Singapore

Monday 31 December 2018

reflecting on 2018 & welcoming 2019

In just a few hours, it will be the New Year, oh how scarily fast time flies when you're adulting! As much as I would love to clear my other blog drafts before the new year begin, things have been so hectic the past weeks and I even fell sick. I finally had some time for myself early this week but with work still constantly at the back of my head *sigh* Nevertheless, 2018 has been a quite an amazing journey for myself so I am crossing my hands 2019 will be kind to me as well!

Anyways, this post is just me looking back into 2018 and counting my blessings. There were bad things such as how I contracted dengue but that showed how I am surrounded by people who cared about me. Of course,even my parents overfed me while I was recuperating at home. In many ways, I feel loved and blessed.

The other random highlights of my 2018 life, not in specific order are:-

#1 Okay, not something I did in 2018 but rather something I managed to do _ I completed my Bali & Singapore's Travelogues woohoo!!

#2 I bought a DSLR and took lotsa photos! Our relationship is still going strong hahahaha

#3 tried Merchants' Lane cafe for the first time with my homies

#4 Explored several parks in KL & Selangor such as Taman Botani in Shah Alam, Lake Gardens, Desa Park, Kota Damansara Community Forest Park and early this week, Serendah Waterfall. I super love being in contact with nature. In case y'all never heard, shinrin yoku aka forest bathing is a natural therapy involving spending time in nature to promote self-healing. It works for me especially when I feel so stress up thinking about work but the moment I spend time just looking at trees and flowers or dipping my legs into streams and waterfall, I feel so calm.

#5 Speaking of shinrin yoku, Japonisme is back and they are such fascinating concepts such as Ikigai, Kintsugi and more (there are books of these titles which I totally wanna read!). Japan is freaking awesome! Of course, Japonisme revolves around a whole lot more such as art, sculptures and architectures but I'm more fascinated with the cultures and ideas which can be put into practice in our everyday life.

#6 Went on a random 2D1N trip to Cameron Highlands. Sharing my Cameron Highlands' itinerary & budget in case y'all planning for vacays! Because I had a lot on my plates this year, I decided to hold all international travel which is quite a bummer! This may continue until 2019 IDK but I really am missing Japan a lot *sniff*

#7 I did explore quite a few local spots, one of them Tadom Hill Resort with my colleagues. It's a small recreational spot but we had great fun playing human size jenga and some of us jumped into the man-made lake

#8 Probably the coolest thing ever _ I attended an Indian wedding for the first time! Check out how it went. I find the ceremony truly fascinating and eye-opening.

#9 my old friends, Daniel and Naoko came down from England for a visit & I met their baby, Nagisa-chan for the first time! Aside from the lovely family, two other friends from Australia and another from the Netherlands were around for a visit and we hung out. I feel grateful that they remember and took some time to hang out with me albeit their short visit. I also find it funny how whenever I think of them, they'll somehow always end up contacting me soon after!

Of course, there are great friends living locally whom I wish we could meet up more often but everyone is busy with their lives. Still, I can always count on them for being there! *virtual hugs* It's just like the quote about how "Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them but you know they're there". I tried looking for other quotes but I think this is the closest way to describe them.

#10 Attended another of my gal pal and ex-colleague's wedding, such a pretty bride!

#11 Ate a lot of durians when durian runtuh, literally.

#12 I discovered Hermo, the ultimate online beauty shopping haven

#13 went to the 2018 Bon Odori in Shah Alam for 2 consecutive years

#14 Decluttered my room. Still working on being a minimalist!

#15 Discovered thrifting, namely in Kedai Bless and ReFash

#16 I discover a love for nude shade lippies and eyeshadow. Wanted to write about them but I didn't have the time! Soon!!

#17 One of the many things in my head these days are the topic about sustainability and nature. By now you've probably heard me mentioned about this several times now. I noticed in the past few months, there were more brands and companies supporting the concept of recycling which is great news! From the ban of plastic straws, to a garment brand accepting bras recycling, to Uniqlo's recycling program and even 1 Utama Mall's electronics recycling. The list goes on. Totally supporting this movement and I hope this practice be a long term goals for many.

Those are pretty much what I can recount for now. Until the next post, wishing y'all all the best for 2019! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Friday 2 November 2018

Is Air Asia's ASEAN PASS worth it's value?

