzhou. The buns are fried until crispy and filled with a generous amount of marinated meat, giving it a sweet and savoury flavour!
Our guide also recommended one of his personal favourites, bai guo gan (RM8) (the dish on the left). It’s similar to the Korean snack tteokbokki but with thinner rice cakes. These are fried in a wok, bringing out a strong wok hei flavour. The rice cakes were surprisingly soft, easy to eat, and packed with an incredibly rich taste.
Opening hours: 7AM – 9:30PM
Address: 18, Jln Bako, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~5min drive from Sibu Central Market (Google Maps)
Other things to eat in Sibu
If you’re looking for more local food options, try kampua mee (RM4.50) at Meng Chien Cafe, an iconic dish loved by the locals. It’s essentially a straight version of kolo mee that many of you might be familiar with.
We sampled both the black and white versions. The black version has a savoury, slightly salty kick from the soy sauce, while the white version has a more pronounced pork lard flavour.
Opening hours: 5:30AM – 4PM
Address: 3, Jln Long Bridge, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~8min walk from Sibu Central Market (Google Maps)
Another signature dish worth trying is ding bian hu from Treasure Land. This unique dish is made by pouring a rice mixture onto the sides of a wok and scraping it off to form thin rice paste.
The restaurant then serves the “noodles” in a broth, accompanied by ingredients like cuttlefish and black fungus. In my opinion, it’s a pretty light dish to eat since the rice paste is so thin!
Opening hours: 7:15AM – 11:30AM (Sun – Tue), 7:15AM – 11:30AM & 6PM – 8PM (Thu – Sat), closed on Wed
Address: Jalan Ling Kai Cheng, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~18min drive from Sibu Central Market (Google Maps)
Miri
Miri is a vibrant coastal city in the northwest of Sarawak, known for its stunning natural landscapes, pristine beaches, and unique culinary delights. Check out some of our recommended things to do below!
Explore Niah National Park
Fun fact: Niah National Park was officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site just this year, in July 2024! Known for its rich history and natural beauty, the park is home to three iconic caves: Trader’s Cave, the Great Cave, and the Painted Cave.
Intrigued by its new UNESCO status, we set off on this trail eager to uncover what makes this place so special.
The trail to the first stop, Trader’s Cave, was honestly pretty doable for beginners due to its well-constructed paths. That said, the adventure levels up once you step inside as the cave features uneven slopes, hence you might need to be a little more cautious!
Trader’s Cave once served as a bustling hub for bird’s nests and guano traders.
While exploring the cave, we noticed wooden stilts still firmly planted in the ground. Our guide later explained that these were the remnants of huts used as shelters by bird’s nest collectors during the harvest seasons. How cool is that?!
After a short hike, we arrived at our second stop — the Great Cave. I was absolutely mesmerised by its grandeur, not just because of its impressive size, but also because of how raw and untouched it felt, preserved in its original form.
There’s no artificial lighting inside, so bring your own torchlight! You’ll also need to climb a couple of steep stairs, but the cave’s natural beauty makes it all worth it.
The entire round-trip journey from the entrance to the Great Cave took about 4 hours, but be sure to budget extra time if you’d like to capture some photos or videos along the way!
We didn’t manage to explore the Painted Cave as we were short on time, but we’ve heard it’s an interesting spot that’s home to the famous Niah Cave Paintings. So for those with more time, do give it a visit.
Entrance fee: RM20/adult (~S$6)
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM (Last entry at 2PM)
Address: 98200 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~1.5hr drive from Miri Times Square (Google Maps)
Hike in Lambir Hills National Park
You might be surprised to learn that Lambir Hills National Park is not known for its hills, but for its waterfalls. The national park also serves as a water catchment area for four main rivers in Miri and has nine waterfall trails!
However, the Latak Waterfall trail is known for being both beautiful and one of the easiest to access.
For us, the hike to Latak Waterfall took about 20 minutes, but it’s no walk in the park! The trail can be steep and rocky, and with the rain from the day before, we found ourselves navigating a few puddles along the way.
*Pro-tip: Wear waterproof or water-resistant shoes to keep your feet dry and comfy!
Latak Waterfall towers at an impressive 25m, and seeing it up close is truly awe-inspiring. We took our time soaking in its beauty, snapping a few Instagram-worthy shots, and enjoying a well-deserved break after the hike.
