Allstars Explore Miri and Mulu!

We flew into the city of Miri bordering Brunei and found that Miri's oil and gas fortunes made the city F&B scene more interesting than other places of its size.

One of the cool things we get to do as Allstars is to work with fellow Allstars from around Southeast Asia. I recently had the pleasure of discovering a part of Sarawak in East Malaysia with Allstars from Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. Our mission: to find out what makes this part of Malaysian Borneo special. Take a look at some highlights of the trip, shot by resident photographer Ariff Shah Sopian.

We flew into the city of Miri bordering Brunei and found that Miri's oil and gas fortunes made the city F&B scene more interesting than other places of its size.

Miri Well No.1, better known as The Grand Old Lady, was the first oil well in Malaysia drilled by the cable tool method. It produced 80 million barrels between 1910 and 1972. These days, people come to this spot on Canada Hill to jog or to enjoy the views of the city, like we did.

Miri Well No.1, better known as The Grand Old Lady, was the first oil well in Malaysia drilled by the cable tool method. It produced 80 million barrels between 1910 and 1972. These days, people come to this spot on Canada Hill to jog or to enjoy the views of the city, like we did.

We stopped over at the Miri Crocodile Farm to see how lethargic reptiles turn into dangerous beasts when feeding.

We stopped over at the Miri Crocodile Farm to see how lethargic reptiles turn into dangerous beasts when feeding.

The highlight of the trip was an overnight stay in Mulu for the show caves at Gunung Mulu National Park. We walked a lot in those two days.

The highlight of the trip was an overnight stay in Mulu for the show caves at Gunung Mulu National Park. We walked a lot in those two days!

It is impossible to capture the size of Deer Cave, one of the largest cave passages in the world,in one photograph. But you can’t blame us for trying.

It is impossible to capture the size of Deer Cave, one of the largest cave passages in the world, in one photograph. But you can’t blame us for trying.

The weather was on our side, which was lucky since it rains a lot here.

The weather was on our side, which was lucky since it rains a lot here.

Part of the experience includes longboat rides into the national park.

Part of the experience includes longboat rides into the national park.

The show caves have lighting, but it helps to have a torch in hand to see the formations (and where you’re stepping).

The show caves have lighting, but it helps to have a torch in hand to see the formations (and where you’re stepping).

Though we didn’t come for adventure caving, we still had a good workout walking up and down the caves.

Though we didn’t come for adventure caving, we still had a good workout walking up and down the caves.

And then it was back to Miri in time for the beautiful sunset!

And then it was back to Miri in time for the beautiful sunset!

Our short trip, made possible with the support of the Sarawak Tourism Board, gave us more than an appreciation for crocs and caves. It was a sensory experience, too. I don’t think I’ll forget the smell of guano or the taste of paku (river fern). But more than these, it never fails to amaze me to see Allstars from different countries working together – this time to see what Malaysian destinations can offer guests who fly with us to East Malaysia.