Here are seven such beaches, arranged in the order of south to north.
Tusan Beach
This is a great stretch of sandy beach at the foot of a cliff, located about 40 km south of Miri on the coast road.
A few benches have been arranged on the top of the cliff for people to watch dramatic sunsets. Some food and drink stalls are located here too.
A rough path leads down to the beach but after a storm, be prepared to see lots of natural debris (logs and so on) scattered around.
The coastline here appears to be prone to erosion and huge chunks of cliff-face have fallen onto the beach.
A natural phenomenon, known locally as “blue tears”, occurs here when a type of plankton produces a blue luminescence in the sea water at night when the conditions are right.
Beraya Beach
This private beach, in front of a rustic beach resort called Tim’s Seaside Hideout, was completely deserted except for millions of tiny sand crabs. The friendly owner of Tim’s told me the sea here is safe for swimming.
Although the sea colour was brownish following recent rains it is more usually blue. You can find out more about Tim’s Seaside Hideout on their Facebook page.
Bakam Beach
Another picture-perfect beach, completely empty apart from two fishermen.
Luak Esplanade
Closer to town is a popular beach. There are more facilities here such as toilets/changing rooms, life guard and vendors selling food, drinks and beach items.
Vehicle tracks on the beach suggest that the beach is cleaned regularly. Although the car park was full the beach itself was almost empty with most people preferring to sit under the shade of the casuarina trees until later in the afternoon when the heat of the day subsides.
Jalan Caladium Beach
Unsure about the actual name of this beach on the outskirts of Miri, so have named it Jalan Caladium Beach since that is the name of the road leading to it.
Part of the road and nearby concrete structures have been washed away by coastal erosion, giving the beach a rather untidy look but a local kite surfing enthusiast was using the empty beach to get some private practice.
Brighton Beach/Taman Selera/Tanjung Lobang
This beach with multiple names is conveniently located close to the town centre and is more crowded. The sand quality is good and the sea seemed calm but a permanent sign warned visitors not to swim due to strong currents.
ParkCity Everly Hotel Beach
This beach in front of the hotel and between the Miri Marriot and the Miri Marina was also empty during my visit. A sign warns hotel guests that most beaches in Miri, including the hotel’s beach, are known to be infested seasonally with sand flies.
Hazards of Miri beaches
Given the apparent attractiveness of the beaches you would think they would be more busy but there is rarely one person sunbathing or swimming. Why not?
• Sun’s too hot: First of all it is very hot so sunscreen is required.
• Sand flies: Sand fly bites are painful, irritating and long lasting and often mistaken for bed-bug bites. Insect repellant recommended.
• Strong currents: Some parts of the coastline are prone to dangerous currents.
• Crocodiles: The mouths of some of the rivers flowing into the sea in this area are inhabited by crocodiles which have been known to snatch dogs and other animals.
They are salties and could in theory prowl the shores though they tend to stick to the estuaries which should not be used as children’s playgrounds.
This article first appeared in malaysia-traveller.com