Wanderlust Wonders: Vivian’s Journey Abroad (Week 15)
Lion City Legends- Week 7
As we approach this final week in Singapore, mixed emotions arise. It’s bittersweet leaving this vibrant city-state. While I’d be more than happy to continue life abroad, I look forward to flying home and reuniting with my family and friends.
In honor of Singapore Labor Day on May 1st, I revisited Sentosa Island, a place that holds special significance as it symbolizes a full-circle moment from our first week in Singapore. This time around, I immersed myself in the wonders of the S.E.A. Aquarium and savored amazing new foods. Additionally, over the weekend, I traveled to Singapore’s neighboring country, Malaysia, continuing to explore and embrace new cultural experiences.
Highlight #1: Sentosa
Sentosa’s allure never fades, drawing me back again. The S.E.A. Aquarium, home to 100,000+ marine animals across 40 diverse habitats, captivated my imagination. Among the large array of sea creatures, my favorite is watching sea dragons swim about. As I once swam amidst the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef during spring break, observing these creatures from a distance evoked a sense of nostalgia and wonder. Following the aquarium adventure, we indulged in the culinary delights of a neighboring restaurant near Sentosa’s picturesque shores, savoring the unique flavors of Black Squid Ink Paella, accompanied by fresh Japanese desserts.
Highlight #2: Malaysia
Venturing into Johor Bahru, the capital of Johor, Malaysia, provided a glimpse into a different way of life. The streets exuded a rustic charm, contrasting with the bustling urban landscape of Singapore. Here, we had the extraordinary opportunity to visit an alpaca cafe, immersing ourselves in the tranquil presence of these gentle creatures while eating the cafe’s signature dishes. We also watched “The Fall Guy” in 4-D which added a thrilling dimension to this Malaysian trip, as each punch and attack towards the characters on-screen was physically felt by the audience through moving seats, gusts of air, and splashes of water.
As I bid farewell to Singapore, I carry with me an immense collection of cherished memories—moments of laughter, discovery, and the breathtaking beauty of different cultural landscapes. Though my time abroad draws to a close, the art of traveling will serve as a guiding light on future journeys.
Until we meet again, Singapore—thank you for the adventure of a lifetime, and may your charm continue to captivate travelers from near and far.
Vivian Kuang ’25
BSBA in Management and Organizations Freeman College of Management