Explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of Miri

About Miri, Malaysia

Miri is a vibrant city located in the northern region of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. It is the second-largest city in Sarawak and serves as a gateway to some of the state's most iconic natural and cultural attractions. Known for its role in Malaysia's petroleum history, Miri has also been commended for its efforts in preserving and promoting its rich cultural and natural heritage. The city offers a unique blend of modern development and traditional charm, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking both comfort and authenticity.

Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Sarawak’s living traditions, explore archaeological wonders such as the Niah Caves and visit national parks, museums, and vibrant local markets. Miri is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is the Gunung Mulu National Park, renowned for its vast cave systems and dramatic limestone karst formations, and the Niah Caves celebrated for their archeological significance and ancient cave paintings. As part of the programme’s commitment to responsible tourism, fieldwork activities will take place at the Niah Caves allowing participants to engage directly with heritage preservation efforts while learning about the site’s cultural and environmental importance. Miri is also emerging as a frontrunner in sustainable tourism, positioning itself at the forefront of Malaysia’s cultural, environmental and economic development.

As host of ICRTH 2026, Miri will not only contribute to the growth of the local, national, and international tourism sectors but will also provide opportunities for meaningful collaborations, business development, and authentic cultural experiences for participants from around the world.

Visa

Please refer to the official Malaysia Government page for the latest visa information:

  1. Have a Visa (for countries that require a visa to enter).
  2. Have a travel ticket to your home country, country of residence, or a third country, as well as adequate expenses while in Malaysia (as determined by the Immigration Officer at the point of entry).
  3. Not belonging to a Prohibited Immigrant under Section 8 (3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
  4. Not included in the Fake List of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
  5. Hold a valid passport or travel document.
  6. The prohibited state is Israel.
  7. Countries not mentioned may enter without a visa according to the Social Visit Pass duration, ranging between 30 to 90 days depending on citizenship.

e-Visa


Only applicable to citizens of the following countries:

  1. Serbia & Montenegro
  2. China (PRC)
  3. Nepal
  4. Bangladesh
  5. Bhutan
  6. Myanmar
  7. Sri Lanka
  8. India
  9. Pakistan

Easier for single trips (Single Entry Visa - SEV) with a 30-day Social Visit Pass on arrival.
For Indian citizens, multiple entry visas (MEV) are available, with a Social Visit Pass duration of 15 or 30 days only.
The e-Visa validity period is 3 months and cannot be extended.

Visa On Arrival (VOA) — Issued only to citizens of India and China (PRC).
Fee: 100 USD. Duration: 7 days (Social Visit Pass). Cannot be extended.
Applicable only when entering from Singapore, Thailand, or Indonesia.


Accommodation

Additional Accommodation Options

Nearby hotels that provide comfortable stays with convenient access to the ICRTH venue.

Pullman Miri
Pullman Miri
Distance to ICRTH Venue: 11.3 Kilometres
Meritz Hotel Miri
Meritz Hotel Miri
Distance to ICRTH Venue: 10.5 Kilometres

Getting to Miri

Below are recommended routes to reach Miri from key cities nearby. For the latest schedules, always confirm with your airline or transport provider.
Tip: If travelling by road across borders, keep your passport handy for immigration clearance.

By Air: Daily direct flights operate between Kuching and Miri via Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. The flight takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
By Road: The Pan Borneo Highway connects Kuching and Miri, with a driving distance of about 800 km (10–12 hours). Travellers can also opt for express bus services along this scenic route through Sarawak’s countryside.

By Air: Multiple daily direct flights are available from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA and KLIA2) to Miri, operated by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

By Air: Direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and Miri are available via AirAsia and MASwings, with a flight time of around 1 hour.
By Road: Travellers may drive or take a bus along the Pan Borneo Highway, covering approximately 450 km (8–9 hours) via Sipitang and Lawas. A valid passport is required for crossing the Brunei border checkpoints along the route.

By Road (cross-border): Miri is only about 150 km (2–3 hours) from Brunei’s capital. You can drive, hire a taxi or private car, or take cross-border transport services such as PHLS Express, Sipitang Express, Al-Baraka Travel and RedBus. A valid passport is required for immigration clearance at the Sungai Tujoh border checkpoint.
By Air: While there are no direct flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Miri, travellers can connect via Kota Kinabalu or Kuching using Royal Brunei Airlines and partner carriers.

By Air (via Kuching or Kuala Lumpur): The easiest route from Pontianak is to fly to Kuching via AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines, then take a connecting flight to Miri (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). Alternatively, travellers can fly from Pontianak to Kuala Lumpur and connect onwards to Miri.
By Road (cross-border): Overland travel is possible via the Entikong–Tebedu border crossing into Sarawak, then onward by bus or car from Kuching to Miri (approx. 10–12 hours). This route offers an adventurous overland journey through Sarawak.
From Jakarta: Daily direct flights are available from Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport) to Pontianak (Supadio Airport) via Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, and AirAsia Indonesia, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Note: Travel times are estimates and may vary depending on schedules, traffic conditions, and border clearance.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

Transportation

For your convenience in navigating Miri, we recommend using the Grab app for transportation services. Grab is a widely-used ride-hailing platform that offers a reliable and efficient way to get around the city.
To use Grab

To use Grab

1. Download the Grab app from the App Store or Google Play.

2. Create an account if you don't have one already.

3. Enter your destination and book your ride.
Eastwood Transportation Services

Eastwood Transportation Services

For more information about Eastwood transportation service, please contact Mr. Jing at +6019-855 3650.

This service is available only for groups of more than five people, and delegates are required to cover the transportation cost directly with Eastwood.

WHAT TO WEAR?

Dress Code

Day 1 (7 July 2025)

Formal wear (preferably with suits) for opening ceremony

Day 2 (8 July 2026)

Smart casual wear throughout the date

Day 3 (9 July 2026)

Semi-formal wear for Responsible Tourism Awards in Southeast Asia (RTA-SEA) ceremony and closing ceremony

Day 4 & 5 (10 - 11 July 2026)

Casual wear for Responsible Tourism Fieldwork

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