Its almost a year and I'm finally posting this up OMG I'm so efficient. At the end of 2017, I made plans with my friends to travel to BOTH Bali and Singapore. That was the first time I have been to multiple destinations and 2 countries in a single vacation! So far, Air Asia has been my only choice of flying so obviously I opted for Air Asia for my trip.

The idea to visit all these places came from my discovery of Air Asia's ASEAN Pass, a unique flying pass which allows you to travel to multiple destinations in several countries for a much more affordable price, as Air Asia claims. With a quick search on Google, I found that this pass was launched way back in 2015! Therefore, I am dedicating this post to share with y'all on how you can use this to your advantage, whether this is something you should opt to get, the pros and cons and so on. Just a disclaimer, this is NOT a sponsored post but simply a review to share with y'all my experience in using the ASEAN Pass.

How does the ASEAN Pass work?

You first have to decide whether to purchase either 10 or 20 credits ASEAN Pass. From here, you can start booking your flight ticket using these 'credits' instead of cash.

Here is a table illustrating the list of destinations you can head to FROM KUALA LUMPUR with 1 and 3 credits respectively.

Here are some of the suggested itineraries from Air Asia's website to illustrate how the pass works.

What you want to note is that the credits will differ depending on where you are departing from and where are you heading.

Aside from that, while some destinations are available say if you fly from Kuala Lumpur, will not be available in another country. For example, you can fly to Bandung, Indonesia from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore BUT that is not possible from Bangkok, Thailand. Thorough planning is required if you want to fully optimize the credits!

Where did I travel?

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
↓
Bali, Indonesia
↓
Singapore
↓
Kuala Lumpur

Initially, I was very ambitious and wanted to include several more destinations, simply to utilize the credits I have. In the end, I only decided on Bali and Singapore which was quite an experience nevertheless!

With the pass, I also bought an additional flight ticket from Lombok back to Kuala Lumpur. This was my contingency plan in case Mount Agung erupts and I definitely don't want to be left stranded. Thankfully, I didn't have to go forward with this but prior to my flight, I was so concerned. A bit kiasi of melah but I'd rather be prepared. The volcano's activity reduced in October 2017, and even when it erupted a month later and again in January 2018, it did little damage to Bali's tourism and the major tourists' sites.

Just for comparison sake, I checked on Air Asia's normal flight routes for flights in November to December 2018 for the routes I took last year and my findings are as below:-

ROUTES	Air Asia’s Flight Tickets*	Air Asia’s ASEAN Pass
Kuala Lumpur à Bali	RM204.00	3 Credits
Bali à Singapore	RM174.48	3 Credits
Singapore à Kuala Lumpur	RM256.33	1 Credit
Lombok à Kuala Lumpur	RM205.92	3 Credits
TOTAL	**RM840.73	**10 Credits

* This is the cheapest flight tickets on random dates between Nov-Dec'2018 as of 29th Oct'2018

**In-flight meals, luggage check in and other surcharges are NOT included in the amount mentioned above

At first glance, the prices gap in the table above seem rather huge, but is it really the case?

How much does AirAsia ASEAN Pass
really cost

The pass that I chose the Rm499 for 10 Credits which I must use within 1-month period from my first flight bookings. I made a one-way journey from Kuala Lumpur to Bali for about 10 days before heading straight to Singapore for two days and back to Kuala Lumpur.

I looked back into all the receipts in my purchase history and summarize everything in the table below.

ROUTES	Air Asia's ASEAN Pass	Fare fees & taxes	Airport 15KG Baggage	Total Additional Fares	TOTAL FLIGHT FEES
Kuala Lumpur à Bali	RM149.70	RM40.10	RM115.00	RM155.10	RM304.80
Bali à Singapore	RM197.50	RM65.96	RM131.92	RM197.89	RM395.39
Singapore à Kuala Lumpur	RM68.37	RM112.24	RM193.04	RM305.28	RM373.65
Lombok à Kuala Lumpur	RM192.94	RM65.96	-	RM65.96	RM258.90
TOTAL	RM608.51	RM284.26	RM439.96	RM724.23	RM1,332.74

Conversion rate as of at Oct'2017: 1M Indonesia Rupiah = RM329.81 and 1SGD = RM3.2713

