Some birthdays are measured in candles. Mine is measured in who sits across the table. Celebrating with loved ones is a tradition I intend to keep, and this year, my close friend Joslyn made it taste even better. She told […]

Where in Singapore could we play with snow and shiver on purpose?  For 26 years, the answer was Snow City, and by the time you read this, it is gone. We had visited the place in August, one month prior […]

Starting a little passion project, handmade soap gifts, has taken me back to the tough yet fun days of my polytechnic years. Before I walk down memory lane, you may have noticed a new addition to the sidebar on my […]

I haven’t had a bowl of kanbe ramen this delish in a long time. Menya Musashi in Singapore once served properly hearty tsukemen (dipping noodles), until standards slipped and outlets began to close. The famous tonkotsu ramen at Tanjong Pagar […]

I Worried Mary Oliver, 1935-2019  I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the riversflow in the right direction, will the earth turnas it was taught, and if not how shallI correct it? Was I right, was I wrong, […]

My mind has been cluttered lately, and honestly, it still is. In the noise, I’ve been trying to weave in strands of melody, a little beauty into the chaos. That’s how I stumbled onto Margaret Atwood’s Dearly, a poetry collection […]

With work taking yet another big slice of my life, I have come to appreciate the importance of spending time offline with family and friends, and making room for my personal projects. One weekend, a quick message to my former […]

Sometimes all one needs in life is a glass of something delish, a stunning view, and good company. Thank you, sis, for being part of my shenanigans, always. I had been thumbing through interesting places to visit in Singapore when […]

I didn’t expect a 202.6km walking challenge to lead me to a hidden gem in Singapore. As part of my school’s fundraising campaign, I actually got up and moving more than ever before. It’s not an easy feat, especially for […]

A pensive thought over the nights and so I write. You Cannot Earn Affection You can do everything for someone, and they still might not like you. Someone else can do almost nothing, and somehow, you like them anyway. Reading […]

After two sisters spent weeks raving about the incredible seafood pancakes they had in Nha Trang, our cravings finally reached a breaking point. While hopping on a flight to Vietnam wasn’t on the cards, yet, we found ourselves at VietSmith, IMM, […]

I used to think Earl Grey tea was a type of brewed tea leaf, invented by an Earl named Grey. Then I realised it’s actually black tea, flavoured with the oil of bergamot orange. So what is Earl Grey, really? […]

As a big fan of Greek mythology, I finally caught the movie on the big screen. Tickets were hard to grab, and finally we had an indulgent time watching it last week. Beware, spoilers follow. When the ending credits rolled, […]

I am ambivalent towards artificial intelligence. With the slew of corporate materials I have been writing about artificial intelligence, I thought I should pen my opinions down too. However chaotic and vacillating they may be. When ChatGPT became prevalent, I […]

Every time I visit Batam, I stumble on hidden gems, and my belly always leaves more than satisfied. This time, that gem was Noesantara in the Penuin area. The large storefront first caught my eye when we passed by the […]

I found my new favourite bowl of truffle ramen. Ikinokoru (生き残る) is the up-and-coming plant-based vegan Japanese restaurant in Batam, Indonesia. Step through the door and you’re transported into a mini Japan, all zen decor and minimalism vibes. It’s a […]

If the covers of the Strange Series (Strange Pictures and Strange Houses) caught my eye, Murder at the Black Cat Cafe did too. That was how I found my way to Seishi Yokomizo’s series, after being sorely disappointed by the […]

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. – Confucius While I was drafting my post on Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, I thought about another philosopher whose teachings followed me through school and into […]

Feeling rather ambitious after my soapmaking journey turned out a more than pleasing batch, I decided to try my hand at making solid perfume next. After all, nothing beats organic cosmetics, especially ones made with love (allegedly), at home. It […]

A Book Review: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (translated by Gregory Hays)  Few ancient works have been as influential as the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, philosopher and emperor of Rome (A.D. 161–180). A series of spiritual exercises filled with wisdom, practical […]

