4 accommodations under $28/night in Bandung, Indonesia if you can free yourself for a weekend trip in December 2024

It’s ‘Travel Thursday’ once again and we’re thinking about a yearend weekend getaway to Bandung.

We’ve done our due research so you don’t have to.

Here’s a list of accommodations that won’t cost you more than $28/night.

Spacious one-bedroom apartment near Parahyangan Catholic University

Spacious one-bedroom apartment near Parahyangan Catholic University

Price: $21/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 6 to 8 December 2024

First on this list, we have a high-floor, one-bedroom apartment near Parahyangan Catholic University, and it’s only $21/night!

You will get lots of natural light during the day.

When you’re not exploring far out, feel free to use the shared pool or work out some sweat in the gym.

Craving for a quick bite? Prep a meal in the kitchenette or head out to the local eateries.

With Bandung Zoo just a short drive away, you can trade some of your leisure time for tigers and more.

Vacation unit for two in Gateway Pasteur (Residence)

Vacation unit for two in Gateway Pasteur (Residence)

Price: $23/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 6 to 8 December 2024

Or consider this vacation unit for two in Gateway Pasteur (Residence) in the northwest part of Bandung.

It features a bedroom space divided by a glass wall, 24-hour security, and access to apartment facilities.

Settle your snacks in the kitchenette, or explore the nearby cafe, laundromat, and convenience store, all within walking distance.

Simple studio condominium close to PVJ Bandung

Simple studio condominium close to PVJ Bandung

Price: $23/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 6 to 8 December 2024

Hate complicated layouts?

This minimalist studio condo near PVJ Bandung (shopping mall) is for you then.

It sits in the top 10% of listings, with 30 happy (past) guests who have given it an awesome 5-star rating.

After a day of being out and about in Bandung, chill in the building’s pool, or enjoy nature views from your private patio/balcony.

High-floor residential suite with Netflix access

High-floor residential suite with Netflix access

Price: $26/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 6 to 8 December 2024

Last but not least, we’ve got a 20th-floor suite that’s home but feels like a hotel.

You get a comfy queen-size bed for two, with an option for a floor mattress if you’re traveling with a third guest (additional fees apply).

Binge your favorite shows on the 4K Smart TV with Netflix/Disney+, or get work done (if you really need to) at the dedicated workspace.

Take a swim in the on-site pool, head to the gym, or stroll indoors at Miko Mall Kopo for some local retail therapy.

There’s also a mini-mart and laundromat on the property.

With the abovementioned affordable accommodations in Bandung, you can enjoy a quick weekend getaway without worrying much about your budget. Plan ahead to take that well-deserved break this yearend but don’t wait too long for these “hot” accommodations ain’t sitting around waiting for you to press “book” 😉

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6 Things You Shouldn’t Do with Your Money During Hungry Ghost Month

Hungry Ghost Month, or 鬼月 (gwái yuht in Cantonese), is a time when ancestors and restless spirits are believed to roam the earth, seeking respect and offerings. The peak of this month is the Hungry Ghost Festival, celebrated on the 15th day, which this year falls on August 18. Also known as the Zhongyuan Festival (中元節) or Yulan Festival (盂蘭節), this day is said to mark the opening of the Gates of Hell, allowing spirits to return to the human world.

Traditions during this month include offering food on street corners or in temples to appease the hungry spirits and burning effigies and joss paper to provide them with items they may need in the afterlife. Neighborhoods often come alive with traditional Chinese opera performances, featuring elaborate costumes and stylized actions.

While the Hungry Ghost Festival is traditionally celebrated on the 15th night of the 7th lunar month, it’s part of a month-long observance from August 4 to September 2, 2024. During this period, there are certain practices you might want to avoid, especially if you’re superstitious about keeping your money and your luck unharmed. So, steer away from the following:

#1: DON’T RIDE THE LAST BUS OR TRAIN

Riding the last bus or train home late at night is already a bit creepy, but stakes are high during Hungry Ghost Month. There’s a belief that spirits might be hitching a ride on these late-night journeys, looking for vulnerable mortals to prey on. Avoid taking the last ride home.

#2: DON’T TRANSFER INTO A NEW HOME

Transferring or moving into a new home during Hungry Ghost Month is a big no-no. It’s said that doing so might invite spirits to enter your new space along with you. Plus, this month is traditionally seen as unlucky, so it’s wise to postpone any major life events until it passes.