HOW TO READ THE TABLE ABOVE: "ASEAN Pass Ticket" is the price illustrated in the receipt, I DO NOT pay for this amount. For what purpose they are listed in the receipts, I have no idea. However, looking into it, it appears that the ASEAN Pass is more affordable at just a fixed price of RM499. What I paid for is the amount in "Total Additional Fares" = "Fare fees & taxes" + "Airport 15KG Baggage". Adding these with my initial payment of RM499, I have spent a total of RM1,223.23 to two different countries (with return flight). Assuming I have paid for the normal fare prices of RM840.73 AND for the same additional fares of RM724.23, I would have paid RM1,564.96 instead.

Tip #1: If you are travelling more than 5 days, pre-book your Air Asia's additional 15kg baggage weight together with your flight. Best if you can share the luggage fee with your family or friends.

Tip #2: Remember to check out Air Asia's ASEAN Pass' Terms & Conditions prior to deciding on purchasing this pass.

~♡~

The Good

#1 This is an affordable option when you are travelling to more than one destinations. Like just YOLO, you know.

#2 This is a cheaper option especially if you're booking tickets last minute. I know because I compared the prices then.

#3 In addition to my observation in #2, I noticed there are extra seats seemingly allocated for ASEAN Pass when normal tickets run out (This is my assumption from observation, I'm not 100% sure). Though to be on the safer end, I would usually checked in my flights online as soon as I can. I have never experienced being told that I cannot get on any Air Asia's flights because the plane's fully booked but have read about such horror stories and am aware that some airlines over book themselves in case some of their passengers didn't turn up. But then, I have not flown very frequently.

#4 Pass is valid to use within 1-year period after purchase, so plenty of time to plan!

#5 Affordable if you do not add on the other services offered by Air Asia or you will be travelling light.

#6 When travelling to and from neighboring countries over a short period and flight costs more than purchasing your tickets separately, this is an option to consider

~♡~

The Bad

#1 I needed luggage space but did not pre-booked them, so I ended up paying about the same to the usual flight fares as the regular flight fares.

#2 Limited destinations. Why no Japan?!

#3 You cannot use the pass for the same routes twice so proper planning is a must! For example, flying from KL to Singapore twice is not possible.

#4 For reason in #3 and because the credits require to travel to the same destination vary depending on your where you choose to depart from, planning can be a headache!

#5 Validity one or two months which means unless you have a lot of leaves to clear or longer holidays, this is not the best choice especially when if your company doesn't allow month-long leaves typically in Asian company culture.

#6 Travelling a lot can get tiring and boring so this travel style is not for everyone! From my recent experience, I realize I do get bored and tired when going on long vacay. Or if my holidays involved spending a lot of time heading to multiple destinations or countries. Perhaps it would have been different if I am travelling around Japan hahaha.

#7 If I remembered correctly, there was no option for seats booking, as in you can't decide on aisle or window seat. While I was flying towards Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, I ended up with the aisle seat and that was no fun!

~♡~

To conclude everything, was the ASEAN Pass really worth it? With proper itinerary plannings and pre-booking luggage, this pass may be worth it for travelers seeking an adventure. Myself, I wouldn't opt for Air Asia's ASEAN Pass in the nearest future mainly for the reason I discovered I prefer to travel at a pace I'm comfortable at and I am the kind of traveler who is contented with spending time at a place/state/country to soak in the local cultures and lifestyles. Perhaps I may have a change of heart if I'm feeling adventurous! As of now, I am not too keen on airport-hopping. If you cannot or have not decide what type of traveler you are, might as well give this Air Asia's ASEAN Pass a try for the experience!

Saturday 14 July 2018

10 Souvenirs to get from Bali & Singapore / 2017 Souvenirs Hauls

I finally have all the photos I needed to make this post happen, I have been meaning to post this forever! So here are they *drumrolls* hauls I got from my recent trip to both Bali and Singapore. While I mentioned these two places, I did the majority of my shopping in Bali because things are cheaper thanks to the lower currency as compared to in Singapore. There were a lot more interesting souvenirs to shop from Bali anyway hahahah

#1 Bamboo Straws

I first found this being used in one of the warungs I was dining in Nusa Lembongan (if I remember correctly) and thought the idea to be novel! This simple bamboo straws are the answers to reducing the use of plastic straws.