Marking my first break in a long while, we boarded the Dream Cruise operated by Resorts World Cruises, a subsidiary of the Genting Group. This was my very first cruise voyage, a three-night trip, and to put it mildly, I […]

Bucket list item: embarking on a cruise officially crossed off. I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise, and this time I finally did it. We boarded the Dream Cruise by Genting, and one of the highlights was a half […]

A leisure afternoon spent surrounded by great company and delicious food will always be one of the greatest joys in my life. This time, that afternoon found us wandering into SKS City Mall (Johor Bahru’s newest mall that opened on […]

As I stepped into a new chapter of my career, I wanted my goodbye to mean something beyond a card or a store-bought gift. I’d wanted to give my closer colleagues something made with intention and gratitude, something they could […]

Winding queues, an inviting red shopfront, and homemade Italian pasta – that’s my first impression of Casa Vostra. As a pasta fanatic, I’m always hunting for restaurants with great, scioglievole (melt-in-the-mouth) kind of pasta. Casa Vostra had been on my […]

Bird Paradise Singapore, formerly known as Jurong Bird Park, holds a special place in my heart. I first visited the place when I was a child, and I remember standing in front of the iconic, towering waterfalls, and years later, […]

After finishing Strange Houses, I barely paused before picking up Strange Pictures. That is how compelling Uketsu’s works are. The good news for new readers is that the two novels are entirely standalone. Familiar characters make brief appearances, but there […]

A series of books with strange, striking covers stopped me mid-step in many bookstores; floor plans, diagrams, and images are arranged inside bold, iconic boxes. They were unlike anything I’d seen on a shelf before, visually captivating yet oddly unsettling. […]

Singapore Restaurant Week is back this April, and it brought us straight to one of the most unexpectedly wonderful dinners we’ve had in a long time. For my sister’s birthday, I booked us a table at TANOKE, a quietly tucked-away […]

Looking through my old album (yes, I printed physical photographs of my time in Xiaoliuqiu) made me reminisce about the beautiful place. A personal thank you to my niece Wanzhen for introducing me and bringing me to this wonderful offshore […]

Going back to reading after years away I have been rather undisciplined, and my yearly reading list has been getting shorter and shorter despite my trips to the library. Honestly, I had thought little about it until my daily work […]

This Isn’t Love. It’s a Cycle. On repetition compulsion, trauma bonds, and why leaving is harder than it looks.

Zoo Johor: A Day at One of Malaysia’s Oldest Zoos (Honest Review) Visiting a zoo in the middle of a blazing hot afternoon was probably not the wisest plan, but here we were, and honestly? No regrets (maybe a little, […]

As a self-confessed coffee addict, connoisseur feels too generous on most mornings, a cup of coffee isn’t just how I start my day; it’s a non-negotiable. So when my sister introduced me to Ta.ti.do Coffee Roasters in Batam, it didn’t […]

This year’s Lunar New Year holidays were rather low-key. Between the delicious home-cooked feasts (that I’m eternally grateful for) and long stretches of shopping trips, I found myself looking for something a little different. A quick search later, I had […]

There is something mysterious about the ocean.  Ever experience a peculiar feeling when you stand before the sea? Knowing that the waters hide a thousand secrets and more, with lives unbeknownst to all. Now imagine that feeling amplified. Not at […]

Every year, I find myself looking up my horoscope, not because I believe it determines my fate, but because I like what it represents. A possible future. An opportunity for change. A moment to ask myself: What kind of year […]

Sunsets are a beautiful, surreal phenomenon and in Bali, they feel nothing short of magical. As the sky softens and that glowing orb sinks gently into the sea, time seems to slow, if only for a moment, against that ombré […]

No trip to Bali feels complete without lingering in a café, coffee in hand, letting time slow down just a little. Beyond beach clubs and sunsets, Bali’s restaurant scene and café culture have a charm of its own. For the […]

