MIRI: Beraya, located between Miri and Niah, is set to be developed as a strategic tourism hub to strengthen connectivity between northern Sarawak’s globally recognised heritage sites
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost the tourism sector by linking key attractions, particularly Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park.
“There are two UNESCO sites in Miri, as mentioned earlier, and it is important that we improve connectivity between them to further enhance tourism,” he told a press conference here today (Apr 25).
Niah Caves has recently gained global scientific attention following findings that human habitation in the area dates back as far as 65,000 years, making it among the earliest known settlements in Borneo.
The Premier noted that such discoveries elevate Niah’s importance as a centre for archaeological and scientific research, attracting experts keen to study early human migration and environmental history in the region.
“In Niah, we even discovered turtle footprints, indicating that the area was once inundated with water, suggesting possible ancient connections between Borneo and mainland Asia. We leave further findings to the scientists,” he said.
However, due to its UNESCO status, development within Niah itself must remain limited.
“As we cannot touch Niah much, we will develop Beraya as a supporting area,” he explained, adding that Beraya will serve as a complementary tourism and service hub.
The development will be supported by major infrastructure upgrades, including improved road networks linking Miri to Marudi, and onward to Mulu, Long Panai and Long Lama, eventually enhancing access to Niah.
He said ongoing efforts to upgrade existing timber and logging roads — spanning some 2,700km — will open up interior areas such as Baram, creating new economic opportunities.
“With better infrastructure, economic activities will follow. Some areas are suitable for coffee cultivation, and we can develop Baram coffee as a new product,” he added.
The enhanced connectivity, including routes linking Niah to Bintulu, is expected to stimulate tourism flows and broader economic growth across northern Sarawak.
