Grand Old Lady (Canada Hill) | Miri

The Grand Old Lady is a historic oil well located on Canada Hill in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.

It is the first oil well drilled in Malaysia and a significant symbol of the country's petroleum industry.

Visual Characteristics

The structure consists of a tall, red-painted metal derrick, approximately 10 meters in height, mounted on a concrete base. The derrick is a lattice framework of steel beams. Adjacent to the derrick is a small, single-story building constructed from concrete and corrugated metal roofing, painted in a light grey hue. The surrounding area is characterized by sparse, low-lying vegetation and gravel pathways.

Location & Access Logistics

The Grand Old Lady is situated on Canada Hill, approximately 3 kilometers northwest of Miri city center. Access is via Jalan Miri-Pujut. Paved roads lead directly to the site, with a designated parking area for approximately 15 vehicles. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is approximately 1.5 kilometers south on Jalan Miri-Pujut, requiring a walk to reach the landmark.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Grand Old Lady, officially known as Well No. 1, was drilled by the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company (now Shell) in 1910. It marked the discovery of Miri's first commercial oil field. The site is located on a geological anticline, a common geological structure for hydrocarbon accumulation.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the original drilling derrick and the associated historical building. Interpretive panels provide information on the history of oil exploration in Miri. Photography of the derrick and the surrounding landscape is permitted. A short, paved walking path encircles the immediate vicinity of the well.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the base of Canada Hill, approximately 200 meters from the Grand Old Lady. Limited shade is provided by the structure itself. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available. No food vendors are present at the immediate site; amenities are located in Miri city center.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is in the late afternoon, between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, when the sunlight provides direct illumination on the derrick. The driest months are typically from January to March, offering clearer skies. No tide considerations are applicable.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the oil extracted from this well was initially transported by bullock carts to the nearest port. The site is also recognized as the birthplace of the oil industry in Malaysia, initiating a sector that remains vital to the nation's economy.

Nearby Landmarks

• Petroleum Museum (0.3km South)
• Taman Pustaka Miri (0.8km Southeast)
• Miri City Fan (1.2km Southeast)
• Wisma Pelancongan Sarawak (1.5km South)
• Imperial Palace Hotel (1.8km South)