It had been a long time since I last set foot in Bali, yet the moment I arrived, the island’s beauty felt rejuvenating and instantly familiar. Beyond the beaches and lush scenery, what I had missed was the food:  bold, […]

Tips for Working Adults (From Someone Still Figuring It Out) I’ve been working for over seven years, 85 months this January, to be exact, and somehow, I still feel like I’m learning how to work. Not the technical parts, but […]

An early Christmas celebration across the causeway, to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, yet again. There’s something oddly comforting about returning to our neighbouring city: familiar routes, reliable indulgences, and new little gems waiting to be discovered. If you haven’t already, do […]

During a rare period of downtime, I decided to borrow The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins (published 2024) from my local library. A New York Times bestseller, I was first drawn in by its striking cover, then by the promise […]

It felt like just yesterday that I was sitting at my laptop, typing voraciously away at my 2025 New Year post. Time flies, and it brings me back to an adage I’ve held close for years, a gentle reminder to […]

“How often a man believes he’s met an angel or a devil, only to find it is all an illusion. The game of chess we play… We play only against ourselves.” — Victor Frankenstein When immortality becomes a curse and […]

For a Christmas celebration that feels indulgent, elegant, and unmistakably festive, ATLAS Singapore is a great choice. Known as one of the most iconic bars and restaurants in Singapore, ATLAS is located on the ground floor of Parkview Square in […]

Johor Bahru continues to delight me, not just with its ever-growing list of activities, from petting zoos to escape rooms, but with its increasingly vibrant café and dining scene. This trip was all about slowing down, eating well, and enjoying […]

It started with a simple conversation, an acquaintance mentioning a seaside getaway perfect for unwinding. That spark turned into an idea for a birthday celebration, and soon, I found myself booking a short weekend trip to Turi Beach Resort with […]

Feeling blessed this year feels like an understatement. I celebrated my 30th surrounded by amazing people, quiet laughter, and moments that felt deeply considered, one of them being a birthday surprise planned by my best friend. I’ve yet to make […]

Before hitting my Big 3, I made up my mind to be adventurous this year. It wasn’t an easy start – frequent colds and persistent infections slowed me down. But I finally made it happen during the trip to Phuket, […]

Living with perennial allergic rhinitis is exhausting but not hopeless. Discover my personal journey with rhinitis allergy, its symptoms, and practical self-care tips for managing this relentless condition.

In a quiet corner of Batam, Indonesia, I was introduced to a little slice of Kyoto by my family and I fell in love with the food and the place immediately. As someone who’s always on the lookout for mindful […]

The world is a beautiful, chaotic place. Sometimes, my life feels like a direct reflection of that chaos: messy, overwhelming, fast-paced. There’s always something to do, somewhere to be. My calendar is packed, my mind is cluttered. Between work deadlines […]

If you’re planning a trip to Phuket and want to experience something special beyond the beaches, Phuket Old Town is a must-visit. A place where pastel streets, rich culture, and timeless stories collide, this place quickly became one of my […]

The concept of Restaurant Week, where food lovers can enjoy curated dining sets at exclusive prices in participating restaurants, was introduced to me by my dear friend Ziyi. This time, our fork and curiosity led us to Sonder, a hidden […]

Set within the historic Governor’s Mansion, a beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese building from the early 1900s, this restaurant is the epitome of history, culture, and culinary delight. Drawing from heritage recipes and rare ingredients, the Phuket outlet features a unique Royal […]

I have finally boarded the bandwagon of spending time in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. With the trend of cafe hopping, our neighbouring country has brought it up a notch with petting zoos! D.A Little Farm in Mount Austin D.A Little Farm […]

Sifting through old photographs and dated diary posts made me feel regretful about my present, as if my past was so wondrous that everything that’s happening in the present or shall occur in the future would be meaningless. Perhaps it […]

I’d found unfinished drafts of my solo trip to Taiwan, and this year, I’m determined to share all the highlights from my travels. Join me as I revisit my day exploring the charming historical district of Anping in Tainan, Taiwan. […]