Entrance fee: RM20/adult for Non-Malaysian (~S$6), RM10/adult for Malaysian (~S$3)
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM (Last entry at 2PM)
Address: 1-76, Bintulu – Miri Hwy, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~30-40min drive from Miri Times Square (Google Maps)
Look at the city’s skyline from Canada Hill
Escape the city by heading to Canada Hill to catch a stunning bird’s eye view of the skyline and the ocean beyond. While you can take a car ride up to the lookout spot, this hill is a common hiking trail (takes about ~30min) among locals too.
At the top, you’ll find the iconic “MIRI” sign — a popular landmark and the perfect backdrop for photos.
Don’t miss The Grand Old Lady, Miri’s first drilled oil well, established in 1910 by Shell. This historic monument next to Canada Hill serves as a reminder of the city’s beginnings in the oil industry.
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Petronas Museum, Q659, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~11min drive from Miri Times Square (Google Maps)
Try tea-infused dishes at The Vintage Tea House
The Vintage Tea House isn’t just about sipping tea — it’s a restaurant that innovatively uses tea leaves in its dishes too.
You might expect tea leaves to make the food bitter, but the dishes were incredibly fragrant and flavourful. We ordered the Buttered Tea Deep Fried Meat (RM38), Pu’er Bak Kut Teh (RM30), Tea Lemon Chicken (RM38), and Fried Long Jing Tea Rice (RM20).
The Buttered Tea Deep Fried Meat had a buttery sweetness while the Pu’er Bak Kut Teh stood out with its unique herbal flavour, complemented by the sweet and crunchy wolfberries. As for the Fried Long Jing Tea Rice, it was moist, flavourful, and carried a delightful tea aroma to the meal.
Opening hours: 11AM – 3PM, 5PM – 8PM, closed on Mon
Address: Jln Marina 1, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~5min drive from Miri Times Square (Google Maps)
Taste unique chee cheong fun flavours at Ali Papa Cafe
Ali Papa Cafe is famous for its chee cheong fun, but they’ve taken it up a notch with unique flavours like fu ju (something like beancurd skin) and egg chee cheong fun — giving this classic dish a refreshing take.
For starters, we recommend the fu ju chee cheong fun (RM4). The crispiness of the beancurd skin, paired with the rich, savoury sauce, makes every bite really tasty!
Opening hours: 5AM – 12:45PM (Fri – Tues), 5AM – 11:20AM (Thu), closed on Wed
Address: Jalan Bulatan Park & Jalan Datuk Muip, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~13min drive from Miri Times Square (Google Maps)
If you have more time in Miri
Tusan Beach was once famous for its Drinking Horse Cliff, but since its collapse, there have been fewer visitors. It’s still worth a visit though because it’s a beautiful spot to catch a mesmerising sunset!
Getting down to the beach shore can be challenging since there aren’t any clear paths. So ask the locals for guidance or just enjoy the stunning ocean views from the top.
We also found out that the blue tears phenomenon (a type of bioluminescent algae that causes the water to have a blue “glow”) has been seen here a long time ago. Should you spot it, do admire it from a distance, as it’s said to be toxic!
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Exit Jalan Bekenu – Miri Coastal, 98150 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~40min drive from Miri Times Square (Google Maps)
Besides Tusan Beach, also check out Miri Central Park, which is conveniently situated near the city centre. It offers stunning close-up views of the ocean.
One of the most tranquil moments for me here is watching the river merge with the ocean, accompanied by the soothing sound of waves.
Opening hours: 6AM – 11PM
Address: 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~5min drive from Miri Times Square (Google Maps)
Bonus: Mukah
Mukah is a quaint coastal town located between Sibu and Miri. It’s an often overlooked hidden gem with a long and rich heritage! If you have more time in Sarawak, these are some things you can do in Mukah during a short stopover.
Unwind at Mukah Beach
Mukah Beach is not just a typical beach. The sand on the shore has a unique brownish-grey hue, which gives the beach its distinct look. This colour also affects the waves near the shore, turning them a brownish tone due to the sand sediments.
In my opinion, it’s a beautiful beach to visit and have a quiet time of reflection, especially against the vast expanse of the sea and sunset backdrop. Locals often come here to enjoy activities like flying kites too!
In addition, the area turns into a lively spot during festivals or special occasions — with a bustling market housing a variety of stalls selling clothes, food, and more.
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: 96400 Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~7min drive from Kingwood Hotel Mukah (Google Maps)
See how love letters are made at Kuih Sepit Kampung Judan
Ever wondered how crispy love letter biscuits are made? At Kuih Sepit Kampung Judan, you can see how the locals carefully hand-roll each biscuit and pack them into tins!
What makes their love letters (or what they term as “kuih sepit“) special is the addition of white and black sesame seeds in the batter —giving the biscuits a hint of sesame flavour.
