Walking Around Miri

Sunday, 12th of November, 2006, I was supposed to board the chopper to go onboard the oil rig. I was so afraid the whole morning, afriad of taking the helicopter (chopper for short). I couldn't really eat my breakfast that morning.. fear and excitement.. mixed together.

One of my colleagues couldn't board the chopper together with us because there were insufficient places. I half envied him because he had the opportunity to visit the town of my dreams while I, had to go to the rig without even visiting my dream town!

At 9.30am, when we reached the heli-base, I weighed my baggage and myself. After weighing everybody and all their baggages, the authorities suddenly announced , "We have a problem. Overweight. We have to kick out 3 people."

"oh no!" I thought! "I'm going to be one of them!"

Sure enough, 2 hours later, it was decided that I will board the chopper the next day. When I heard that, my heart dropped. I suppose I felt a little relief as well becauseI didn't have to face my fear of flying in the chopper so soon. I felt happy too! 'coz finally! I can visit Miri!!!!

So, my colleague and I immediately contacted the taxi driver (cabbie) to take us back to the hotel. Once in the cab, I asked my colleague if he would like to go around Miri. When he agreed, I was overjoyed! I immediately asked the cabbie ,"What's the most popular tourist spot in Miri? Anywhere we can go?"

He thought for a while and he replied, "Hey! Why don't you go to Gua Niah? (Niah Caves)? It's famous! "

After discussing with my colleague, we agreed!

And so, we started our long 1 hour journey to the Niah Caves. Once there, we registered our names, paid RM 10 for entrance fees, and hiked 4km into the caves! Honestly, I never imagine myself to be able to walk so far! After all, while in Vietnam, walking with my best friend up the 3km hill.. I almost fainted. So, little did I expect my energy to last for that long. But, the cool weather up there, the trees, the fascinating rock structures, and formations, really took my breath away! After knowing bits and pieces about the petroleum industry, my curiousity towards rocks began to increase!

Walking step by step, inching deeper into the caves, we were so impressed by everything we saw! Soon we arrived to the darkest cave, the Kira Caves. It was so dark inside we couldn't see anything! So, we had to use the torchlight to shine on everything! including ourselves! heheh!

And soon, it was time to return to the city. I was rather reluctant to go back. But, who knows! I might return to this cave.. or maybe I'll visit Gua Mulu next! Mulu Caves! Wait for me! I'll be visiting you soon!!!!

On Monday, 13th of November, we waited for the chopper again. On Tuesday, we waited again. Still full. For the days that we waited, we didn't dare to venture out into the town until afternoon because we were afraid that we would get a place on the chopper. But, destiny! destiny! I had 3 whole days to explore Miri to myself!

So, on my 2nd day in Miri, I went to the City Fan Park, the public library of Miri, 2 biggest shopping complexes in Miri..and even managed to watch a Japanese Movie entitled "Death Note". It was the first time I watch a scary movie in the cinema.. and it turns out,, the movie wasn't so scary after all! It was really funny! Perhaps I was so high.. that I didn't think it was scary. Ahh ahh.. "It's all in the mind". Suddenly, I remember this phrase told to me by my instructors at the Malaysian Marine Academy in Malacca. Ahh! I was truly a happy girl that day! Once again, relishing the chance to walk around Miri, as freely as I pleased!

On the 3rd day, I was only too happy to find out that the chopper was full! So, I planned to visit the petroleum museum. However, with limited cash in my pocket, I decided against it. So, I decided to visit the Miri Waterfront which was just opposite the hotel. After persuading my colleague to visit the Miri waterfront together, following the map, we finally reached our destination. What greeted us was really a surprise! I was expecting big,white building, lighted up place, with boats, a harbour, and maybe a few stalls. Just like the one at Kuching waterfront or Lumut waterfront.. But, Lo and Behold! I saw a seafood restaurant! I was just too stunned! Speechless!

I almost rubbed my eyes.. wondering if I was at the right place. Looking at the map, it looked correct. Later on, about 2 weeks later, after enquiring another cabbie, then only I knew that the Miri Waterfront was like the Penang Esplanade. A centre for shopping and eating. Ahh ahh.... Next time, I should really find out about all the places that I wish to go first before I get a big surprise!

In the afternoon, I was so bored that I didn't know where to go. So, I decided to go to the Public Park of Miri (following the advice of a Miri Citizen).

Feeling like a grown up,really adventurous, I decided to try the local transportation, by riding the public bus. Paying only RM 1.00, I took the bus and stopped right in front of this park. The bus was like the Sitiawan bus! hahah! Right then.. I felt so at home!

At the park, I climbed up the tower and walked on the hanging bridge. Under the bright hot sun,hanging high up in the sky at 3.30 in the afternoon, I felt a little silly walking aimlessly, all alone on the bridge. It was like taking an evening walk.. but only in the middle of the afternoon!

There is a children's playground in the park, submerged about 3cm in water. I have , never in my life, encountered such a playground. I thought.. "Hmm.. How good it is if I were a kid! Then I can play in this playground!" heheh!

The park was very quiet, save for a family of about 5 or 6 , who probably had nothing to do like me, walking and laughing in the park.

Suddenly, a pair of security guards came by and asked me if I was alone, how do I fine Miri, whether I liked the park etc.. and asked me to be careful.

Hmm Hmm.. Miri is really a safe place indeed. Even in the park, there are security guards! In the town, you feel so safe. Even if you walk with a gold bar in your hands.. nobody will rob you. That's how safe I feel it is!