MOship in Sarawak (Rahsia Tuhan di Bumi Kenyalang) A Blessings in Disguise

Bismillahirrahmaanirrahiim 

It has been exactly a year since I last sat down to update this blog, and looking back, it feels like a lifetime has passed. I suppose "overwhelming" is the best word to describe the whirlwind of the past twelve months, as I’ve navigated various challenges and transitions; yet, amidst the chaos, I have also been showered with countless blessings for which I am deeply grateful. Alhamdulillah, the journey hasn't always been easy, but the growth and the unexpected gifts I’ve received along the way have made every moment worth it.

I have been on HOship posting in HKL and completed a 4-month floating MOship in the Oncology Department.

And guess what — most of our batch was posted to Sabah or Sarawak for our MO placement, except for those who were lucky (or already married) got placement in Semenanjung. At first, I was fine with the news of going to Sarawak. But my heart sank when my mother sadly said, “That’s too far from us,” and my parents found out I’d be completely alone there without any relatives.

Starting out was a bit nerve-wracking, especially since most of my friends were sent to Sabah while I was one of the few heading to Sarawak. Back then, I had to deal with a lot of 'unsolicited advice' from people who claimed Sarawak was quiet or boring compared to other places. It was a lot to take in, especially since Borneo wasn't even on my original wishlist (I only picked the 'P' states: Perlis, Perak, and Pahang!). But looking back, I realise how much those people were missing out on what Sarawak actually has to offer.

But deep down, in those quiet moments of doubt, I knew I simply had to face the future —no matter what the outcome might be. Resigning from my position at KKM wasn't even a thought I allowed myself to entertain back then. I was still so new to the healthcare field, and I felt the weight of my lack of experience; I was convinced that if I left, no other door would open for someone who had barely begun their professional journey.

I first touched down in Sarawak on January 17th, 2025, 

Among all the major districts in Sarawak. You can imagine the biggest issue while managing patients here is a logistical issue due to the long travel time. Even half of my patients come to the appointment with a flight to Kuching because my department is only in Kuching.

In January 2025, I boarded a flight to Sarawak with a heavy heart and a suitcase full of uncertainty. Looking back, those initial few months were arguably the most testing times I have ever endured. It wasn't just the physical distance from home; it was the mental exhaustion of adapting to a new environment. I was slowly learning & picking up the local Sarawakian dialect while simultaneously trying to master a hospital system that functioned differently from what I had trained for. Everything—from the workflow to the culture—felt incredibly demanding. However, a major silver lining was that I managed to stay in the same department where I had done my floating MOship in HKL. Having that bit of familiarity in my work routine was a true blessing from Allah, as it provided the stable ground I desperately needed while the rest of my life felt like it was shifting

And truly, Allah is the Most Gracious. Despite all the challenges, He blessed me in many ways throughout my stay here, and I’ve still found moments to enjoy and be grateful for such as : 

PS : All the photos were captured by me with Redmi Note 14G

1. Beautiful skies and sunset 

This totally heals me each time, and I was in awe whenever I saw the sunset. Whenever I was having a bad day, bad oncall, I would just go to my rooftop and enjoy the painted skies with mountain views.

my hospital view 

my phone current wallpaper 

2. Explore the Nature 

Can you believe it? I was born overseas, but my very first flight in 30 years was… to Kuching! 😂 Clearly, I wasn’t the adventurous type — until Kuching turned me into one. ✈️🌏

When I first arrived here, during those early, difficult adjustment days, I attended an Open House for Raya Aidilfitri and met an acquaintance who had been living here for two years. She was also from Semenanjung, so I opened up to her and asked a question that had been weighing on me: “How do you cope with being away from family and living here all alone?”

Her answer changed everything for me. She smiled and said, “Go to the places here, explore Sarawak. No one is ever going to make us happy except ourselves.” That simple sentence struck me so deeply — it completely shifted my mindset and gave me the courage to embrace this new chapter of my life.

I never thought I’d become this much of an “explorer,” but life has a way of surprising us. While I’m still single and free from commitments, I see this as my chance to go out, explore, and create memories that I’ll cherish forever. I don’t know when I’ll be heading back to Semenanjung, so instead of waiting, I choose to adapt and make the most of where I am now. Every free weekend is an opportunity — whether it’s a solo adventure or a day out with friends — to turn the present moment into something meaningful.

