Hornbills and history meet at Miri’s Piasau Nature Reserve

Miri's Piasau Nature Reserve, a protected green space with historical significance, sits along the coast between Sungai Miri and the South China Sea. The reserve is built on what was once Piasau Camp, a former Shell residential area developed in the 1950s to house senior employees and their families. At its peak, Piasau Camp boasted around 250 residences, an international school, and the Piasau Boat Club.

Today, much of the former camp has been returned to nature, with efforts to restore rainforest and protect its flora and fauna.

The reserve features various themed gardens, including a mixed species garden, ficus garden, herbal garden, fruit tree garden, and Piasau garden. A few surviving Shell-era bungalows offer a glimpse into the camp's former life as a residential community for company staff. A walk through the reserve's tarmac roads or three short trails - Community Trail, Jimmy Trail (370m), and Juliet Trail (97m) - reveals its diverse wildlife, with hornbills being the most notable residents.

The story of hornbills Jimmy and Faridah's breeding pair is particularly notable; they produced 56 offspring between 2005 and 2013. Faridah's tragic death in 2013 by poachers led to the declaration of Piasau Nature Reserve and stronger conservation efforts. Hornbills are deeply rooted in Sarawak culture, particularly among Dayak communities, and the rhinoceros hornbill features on the state crest. The reserve's Interpretation Centre shares more about these birds' cultural significance.

The Piasau Boat Club, a familiar landmark, offers a pleasant spot to enjoy a meal after exploring the reserve. Nearby, Piasau Beach provides a scenic view of the South China Sea, though rough conditions make it more suitable for admiring the horizon than swimming. Piasau Nature Reserve offers a unique blend of industrial history, community memory, and returning rainforest, making it an intriguing and enjoyable destination near Miri.