Any travel advice for Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia?

bet Thomas S answered your question...

With every day pass, our country is getting into more and more trouble. The inflation, unemployment and falling value of dollar are the main concern for our Government but authorities are just sleeping, they don’t want to face the fact. Media is also involve in it, they are force to stop showing the real economic situation to the people. I start getting more concern about my future as well as my family after watching the response of our Government for the people that affected by hurricane Katrina.

According to recent studies made by World Bank, the coming crisis will be far worse than initially predicted. So if you're already preparing for the crisis (or haven't started yet) make sure you watch this video at http://www.familysurvival.tv/ and discover the 4 BIG issues you'll have to deal with when the crisis hits, and how to solve them fast (before the disaster strikes your town!) without spending $1,000s on overrated items and useless survival books.

I have been to Miri once and I found it very hot.The breeze from the sea made my skin a bit rough , and I had three pimples during my four- day stay there.Miri is a town with only about 270,000 people but they are quite friendly and helpful.

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I can't provide info about the specific location, but here's the US State Department's travel info sheet for Malaysia.

December 30, 2005

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with an elected federal parliamentary government. The country is comprised of 13 states, 11 on the Malay Peninsula and two, Sabah and Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. There is also a federal district, which contains the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, the administrative center of Putrajaya, and the island of Labuan (located off the southwest coast of Sabah). Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country of 25 million people. Malays form the predominant ethnic group. The two other large ethnic groups in Malaysia are Chinese and Indians. Islam is the national religion. Bahasa Malaysia is the official language, although English is widely spoken. Travelers to Malaysia may access information on areas of interest through the Malaysian government’s web site at www.kln.gov.my and the Malaysian tourism promotion board’s Web site at www.tourism.gov.my or the Malaysian Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism’s Web site at www.malaysiamydestination.com. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Malaysia for additional information.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Department of State reiterates its ongoing concern about the safety of American citizens, especially those contemplating travel along the east coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah and overland travel into southern Thailand. The Department of State strongly urges American citizens to defer all non-essential travel to eastern Sabah’s coastal areas and offshore islands.

There are indications of continued planning of kidnappings, including of foreigners, in eastern Sabah's coastal areas and offshore islands. Several kidnappings and piracy incidents have occurred in this area, most recently in March 2005. The terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), based in the southern Philippines, has been responsible for some of these incidents; other incidents have been attributed to unidentified criminals. Emergency assistance in the area may not always be available.

The United States Government has designated Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. JI is an extremist group linked to al-Qaeda and other regional terrorist groups, such as the ASG, and has cells operating throughout Southeast Asia. Extremist groups in the region have demonstrated the capability to carry out transnational attacks in locations where Westerners congregate. Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.

Americans who travel overland from Malaysia to Thailand should be aware of the Department of State's safety and security information for Thailand, which can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1...

Americans planning to travel to Malaysia are encouraged to register and update their contact information at https://travelregistration.state.gov./

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_...

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: American citizens are required to have a passport valid for at least six months to enter Malaysia, but you do not need to obtain a visa in advance for a pleasure or business trip if your stay in Malaysia is 90 days or less. Upon or prior to entry into Malaysia, you will be given a Malaysian Disembarkation Card to complete and present to Malaysian immigration upon arrival. Immigration officials will then issue you a social visit pass (visa) in your passport.

Travelers are required to carry their passports for travel from peninsular Malaysia to eastern Malaysia (on the island of Borneo) and between the provinces of Sabah and Sarawak, both of which are on Borneo. Social visit passes (visas) issued at immigration points (such as KLIA airport, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), etc.) for entry into peninsular Malaysia are not valid for entry into the state of Sarawak, and usually have 3 months’ validity. New social visit passes (visas) must be obtained upon arrival at Kuching or Miri airports in Sarawak. In most cases, social visit passes (visas) issued by Sarawak immigration officials are valid for any part of Malaysia and usually have 1 month’s validity.

