AN oasis of greenery and community spirit thrives in the heart of Miri, where recreation, wellness and family life come together at Miri Bulatan Park.
The morning sun was already blazing when I arrived at Miri Bulatan Park at about 11 o’clock one Sunday.
The heat hung heavily in the air, and the pathways were mostly empty.
Known for its lively early mornings and evenings, there were no joggers circling the track, no children laughing at the playground and no cyclists speeding through the pump track at that hour.
Yet even in the stillness, the beauty of the place was unmistakable.
I had made the brief visit during my trip to Miri to cover the Sarawakku Sayang programme, through arrangements made by a colleague of Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew from the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Chia Kah Furng.
What unfolded before me was more than just a recreational park. Miri Bulatan Park stood as a symbol of how urban spaces could transform into meaningful community hubs when development was guided by people-centred vision.
Located near the busy Pujut roundabout, the park today serves as one of the most popular recreational destinations in Miri.
Surrounded by lush greenery and a scenic lake, the park offers a refreshing contrast to the urban bustle nearby.
At the centre of the park lies an extensive 2.5-kilometre jogging and walking track that loops around a multipurpose field.
Though quiet during my visit, the track is said to come alive in the early mornings and evenings with joggers, brisk walkers and families enjoying the outdoors.
The track is more than a pathway for exercise.
For many residents, it is part of their daily routine, a place where friendships are formed, stress is released and healthy living is encouraged.
Miri Bulatan Park has evolved into a multi-generational recreational space catering to people of all ages and interests.
Sports enthusiasts are drawn to its skate park, basketball court, pickleball courts and the much-talked-about Velosolutions Pump Track.
The basketball court is unique as it is covered by not only a transparent roof but it also features a full-floor mural painted in Lakers colours, depicting Kobe Bryant in multiple iconic poses across the playing surface.
Families with young children find comfort in the colourful playgrounds and unique “traffic park”, where children can drive toy cars along miniature roads complete with replica facilities such as a post office and petrol station.
The children’s area reflects a growing emphasis on family-friendly urban spaces.
In an era where children are increasingly attached to digital screens, such parks offer opportunities for active play, imagination and social interaction.
Nearby, reflexology paths and outdoor gym stations provide accessible wellness facilities, particularly for senior citizens and health-conscious residents.
The newly built LED-lit “rainbow bridge”, overlooking the lake, adds another layer of attraction to the park.
By night, the bridge transforms into a colourful landmark popular for photography and leisurely strolls. Benches placed along the lakeside allow visitors to sit quietly, read a book or simply enjoy the calmness of nature amid city life.
According to Chia, the park is often filled with activity during weekends and evenings.
Tai chi groups and aerobics sessions are common sights during the early morning hours, while families gather for picnics and social activities later in the day.
One of the park’s strongest attractions is its ability to blend recreation, fitness, sports and nature into a single public space.
The skate park in particular has become a favourite destination for youth, including visitors from neighbouring Brunei.
I was told that Bruneian youths frequently travel to Miri during weekends specifically to enjoy the skate park facilities, contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a lifestyle and recreational destination.
At the park, also stands the Titian Perpaduan Sarawak (Sarawak Unity Bridge), an official entry in the Malaysia Book of Records.
The bridge was recognised for featuring the highest number of ethnic dialect greetings displayed on a single bridge.
More than just an architectural landmark, it reflects Sarawak’s rich cultural mosaic.
The structure showcases 71 ethnic languages — including Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau and various Orang Ulu dialects — engraved as a lasting tribute to linguistic diversity and mutual respect.
It serves as a visual reminder that, despite differences in culture and religion, Sarawakians remain deeply connected and united as one community.
The growing appeal in the park demonstrates how quality public amenities can also play a role in tourism and economic activity.
The significance of Miri Bulatan Park was further highlighted when Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg participated in a 2.5-kilometre brisk walk with the local community at the park on April 25, before officiating the Sarawakku Sayang programme at Miri Stadium.
His presence reflected the park’s importance not only as a recreational site, but also as a community gathering place that embodies healthy living and social unity.
Behind the transformation of Bulatan Park lies years of planning, investment and collaboration.
The journey began in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, when Ting, who is also Piasau assemblyman, decided to allocate RM1 million under the Piasau Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) 2020 to upgrade the park.
I was told that health and wellbeing have always been among Ting’s top priorities.
The Bulatan Park, being one of the most central and accessible parks in Miri, was the natural choice to provide good facilities to encourage the local community to lead healthy lifestyles.
Before, the area is said to have been quite an eyesore — the bush-covered area near the park and the underused facilities including an abandoned futsal court, a rundown public toilet and a vast piece of state land could become a source of social problems or even pose safety risks to joggers.
Rather than allowing the area to deteriorate, plans were made to fully utilise the land for the benefit of the community.
The RM1 million allocation under the Piasau Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) 2020 to upgrade the park then was divided strategically.
Based on the information obtained from Chia, about RM300,000 was used to upgrade the children’s playground and outdoor fitness equipment, another RM300,000 for improvements to lighting, park furniture and the jogging track while RM400,000 was allocated for extending the park into the adjacent open land.
The turning point came when Shin Yang Group executive vice chairman Datuk James Ling stepped forward to collaborate with the Miri City Council under the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The collaboration then marked one of the most impactful public-private partnerships in Miri.
Through the partnership, Shin Yang Group helped beautify and transform the park extension, including working with local artist Jagung and his team to introduce artistic and creative elements throughout the area.
These artworks do more than beautify the landscape. They reflect the identity and vibrant spirit of Miri while encouraging a sense of ownership among the community.
The company’s contribution and the efforts had significantly improved the environment for sports enthusiasts, children, joggers and families.
The park’s evolution did not stop there.
Under RTP 2022, Ting had allocated an additional RM600,000 for the construction of the Velosolutions Pump Track, a professionally designed facility catering to cyclists of different skill levels.
The pump track has become one of the park’s signature attractions.
I was given to understand that the Bulatan Park Pump Track is the first of its kind in Malaysia.
The facility has already attracted cycling communities and young riders from across the region, further boosting Miri’s recreational tourism appeal.
Importantly, it also provides a safe and inclusive space for youth development through action sports.
More upgrades continue to take shape.
Under RTP 2025, another RM420,000 has been allocated to construct a roof structure for the basketball court, while RM120,000 is being spent on additional lighting installations currently underway.
Combined with the skate park and botanical garden, Bulatan Park today represents a comprehensive recreational ecosystem within the city.
Such projects are not solely about beautification. They are long-term investments in public health, youth engagement, environmental sustainability and social cohesion.
Standing there under the scorching midday sun, it was easy to imagine the transformation that took place each morning and evening when the park filled with life.
Miri Bulatan Park is more than just greenery in the city. It is a breathing social space where children play, youth gather, families bond and communities stay active.
In many ways, it reflects the spirit of a modern Miri — healthy, inclusive, vibrant and deeply connected to the people it serves.
