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Spend a “Korean-style X’mas” with these new decor & more from S$0.89

November is set to end and I’m not ready for December!

Haha, but at the same time I’m looking forward to the Christmas season because of the beautiful lighting outdoors 🔆

If you’re in Korea now or heading to Korea for the year-end holidays but will be in Singapore for the actual Christmas period, why not grab some of these new decor and Christmas stuff from Daiso Korea? 🎄

Prices are wallet-friendly, with items from 1,000 KRW, which is approx. 0.89 SGD when I did a conversion on Google.

For those who like decorating Christmas trees, you can consider getting these ornaments…

First up, we’ve got some pretty velvety ribbons for the girlies (or boys) who like pink.

I’m not sure why there are two price tags, 1,000 KRW and 2,000 KRW, when they only featured one product.

But I’m guessing that they stacked it into one?

Like a combination of both ribbons?

Anyway, it’s about 0.89 to 1.77 SGD.

On the right, we’ve 2,000 KRW (approx. 1.77 SGD) keyrings featuring cute snowmen and polar bears.

You can even reuse it after Christmas by hanging them on your bags or personal belongings so it’s a good buy :p

Next up, we’ve got some LED ornaments because what is Christmas without the lights?

The miniature house ornaments on the left are only 1,000 KRW (approx. 0.89 SGD) each so I would personally buy them.

Thrice the price (3,000 KRW is about 2.66 SGD) is the one featured on the right, with little Santa and a snowman sitting beautifully in the middle.

If you have a big Christmas tree and want a variety of ornaments, getting both would be nice but if you’re a budget guy/girl, then get the dollar deal, heh.

There are also these hanging transparent 2,000 KRW (approx. 1.77 SGD) LEDs you can consider:

Folks who don’t have a Christmas tree or think decorating one is a bit too mafan (troublesome), but still want the Christmas mood, then you can go for some LED house-themed decor that can be placed around the house…. Like these:

They are priced about 2,000 KRW to 3,000 KRW, which is about 1.77 to 2.66 SGD.

Other LED ornaments in the range of 5,000 KRW (approx. 4.43 SGD) include these wooden trains (it’s an advent calendar, btw) and lantern lamps.

But don’t just buy lah, think about luggage space too :p

I think the smaller items would make sense if you don’t want to end up having to pay more for luggage at the airport, since little things do add up in size and weight.

The lantern lamps are a little bulky, honestly…

It’s my job to introduce to y’all but it’s up to you to make your purchases, ya?

Okay, and the last of Daiso Korea’s LED ornaments are these 5,000 KRW (approx. 4.43 SGD) Christmas balls:

But if you think you don’t need the lights, you can go for smaller and medium-sized ones (non-LED):

It’s also priced a little cheaper, in the range of 2,000 KRW to 3,000 KRW, which is about 1.77 to 2.66 SGD.

We’ve also got some Christmas stockings very representative of the festive season:

The one on the far left is quite affordable, just 2,000 KRW (approx. 1.77 SGD) since it’s a simple design.

The other one is an Advent calendar, which counts down to Christmas Day.

Grab it if you’re willing to pay 5,000 KRW (approx. 4.43 SGD) for it!

Next up, we’ve got garlands, Christmas tree-shaped wooden decor, and fabric posters in the range of 2,000 KRW to 5,000 KRW (approx. 1.77 to 4.43 SGD).

Good for peeps who prefer more minimalist-style decor without screaming “It’s Christmas, look!” ;’)

We’ve also got some adorable cushions to cuddle up with for a warm, Singapore-style Christmas 🔥

The snowmen and polar bears on the left are 3,000 KRW (approx. 2.66) each, and the Santa and snowmen featured on the right are 5,000 KRW (approx. 4.43 SGD) each.

You can grab them to accompany you on your flight back to SG, hehe ⛄

And we’ve got the more “bulky” decor items too, which I strongly recommend only to get if you’ve got lots of luggage space to spare:

Just some bearded elves in the range of 3,000 KRW to 5,000 KRW, about 2.66 to 4.43 SGD.

If I were you, I would get these balloons since they don’t take up much of my luggage space and weight.

Ranging from 1,000 KRW to 5,000 KRW (approx. 0.89 to 4.43 SGD), they look amazing, don’t they?

It’s a practical purchase too, since you can deflate them, store them somewhere, and reuse them for next Christmas.

Perfect for house parties too! 🥳

And talking about house parties, you might want to grab these dollar items (about 0.89 SGD):

We’ve got patterned/checkered table covers, themed paper cups, and plates to set the Christmas mood right.

Grammar freaks, just don’t freak out by the grammar error on that paper plate (lol, did you spot it?)

Wine lovers can get these 0.89 SGD bottle covers too:

And if you have the confidence to not break these mugs on your way to SG, you can bag home these 2,000 KRW (approx. 1.77 SGD) Christmas cups:

And lastly, you’re likely getting gifts for your friends and loved ones from Korea, right?

