Alhamdulillah... after waiting for so long... we booked our flights a year ago with Airasia and finally, stepped our feet onto the Borneo Land- Sarawak for 6 days, 5 nites...
Monday: 19/4/2010
My journey started at 1250, I took ERL to Salak Tinggi from Putrajaya station and as I stepped down from the train, a porter escorted me to the LCCT bus that was waiting for me... at 1230, I arrived safely at KLIA, LCCT Terminal. I believe it was a very efficient service. The direct tickets are not sold separately, you need to inform the ERL station counterman that you would like to buy a ticket to LCCT instead of Salak Tinggi station.
Met Nazz and Iza at 1230 and waited anxiously for Ida’s arrival. She managed to arrive 5 mins before they closed the counter. Fuh!!!
We took off from LCCT at 1530 and reached Miri Airport at about 1750. The flight was delayed for about 15 mins. Rented Matrix Hyundai from Hertz with a very reasonable rate. Check it HERE. My good friend, Pian was very kind to greet us at the airport. It has been ages since the last time I saw him. He led us the way to Kingwood Inn and later took us for dinner at Sajian Warisan. Nice place, nice food! 
And later he drove us around Miri town, told stories about the legend of Atok Brunei, visited the largest house, passed by Tanjong Lobang and Luak Esplanade beaches, walked around Marina Bay and so on... And as parted, I wished him all the happiness as he’s gonna be a groom soon.
The room at the hotel was not bad lah, though I booked single twins, but they gave us double bed rooms, ok jelah... got fridge inside, nice bathroom and most importantly, the rooms were clean... Rate per nite: RM85nett
Tuesday: 20/4/2010
Pian offered his friend to show us around the town but I convinced him that we’d find our way using the map as he went for off-shore visit today. So, first destination: Awang Mahyan Cafe (located at the shop houses next to Bintang Mall) and we all had Mee Kolok Sapi... It was a very delightful meal. And 5 thumbs up for it!
Next, we headed to Miri City Fan, walked around, posed a lot and done!
Then, off to Ng Sian Hup Pottery Factory at Jln Datuk Edward Jeli with the hope of watching the pottery making process... But somehow, tersalah info and we ended up deciding to come back again later in the evening as Naz wanted to buy the cheap chocs. The convenience shop, as I would call it, offered varieties of local snacks, not really local lah... more of Philippines’ products. So, we explored the taste of their nuts, Iza bought herself Cheetos, Ida got herself some souvenirs and we had smiles on our faces as we walked out of the place.
Next, we walked around the Tamu Muhibbah and Ida bought Bario Rice. Local products such as vegetables and fruits may be found here.
We headed to Miri Handicraft Centre and picked up some local souvenirs for our deareast friends n relatives. People claim that the price might be a bit expensive than other places... but we didn’t know wherelse to get better deals...
Our favourite activity: LUNCH at Banana Leaf Restaurant located at Jalan Kubu
The owner persuaded us to try out their well-known fish head curry and so we did. It was the utmost nicest meal for the whole Borneo trip... so I’d say it is a must-try meal if you are ever in Miri. The owner informed us that he enjoyed watching us indulged in our meal.... We really did!
My refreshing mint tea!
Then, we went back to the hotel for prayers and made our way up the Canada Hill to visit the Grand Old Lady and Petroleum Museum. The city view from the hill was also magnificent...
Last nite we did not manage to capture the landmark statue of Miri and as for that reason, we visited Marina Bay again to capture photos with the Seahorse Statue- the mascott for Miri.
After spending some time there, we went for d 2nd trip to d Pottery Factory fpr the chocs n snacks....and then, Iza finally decided to get herself the DSLR and a visit to the Bintang Mall (Pian addresses the place as Parkson) it was... Mind u, if you r really a shopaholic, Miri Parkson offers discounts more than other Parksons that I have ever gone to. But, we didn’t do any shopping as we thought of our limited weight for the Airasia luggages Sigh!
As our tummies growled again, before our `batteries’ started to run out, we drove ourselves to Muara Restaurant located at the Miri Waterfront. The place was a non-stop full house and it’s really famous for its Nasi Lalapan@ Nasi Ulam, white rice that is served with lots of ulam celur, Sambal Belacan and a fried marinated dish of your choice- Ayam/ Ikan keli/ Ampal@daging etc. and many more...I had Nasi Lalapan Ikan Keli and Teh C Special (3 Layered Tea)
Wednesday 21/4/2010
Checked out of the hotel at 6.15am
Reached Miri airport at 6.30am
Dropped the car keys at the Hertz counter and checked in at about 640am
Took off to Kuching at about 0815.
What I can conclude about Miri is... it is a very calm city, cool drivers, friendly people and now I understand why Pian adores it very much!