For more information on the latest entry procedures and requirements, contact the Embassy of Malaysia, 3516 International Court, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone: (202) 572-9700, the Malaysian Consulates located in New York, telephone: (212) 490-2722, or Los Angeles, telephone: (213) 892-1238, or visit the Malaysian Government’s Web site, which has information on Malaysian embassies and consulates abroad at www.kln.gov.my. Overseas inquiries should be made at your nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate. For more information, consult our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure at http://travel.state.gov./ For the most current visa information, visit the Embassy of Malaysia’s Web site at www.kln.gov.my.

VISA OVERSTAYS: Since 2003, Malaysian immigration authorities routinely have detained foreigners who overstay their social visit passes (visas). In light of the arrests of several American citizens in connection with immigration sweeps conducted by Malaysian police and immigration authorities in early 2005, American citizens are reminded to carry a copy of their passport identification and visa page(s) with their Malaysian social visit pass at all times. Depending upon the nature of the violation, detentions may last from a few hours to several weeks, pending a formal hearing. American citizens are urged to check their visa status periodically while in Malaysia and strictly follow immigration laws and regulations.

DUAL NATIONALITY: Malaysia does not recognize or permit dual nationality. If Malaysian authorities learn that you are a citizen of both Malaysia and the United States, they may require that you either renounce your United States citizenship immediately or forfeit your Malaysian citizenship. Dual American/Malaysian citizens should consider this issue seriously before traveling to Malaysia. For information on general entry and exit requirements pertaining to dual nationality, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1...

INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION: There has recently been an increase in the number of parental child abduction cases in Malaysia. While each case is different, Malaysian courts and police have been consistent in enforcing valid U.S. sole custody decrees. For general information about prevention of international child abduction, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1...

CUSTOMS INFORMATION: See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1...

CRIME: The overall crime rate in Malaysia is low and violent crime involving tourists is relatively uncommon. Petty theft, particularly purse snatchings and pick pocketing, is the most common criminal activity directed against foreigners. Thieves on motorcycles commit “snatch thefts” in crowded shopping areas. In most incidents, two men on a motorcycle speed up from behind a victim, and the passenger on the back snatches a purse, handbag or cellular telephone. These thefts occur at all hours and often in front of large groups of witnesses. Women walking by themselves or with small children are the most common targets. People have been injured or killed by being pulled to the ground by their purse straps by thieves on motorcycles or leaning out of cars. Automobile burglaries also occur. Credit card fraud is a serious problem in Malaysia. Travelers should avoid using credit cards, if possible. Credit card numbers should be closely safeguarded at all times.

Visitors to Malaysia, including Americans, have reported serious problems after responding to private sector Internet advertisements to donate money to be directed to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Center. The ads also offer opportunities to do wildlife volunteer work, and to engage in jungle trekking and survival experiences. The Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Center (KGECC) is operated by the Government of Malaysia Department of Wildlife and National Parks and does not accept donations or support of this nature, nor does it operate jungle trekking and survival programs. Please visit the KGECC web site, http://www.wildlife.gov.my/i_eco_gondah.htm for the most recent information.

Persons interested in participating in wildlife volunteer programs or taking trekking and survival courses should contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) section of the U.S. Embassy for further information.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. Our Victims of Crime information is at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/em...

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities and services are adequate in the larger cities, where Western-trained doctors can be found. The American Embassy can provide a list of English-speaking doctors and hospitals upon request. Psychological and psychiatric medical and counseling services are limited. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services although major credit cards are acceptable.

In general, Malaysian ambulance attendants lack training equivalent to U.S. standards. Callers to Malaysia's "999" emergency number (equivalent to the U.S. 911) are connected to the Red Crescent and patients are directed to whichever hospital the dispatcher chooses. Americans staying in Malaysia for extended periods, especially those who have known health problems, are advised to investigate private ambulance services in their area and to provide family and close contacts with the direct telephone number (s) of the service they prefer.

