Reflections: Hometowns

I spent about 15 years of my life in Miri. These were the early years, the development years and the vast majority of my childhoods memories involve this town.

Miri is a bustling city in Sarawak, which is part of East Malaysia. It is about two hours drive from Brunei, and a two hour flight from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.

My parents still live there. My father opened a clinic there earlier this year, after twenty or so years working for a multinational company. He was originally from Balingian, a district sort of in between Sibu and Bintulu, two other towns in Sarawak. My mother was originally from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, and most of her family still lives there. We gather in Kuching every Christmas to celebrate.

Miri isn’t very big by any standards. It is driven by natural resources – oil, gas, timber. It is a fairly rich town. There is a strip of beach with a few mansions – I privately call this Millionaire’s Row. These are the homes of the timber tycoons. Palatial and imposing, they represent the hard work and determination of their owners.

For all its commerce and industry, there is also a quaint side to Miri. There is a strip of land between the ocean and the river, where the Shell company houses are. There are no fences here – unlike the rest of Miri – and all the houses are white. There are lots of trees. Also here are the Piasau Boat Club, and the Miri Golf Club. It feels a little colonial. It’s linked to Miri proper by a bridge, and it’s almost like stepping back in time when you cross it. We used to bring our dog Spot to the beach there, he barked so loudly when we crossed the river. He died a couple of years ago, and is buried at the beach that he loved so much.

My first love (so what if it was puppy love) happened here. I have so many memories of birthdays, friends, family … and the food! The best Sarawak laksa ever can be found Miri.

I don’t know if I will ever return permanently. I have grown apart from my childhood friends and they are probably not only on different pages from me, but in another book altogether. I will always remember Miri fondly though, I grew up there and it will always be my home town.