Nature offers some pretty exciting views, but none is quite as exquisite as what you’ll find at Tusan Beach in Miri.
Located about eighty miles from Miri in Bekenu Township is one of the world’s most stunning beach landscapes. With smooth sands, reefs of coral, a singular waterfall with a multitude of cliffs, you’d think that was the allure; however, there is also a large eroded cliff that extends in a beautiful natural arch that looks eerily similar to the neck and snout of a horse bending down for a drink. And still, that is not the end of what this pristine, untouched beach has to offer.
Geologists enjoy this natural area, as fossils of ancient lifeforms are in abundance.
Adding a bit of mystery to Tusan is its seclusion. The drive will take you through a palm oil farm, and once on the other side, there is a ninety-foot descent along a trail to make your way to the beach itself. Because of this seclusion, preparing beforehand is necessary. When you’re planning your visit, it is necessary to contact authorities in the local vicinity to notify them of your intent to visit and when, as well as notifying the Tusan Beach Visitor’s Center. Sunblock is a high recommendation, as well as being aware of high tide times.
From time to time, phytoplankton of the bioluminescent variety make their journey to the shores of Tusan Beach. Their bioluminescence causes the waters along the shore to take on a bright, shimmering blue hue. Usually occurring in September through October, this is a great time to visit, as authorities will be on hand due to the influx of visitors. Once tourists began to post their amazing photos of the phenomenon, known as Blue Tears, to their social media accounts, the photos went viral and have caused an upsurge in the amount of visitors during these months.
Prior to the discovery of the Blue Tears, only locals knew about the existence of Tusan Beach. Local photographers enthusiastically would venture to the remote beach to catch the stunning sunset.