I was glad when I heard Starbucks making an initiative to stop using plastic straws by 2020. Wished all consumers can do so too! To purchase these bamboo straws, check out Bali Life Bamboo Straws. There are several other other options like this foldable, metal straws from Lazada.

The whole climate change, pollution, and going greener for the sake of the environment has been in my head for awhile. I do agree us Malaysians are not giving back enough to the environment. Sure, we do plant trees, but air pollution from the One-Car-One-Driver concept especially in KL, not recycling (yet), not completely cutting out of plastic are definitely not helping our environment.

This National Geography cover totally depicts our problem with plastic.

Then of course, I read articles online saying plastic straws and bags make up a big percentage when it comes to polluting our rivers and seas then lead to animals like our fish, turtles and just everything in the ecosystem! So, join me in my

#BambooStrawsMovement!!!!

I have to admit it didn't occur to me until when I was at a restaurant in Nusa Lembongan was using bamboo straws. That totally pique my interest, I had to check with the waiter where I can get them. But then I didn't know, so now that you know, you can get them in Kuta or Ubud. Definitely, definitely get these when you are at Bali! They make cool souvenirs and help save the environment at the same time:DD

~♡~

#2 Get an entirely new attire!

This was exactly what I did! I bought two longue pants from Singapore's Little India, a halter tie-dye dress and printed skirt from Bali.

#3 Accessories

This bracelet is something I purchased from Matahari department store which I'm super loving! Told my BFF I got this for under RM10 and she remarked on how it doesn't look cheap LOL

I saw these rattan weaved bags with the insides decorated with batik, so pretty!!!

Unfortunately, it's above my budget, costing close to RM300 at Matahari department stores in Kuta. By the way, you hear me mentioned this place a lot in this post because I actually prefer shopping at the department stores or art markets who affixed price tags on their products. That way you won't get extorted _ I've dropped by several small art market and stalls selling souvenirs and the shop keepers were very keen on overcharging me. This is one annoying issue in Bali IMO.

My pretty, pretty batik and rattan handbag~~

#4 Kopi Bali or Luwak

You can find plenty of these in Art Markets in Bali. I got mine from Matahari Department Store's grocery section. There is an aisle dedicated for coffee alone and you'd be spoil with options!

#5 Local Snacks

I dunno why, but these are super addictive!!!! Couldn't stop eating at all!

#6 Magnets

...because my family & I collects them :)

#7 Handicraft wares

From cups and plates made out of coconut shells, wood or shells to woven table mat and the list goes on! Coconut shells cups/bowls for my bestie because she asked for them.

#8 Homemade Soaps

I purposely bought homemade soup because I needed something with brightening effect in hope I can get fairer before my sis' wedding. Unfortunately, I only used for over a week! It slipped into the toilet bowl when I was using it (T___T)

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Singapore (Day 2): Taking a stroll in the Singapore Botanic Garden

I joined my new-found friend, Malu on my second and last day in Singapore. The day before, we couldn't hang out cause I was like prepared to explore at 9am and she was out by then like super early! On the second day she had to wait for me LOL!

Our first destination for that day is Clarke Quay.

I didn't know this was supposed to be a night hangout place until I got back and my friend told me so. No wonder it was so empty like Sleepy Hollow when we were there!

~♡~

Next we head to Singapore Botanic Garden. I love nature in general so I would try to visit a gardens or parks when in another country. So grateful there is someone who appreciate the same.

It was hilarious Malu was so excited at the sight of coconut trees that I had to help her to take photos! Malu doesn't take much photos or selfies so you can really tell she was that delighted. Later when we were at Orchard Road, she was super excited to see the Christmas decorations up and exclaimed it was her first time celebrating (sorta) Christmas in summer HAHAHAHA

Anyway, as Asian, I find it odd because I like to take tons of photos so being with her meant that if I wanna take a shot, I'll have to do it fast. Another thing I noticed about ang moh is how they just zoomed by a spot, my friends and I usually take our time! On the bright side, it was great because I feel more chill, it does take a lot of effort to take photos, okays!

Quiz time, just for fun! Do you know what is Singapore's national flower? Take your time to guess before scrolling down.

