Turning 40 feels like a milestone worth celebrating, so I decided to do it in a way that reflects everything I love about travel: food, culture, exploration, and a little bit of luxury. This upcoming birthday trip will take me across three incredible Asian destinations, Singapore, Bali, and Taiwan, and the itinerary is all about maximizing experiences while minimizing unnecessary travel time. It is the kind of trip I have always wanted to do, and it feels like the perfect way to welcome a new decade of life.
I’ll be starting in Singapore, a city that never feels real until you’re standing in it. I arrive early on March 12 and plan to ease into the trip with a visit to Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and a stroll through Gardens by the Bay. Over the next couple of days, I’ll be diving into the city’s cultural pockets like Little India and Haji Lane, catching the Marina Bay Sands light show, and taking a food tour that I’m sure will set the tone for the rest of the trip. On my actual birthday, March 15, I’m marking the day with a private Chinatown tour, a Michelin-starred hawker lunch, and possibly a river cruise before flying out to Bali. Not a bad way to turn 40.
Bali will be my chance to slow down. After checking in and enjoying a rooftop dinner, I’m giving myself a full day just to relax, whether it’s by the beach or at the resort. Then I’ll dive into the island’s spiritual side with visits to Lempuyang Temple, Besakih Great Temple, and maybe even Pura Beji Amerta Gangga if time allows. I’m wrapping that day with a sunset dinner on Jimbaran Beach, because some experiences just never get old. Before flying out to Taipei, I’m spending a morning in Ubud enjoying a spa session and stopping by the massive Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. Bali always finds a way to reset me, and that’s exactly what I’m hoping for on this leg of the trip.
The final stop is Taipei, a city that blends traditional culture with modern energy in the best way. From the Taipei 101 Observatory to the buzzing streets of Ximending, I’m excited to soak up as much as I can. The National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and a tea tasting in Dadaocheng are all on the list. I’m also planning a half-day trip to Jiufen to walk through its lantern-lined alleys and soak in the atmosphere that inspired movies and anime. And of course, the night markets—Shilin, Ningxia, and Raohe—are going to be their own adventure. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can never go wrong ending a long travel day with good street food.
This trip feels like the perfect blend of everything that makes travel meaningful to me. It’s the places I’ve dreamed of, the food I can’t wait to try, and the moments I know I’ll remember years from now. And as much as this itinerary is already packed, I’m still open to adding something special. If you’ve been to Singapore, Bali, or Taipei, what would you recommend I add to this 40th birthday adventure?