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I would like to know more about living at Miri (sarawak, malaysia)?

I have never visited Malaysia. Going to join curtin sarawak university in July. Pristina have given me very good introduction on Miri. But I would like to know some more. What are the cheap decent food options? How much a prepaid hand phone line cost? Internet access? What about Public transport? I am a Sri lankan Tamil guy. Any Tamils in Miri? People and Culture? Is English enough to socialise or should I learn at least a few words of Malay? Or is Iban more common than Malay? Are people friendly or shy? My advance thanks for all who will answer.

Public Comments

1. Tamil, is not common in Sarawak. I was living at Miri few years ago. However i happen to know some Curtin students are from Sri Lanka. Not sure they had graduated or not. The local are quit friendly, since there are a lot of students like you ( form other country), they speak some English. ( English is not a common speaking language) You will also learn some Malay if you mix around with local, they are more than happy to teach you. I read Pristina's article. There are a lot of places had been mention are not in walking distance. If you stay in the campus, Senadin is around 25 mins of walking distance. I never use the public transport, so i am not very sure. My advice is you might have to buy a bicycle, or motorcycle. However, there is buses at Senadin area. I am not sure your religion, any food is forbidden? If you can eat like Chinese, there are a lot of cheap and decent food at Senadin area. For prepaid Hp line, there are Hotlinks, Digi, and Celcom. The starter pack is around RM 10 or less . For Internet access, I would recommend you stay in the campus. There are line in the dormitory. ( I went to my friend's room once ) Well, i guess that all for me. If you want to know more just pose again.
2. helo to Gopi n dk . thx to lead me know much in Miri!haha. well~im chinese.Miri is home to 27 ethnic groups; people each with their own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. Cities and larger towns are populated predominantly by Malays, Melanaus, Chinese, and a smaller percentage of Ibans and Bidayuhs who have migrated from their home-villages for work. all the information you need dk is given. here is the mapp of Curtin,Miri http://www.curtin.edu.my/CurtinSarawak/Map.htm well~here the petrol is RM1.9101 per L. not cheap as brunei B$0.5 i think?? the currency is B$1.00 = RM2.29around. the weather here is quite hot.but sometimes weird.you can check below webside to view miri weather. http://weather.msn.com/localmaps.aspx?wealocations=wc:MYXX0026 anything informatiom you need again..as dk said pose again.haha. hope my tiny infor can help you much! Good luck to get study here soon ;)
3. I have been to Miri once and I found it very hot.The breeze from the sea made my skin a bit rough , and I had three pimples during my four- day stay there.Miri is a town with only about 270,000 people but they are quite friendly and helpful.