Malaysia > The oil city Miri

In the morning, as I pack my luggage, I get going only slowly. As a result, I am the last to have breakfast. After breakfast, I take the bus to Miri. Miri is a large city near the border with Brunei. The city grew rapidly after oil was discovered in the area. Around one o’clock, I enter Miri. The luxurious Dynastie Hotel is located on the edge of the city center. I head into the heart of the city. It is cloudy, and now and then a drop of rain falls. Fortunately, most shops have covered sidewalks, so the rain is not a problem. The shops in the city are busy, as many people are doing their last-minute shopping for Christmas.

Malaysia - The fish market of Miri in Malaysia

When I arrive at the fish market, it has fortunately stopped raining. The fish vendors stand along the sides with their catch. From the large central area of the hall, I take in the scene. The fish are clearly fresh—so fresh that some are still alive on the table. A man tries to get a perch into a plastic bag, but the fish keeps jumping out. I watch in admiration as a large fish, which I estimate to be about a meter long, is neatly cut into manageable pieces. The pieces are placed on ice. The market looks well-kept. Just behind the fish market stands a Taoist temple. As in Sibu and Kuching, Chinese gods are worshiped here. The Tua Pek Kong Temple dates from 1913, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. Through the busy shopping streets, I reach the Tamu Market. Here, indigenous people from the mountain regions sell their vegetables and fruit.

Malaysia - The Tua Pek Kong temple is a Taoist temple in Miri

The market is a bit more remote and therefore much quieter. The colorful fruit is neatly stacked, though not much is sold. Back in the city center, I visit an internet café to update my family and friends about my experiences. Toward the end of the afternoon, I find myself on a terrace along Jalan Yu Seng street. There are many good restaurants in a row here. I order a beer and watch the bustle on the street from the terrace. Almost late for my dinner appointment with fellow travelers, I quickly change in my hotel room. The four of us walk back to Jalan Yu Seng street. At a fish restaurant, I choose a nice fish. It is prepared and served for me.