Being able to travel, whether locally or abroad, is a privilege. That’s something people with privilege (like the kids of the wealthy or those who don’t even have to pay taxes) often forget when they tell people like me, a breadwinner, to “take a vacation.”
When the US Embassy denied the visa applications for me and Christopher earlier this year, we were crushed. It hit my partner especially hard, since he was set to play a crucial role in an important event our Church is hosting this July. It would’ve been his first time in the US, and he had poured so much of himself into preparing for it. Sadly, the Embassy doesn’t really discern who’s applying with pure, honest intentions.
As a way to make the most of things, we decided to take our first-ever multi-city trip in Asia. Since it was our first time doing something like this, we went with a travel agency that includes free time in their tour packages, so while we’re checking off the must-see spots, we also get the chance to explore on our own terms.
We ended up booking through Wandertrift Travel & Tours and chose their 6-days, 5-nights Singapore-Malaysia tour. It struck the perfect balance, structured enough to cover the essentials, but flexible enough to let us wander off and make the experience our own.
Big thanks to Pauline from Wandertrift, who was incredibly patient with us every step of the way. She answered all our questions, helped us with the requirements, and really made the whole experience smooth and hassle-free. And of course, thanks to my Christopher for knowing how to make the most of every moment on this trip.
One of the stops that really stuck with us was Batu Caves. We climbed all the way up but didn’t make a wish because I thought that was something you’re supposed to do at Genting Highlands. Honestly, we’re not superstitious, so it didn’t really matter to us. Still, right after we came down those famous stairs, I got some amazing news about something personal Christopher and I had been hoping for and praying about for months. In that moment, it really felt like the universe was quietly giving us a nod.
This trip made us realize even more how much of a privilege travel really is, something we don’t always get to do, especially when you’re used to carrying responsibilities back home. That’s why we’re just really grateful we got to go at all. It wasn’t the US trip we planned, but it turned out to be something special in its own right.
Looking back, the visa rejection turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Getting that good news at Batu Caves while also witnessing the incredible coexistence of cultures in Singapore and Malaysia made the whole journey even more meaningful. Like Christopher said, sometimes rejection is just redirection.
↗️ Check out our Singapore-Malaysia moments here.
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