GOPENG, Feb 28 — Burnout is no longer just something young Malaysians joke about online.
For some, it has become serious enough to warrant stepping away from work, the city, and everyday pressures altogether.
Tucked away in the greenery of Gopeng, Perak, the Heartfield Sanctuary – originally a nursing and rehabilitation centre – has emerged as an unlikely refuge for youths and working adults seeking mental and emotional recovery.
The facility has been referred to by some as a “youth retirement home”, following a viral video that drew public attention to the centre.
Participants who spoke to Malay Mail said the decision to join the programme was not about giving up on life or responsibilities, but about regaining control after prolonged stress, anxiety and emotional exhaustion.
For Chan, a 36-year-old working adult from Perak who asked to be identified only by his surname, the programme came at a point when his mental health had begun affecting his body.
“I didn’t want to let myself keep getting worse, mentally and physically,” he said.
Chan described years of work-related stress and negative thinking that slowly chipped away at his confidence, especially after repeated setbacks in both his career and personal goals.
“Even though I tried my best and worked hard, I couldn’t get the outcome I wanted. Over time, I lost confidence in myself,” he said.
The strain eventually disrupted his sleep and left him feeling constantly overwhelmed.
Stepping away from his usual environment, he said, felt necessary rather than indulgent.
Before arriving at the sanctuary, Chan imagined a quiet retreat with meditation sessions and professional psychological support – something far removed from the pressures of his workplace.
While some parts of the programme were more demanding than expected, the experience ultimately surpassed what he had hoped for.
One of the most challenging – and transformative – routines was the daily cold-water bath at dawn.
“It’s very cold, but it feels like energy is being pumped into your body,” he said. “You feel refreshed and more alert.”
Morning meditation sessions followed, which Chan said helped him feel calmer and mentally lighter.
Unexpectedly, simple activities such as feeding animals around the sanctuary also became deeply therapeutic.
Since joining the programme, Chan said he has noticed a shift in how he approaches life.
“The most important change is that I’ve moved away from negative thinking. I’ve regained my confidence and learned to believe in myself again,” he said, adding that he has also learned to prioritise his own well-being.
“I used to care too much about others and forget about myself. Now I’ve learned to say no to things that make me feel sad.”
Another participant, a 29-year-old working adult who declined to be named, said her decision to join was more spontaneous.
Unlike Chan, she was not dealing with depression, but felt mentally drained by city life.
“I just wanted to get away from the city and have some space,” she said.
With no fixed expectations, she described the experience as a stark contrast from her usual routine — and a welcome one.
“The calm and tranquility were the best parts,” she said, adding that the slower pace helped her become more appreciative of things she had previously overlooked.
The experience, she said, served as a reminder to make time for herself, something she had neglected while juggling work and daily demands.
The surge of interest in Heartfield Sanctuary, according to its owner Wong Kim Fah, followed widespread attention on social media, which brought a flood of public inquiries.
Wong, 61, a psychologist, said the idea of opening the centre to youths and working adults came from his son.
While the sanctuary has long catered to rehabilitation needs, it began accepting younger participants seeking mental recovery late last year.
The first group, which began last December, comprised 15 participants – the maximum capacity – most of whom came from outside Perak, including Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and Johor.
They stayed for about a month.
For the second intake in January 2026, Wong said five participants remain, all enrolled under mental rehabilitation and healing programmes designed for individuals experiencing mild depression, anxiety, stress and panic disorder.
“All participants must undergo medical and physical assessments and be interviewed before being accepted,” he said.
“We only accept participants who are in a stable phase. We do not take in individuals with aggressive behaviour, high risk of self-harm, or active mental illnesses such as delusions and hallucinations.”
Wong stressed that participants are not “retiring” from work or studies.
Most are on extended leave or between jobs, using the time to recalibrate rather than disengage permanently.
Fees range from RM880 to RM2,500 depending on the programme selected.
The Basic Care Services programme, which runs for 30 days, costs between RM2,100 and RM2,500 depending on room type and is aimed at individuals who are self-sufficient but need emotional support or structure.
A separate Psychological Rehabilitation Services programme costs RM1,500 for 30 days and caters to individuals with mild anxiety or depression, autism, youths who describe themselves as “lying flat”, and those seeking guidance in life direction.
The Integrated Rehabilitation Services programme, priced at RM2,500 per month, is designed for stroke patients, post-surgery recovery cases and individuals with depression.
For those hesitant about a long stay, the centre also offers a three-day, two-night short-term programme costing RM880, which includes daily care, one group activity and a basic psychological assessment.
All programmes include daily meals.
Wong said the mental health rehabilitation routine involves two structured sessions daily.
The morning begins with a cold bath at around 6am, followed by mindful meditation aimed at emotional regulation and mental recovery.
Afternoons and evenings are spent on light activities such as animal care, farming, nursery work and housekeeping.
Originally a palm oil plantation, the sanctuary was taken over about 20 years ago and gradually transformed into a nursing and rehabilitation facility.
Wong said it is now in the process of transitioning further to cater specifically to youths and working adults seeking respite from fast-paced lifestyles.
Construction is underway to add more rooms, with expansion expected to be completed by March next year.
As interest continues to grow, the sanctuary reflects a broader shift among young Malaysians – one where stepping back is no longer seen as failure, but as a necessary pause in an increasingly relentless working world.