In a world overwhelmed by content and fleeting attention spans, imagination has become the driving force behind impactful marketing, and authenticity is the key to brand loyalty.  Attending the DMWF (Digital Marketing World Forum) at Marina Bay Sands was an […]

There’s a first time for everything, and earlier this week, I embarked on my very first work trip. The destination? Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Slowly but surely, I’m ticking off my bucket list of iconic ASEAN cities to visit. Though my […]

When time travelling is not an option and money is a constraint, where can one go when one really, really wants to visit Greece? Welcome to E-DA Theme Park in Kaohsiung, Taiwan E-DA Royal Theatre, modelled after the Acropolis, is […]

“Let’s try dining in the dark!”  It had all begun with an intriguing invitation from my best friend. The concept has been around for some time, and it was only recently I visited NOX at Club Street. About NOX  NOX, […]

“Harry —  yer a wizard” I’d waited to receive my acceptance letter to Hogwarts and soon I’d accepted my fate of being a muggle — until the exhibition arrived in Singapore! Calling all witches, wizards, and muggles alike! The magic of […]

The creative journey The evocative imagery and emotional depth found in poetry have always captivated me. In poems, a full tale unfolds, capturing raw emotions and fleeting moments of life in succinct verses. Here, I’m delighted to share the fruition […]

The countdown began, and so did the fireworks. The turning of a new page to the chapter titled 2025 rang loud and grand. A toast to the new year to welcome all the good. Alas, this post is not about […]

Ever wonder how the Secret Garden Howl gifted Sophie feels like in Howl’s Moving Castle? Or what a ride with No Face would look like in Spirited Away? Spirited Away (2001) The first official Studio Ghibli exhibition in Singapore, The […]

Jurong Lake Gardens is the perfect escape for a refreshing day out in nature — photo spots, great food, and unique water features.  Spanning across Chinese Garden and Lakeside MRT stations, this beautiful park has finally reopened after a five-year […]

I’ve always found personal posts the hardest to write. It’s not because I am creating content that can’t be destroyed (well, yes, this is difficult in a way), subjected to perhaps a million gazes or maybe only one, but because […]

Casetify is popular for its fancy designs and collaborations, shockproof protection, and a high price point. As a late adopter to the trend in town, I am finally here to pen my thoughts on my new phone case. Credits: Casetify […]

Enter an enchanting realm in Sicao Green Tunnel (四草綠隧) located in the Annan District of Tainan, Taiwan.  A famous tourist spot, the Sicao Green Tunnel refers to the water channel behind Sicao Dazhong Temple (四草大眾廟). Visitors can enjoy a thirty-minute raft ride through […]

Van Gogh: the Immersive Experience exhibition has come to Singapore, the first stop in Southeast Asia.  Learn more about Vincent Van Gogh’s life, admire his venerated paintings, and step into the 360° multi-sensory exhibition where art meets virtual reality. If you truly […]

Welcome to Shou Shan Zoo (壽山動物園) in Gushan district, Kaohsiung City. The biggest zoo in Southern Taiwan, it is name after the Shou mountain (壽山) where the zoo is located. From local breeds to animals from different parts of the […]

Hanami (花見) means flower viewing in Japanese, with the literal meaning of hana (花) as ‘flower’ and mi (見) as ‘to see’. It is a traditional Japanese custom to have flower-viewing gatherings under the cherry blossom trees to contemplate and appreciate the transient beauty of […]

Hot springs, breathtaking scenery, and adorable capybaras — the famous Sichongxi Hot Spring Park (四重溪溫泉公園) in Pingtung County has them all.  Located in Checheng Township, the newly opened Capybara Park (卡比園區) features a large capybara enclosure, food and drink booths, a yukata rental […]

Cijin (旗津) is an offshore island in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. A hidden gem famous for fresh seafood and the breathtaking sight of cerulean waters against dark sands, it is also a place that is close to my heart – my mother’s […]