Throughout the months I lived here, I’ve discovered some truly beautiful hidden gems — places people rarely talk about, but definitely worth going as a non-Sarawakian : 

a) Waterfront Kuching

You can cross the Darul Hana Bridge to the Astaka

Got fountain shows every night between 8pm-9pm I couldn't remember the exact timing 

and of course the sunset 

you can watch sunset from jambatan Darul hana 

b) Kampung Gersik/ Kampung Boyan, Kuching 

- across the waterfront by taking "Penambang" some kind of boat, which only costs RM1, there is the best Ayam Pansuh for me in The Baruk Village cafe and "prawn sticks" in the foodcourt in Kampung Gersik

Penambang 

my fav prawn stick, which costs only RM7

c) Fairy Caves, Bau (43km from Kuching)

One of the easiest and most beautiful caves that I have already explored throughout my life. Suitable for family trip for primary school kids and above, not suitable for the elderly cuz there a lot of stairs

Entrance fees are only RM1. And yeah, u need to climb these 4 levels of stairs haha, no lift ya so I don't recommend this to the elderly who have a knee problem 

I’ve explored 7 caves so far in my life, and this is definitely one of the most stunning. It truly lives up to the name 'Fairy Caves!' Just a tip: you must wear a proper shoes(with no holes) or they won't let you in. This was my second visit, as I love bringing my friends here when they visit.

d) Miri (817km from Kuching) - by flight 

I loved this small town by the ocean; it gave me the town where Kiki Delivery Service (Studio Ghibli movie) vibes . Had a quick weekend getaway in Miri! I was only there for a day and a half, staying at my friend's place (she works in KK). Miri is known for its beaches and being so close to Brunei. We only made it to one beach on this trip, but the rest are definitely staying on my bucket list!

I really appreciate this small town by the ocean with a beautiful sunset 

Pantai Bungai, Miri

 ‘Grand Old Lady,’ the site of Malaysia’s first oil well.

e) Sri Aman (192km from Kuching) 

This was one of my most unplanned trips—I bought the ticket during my post-call period over Hari Gawai, and it turned out to be such a memorable experience. I took a bus from Kuching Sentral, with a combined route from Kuching → Serian → Sri Aman, before continuing north towards Sibu, Bintulu,  and Miri. I was on a double-decker bus, and it took about three hours to reach Sri Aman.

It was also my first time travelling by bus along the Pan Borneo Highway. There are very limited R&R stops along the way, so proper planning is really important—especially for petrol—otherwise, you might get stranded 😅. One moment I will never forget was being dropped off at a bus stop beside the Pan Borneo Highway. I was alone, it was dark, and it was raining. I honestly don’t know how I managed, but surely Allah took care of me, and my friend picked me up about 20 minutes later.

The moral of the story: always do extra research before taking a bus in Sarawak. It’s very different from Semenanjung, with limited bus numbers, schedules, R&R facilities, and petrol stations.

My friend brought me to Wong Popo Waterfall, which is not far from Sri Aman, and we had a picnic by the river. One thing about Sarawak is that it has many wonderful and breathtaking waterfalls. However, because the land is so vast, not many tourists visit these waterfalls. Most of my friends’ experiences have been that there are no visitors at all—so the waterfall feels like it’s just meant for us, haha.

Wong Popo Waterfall in Sri Aman 

picnic by the river 

I also took a bus from Sri Aman back to Kuching. The bus picked me up on the side of the Pan Borneo Highway. I truly will cherish this experience 

f) Beladin, Betong (153km from Kuching) 

After I arrived in Sri Aman, my friend drove all the way to Beladin (almost 2 hours from Sri Aman using Pan Borneo highway) to visit another friend who was working with me during my housemanship in  HKL. She works as a medical officer at a Klinik Kesihatan in a rural area of Sarawak that requires ferry access because the bridge was still under construction. I also heard that they have to do passive on-call duties, and sometimes need to handle really heavy cases with limited equipment —sometimes they need to manage critically ill patients and need to stabilise the patient before sending them to the nearest hospital, which usually takes about 2 hours or more. Every time I hear her cases, it reminds me to be grateful for where I am. If I were in her shoes, I honestly don't think I’d last a month😓I have so much respect for my friends who work in district hospitals or KK, either in Sarawak/Semenanjung; the conditions they work in are far more demanding than what we're used to in the city

sunset otw to Betong 

g) Kg Telaga Air, Kuching (29km from Kuching city) 

This is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been to, and the most recommended place that I would suggest to my friends if they plan a short trip within Kuching. It only took about 20 minutes from Kuching to get there, and it was totally worth it. I’ve already been to Telaga Air three times, bringing my friends and family along. This place is well known for its affordable, fresh seafood and boat rides.