#3: DON’T REMODEL YOUR HOME

Any form of home renovation, including rearranging furniture, is thought to disturb any spirits that might be lingering in your house. It’s best to hold off on any changes until the month is over.

#4: DON’T GET MARRIED

Speaking of major life events, celebrating weddings during Hungry Ghost Month is considered inauspicious. Some believe that marriages officiated during this time might not last. However, if you’re not superstitious, you might find that wedding packages are cheaper during this period.

#5: DON’T PAY FOR WATER-RELATED ACTIVITIES

It’s believed that mischievous spirits and vengeful ghosts linger in bodies of water to claim a victim to take their place. If you must swim or participate in water sports, it’s safer to do so during the day and avoid the sea altogether.

#6: DON’T SIT IN THE FRONT ROW AT GETAI SHOWS

You know who likes a good show? Ghosts! Getai performances, extravagant shows often featuring traditional songs and puppetry, are a highlight of Hungry Ghost Month. While these performances are often free, avoid sitting in the front row, as those seats are believed to be reserved for the spirits themselves.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

By keeping these precautions in mind, you can celebrate the “festivities” of the Hungry Ghost Month with both your finances and your luck intact.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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3 best-rated baby gyms & gymnastics in Singapore for your little one to expend their neverending energy

National Day Promo

If you’ve cared for a little one before, you would absolutely know that toddlers seem to have a boundless supply of energy that can leave even the most energetic caregiver dead tired.

Thankfully, there are plenty of baby gyms/gymnastics classes in Singapore designed to channel that energy into healthy, constructive activities.

Let’s explore some of the best-rated baby gyms and gymnastics programs on our little red dot, shall we?

Lil Ninja Academy

Website: lilninja-academy.com

Google Rating: 5 (40+ reviews)

First up on our list, we have Lil Ninja Academy to help unleash your child’s inner ninja.

Their safe and structured training programs cater to warriors as young as 18 months, focusing on skills like balancing, climbing, and swift mobility.

Through 60 to 75-minute sessions of guided instruction, kids develop not just physical prowess, but also problem-solving abilities and spatial awareness.

For the tiniest ninjas, their “Mommy, Daddy & I” class offers a 60-minute parent-child adventure, exploring motor skills through simple traversing, balancing obstacles, and adult-assisted activities.

Watch on as your little one’s confidence soars, teamwork blossoms, and friendships form.

Kinder Klasse

 

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A post shared by Kinder Klasse (@kinderklasse)

Website: kinderklasse.com

Google Rating: 5 (40+ reviews)

A warm welcome to Kinder Klasse, where playtime meets purpose at their spacious 3100 sq. ft. indoor wonderland packed with excitement, from bouncy castles to ball pits.

They’ve got classes for tiny adventurers as young as 11 months.

Whether you’re looking for parent-accompanied sessions or drop-off classes, there are options to fit every schedule.

Can’t commit to a class? No worries!

They have an open gym that lets kiddos loose for an hour of unstructured fun. Think ladders, trampolines, and balance beams…

Kinder Klasse is your one-stop shop for fostering physical skills, social growth, and big smiles.

BearyFun Gym @ Choa Chu Kang

Website: bearyfungym.com 

Google Rating: 5 (30+ reviews)

Last but not least, allow your precious one to flip, jump, and grow at BearyFun Gym, where little gymnastics stars are born through this 2,520 sq. ft. space in Choa Chu Kang, a pioneer in kids’ fitness.

It’s a playground where confidence soars as high as somersaults.

From wobbly 18-month-olds to nimble 12-year-olds, children tumble into self-assurance through specially designed programs that emphasize fun over competition.

The stress-free environment allows budding gymnasts to cartwheel at their own pace, building friendships as solid as their developing core strength.

Conveniently located near Yew Tee MRT, BearyFun Gym makes it easy for Singapore’s tiniest tumblers to access world-class gymnastics instruction.

Book a trial class for $70.85 (includes an exclusive t-shirt and shorts upon signup) and watch them stick a landing into a lifelong love of fitness!

And there you have it, the 3 best-rated options we’ve explored above where your little one can thrive, socialize, and, expend their seemingly endless energy. From structured classes that build essential motor skills to open-play areas that spark creativity, Singapore’s top baby gyms provide THE outlet for your active toddler(s). Let your child leap, tumble, and giggle their way through their growing years 🙂

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Should You Help Your In-Laws Financially?