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Walahhhh~! They're orchids!!! No price for guessing it right LOL

~♡~

After all the walking in the park, we took the bus to Orchard Road for our lunch break. Saw The Connoisseur Concerto a..k.a. TCC Cafe branch so we decided to give it a try. I ordered Mentaiko & Seafood bites, Stuffed Turkey bites (Deep-fried breaded turkey stuffed with lychee, fancy that!) and a juice whatchamacallit. They all tasted amazing! Would definitely recommend this place to y'all whose visiting Singapore.

Singapore is really a chill vacation for me, which was a change from Bali and the other countries I have visited. You probably have heard of people saying stuff along this line, "you need two vacations", which is so true for me because when you go to a different countries or places you wanna do a lot of exploring, at least for me lah! I can walk the whole day for over a week and when I come back my legs would be so sore I feel I need another break hahahha. So yes, I would love to have more chill vacays in the future! In some way, I have Malu to thank as well!

At the end of the day, it was sad to part with my newfound friend but I did meet up with Malu a month later when she was in Kuala Lumpur before heading north to her next destination. I wish she visits KL someday again. Or maybe I should consider the Netherlands in my travel wish list LOL

I had my dinner at Killiney Kopitiam in Changi International Airport. Heard people raving about this place so thought I should try. Somehow, I prefer Changi Airport to Bali's because of the more variety of food. Well, the former is one of the best airports in the world.

Those are all for this post, thanks for reading!

Monday 4 June 2018

Singapore (Day 1): Exploring Little India, Chinatown & Marina Bay

Hooray~~ Finally getting into writing my 2017 Singapore's travelogue! Been holding up this post because so many dramas in life LOL. I have been telling myself to check this off my list soon, so here it is!

2017 was quite an adventurous year for me, to travel to two different countries one after another! I was so tired from this trip but nevertheless, it was a fun experience. Still, I don't think I want to do that anymore because it was super tiring. Never have I thought I would actually look forward to head back to Malaysia during a vacation! When I landed in Changi International Airport from my flight from Bali, it was already late evening no thanks to the delay at the Bali International Airport...

I headed straight to the G4 Station Hostel's room I have booked where I met a fellow traveller, Maly who happened to be on the same flight. We decided to hang out together for dinner in the mall near Bugis Street before retiring for the day.

~ ♡ ~

Official day 1 in Singapore begins the next day~~ G4 Station prepares a simple breakfast for us., I had toast with kaya spread & butter, a hard boil egg and orange juice to start the day.

Decided to just chill in Singapore so I headed to Little India, just a junction away from my hostel. It feels great just being able to walk to my destinations, I think by then I'm sick of all the Uber Motor and ojek rides in Indonesia..

Found this colorful building so must selfie!

Stopped by several shops to get magnets for souvenirs. The best place to get them are in the shops along Selegie Road. Wouldn't recommend the stalls along Campbell Road where one unscrupulous stall owner was selling souvenirs to one lady at exorbitant prices! Thankfully the tourist didn't make any purchase!

Found a calico, it was so-o-o cute!

A lil' tired from all the exploring, I stopped by Komala Vila, an Indian restaurant also along Selegie Road. Decided on this place because it was full house. This is how we Asians decide where to eat LOL.

First thing I ordered was jalebi because it's been years since I had some! I'd say not one of the best though. Back in my uni days, the Pakistani restaurant always provide free jalebi for customers and they're the crunchiest, yummiest dessert ever! They also served the fluffiest, cheesiest naan too! Oh, how I miss those! I think that's where my obsession with Pakistani food started and while it ebbs and flows _ because Japanese food is forever my #1 obsession_ I love trying both Pakistani and Arabian food. Arabian food because they are somewhat similar and uses tons of spices in their dishes, yumm!

Also had my first masala chai in this restaurant. It has such interesting flavor!

Mains are roti with vegan, green curry tofu. A lil' overpriced for just tofu. Then, the exchange rate was pretty high so converting it into MYR be like WTF RM50 for bread and tofu.

Tummy filled and money terbang, it was time for more exploring! Next up, Chinatown! I like the Chinatown in Singapore because it has more Chinatown 'feel' when comparing to the Petaling Street's version.

There is even a stall selling Chinese-style paper cutout arts which makes great souvenirs or presents for newlyweds. I have also come across this small area in Chinatown where you can see uncles playing Chinese chess. Pretty cool!