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BeachesMiri Division

Tusan Beach

Cliff-backed sands famous for the 'Blue Tears' night glow and a horse-head rock arch.

By · Editor, I Love Sarawak

Facts checked

The cliffs and long sands of Tusan Beach near Miri
Photo: Joan0925k (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The place

Tusan Beach, near Bekenu about 40 minutes south of Miri, is the most photographed stretch of coast in northern Sarawak. Its sandstone cliffs frame a long, wild beach whose icon is a sea arch shaped uncannily like a horse's head dipping to drink from the sea.

Tusan's other claim to fame arrives after dark: on some nights the surf glows an unearthly blue with bioluminescent dinoflagellates — the famous 'Blue Tears'. The display is natural and unpredictable, strongest on dark, moonless nights, and never guaranteed.

The long sands below the cliffs at Tusan Beach
Photo: Cerevisae (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Casuarina trees along the clifftop at Tusan Beach
Photo: Cerevisae (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Highlights

  1. The 'drinking horse' sea-arch rock formation
  2. 'Blue Tears' bioluminescence on dark nights (seasonal and unpredictable)
  3. Cliff-top viewpoints and long, quiet sands below
  4. One of the best sunset spots in Miri Division

Getting there

Ways to reach Tusan Beach, compared
HowFromTakesCosts
DriveMiriabout 40 minutessouth along the coastal road towards Bekenu; self-drive or Grab is easiest
GrabMiriabout 40 minutes

Tusan is about 40 minutes' drive south of Miri along the coastal road towards Bekenu — self-drive or Grab is easiest, and many Miri locals make it an evening trip for the sunset.

Good to know

  • The Blue Tears glow is a natural phenomenon and appears only on some nights — treat it as a bonus, not a promise
  • Take care on the cliff paths down to the sand, especially after rain
  • Facilities are minimal — bring water and take your litter back out

Where it is

Map of Sarawak showing the location of Tusan Beach
Tusan Beach4.130, 113.850OpenStreetMap ↗Google Maps ↗

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