The locals there were very friendly and even taught us how to make the biscuits ourselves. Needless to say, I enjoyed the ones I created right on the spot!
These love letter biscuits are available for purchase on-site if there’s stock (RM13 for a tin). However, most people usually place orders in advance, especially for big occasions like Chinese New Year.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 8AM – 7PM
Address: Q229, 96400 Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~8min drive from Mukah Beach (Google Maps)
Go on a Kampung Telian Melanau Heritage Trail
Kampung Telian is a quaint kampung filled with a long history tied to the indigenous people of Sarawak, particularly the Melanau community.
While it’s possible to explore this area on your own, hop on a tour to learn more about the local life! We arranged our tour visit through Lamin Dana, a unique cultural centre and visitor’s lodge that showcases the heritage of this village.
We visited one of the houses to witness the production of sago pellets — a crunchy delicacy often paired with dishes like umai (raw fish salad) and linut (a starchy dish).
Watching the locals form the pellets from sago flour was fascinating. They skillfully shaped the pellets by shaking a basket filled with flour and then transforming them into tiny, round balls.
We also participated in a batik workshop — a unique experience using ink made from sago. The locals helpfully guided us as we painted designs on white cloth using coloured ink and stencils. After washing off the ink, the fabric is then dyed with beautiful and intricate batik prints!
Cost: From US$50/pax (~S$67) for a day tour (Varies depending on the activity booked)
Address: 96400 Mukah
How to get there: ~8min drive from Mukah Beach (Google Maps)
Where to stay in these cities
Sibu: Tanahmas Hotel
Located right next to the Sibu Central Market, Tanahmas Hotel makes exploring the city convenient. The room we stayed in featured a comfortable king-sized bed with plenty of space to store luggage and move around freely. To top it off, we enjoyed an aerial view of the city right from our room!
Cost: From ~S$92/night for a Superior King Room (2pax)
Address: Lot 277, 5, Jln Kampung Nyabor, Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~3min walk from Sibu Central Market (Google Maps)
Miri: Pullman Waterfront Hotel
Pullman Miri Waterfront Hotel has a variety of cool amenities such as an infinity pool with a sea view, a 24/7 fitness centre, and five dining options! Not to mention, our room had both city skyline and ocean views, and the bathroom even came with a bathtub.
Plus, the hotel is nestled in the centre of Miri, where you’re just a 10-minute walk from Miri Times Square and various local restaurants.
Cost: From ~S$85/night for a Deluxe Twin Room with Sea View (2pax)
Address: Lot 1347, Miri Waterfront Commercial Centre, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~4min drive from Miri Times Square (Google Maps)
(Bonus) Mukah: Kingwood Hotel
Kingwood Hotel is an affordable option, right in the heart of Mukah town. Room prices start from S$44/night and it has all the essentials including bottled water, kettle and toiletries. It was a simple yet comfortable stay, ideal for unwinding after a busy day of activities.
Cost: From ~S$44/night for Premier Twin Room (2pax)
Address: Lot 1004, Setia Raja Boulevard, Bandar Baru Mukah, 96400 Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia
How to get there: ~4min drive from Miri Times Square (Google Maps)
Explore Sarawak’s hidden gems on your next getaway
Having only known bustling cities like Johor Bahru and Penang, I was delighted to discover more tranquil places like Miri and Sibu!
The variety of activities, unique food, and stunning sights made the trip super relaxing and recharging. Plus, the locals have also been incredibly kind and friendly towards us, and we truly appreciate the warmth they’ve shown.
So for those looking for a less-touristy getaway, consider visiting these cities in our Sarawak guide 🤩 Or if it’s your first time to this state, start your trip in the capital city, Kuching — where you can spot cheeky orangutans at wildlife centres or go on outdoor adventures like kayaking through mangroves.
Psst, Scoot has weekly direct flights to Kuching, Miri and Sibu (all about 2 hours away)!
Want to explore more of Malaysia? Be sure to read these guides and itineraries too:
– 3D3N Kuching Itinerary – An Adventure-Filled City just 90 Minutes from Singapore
– New Flight to Sibu, Malaysia — A Lesser-Known Weekend Getaway Near Singapore
– 20 Fun Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu Besides Climbing Malaysia’s Tallest Mountain
– 10 Reasons Why Nature Lovers Should Visit Beautiful Terengganu in Malaysia
Know of other hidden gems to add to our Sarawak guide? Let us know in the comments below!
This post is brought to you by Scoot, Sarawak Tourism Board and STATOS.