Air quality in Malaysia is acceptable most of the time. However, when burning of vegetation occurs in Malaysia and nearby countries, especially from March through June and during September and October, air quality can range from “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “unhealthy”.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747), fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site, www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policies remain in force overseas and whether they cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please consult our information on medical insurance overseas at http://travel.state.gov./

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, American citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Malaysia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Visitors are reminded that traffic in Malaysia moves on the left side of the road and that most vehicles use right-hand drive. Seat belts are mandatory. Cell phones cannot be used while driving. Laws against drinking and driving are strictly enforced with stiff penalties. Motorcyclists attempt to circumvent traffic blockage by weaving through vehicles and pedestrians. There has been a recent rise in the reported number of incidents involving late-night road rage. The majority of these violent incidents occur after midnight. Traffic is heavy during the morning and afternoon rush hours and slows down considerably when it rains. Bottlenecks are common in major cities. Development of the infrastructure has not kept pace with the proliferation of motorized vehicles. Multi-lane highways often merge into narrow two-lane roads in the center of town and cause added congestion. Many streets are narrow and winding. Taxis are metered, but some drivers charge a rate much higher than the metered rate during peak hours, when it is raining, or when the passenger’s destination is to or through a heavily congested area.

A well-maintained, heavily used, divided multi-lane toll highway runs the length of peninsular Malaysia from Singapore to the Thai border. Malaysia’s West Coast also has well-developed paved roads between major cities. These two-lane highways are usually congested. Serious accidents can occur from collisions and from drivers who lose control of their vehicles while driving too fast in hilly regions.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. You can also consult Malaysia’s national tourist office web site, www.visitmalaysia.com, and Malaysia’s road safety web site, www.kln.gov.my.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Malaysia as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of Malaysia’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/ove...

NATURAL DISASTERS: Since the December 26, 2004, Asian tsunami, aftershock earthquakes have been felt in parts of Malaysia. Because earthquakes may occur at any time in this region and, in rare cases, may cause tsunamis, American citizens are urged to move away from beaches following an earthquake and to monitor local media for important information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Currency exchange is readily available; international bank-to-bank transfers may take several days and require adequate identification. Credit cards are accepted throughout the country, but travelers should be aware that criminal syndicates have frequently compromised credit card numbers, even at well-established businesses. ATMs can be a safer means of obtaining Malaysian Ringgit. Western Union money transfers are available through Bumiputra Commerce Bank.

Malaysia’s customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Malaysia of items such as firearms, narcotics, medication, business equipment, currency and books or other printed material, video, and audio recordings which might be considered obscene or in any way harmful to public interest and cultural property. It is advisable to contact the Malaysian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of Malaysia’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs’ requirements.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, an American citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be fined, expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Malaysia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Malaysia strictly enforces its drug laws. Malaysian legislation provides for a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug traffickers. Individuals arrested in possession of 15 grams (1/2 ounce) of heroin or 200 grams (seven ounces) of marijuana are presumed by law to be trafficking in drugs.

The Malaysian criminal code includes a provision for a sentence of caning for certain white-collar crimes, including criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust and cheating. Unauthorized collection and/or removal of local flora and fauna may be prosecuted as a crime and can result in heavy fines, expulsion, and/or imprisonment.

Although access to prisoners is permitted, the U.S. Embassy may not learn of the arrest of U.S. citizens in smaller, more remote areas until several days after the incident. Prison conditions are harsh. American citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports and of their current social visit pass (visa) with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity, U.S. citizenship and legal status in Malaysia is readily available.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. See more information here.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues Web site at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: American citizens living in or visiting Malaysia are encouraged to register their stay in Malaysia online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp or in person by visiting the U.S. Embassy’s American Citizen Services (ACS) section. The U.S. Embassy is located at 376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400, Kuala Lumpur. The local mailing address is P.O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur. The U.S. Embassy’s telephone (60-3) 2168-5000 is available 24 hours a day for emergencies such as arrests, serious illness/injury, or death of Americans, (after business hours, please press 1 at the recording). The ACS telephone number is (60-3) 2168-4997/4979, and the Consular section’s fax number is (60-3) 2148-5801. The U.S. Embassy’s general fax number is (60-3) 2142-2207 and Web site is http://malaysia.usembassy.gov./ The Consular section’s e-mail is klconsular@state.gov.