Get these 0.89 SGD paper bags:

They aren’t that big so you can probably store some smaller items like mask packs, cosmetics, foodstuffs, etc.

Image with watermarks, credits to Daiso Korea.

Other image credits to Celeste Elle.

Price conversion from KRW to SGD is accurate at the time of writing.

—

I actually went down personally to a physical Daiso store after writing the above to take a look at the items and was able to spot a lot more that wasn’t featured online.

They are all in the range of 1,000 KRW (approx. 0.89 SGD), with nothing over 5,000 KRW (approx. 4.43 SGD).

Since this post is getting lengthy, I’ll let the photos I’ve taken do the talking 📷

There’s actually a lot more than I thought and could snap, so drop by a Daiso store to see for yourself if you’re in Korea.

Happy holidays and shopping! ────୨ৎ────

Korea’s Underground Shopping Malls That Locals Love

For many Singaporean travelers, Korea’s headline shopping districts are enough to fill a suitcase. Yet some of the country’s most fascinating retail experiences are not above ground. They sit quietly beneath the city, where small businesses thrive, and treasures hide behind modest storefronts. These underground malls are more than shopping conveniences. They are economic ecosystems shaped by foot traffic and the purchasing power of a generation that prioritizes value and discovery.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Beneath the busy arteries of Myeongdong lies an underground complex that feels almost like a parallel world. Here, beauty products, streetwear, accessories, and home goods come together in a maze of bright stalls. The pricing is competitive, the inventory changes quickly, and the atmosphere feels both youthful and relentless. We even managed to buy a brand-new watch for under S$9 and some K-Pop Super Junior stickers for S$2 each.

Further along the city’s retail undercurrents sits Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center, a favorite among collectors and long time hobbyists. Tucked between Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong, this labyrinth reveals a quieter world of antiques, stamps, vinyl records, currency notes, and artworks. For Singaporean buyers interested in vintage markets and alternative assets, the center offers a window into Korea’s thriving collector culture.

Across the river, GOTO Mall stretches beneath the express bus terminal like a city of its own. Rows of boutiques sell everything from apparel to beauty products to tech accessories. Some stalls specialize in bedding and homeware, drawing homeowners who appreciate well made goods at competitive prices. Others cater to students and young professionals building their wardrobes on a budget. In between, tarot readers add a touch of mystique to the steady flow of commerce. It is a place where practicality and impulse buying exist side by side.

To complete the underground journey, Dongdaemun’s subterranean shopping center offers a vivid mix of fashion wholesale culture and late night gastronomy. Built under the landmark Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the complex carries clothing, accessories, home items, and cosmetics at prices that reward bulk buying. It functions as a hidden extension of the city’s fashion engine, where trends are born, copied, reinvented, and sold before sunrise. As the evening deepens, the surroundings come alive with night snacks that keep both tourists and traders fueled. Don’t forget to haggle for better prices!

Across all these destinations, one rule remains constant. Cash is king! Most vendors accept only Korean won and many operate with thin margins that favor quick transactions. Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes as these centers sprawl across long corridors and can become crowded during peak hours. A weekday visit outside of the lunch rush offers the best chance of moving at your own pace.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Underground shopping in Korea is more than an inexpensive alternative to its glossy malls. For the budget-conscious traveler, these spaces blend affordability and discovery into the beating heart of the Korean consumer economy.

Sources: 1 & 2

Taiwan Shopping Guide You’ll Actually Use

Taipei has a way of turning even casual visitors into devoted shoppers. My husband and I went for the food, but we quickly discovered how enjoyable it is to shop in the city, especially with the kindness of the people you meet at every turn. At the time of writing, one New Taiwan Dollar is roughly equivalent to 0.042 Singapore Dollar, which makes Taipei’s wide range of shopping choices friendly to all budgets. The city is more than a retail destination. It is a lively blend of culture, warmth, and irresistible finds.

One of the most charming ways to experience Taiwan is through its souvenirs and snacks. Pineapple cakes remain the country’s most iconic gift, and visiting specialty bakeries such as Chia Te Bakery or Taipei LeeChi feels like walking into a gallery of beautifully crafted pastries. Their pineapple and winter melon varieties are packaged elegantly, making them perfect to bring home. Tea lovers can enjoy the refined selections at Jing Sheng Yu on Yongkang Street, while Jiufen Old Street offers tea experiences in a setting that feels lifted from the world of Spirited Away. Its lantern-lined alleys and traditional structures create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and cinematic.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

For anyone who loves characters and collectibles, Taipei feels like one big playground. Donguri Republic at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi in Xinyi brings Studio Ghibli favorites to life with shelves filled with Totoro and other well loved figures. Pokémon Center Taipei adds another layer of excitement with plush toys, trading cards, and exclusive items. The city is also famous for gashapon machines. Ximending alone features more than 500 of them, offering everything from anime figurines to cute and calming collectibles. Shilin Night Market has its own growing collection, while the malls in Xinyi scatter machines across several floors, turning an ordinary shopping trip into a series of small surprises.

