“It’s all about connecting people.There’s a large concentration of Filipino workers in Miri and we want people to easily connect with their families.” Says Ms Joy Caneba, Executive Vice President and COO of AirAsia Zest during the inaugural ceremony in Miri Airport of AirAsia Zest’s flight from Manila to Miri. A first in the country, the Miri route is also a good alternative entry point to nearby Brunei which is only 30 minutes away from the city. Personally, I am interested to the Miri destination as it is the jump-off to one of UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage Site, the Gunung Mulu National Park.
Miri City and the Grand Old Lady
The young and multi-cultural city of Miri is the 2nd largest Malaysian state in Sarawak. Once a quiet fishing village more than 100 years ago, the discovery of Oil at Canada Hill drove the city’s economy. Malaysia’s first oil-well was drilled in the site now known as “The Grand Old Lady”. This is also the first oil-well for Shell Oil Company. The Grand Old Lady remained functional for 65 years since 1910, now it’s no longer in operation and serves as a national monument. The site over at Canada Hill is a favorite among the locals as it offers a stunning view of the city at dusk.
Jump-Off to Adventures
This oil-fueled city is also a good base for outdoor and nature adventures with the city having four National Parks: The Gunung Mulu UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest cave chamber in the world; Niah Park, the 2nd largest cave in Malaysia where prehistoric; Lambir Hills for waterfalls and wildlife; and Loagan Bunut for birdwatching.
AirAsia Zest flies to Miri from Manila
AirAsia Zest flies to Manila to Miri Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:25pm. The Miri to Manila flights on the same days at 5:10pm. To celebrate the new route, AirAsia Zest is offering a one-way all-in-fares for as low as Php 2,587 (RM 199) until December 15, 2013 for travels period Dec. 20, 2013 – Jan. 31, 2014. Visit www.airasia.com
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
