The Best Version of Me is at Sea?

To tell you straight: No, the best version of me is not at sea. Yet recently, I’ve found myself on cruises more often than not. My most recent voyage was a special one—celebrating my grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary, a milestone so extraordinary it almost makes me believe in love. Moreover, coordinating our 22 guests for this celebration proved to be an act of devotion in itself.

Much like our group of 22, the cruise had a lot going on. To make sense of it all, this post will provide a rundown of the trip’s highlights. The cruise stopped in seven countries: Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Singapore. Here are some of the standout moments.

Taiwan

The weather was bad, and I was sick, but we arrived in Taipei a couple of days early. From the moment we touched down, my main goal was clear: to eat my way through all the incredible food Taiwan had to offer. I started with the original boba tea and planned to work my way up to the delicacies at Taipei’s most popular night market. Over the next couple of days, we wandered through restaurants, malls, and bustling food stalls, eagerly checking off items from my carefully curated list of must-try eats. Despite my appetite and adventurous spirit, there was one local specialty that none of us could muster the courage to try in the end: stinky tofu. Maybe next time (but probably not).

Beyond our food adventures, we explored other areas of Taiwan. While in Taipei, we took day trips to nearby towns like Jiufen, the enchanting spot that inspired Spirited Away, and Shifen, where we released traditional sky lanterns into the misty evening sky. The cruise also stopped in Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s bustling southern city, but unfortunately, I was still sick and spent most of my two days there resting on the ship.

Philippines

Next on the itinerary was the Philippines. While I had just spent two weeks visiting family there (see my blog: Semi-Wishing for Another Semi-Sabbatical), I was excited to explore other regions of the country.

Our first stop was North Luzon. After a long and tedious disembarkation process, we were eager to inject some excitement into the trip at the Paoay Sand Dunes. Riding through the desert in 4x4s felt like a natural rollercoaster, with every twist and bump adding to the thrill. Check out the video below for some cool footage of us.

From there, we made a brief stop in Manila before heading south to explore the Philippines’ most iconic destinations: Coron, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa.

Coron captivated us with its crystal-clear waters and towering limestone cliffs, while Boracay’s powdery white beaches offered the perfect setting for a lazy day in the sun. Despite an initial hiccup in Puerto Princesa (our tour guide showed up late), we made the most of our limited time by exploring the mangrove forests and soaring across the sea on a zipline—enjoying a stunning 360-degree view of the area’s lush landscapes, punctuated by the not-so-stunning sound of my brother’s screams.

Between the thrilling adventures, water activities, beachside relaxation, and my constant quest for the nearest zipline (cue that zipline meme), these stops deepened my connection to my home country’s incredible landscapes and culture. I’m excited to go back and spend more time at each one someday.

Malaysia

Next on the itinerary was Malaysia. We stopped in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state, and spent the majority of our time at the Mari Mari Cultural Village. While it was surely a tourist trap, it provided an enriching opportunity to learn more about the traditions and lifestyles of Sabah’s indigenous tribes. We were guided through beautifully recreated traditional houses, each representing a different tribe, where we learned about their unique customs, rituals, and crafts. The local guides, often descendants of the tribes themselves, shared fascinating stories about their heritage, and we had the chance to observe and participate in various cultural activities.

One of the most memorable parts of the visit was our time with the Murut tribe. Known for their headhunting practices in the past, their fascinating history contrasts with the vibrant culture they uphold today. As we approached their home, loud, echoing calls greeted us. The sound was intimidating at first (I was relieved to be near the back of the line!), but their chief’s warm and playful energy quickly put us at ease. Each tribal home had unique features, but the Lansaran stood out. This traditional wooden trampoline, located in the center of the Murut house, was historically used for dance and games. We even had the chance to try it ourselves (see below). Jumping on this piece of history while engaging in the tribe’s playful traditions gave me a deep appreciation for their rich heritage and lively spirit. Our visit was short, but I’m glad we experienced a meaningful part of the country’s indigenous history.

Brunei

Next up: Brunei. Brunei was the stop that intrigued me the most. Having heard so much about it, the country certainly lived up to its mystique. Known for its wealth, strict governance, and Islamic monarchy, Brunei often sparks curiosity and speculation. While we never got a true sense of what daily life was like beneath the surface, I found myself wondering how the country’s unique blend of tradition, wealth, and political structure continues to shape its people’s lives and society as a whole. During our brief stop, the country’s distinctive architecture and rich culture stood out. Although our visit was short, it left a lasting impression, sparking a deeper curiosity to learn more about its history, people, and how it balances tradition with modernity.

Vietnam

After a much-needed sea day, we anchored in Vietnam for the day. If you didn’t already know, Vietnam and Australia (see my blog: The Wonder of Down Under) have been (and still are) my two favorite countries.

While we only had one day in Ho Chi Minh City, we made the most of it. The highlight of the day was a scooter food tour that let us experience the local cuisine in the most authentic way possible. Zipping through the chaotic streets of the city on the back of a scooter was an adventure in itself. It was exhilarating to weave in and out of traffic, feeling the pulse of the city as we zoomed past touristy spots and discovered hidden gems along more local roads.

The food was incredible. We sampled everything from fresh spring rolls to the one and only Vietnamese coffee—and my personal favorite, pho (duh!). All the while, we soaked in the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhoods we passed through. Each stop on the tour introduced us to another aspect of Vietnamese culture, and the combination of food, scooters, and local flair reaffirmed my love for this country in all its glory.

Singapore

Finally, our last stop: Singapore, a city I hadn’t visited in years. It was fascinating to see how much had changed. Modern skyscrapers and sleek infrastructure blended seamlessly with the city’s unique cultural heritage. We hit all the big touristy spots: the iconic Marina Bay Sands, the legendary garden show at Gardens by the Bay, and the renowned hawker stalls. From the urban landscapes to the street food culture, Singapore left a lasting impression—one that stayed with me as I parted ways with the group and made my way to the city’s world-renowned airport.

Known as one of the world’s best airports, I arrived early to explore before my flight. It felt more like a mini city than a transit hub. Unfortunately, the iconic waterfall was down for maintenance (guess that means I’ll have to return, right?), but there was still plenty to enjoy. I wandered through lush gardens, enjoyed various attractions, and marveled at the terminal designs. From the diverse shops and restaurants to the countless lounges offering a bit of luxury, Changi Airport was more than just a place to catch a flight—it was an experience in itself and a unique way to end this two-week journey.

Overall Reflections

What wasn’t highlighted above were the countless in-between moments that made the trip unforgettable. While the sights and activities were incredible, so much of the experience was about reconnecting with family and friends. From my grandparents' vow renewal to an impromptu JC Penney photoshoot onboard (see below for some truly ridiculous photos), there were plenty of onboard activities that kept us equally on our toes. The pace was constant, packing an incredible amount into just two weeks. Between the logistics, the diverse dynamics of our 22-person group, and the whirlwind of activities, it was certainly a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion. So, was the best version of me at sea? Still no. But these experiences, with all their highs and lows, are undeniably shaping the best version of me on land.