When we arrived, we had lunch first before going for the boat ride. The scenery was stunning, with a beautiful combination of mountains, sea, and river views. It was such a memorable experience, and I would highly recommend everyone to visit during good weather

This is heaven for seafood lovers, so fresh and cheap. I suggest coming during breakfast until lunch hour for the brunch with seafood dishes

After lunch, I took RM50/trip per boat. The trip is from the Telaga Air Jetty to the Laut China Selatan where you can see 3 magnificent views, which are Pulau Satang, Gunung Santubong and Gunung Serapi

Gunung Serapi from the boat

I was lucky enough to be able to watch the crocodile by the river this closeeee haha

Gunung Santubong view from jetty 

Gunung Santubong view from the river 

Gunung Santubong view from the river mouth

During my 3rd time here, the actual jetty was under construction, so we had to use the fisherman's jetty instead 

h) Bengoh Dam, Padawan (Jurassic Park of Sarawak) (50km from Kuching) 

Located about an hour from Kuching, this destination requires a guide for entry. I recommend looking on Facebook, as it's the primary platform for local information in Sarawak.

I added this spot to my bucket list after seeing it on Fikri Zamri’s YouTube channel because of its 'Jurassic Park' aesthetic. The journey involves parking by the lake, taking a scenic 20-minute boat ride to a rest house, and then hiking for 40 minutes to reach Susung Waterfall. The waterfall is breathtaking, but even the boat ride left me awestruck by the surrounding mountains.

I ride a boat for 20 minutes, with such breathtaking views in front of me, with the mountain and cloud views

We were greeted by the 1st waterfall beside the jetty.

We crossed the first waterfall while enjoying this view 

Multiple waterfalls, but my aim is Susung Waterfall!

Curtain Waterfall

the most awaited momentssss

The magnifique Jurassic Park of Sarawak !! Subahanallah 

You definitely need to bring a raincoat when you're at the bottom of this waterfall—it’s super windy down there! Alhamdulillah, I finally ticked this off my bucket list

Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to Kampung Sapit this time because I was on call the next day. I needed to head back and recharge! Til next time insyallah.

i) Sarawak Pustaka Lake , Kuching 

This is my go-to spot every weekend to recharge my soul whenever I don't have other plans. It is one of the most peaceful and scenic library lake gardens I’ve ever visited. My friends even say the architecture gives off European vibes! I come here almost every weekend to feed the fish, especially when I'm feeling stressed. I’m truly grateful that I can visit this place whenever I need a break.

This is one of the most beautiful library landscapes I’ve ever seen, and my friend always says it looks like a building from overseas

Brought my sister all the way from KL to experience Sarawak. This is not AI yea haha this is real, my fav place to feed fish whenever I'm stressed out

The architecture is amazing TBH, I never thought Sarawak had one of the most beautiful libraries that I have ever been in my life 

j) Taman Sahabat (Friendship park) + CHAGEE, Kuching 

The CHAGEE outlet at Taman Sahabat (Malaysia-China Friendship Park) is one of the most stunning and unique outlets in the country because it is housed inside a traditional Chinese pavilion right by the water. You can feed the fish by the pond also.

One of the most beautiful Chagee outlets in Malaysia. I feel like I'm in China with this kind of landscape

j) Borneo Cultural Museum, Kuching 

This is easily one of the most incredible museums in Malaysia—second only to the Terengganu State Museum for me. Words don't quite do it justice; it’s something you truly have to experience for yourself. If you don't have enough time for a full-day tour of the Sarawak Cultural Village, coming here is the perfect alternative to immerse yourself in the state's rich heritage. I was incredibly lucky that my Bidayuh friend brought me along; having her guide me and share firsthand insights into Sarawakian culture made the entire tour so much more meaningful.