“Ding!”, you just receive an SMS from a family member that’s asking for financial support during tough times. We’ve all been there! When this happens to me, I give only what I’m comfortable losing as I don’t want to ignite conflicts. For starters, I’ve seen friends sacrifice their own financial stability to help family members, leaving them unable to save for their own future. It’s a tricky balance, and the emotional weight can be very heavy.

Watching someone you love struggle financially can be heartbreaking. If you have the means, it’s natural to want to help. But before you do, take a moment to consider the potential consequences. As financial expert Dave Ramsey wisely says, “The borrower is slave to the lender.” The last thing you want is for a family member to feel indebted to you, or worse, to start viewing you as a financial safety net. This dynamic can quickly strain relationships, especially if they start reaching out to you only when they need help. On that note, consider these things when deciding to help:

#1: TAKE THINGS SLOW

When a family member asks for money, emotions can run high. You might feel that saying “yes” is the only way to maintain the relationship. But it’s important to take your time before making a decision.

Consider whether you can truly afford what’s being asked. If you’re uncertain, it might be wise to discuss it with your spouse.

#2: THINK OF THE MARITAL IMPACT

If you’re married, giving financial support to in-laws or your own parents adds another layer of complexity. The last thing you want is to create tension between you and your spouse. Money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce, so it’s crucial to ensure both partners are comfortable with the decision.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If lending money might strain your finances or relationship, explore other ways to support your family members such as helping them apply for government grants.

#3: CONSIDER GIVING A MONETARY GIFT

If you’re financially secure and your spouse agrees, consider offering a financial gift instead of a loan.

If your in-laws are facing hardship due to job loss or health issues, a one-time gift can provide relief without the expectation of repayment, which can ease any potential tension.

#4: BE PREPARED TO SAY NO

If you decide that you can’t or shouldn’t provide financial help, it’s important to approach the conversation with honesty and empathy. For instance, it might be best to wait until your in-laws are more emotionally calm before having this discussion. Setting boundaries is important, but timing and sensitivity can make a big difference in how your decision is received.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Helping family members in financial need is never an easy decision. By considering the potential impact on your relationships and financial health, you can make a choice that supports both your loved ones and yourself.

Sources: 1 & 2

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New measures to improve housing affordability and accessibility in Singapore

singapore flats

Missed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s first National Day Rally speech on new housing measures?

No worries for we’ve got you with this post.

Here are the highlights you need to know.

Good news for singles

With families in mind, singles will now have priority access to new homes.

Starting in mid-2025, singles looking to live near loved ones will receive priority when applying for Build-to-Order (BTO) flats.

This change was recently announced by PM Wong.

We all know that housing is one huge topic for many living in Singapore.

In his first National Day Rally speech, PM Wong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to affordable, accessible public housing.

Currently, only those 35 and above can purchase new two-room Flexi HDB units as singles.

Recognizing this limit, PM Wong asked how more could be done for singles.

The solution?

Grant them the same priority now given to married children who apply within 4 km of their parent’s home.

This means singles stand a better chance at balloting for a new build near family.

As PM Wong shared, many singles also wish to care for aging parents so this update ensures all children, whether married or not, can more easily live close by.

Lower-income couples received good news too

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Housing Grant, assisting first-time buyers, will see its maximum amount increased.

This extra support helps more young Singaporeans purchase their first affordable home.

“This is my assurance to all young Singaporeans: Once you start work and wish to settle down, we will make sure that there is an HDB flat that is within your budget in every region,” PM Wong noted.

“We will always keep public housing in Singapore affordable for you.”

National Development Minister Desmond Lee will announce more details soon so stay tuned to the news.

Seniors, too, are not forgotten

Additional housing options have also been created for seniors.

For instance, the brand new Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok, ready to be moved in later this year, combines apartments and care services.

harmony-village-bukit-batok

Image Credits: Facebook/Desmond Lee

More such developments are planned to help the older generation age gracefully.

Recovering from the pandemic

In addition, PM Wong acknowledged past housing woes stemmed from COVID-19 disruptions.

But steady progress has been made on new construction and all delayed projects should be completed by early 2025.

This will satisfy pent-up demand while stabilizing prices.

Meanwhile, the special focus remains on keeping HDB flats attainable long-term.

Upcoming policy refinements aim to shorten waiting periods for BTOs and make prime locations feasible for all.

The government is working on its public housing mission and helping citizens realize their home dreams.

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