Miri (Sarawak) & Sungai Tujoh Border Crossing

The Sungai Tujoh Crossing: The Gateway to Borneo’s Oil Kingdom

The border crossing at Sungai Tujoh is the main and busiest land gateway between the Sultanate of Brunei and the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. It connects the Belait district of Brunei, the heart of its oil and gas industry, with the Malaysian city of Miri, a major oil town and tourist hub in its own right. This is a modern, efficient, and very busy border, a key artery in the Pan-Borneo Highway. The crossing is a constant flow of commuters, business travelers, tourists, and locals on shopping trips. The atmosphere is one of orderly, modern transit, a reflection of the organized and prosperous nature of Brunei. For the traveler, this is the primary entry or exit point for an overland journey into or out of Brunei, a passage between two nations whose modern fortunes have both been built on the vast reserves of oil and gas that lie beneath the jungles and seas of Borneo.

A History of a Colonial Border and Black Gold

The history of this border is the history of the British colonial presence in Borneo. The line that separates Brunei from Sarawak was drawn in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period when the “White Rajahs” of Sarawak, the Brooke family, were expanding their territory at the expense of the declining Bruneian Sultanate. The border effectively solidified the much-reduced territory of modern Brunei. The discovery of oil in the 1920s, particularly the massive Seria field in Brunei, transformed the region’s economy. The development of the oil and gas industry created deep and lasting links between Brunei and the neighboring Malaysian state of Sarawak. The city of Miri in Sarawak was the first place oil was discovered in Malaysia, and the two regions have a shared identity as the oil capitals of Borneo. The Sungai Tujoh crossing became the critical link in this cross-border energy economy, facilitating the movement of workers, equipment, and services. It is a border that was drawn by colonial politics but has been defined by the geology of black gold.

The Border Crossing Procedure: A Smooth and Orderly Process

The border is open from early morning until late evening (typically 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM). The facilities on both sides are modern, and the process is known for being very smooth, professional, and efficient. You must have a valid visa for the country you are entering if your nationality requires one.

Exiting Brunei (Sungai Tujoh): You will arrive at the large Bruneian immigration and customs complex. If you are in a car, you will use the drive-through booths. You will present your passport to the immigration officer and receive your exit stamp. You will also need to pay a small exit fee, which can be done online in advance or sometimes at the border. The customs check is usually a brief formality.

The No-Man’s-Land: After clearing the Bruneian post, you will drive a short distance through a well-maintained no-man’s-land to the Malaysian side.

Entering Malaysia (Sungai Tujoh, Miri): You will arrive at the Malaysian immigration and customs complex. You will again use the drive-through booths. You will present your passport to the Malaysian immigration officer. For most nationalities, Malaysia offers visa-free entry. The officer will stamp your passport. After immigration, you will pass a customs checkpoint. Malaysian customs are particularly strict about the import of alcohol, as it is much cheaper in duty-free Brunei. You have a very small duty-free allowance, and your vehicle may be inspected. The entire process on both sides is very efficient and can often be completed in under 30 minutes during off-peak times.

Route, Onward Travel, and Borneo’s Attractions

The crossing is on the main coastal highway that runs from the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, to the city of Miri in Sarawak. The road is a modern, paved, dual carriageway in excellent condition. The journey from Bandar Seri Begawan to the border takes about 1.5 hours. From the border, it is about a 30-45 minute drive to the center of Miri. For those without their own vehicle, there are regular bus services that run between Bandar Seri Begawan and Miri. These buses handle the border crossing as part of their journey, making it a very convenient option. Miri is a major transport hub with an airport that has excellent connections to Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Malaysia. It is also the main gateway to the spectacular Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its massive caves and limestone pinnacles. This makes the crossing a key part of the Borneo tourist trail.

Final Planning Advice for the Brunei Gateway

The Sungai Tujoh-Miri crossing is a modern, efficient, and hassle-free border. It is the main gateway for any overland traveler exploring the island of Borneo. The key to a smooth journey is to check the visa requirements for both countries in advance and to be aware of the strict customs regulations regarding alcohol when entering Malaysia. The bus service between the two cities is a very convenient and affordable option for those without their own transport. This crossing is a perfect example of a well-managed and orderly border, a smooth and pleasant passage between the unique, oil-rich Sultanate of Brunei and the wild, adventurous landscapes of Malaysian Borneo. It is a border that works, a testament to the peaceful and pragmatic relationship between these two neighboring states.