You can bring your working pass in Sarawak to get a discount 

You can see the ADUN Kuching building from here

k) Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong (35km from Kuching City) 

This experience is a major highlight of my medical career here in Sarawak. This unique museum is one-of-a-kind, showcasing the distinct longhouses of the region's diverse ethnic groups. I was eager to learn about their cultures, as the majority of my hospital patients hail from various backgrounds across Sarawak. I believe it is vital to make a personal effort to understand their traditions, and being able to speak their languages is a wonderful advantage. Below is a list of the traditional houses found in the village:
1- Bidayuh
2. Iban 
3. Melanau 
4. Penan/Kenyah 
5. Malay 
6. Chinese 

To get the most out of your visit, I highly recommend arriving early in the morning to explore a few of the traditional houses. Make sure you are ready by 11:00 AM for the hour-long cultural showcase, after which you can take a relaxing break by Damai Beach rest area before heading back to see the rest of the village til 4.30pm.

To wrap up our tour of SCV, we concluded our day catching the sunset at the neighbouring Damai Beach. It was a beautiful experience, and I truly hope to bring my loved ones here in the future

This is "a must-visit place" when you work in Sarawak. Bring your working pass, and if you've been working for 2 years, you can get the same price as a Sarawakian for the entrance fees 

My favourite house is the Melanau tall house, as it is the largest one I've seen so far. I remain amazed by its architecture; built alongside rivers and seas, it features a remarkably resilient design. Most of the timber used is Kayu Belian, a wood that actually hardens over the years despite being constantly exposed to or submerged in water.

Here, you can truly experience the unique charm of Sarawak’s native houses and vibrant cultural diversity. This longhouse is my personal favourite among all the ethnic groups in Sarawak

Rumah Melanau with Mount Santubong view

the actual size of Melanau House compared to human

Melanau House from afar 

Mount Santubong view 

My favourite stairs & with my fav sling bag, which I brought to the hospital during ward round

a very sturdy crossover made by Bidayuh ethnique

Baruk

The Orang Ulu tallhouse was built high off the ground to keep out wild predators, as most of the community lived deep in the jungle

fav staircase

To escape the scorching heat outside, we took a one-hour break in the cool air-conditioning, where we were treated to traditional performances by the Dayak community

Orang Ulu house 

l) Pantai Damai, Santubong. (35km from Kuching city)

The absolute prime time to experience Damai Beach is right around sunset. If you drop by during the morning or afternoon, you'll likely find the intense tropical heat a bit too overwhelming for a comfortable stroll. Late afternoon brings a welcome drop in temperature, cooler coastal winds, and an unforgettable view as the sky turns into a canvas of golden colors over the Santubong coastline.Waiting until dusk rewards you with cooler, refreshing sea breezes and a spectacular view as the sun dips below the South China Sea, casting vibrant orange and purple hues across the water right next to the majestic backdrop of Mount Santubong.

perfect beach to watch the sunset with Mount Santubong behind me. The island in front of me is Pulau Satang

Kenyalang Bird's statue as a state symbol of Sarawak

Mount Santubong view behind us. I love the rocks on the beach 

 

The sunset here is very breathtaking

m) Borneo Tribal Village, Bau (37km from Kuching)

- I had my Mukhayyam Keluarga (Family day) of NGO that I joined in Sarawak. It was my first experience sleeping in Rumah Panjang(long house). I was so glad that I joined this special Mukhayyam because I never thought that this is my only and last mukhayyam in Sarawak. 

I prefer this traditional long house compared to the modern one 

mountains covered with fog

Perfect sunrise with Gunung Singai view 

my family in Sarawak. My support system here 

n) Kampung Nombor, Kuching

Of all the places I've been, this is my absolute favorite; there's a deep sense of nostalgia here that makes me feel like I'm returning to my hometown every time I cruise through on my scooter. It has become my weekend ritual to stroll along the quiet lanes, and on luckier days, unwind by the riverbank with a fishing rod in hand. Over time, I’ve been welcomed by so many warm and friendly locals.

Kampung Nombor. This village becomes incredibly vibrant and festive during Ramadan and the Raya celebrations. 

