The Best Version of Me is at Sea?

To tell you straight: No, the best version of me is not at sea. Yet, I manage to find myself on cruises more often than not, at least recently. My latest cruise was to celebrate my grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary—an impressive feat that almost makes me believe in love (kidding). Perhaps an even greater feat was coordinating the logistics of the 22 guests who went on this cruise to celebrate with us.

The cruise stopped in seven countries: Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Singapore. Here are some highlights:

Taiwan

The weather was bad, and I was sick, but we got to Taipei a couple of days early. My main objective was to try all the good food, including the original boba tea. We also explored surrounding areas, such as Jiufen—the town that inspired Spirited Away—and Shifen, where we released traditional sky lanterns. Taipei was where we met up with many of the other cruise guests. Together, we wandered through the bustling night market, and though my objective was food-driven, none of us were quite brave enough to try stinky tofu in the end.

Once we embarked the cruise ship, our first stop was Kaohsiung. For me, this was mostly uneventful, though the others had many adventures—at least from what I gathered when I found them later that night. When I woke up from one of my many naps throughout the day at 1AM, my friend still hadn’t returned to the room. Nervous something had happened, I dragged my sick self around the ship, calling and searching for them. Eventually, I found the group at the ship’s pub, in high spirits. While I was initially irritated, once I knew everyone was safe, I was able to relax and enjoy their recounting of the day’s adventures (at least as much as one can while sick at 3 AM).

Philippines

Next on the itinerary was the homeland, once again. It was great to see more of my home country. While I had just spent two weeks visiting family (see my blog: Semi-Wishing for Another Semi-Sabbatical), I mostly stuck to the Manila metro area and I was excited to explore other regions.

Our first stop took us to North Luzon. After a long and tedious disembarkation process, we were eager to inject some excitement into the trip at the Paoay Sand Dunes. We jumped into 4x4s and sped through the desert landscape—it felt like a natural rollercoaster—before trying our hand at sandboarding.

After another brief stop in Manila, we headed South. The next three stops were the ones people often come to the Philippines for: Coron, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa. Each destination was more breathtaking than the last, and I’m already planning my return. In Coron, the crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone cliffs were simply unforgettable, while Boracay's powdery white beaches were perfect for a leisurely day in the sun. Puerto Princesa, with its lush landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, is somewhere I’ll definitely revisit. Throughout these stops, we balanced water activities, beach days, and relaxation, along with my unshakeable desire to find the nearest zipline (cue that zipline meme). Each stop was a vivid reminder of the Philippines' natural beauty, deepening my appreciation for its diverse landscapes and rich culture.

Malaysia

In Kota Kinabalu, we spent the majority of our time at the Mari Mari Cultural Village. While surely a tourist trap, it was an enriching experience 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, who were often descendants of the tribes themselves, shared fascinating stories about their heritage, and we had the chance to observe and even 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, we were greeted by loud, echoing calls—intimidating at first (I was relieved to be near the back of the line!), but their warm energy quickly put us at ease. Each tribe home had unique features, but the Lansaran, a traditional wooden trampoline in the center of the Murut house, was especially captivating. Traditionally used for dance and games, we had the chance to try it ourselves. 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.

Brunei

Brunei was the stop that initially 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 is often a subject of curiosity and speculation. While we never got a true sense of what daily life is like beneath the surface, I found myself wondering how the country’s unique blend of tradition, wealth, and political structure shapes its people’s lives and the 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 curiosity to learn more about its history, people, and how it balances tradition with modernity.

Vietnam

Whenever people ask me what my favorite countries are, I always say Vietnam and Australia. After this trip, I can safely say my two favorite countries are…still Vietnam and Australia.

We had just one day in Ho Chi Minh City, but we made the most of it. The highlight of the day was a scooter food tour that allowed us to 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 the more touristy spots and discovering hidden gems along more local roads. The food was incredible—we sampled everything from fresh spring rolls to my favorite, pho (duh!), and of course, the one and only Vietnamese coffee. All the while, we took 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 made it a day to remember.

Singapore

The cruise ended in Singapore, a city I hadn’t visited in years, and it was fascinating to see how much it had changed. Modern skyscrapers and sleek infrastructure now 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, of course, we indulged in the renowned hawker stalls. From the urban landscapes to the street food culture, Singapore left a lasting impression—one that continued 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 purposely got there 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 the various attractions, and marveled at the design of the terminals. 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.

Overall Reflections

What isn’t highlighted above are the countless in-between moments that made the trip unforgettable. While the sights and activities were incredible, so much of this experience was about reconnecting with family and friends. From my grandparents' vow renewal to doing 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, is the best version of me at sea? Once again, god no. But these experiences, with all their highs and lows, are undeniably shaping the best version of me on land.