The most authentic way to learn about a new culture is by visiting the local markets. It is a wholesome and eye-opening experience especially when it is your first time travelling to that particular region. When travelling to Miri, which is a coastal city in Sarawak located near the border of Brunei Darussalam, there are 5 popular local markets that you must drop by!

Read also: Best Chinese Attractions in Miri, Sarawak

You can easily spot the lively Saberkas Night Market from Taman Bulatan Miri and Boulevard Commercial Centre in Pujut. Besides shopping for beautiful handmade handicrafts, clothing, and the freshest produce, you can also discover an incredible range of local delicacies unique to this region only, such as Nasi Lemak, grilled chicken wings, tender and juicy satay, and colourful layer cakes.

Address: Saberkas Commercial Centre, 98000 Miri, Sarawak.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm–9.30pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact number: +6012-845 4115

At Tamu Khas, you will be able to gain a glimpse into the authentic way of life of the local communities in Miri. This colourful native and specialty market sells mostly local ethnic products, where you can discover many exotic fruits and vegetables which are grown in the dense Bornean jungles. Tamu Khas is located exactly behind the Tamu Muhibbah main market. 

Address: Tamu Muhibbah, Jalan Padang, 98000 Miri, Sarawak.

Opening hours: 8am–7pm

This local farmer's market can be found within the vicinity of the expansive Tamu Muhibbah. Tamu Kedayan is a wet market where you can find fresh produce, local fruits and vegetables. Additionally, you can also buy unique region-defining products such as the highly-valued Bario rice, which is harvested by the natives in the remote highlands of northeast Sarawak.

Address: Tamu Muhibbah, Jalan Padang, 98000 Miri, Sarawak.

Opening hours: 6am–6pm

You will be surprised by what you can find at Tamu Muhibbah. Some of the rare and well-beloved items that you can bring home as souvenirs include Bario rice, raw hill salt, fermented shrimp paste also known as belacan, fermented small shrimps also known as cencaluk, sago, and gula apong. There are also wild edible ferns such as paku and midin, edible soft shoots such as umbut and bamboo shoots, tapioca shoots (pucuk ubi), and other distinctive wild plants.

Fun fact: You can also order freshly cooked food from Tamu Muhibbah through the Foodpanda app!

Address: Tamu Muhibbah, Jalan Padang, 98000 Miri, Sarawak.

Opening hours: 6am–6pm

Pasar Besar Krokop is undoubtedly the locals’ favourite wet market in Miri. You can literally find almost everything under one roof. Discover the freshest wild-caught seafood, fresh flowers, wide varieties of vegetables, and all sorts of meats such as chicken, beef, and pork. It is also said that the prices are reasonable and affordable. We must advise you to come as early as 5 in the morning if you wish to get the freshest produce from this market! 

Address: Jalan Krokop Utama, 98000 Miri, Sarawak.

Opening hours: 6.00am – 6.30pm

Contact number: +6017-274 1804

It is certainly worth visiting these local markets especially if you are interested to get a taste of the local way of life. At these lively tamus, you’ll get to see how the communities start their day by shopping for the freshest produce early in the morning while catching up with old friends. Be prepared to be astonished by what these amazing yet humble destinations can offer you!

Brunei Darussalam regained complete independence on January 1, 1984, with the Sultan taking office as the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Home Affairs Minister. In other words, his word is law. The sultanate has a rich cultural past and is famous for its magnificent rainforest filled with colourful flora and wildlife. Here, you can also find several of the world's most incredible mosques.

Read also: Brunei Must-eat Food at Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!

Visiting the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Pahang

Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Pahang

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary Activities

You can get up close and personal with the elephants at the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre

Hand-feed the Elephants 

You can buy sugarcane to feed the elephants at the sanctuary

Let the elephants playfully curl their trunks around the fruits as you feed them

Bathing with Elephants

Follow the sign to find your way to the elephant bathing area by the river.

Visitor's Timetable

How to Get to Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre

Contact Information

A cave can bring us back thousands of years with vivid depictions of how the early civilisation lived. In Malaysia, you can find several prehistoric caves - one of which has left traces of a 40,000-year-old human remains. This location is known as Gua Niah, and it is a treasure hidden in the country's very own backyard!

Read also: Everything You Need to Know About Gua Kelam in Perlis, Malaysia

Gua Niah is located within the Niah National Park in Miri, Sarawak. It was nominated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 and 2019. Not long ago, five pieces of microlithic tools claimed to be dating back to 65,000 years ago were unearthed, giving the world a clearer understanding of when human occupation begun at this site.

History buffs can appreciate the fact that Gua Niah is a valuable archaeological site. Nature lovers will definitely adore the rich flora and fauna here in the majestic rainforest. Adventure seekers can look forward to exploring this great cave that boasts extraordinary cave paintings. All in all, Gua Niah is an incredible destination for every type of traveller.