Bintangor Bridge, which connects the village and Kuching city 

a "mini' Bintangor Bridge

The highlight of the village for me is definitely the iconic Bintangor Bridge. The rustic, traditional kampung layout gives off an authentic Malay village charm—a peaceful atmosphere that I deeply crave. Having spent the last 30 years trapped in the hustle and bustle of city life where I grew up, I've realized how much I dislike the urban grind. This village gives me the slow-paced escape I truly need.

0) Satok Suspension Bridge, Kuching 

One of my favourite places for my post-call sunsets. I never get tired of going here, as this is one of my healing spots that I will miss dearly. I often go here during early morning, sunset or at night because each of these times serves a different epic view.

There are also some halal food stalls here where you can relax and enjoy the sunset 

p) Borneo Farm, Bau (20km from Kuching City) 

For anyone visiting this spot, my top recommendation is to come by car or arrange private transport, as hailing a Grab here can be incredibly challenging. We experienced this firsthand, but thankfully, the wonderful staff came to our rescue—letting us hitch a ride with them to the nearest town where it was much easier to secure a ride.

The attraction itself acts like a delightful mini zoo for the Kuching community, complete with a buggy service to take you through the grounds. It is truly an underrated gem that deserves more attention, especially since it serves as the perfect weekend destination for families with children who want to get up close and pet the animals. Unfortunately, it seems to fly under the radar, as not many people realize just how charming and attractive this place actually is. 

Unfortunately, I didn't capture more photos, I only captured animal videos most of the time hmm. 

q) Taman Perpaduan, Kuching 

One of my fav and nearest ports for feeding fish and have a short brisk walk. It's just 3 minutes from my hospital

r) Pantai Trombol ( 38km from Kuching city) 

I’ve only been here once, but the weather wasn't on my side. Still, I think it’s a perfect place for a family day because it’s a shallow beach and safe for kids.

You can see Mount Santubong from the beach 

My parents are obsessed with fishing, so here we are after went to the beach !

Greeted with double rainbows otw back to Kuching :)

s) Tasik Biru, Bau (35km from Kuching City)

Tasik Biru is hands down one of the 'bluest' and most breathtaking lakes I have ever been to. The water has an incredible turquoise hue, and there is so much to do—you can buy food to feed the fish gathered by the banks, or rent a boat for a scenic ride across the water to take in the stunning views, or visit the mini zoo across the lake.

t) Pasar Serikin, Bau (56km from Kuching)

It’s located on the border of Sarawak and Indonesia, about an hour-long drive away. It’s one of the longest markets I’ve ever visited in Malaysia. They mostly sell traditional items and clothes at much lower prices than the souvenir shops in Kuching. I suggest arriving early in the morning to avoid the scorching afternoon sun. Also, don't forget to bargain for the best price possible!

u) Sematan Waterfront, Lundu (107km from Kuching)

I have never seen a waterfront that offers such a unique view as this place. It is a calm spot where people often catch lobsters with a stunning view of Gunung Gading in the background.

Gunung Gading is famous for its Rafflesia. The park rangers keep their Facebook page updated with the best timing to see them, since the flowers take about a year to grow but only bloom for four days before they decay.

As for Sematan Waterfront, I have visited it three times now. The best time to go is early morning; you can have breakfast nearby and then go fishing. This place is so serene and peaceful that it makes me want to move here and leave city life behind forever.

v) Roxy Beach Resort, Sematan, Lundu  (110 km from Kuching) 

My parents really love this place because the beach is beautiful & the hotel showcases the nature and traditional woodcrafts made by the locals, such as a bamboo sofa and rattan chair & some wall hanging arts made by wood and rattan. It gives a modern and traditional vibe at the same time.  

cafe nearby the hotel

w) Telok Melano, Lundu (137km from Kuching) 

Telok Melano marks the iconic "tail" of Sarawak and serves as the absolute starting point (0.0km checkpoint) of the Pan Borneo Highway. I missed out on getting good shots of the beach this time around, as the combination of rainy weather and ongoing facility upgrades kept me from exploring the shoreline fully.

w) Jong Crocodile Park, Siburan (30km from Kuching) 

This is a trademark of Borneo and other rural areas in Peninsular Malaysia. I always wondered why there were no people enjoying the river or the seaside; now that I live here, I know why. There are literally signage everywhere saying "BEWARE OF CROCODILES," even at the beach, because those reptiles are actually there!

