Canada Hill

The basics

You might also hear Canada Hill called Bukit Kanada (Malay for Canada Hill), Bukit Telaga Minyak (Oil Well Hill), or Bukit Telaga (Well Hill). But whatever you call it, the views over Miri to the South China Sea are spectacular, particularly around sunset, and many city tours stop by. A range of short hiking trails makes this a popular destination for locals to catch the breeze in the morning or early evening. The Petroleum Museum, although somewhat tired compared to Kuala Lumpur’s Petrosains—the Discovery Centre, still draws families.

Things to know before you go

• Canada Hill is a good choice for hikers, selfie collectors, history buffs, and people interested in the oil and gas industries.

• The MIRI sign is higher than the Hollywood Sign: around 60 feet (18 meters) tall compared to 45 feet (14 meters). Selfies take a little finessing as it’s so big.

• Allow 15 minutes for Canada Hill or 90 minutes to visit the museum.

• The Grand Old Lady and the MIRI sign are wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

Canada Hill lies just east of downtown Miri: It’s about a 2-mile (3-kilometer) drive. No real public transit exists, so most people drive or rideshare using Malaysia’s homegrown Grab app.

When to get there

If you plan to hike Canada Hill, visit early in the morning or towards sunset to beat the sticky heat; for the best views and light for photography, plan on the golden hour around sunset. The Petroleum Museum is open 9am–4:45pm Monday to Friday and 10am–4pm on Sundays and select public holidays. (It closes on Chinese New Year, Idul Fitri, May 1, June 1, Aug. 31, Oct. 14, and Christmas.)

The Petroleum Museum

Miri wouldn’t exist without oil. At the free-to-enter Petroleum Museum, interactive exhibits, including an earthquake simulator, showcase oil and gas's role in Malaysia’s—mainly Malaysian Borneo’s—development. Partly sponsored by Shell, it also displays the derrick and nodding donkey pump from the Grand Old Lady, the original fount of Miri’s considerable wealth.