The adventure begins with a 4-kilometre walk to the opening of Gua Niah, which is recognised as one of the world's largest cave entrance. The trail is relatively easy and the air is fresh, and you will be soothed by the sounds of the surrounding rainforest. You might also spot some extremely cute animals during your walk, so do have your camera ready!

As you begin your journey into the cave, you will soon come across a unique rock formation called the Trader’s Cave.  The catchy name comes from the fact that this was the spot where guano and bird's nest traders did their business.

Next, you will reach the West Mouth or Lobang Kuala of this Great Cave where you will most definitely be astounded. Standing at 60 metres high and 250 metres wide, it makes a magnificent spot for photography.

For the faint-hearted, do not be afraid when you hear bats and swiftlets flying or swirling around you. This sound might remind you of a horror movie, but what awaits you is quite the opposite: a nature's paradise.

As you walk down further, you would soon reach a large chamber called the ‘Padang’. Here, you will certainly be reminded of the saying ‘light at the end of the tunnel.’ In this glorious space, you will see rays of sunlight bursting through holes in the roof. The light will reflect off the rock formations, and you will be amazed by the raw and incredible beauty of nature.

As your walk progresses further, you will soon reach the Moon Cave or the Gan Kira. Be warned, it is pitch-black here and you might be tempted to walk quickly. There are several wonderful rock formations here, so use your torchlight and make sure that you do not miss out on these stunning products of nature.

As you continue walking, you will soon reach the entrance of the Painted Cave. If you are curious about the name of this part of the cave, you are right to do so! It was right here where several remarkable cave paintings made by prehistoric humans were found! Seeing these paintings with your own eyes will probably be the icing on top of this sweet adventure. 

Knowing that these paintings were created by the very hands of the humans who lived here so long ago, and to have these paintings survive the test of time, would take your breath away. The paintings are rendered in red hematite. As you walk down the 30-metre strip, take time to admire the paintings of humans, animals, and longboats. The longboats are believed to carry the souls of those who have passed away and transporting them into another world. A human skull was also discovered here and is believed to date all the way back to 38,000 years BCE! Ceramics, pottery items and irons were also found. Another remarkable find here is the ‘death ships' which are are actually coffins for the dead. Although the content of the death ships has since been transferred to the Sarawak Museum, you can still view the original burial plots.

You may opt to take a taxi from Miri directly to the Niah National Park, which is approximately a 90-minute journey. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the Miri Bus Station to Batu Niah, which will be a two-hour journey.

From Batu Niah, the headquarters of the park is approximately 3 kilometres away. You can hop onto a taxi to the park. Another option would be walking to the headquarters of the park. It will take you approximately 45 minutes, and it will be a beautiful one, as you will be journeying along the riverbank. Lastly, you may opt to take a longboat there.

Another option is to put on your adventure hat and drive all the down from Miri to the Niah National Park! There is no better way to get to know a place than by driving down scenic routes and taking in the beautiful views! Upon reaching the Niah National Park, you are required to register at the headquarters. Below are the ticket prices for your reference.

There are also accommodations at the Niah National Park if you would like to stay the night. This includes chalet units, hostel rooms, and even a camping site. Simply make your booking in advance!

Walking through this incredible cave will give you a glimpse of how our ancestors lived, and perhaps you will gain a newfound appreciation of how these ancestors have paved the way for our lives now. History reminds us of who we are but how our future will turn out actually lies in our hands. It will also remind you how there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Address: Niah National Park, Batu Niah, 98200 Niah, Sarawak, Malaysia

Contact number: +6085-737454 / +6085-737450

Opening Hours: 8am to 5pm

Hua Hin Night Market provides an effortless insight into Thailand’s lively way of life. Besides rows after rows of food carts, you will discover an overwhelming choice of handicrafts and clothes being sold here.

Read also: 10 Must-Try Chiang Mai Street Food

Hua Hin Night Market, Thailand

Top Attraction at Hua Hin

Conveniently located on Dechanuchit Street, the market is only a short walk away from the town center. Vendors start filling the space at 6pm and the market closes around midnight. Due to its popularity among tourists, prices are sometimes ridiculously inflated, though haggling is possible (and highly encouraged).

Besides food, Hua Hin Night Market is a great drinking spot too. Dotted along the streets are small bars that gives you plenty of space to people-watch comfortably, while sipping on a pint of ice-cold local beer.

Must-try food in Hua Hin: Thai Banana Roti - a type of sweet crispy pancake

Freshly grilled seafood is a popular food option at the Hua Hin night market

Wondering what to eat at the Hua Hin Night Market? The options are endless!

Hua Hin Night Market is a great casual dinner spot for both locals and visitors alike

Shopping & Souvenirs

You can find many stalls selling sunglasses, clothes, accessories, and even traditionally embroidered silk cushion covers, but at an inflated price. Before making a purchase, be sure to ask for the "best price". You will be surprised how much you will end up saving by the end of the day.