This place is located in Siburan, about 40 minutes from Kuching and close to Samarahan. I heard that they take in wild crocodiles caught by the authorities. The entrance fee was quite expensive, but I understand why; the sheer number of crocodiles and the cost of feeding them justifies the price!

x) Taman Desa Ilmu , UNIMAS Kota Samarahan (18km from Kuching City)

My friend, who works at the Sarawak Heart Centre, took me to Samarahan for a tour. While strolling through UNIMAS, we discovered a lake where students go to unwind and feed the fish. I’ve noticed that Sarawak features many iconic buildings and bridges, even on a campus. I’m constantly impressed by the architecture—it’s far beyond what I expected when I first arrived in Sarawak.

There are still so many incredible spots in Sarawak that my friends have explored, but I’ve yet to see, including the countless waterfalls and beaches along the coastline. However, my time here is cut short since I already got a new job offer at the University Hospital in Semenanjung.

I keep posting all my Sarawak adventures, and my friends are like, “Wait… Sarawak looks THIS pretty?!” 🌿✨ Honestly, with the views and the infrastructure here, some of my Sabah's friends who have already visited Kuching are kinda amazed with the infrastructure here. With the development of the railway track, I'm sure it will provide more convenience for Sarawakians and boost tourism in Kuching. 

Honestly, there are many more bucket list items I want to check off, but I need to go back to Semenanjung very soon. I hope I can go to Bung Jagoi, Mulu & Niah National Park, Bako National Park, Pantai Tusan/Peliau/Beraya in Miri, Kg Sapit Padawan, Kapit, Bintulu, Limbang, Sibu. Yeah, I will come back to Sarawak as a tourist next time insyallah. 

3. Trying the Sarawak Dishes 

Some of the must-try Sarawakian dishes include Ayam Pansuh, Pucuk Midin, Umai, Laksa Sarawak, Mee Kolok, Mee Sapi, Mita Cake House Buttercake, and Kek Lapis Sarawak. Speaking of Kek Lapis, I noticed that many locals love baking it themselves. After tasting a homemade version baked by my staff nurses, I stopped buying the store-bought ones entirely; theirs are made with premium ingredients that taste just as good, if not better, than the shops!

For anyone visiting Kuching for the first time, Lepau Restaurant, located right in the heart of the city, is an absolute must-try. My personal favourites there are the Butter Prawn, Terung Assam, Fiona(tepus) dishes, the Ikan Orang Ulu, and the Pucuk Midin. However, if you are looking for the best Ayam Pansuh, I highly recommend The Village Baruk Cafe across the river, where they still cook it traditionally inside a bamboo stalk. Lastly, for the ultimate Mee Sapi and Mee Kolok fix, Kafe Kak Bedah is the place to go.

Mi Kolok. For me my fav Mi Sapi was in Kafe Kak Bedah near Aeon Kuching

Umai 

Ayam Pansuh & Linut are the best in Village Baruk Cafe

Nasi lemak with Bario rice

Green tea cordial is a must-try when dining in Kuching. Unlike the bitter green tea found in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak's version is made from a sweet jasmine green tea syrup

Pucuk Midin, Ayam Pansuh, Prawn buttermilk were among the best in Lepau Cafe

We will have once in a blue moon of gathering in Lepau with my colleague a.k.a support system in KCH + ain (not in the pict)

The best Gula Apong ice cream for me is from Sam's ice cream

Laksa Sarawak in Mom's Laksa

homemade kek lapis made by my staf nurses

homemade kek lapis made by a friend's mother

I received kek lapis Sarawak as a departure gift from an auntie who lives in Kg Nombor 

4. Feeding the fish as my escape 

Feeding the fish has become my ultimate evening escape—a quiet ritual to clear my mind after a busy day. I have a few favourite spots that I rotate through every evening, including the serene lakeside at Pustaka Sarawak Lake, Taman Perpaduan, and the scenic waterfront at Taman Sahabat

5. Volunteers and Usrah

Being alone in a new city like Kuching was daunting, and I knew that having a solid, family-like support system would be crucial for my well-being. Finding this usrah group(small circle) was a true blessing. They truly became my home away from home during my stay in Sarawak. Our gatherings provided me with a wonderful outlet to channel my thoughts and unpack my emotions; without fail, I always walked away from our meetings with a clear mind and a lighter heart.

weekly circle with them 

To actively engage with the community and maximise my personal growth, sometimes I dedicate my free time to volunteer with IKRAMhealth. In this role, I actively participated in organising and delivering vital CPR demonstrations to local school students, which allowed me to connect with the community and teach life-saving skills.