Playful souvenirs sold at the Hua Hin Night Market

You can shop for trendy fashion items at the Hua Hin Night Market

Souvenirs sold at Hua Hin Night Market

Hua Hin Night Market is located between the Petchakasem Road and Liap Thang Rotfai or 'the railway station road'. It is approximately 400 meters north of the Hua Hin Railway Station. To get there, simply find your way to Dechanuchit Road, which is between Phetchkasem Road to Prapokklao Road.

If you are feeling adventurous, take any turn you see and you will be led to quieter, smaller alleys that are actually an extension to the market. Though you may find similar products being sold here, you can however, benefit from the comfort of not having to push your way through the crowd. Haggling is proven to be more effective here, too.

Address: Hua Hin 72, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening Hours: 5:00pm-1:00am daily

It is so easy to fall in love with Thessaloniki thanks to the wonderful cuisine, rich history, and pristine beaches. This vibrant Greek city has plenty to offer when it comes to tourist attractions, with monumental structures and landmarks gloriously erected across its land. During the day, you can explore the city and go back in time, and by night, you are invited to dine and wine at quaint eateries.

When in Greece, forget about thrilling adventurous activities. You are here to appreciate the cultures and of course, to create endless content for your social media feed! Here are the best places you can visit in Thessaloniki, Greece!

Read also: Things to Do in Kos Island, Greece

The White Tower is Thessaloniki's most iconic landmark. It can easily be spotted when you take a leisurely walk along the seaside promenade. Built in 1530 by the Ottoman Turks, this massive tower was formerly a jail. Known locally as Lefkós Pyrgos, it is located in a small public park at the southern end of the promenade, and was previously a part of the town's Ottoman-era walls. There is an observation deck at the top of the monument, which provides a breath-taking view of the city and the adjacent port.

Address: Nikis Avenue 01, Thessaloniki 546 21, Greece.

Entrance fees: €3 (adults), €2 (senior citizens and students), free for visitors under 18 years old

Opening hours: 8.30am – 3.30pm

Contact number: +30-231 026 7832

In the evening, you can stroll along the redeveloped waterfront of the city. There is a 5-kilometre-long seaside promenade here, where you can see many locals jogging or just lounging with their loved ones. This promenade, which connects to the Photography Museum, the White Tower, and the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, was refurbished a few years ago. There are several popular pubs and restaurants along the beach which makes it a lively spot for you to hang out or grab a drink!

Address: Aggelaki 13, Thessaloniki 546 21, Greece.

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Also known as the Saint George's Church, the Rotunda of Galerius is the most spectacular historical landmark in Thessaloniki. It spans over 24 metres in circumference and 30 metres in height, and it features a cylindrical dome that is reminiscent of the Rome's Pantheon. Beautiful mosaics adorn the dome and the arched recesses on the inside. You can also see exquisite representations of angels and architectural facades on a gold backdrop underneath the dome.

Address: Platia Agiou Georgiou Rotonta 5, Thessaloniki 546 35, Greece

Entrance fee: €2

Opening hours: 8am–8pm

Contact number: +30 231 020 4868

The Agios Dimitrios Church is devoted to the town's patron saint, Dimitrios - a Roman soldier who was killed here in 306. Also known as Hagios Demetrio or the Church of Saint Demetrius, the sanctuary is the primary church in Thessaloniki today. Admission is free to all visitors and it is open daily. However, the church is typically crowded with locals and devotees throughout the week.

Address: 83, Agiou Dimitriou St., Thessaloniki 546 33, Greece.

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: 10am–8pm

Contact number: +30 231 027 0008

If you walk from the Egnatia Street towards the city centre of Thessaloniki, you will come across the Arch of Galerius – an ancient Roman monument dating back to around AD 297. The relief-encrusted piers portray war events from Emperor Galerius' third and fourth-century Persian, Mesopotamian, and Armenian conquests. These ornately and elaborately carved reliefs are among the most well known in the world. While admiring the majestic structure and taking close-up pictures, don’t forget to notice the animated scenes on the south pier.

Address: Egnatia 144, Thessaloniki 546 22, Greece.

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Contact number: +30-231 331 0400

Familiarise yourself with the local culture by making your way to one of Thessaloniki’s most popular markets, the Agora Modiano. You can try the traditional Koulouri (Greek sesame bread rings) and Bougatsa (custard pies) - both which are carb-heavy dishes created over hundreds of years ago. From artisanal confectioneries to the flavoursome dry anise-flavoured aperitif known as ouzo, you can get to know the Greek way of life better through your taste buds. Besides this, the Kapani food market is also a great place to kickstart your food adventures in Thessaloniki.

Address: Historic & Modern Centre, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece

Opening hours: 8.30am-8.30pm

Contact number: +30 21 1108 8400

With great ancient monuments and beautiful beaches around the city, Thessaloniki is indeed a fantastic holiday destination. Although the history is complex, the city is easy to navigate – many of the attractions are fairly close to one another, and it is possible to visit most parts of Thessaloniki on foot. We hope you will fall in love with the beauty of Thessaloniki just as much as we did!