6. Exploring the Mosques (masjid Hoping)

One way to calm my mind and soul was to find a new mosque every Friday night. I met a few of the aunties who treat me like their own granddaughter/ daughter. I often received free food from them, and they even invited me to eat in the nearest restaurant and helped me when I needed them the most. 

Masjid India, Kuching Waterfront

Surau Al Qarar, Kg Nombor

Masjid Al-Abyadh (The White Mosque), Kuching

Masjid Jamek, Kuching 

Masjid Pehin Sri Haji Adenan Haji Satem in Lundu. One of the most beautiful interior mosque

Kuching City Mosque

Beyond the Comfort Zone: Reflecting on My Career Journey in Sarawak 

From another perspective, I want to share how much I grew internally during my short time in Sarawak. 

I still find it hard to believe how drastically my experience changed when I moved here. Managing oncology cases for the entire state of Sarawak was a massive shift; I never imagined handling three times the referrals I used to get at HKL. Because Sarawak is so vast, every single district hospital refers their oncology cases straight to us at SGH Kuching.

Even though the workload and on-calls were way more demanding than in KL, it truly built my resilience. It taught me to show up and keep pushing day after day. As a service MO here, I’ve learned things I never had the chance to touch before, like brachytherapy. I even got to be a committee member for an international oncology program—something I never thought I'd do. 

Being far from KL makes you realise how precious medical seminars and courses are. Since our options here are often limited to drug talks, we absolutely jump at the chance if a course in KL is sponsored. Furthermore, what I love about our department is that the specialists really push us to grow—they genuinely want to see us become specialists one day. Even though our chemo regime system is half-manual and half-digital, it runs incredibly systematically, and I'm gonna miss it when I change my workplace.

I now know I was placed in Sarawak to be pushed out of my comfort zone. And honestly, as tough as I thought I had it, my friends in the district hospitals have it much harder, managing cases entirely on their own without immediate specialist backing. I have so much respect for the MOs surviving in the districts, especially those from Semenanjung who chose to stay in Borneo away from their families. I really hope the Ministry of Health increases the allowances for those in Sabah and Sarawak's rural areas, as it really helps cover flight tickets back home for the sake of our mental sanity. 

I learned to embrace solitude and navigate life’s storms on my own. Living there taught me resilience and independence, allowing me to find fulfilment in solitude and appreciate the diverse people I encountered. I also learned how to find happiness within myself and appreciate every person I met and every moment I spent there.

We cover oncology cases across the vast expanse of Sarawak

One last event we conducted before I return back to semenanjung

Thank you to all specialist & senior who guided me throughout my career journey in Sarawak. Not to forget the staff nurses and my other hospital colleagues. Please pray for me in the future.

I strongly believe that Allah placed me there for a reason. It was only after returning to Peninsular Malaysia that I realized the massive impact that experience had on my career. Professionally, stepping out of my comfort zone was the best decision I could have made. Having 'Work Experience in Borneo' on my resume was a major advantage in securing a position at a University Hospital Centre, despite being early in my career. I wouldn't have found this much clarity for my future if I hadn't taken that leap. If I hadn't taken this leap, I would still be hiding in my comfort shell for sure.

My mother bought this traditional Sarawak beaded bracelet, and I decided to put it on my stethoscope 

I am truly grateful for my time here. I have no regrets, as I gained so much from the culture, traditions, and beautiful landscapes of Sarawak. I truly hope to return one day as a tourist—or perhaps even retire there.

This is a short compilation video that I made for almost 1 year here

Thank you Sarawak !!

Alhamdulillah al kulli haal

Sunset view in my hospital

Night view of my hospital

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#hiddengemsinSarawak

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