Blind box collectors often gravitate toward Ximending, although some resellers charge two or three times the original price. Pop Mart Ximen is a better choice if you want to go straight to the source. The four storey space includes exhibition areas, a VIP lounge, and larger than life displays of Molly and other popular characters. Crowds tend to build during weekends, yet the experience is worth every moment. Nearby, the Wan Nian Building offers an entire structure dedicated to anime lovers. We found shops selling everything from Voltes V and Dragon Ball to Sakamoto Days and Spy x Family. The Taipei Animate Store is also in the area, with its own entrance tucked below street level and a nearby café that adds to the fun.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Taipei’s markets reveal a different side of the city. Nanmen Market near the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall focuses on traditional ingredients such as dried goods and fresh local produce. The Taipei Expo Farmer’s Market at Yuanshan MRT brightens weekends with honey, tea, fruits, vegetables, and small batch artisanal items. Red House Craft Market in Ximending highlights the creativity of local artists. The prices can be higher compared to other markets, but the atmosphere is enjoyable and supports independent makers.

Beauty and fashion are part of the city’s everyday charm. Pharmacy chains like Watsons and Cosmed carry cosmetics and skincare that suit a wide range of preferences, and Watsons often offers attractive discounts. For affordable fashion, Wufenpu near Raohe Night Market is a reliable stop. Its narrow lanes are filled with shops carrying clothes, sunglasses, accessories, and children’s items. Trendy and mid range boutiques are scattered throughout Ximending, Yongkang, Shida, and Gongguan, while NET provides a local version of GAP style basics. For a premium experience, Taipei 101 offers luxury brands and an observatory that makes the visit feel even more memorable.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Shopping in Taipei never feels like a simple transaction. It feels like an invitation to explore the city’s creativity, history, and personality through the things you bring home. Whether it is tea from Jiufen, a blind box from Ximending, or a handmade craft from Red House, every purchase becomes part of your travel story.

Sources: 1 & 2

S$1 to 120.34 yen: Singapore Dollar Hits Record High Against the Yen

Good news for Singaporeans dreaming of cherry blossoms, ramen, and onsen hot springs—your holiday to Japan is about to be more affordable than it’s been in years.

The Singapore dollar has hit a six-month high against the Japanese yen, climbing to 120.34. In plain English? Your SGD is buying more yen than ever before. That means cheaper accommodation, meals, shopping sprees in Shibuya, and more money left over for souvenirs.

As of 3:03pm on 20 November 2025, the Singapore dollar was trading at around S$1 = ¥120.628 before easing slightly afterwards.

Why Is This Happening?

Japan continues to maintain one of the lowest interest-rate settings among major economies.

While many countries have been raising interest rates to fight inflation, Japan is staying put (at least for now). The Bank of Japan is keeping rates super low, which means if you convert your Singapore dollars into yen, you’re getting more bang for your buck. A simply way to think of it this way: investors worldwide prefer putting their money where interest rates are higher (meaning better returns), so they’re shunning the yen. That drives its value down.

Meanwhile, Singapore has maintained stronger and more stable monetary policy, making the Singapore dollar look more attractive globally. Result? Our dollar wins.

Japan’s new leadership isn’t in a hurry to raise rates

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has signalled that the central bank should take it slow on rate hikes. Her priority is boosting economic growth and raising salaries first. This means interest rates will likely stay low for a while longer, keeping the yen weak and your travel budget happy.

What Does This Mean for Your Wallet?

Image via jrkester, Flickr

Let’s put numbers to it. Over the past six months, the SGD has appreciated by 6.20% against the yen. That might not sound like much, but on a typical two-week Japan trip, it adds up.

Say you’re budgeting 500,000 yen for your trip. Six months ago, you might have needed around SGD 4,600. Today? You’re looking at closer to SGD 4,150. That’s roughly SGD 450 in your pocket—enough for several nice meals or a shopping haul in Harajuku.

For longer stays or bigger spenders, the savings are even more significant.

When Should You Book?

The yen has been weakening steadily, so if you’re thinking about a Japan trip, now is genuinely a good time. Currency markets are unpredictable, but the structural reasons for yen weakness—low interest rates and weak economic growth—aren’t going away anytime soon.

Of course, nothing’s guaranteed in currency markets. But the stars are aligned for Singaporean travellers right now.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re planning a spring break to Tokyo, a skiing trip to Hokkaido, or a food tour through Osaka, the timing is working in your favour. The Singapore dollar is strong, the yen is weak, and your Japan adventure just became significantly more affordable.

Time to start planning that itinerary.

5 top-rated accommodations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to book a stay in 2026

We’re less than 2 months away from the new year!

And as most of us are already locked in for the year-end holidays with no more annual leave to clear this year, let’s look towards 2026 for the next trip 😉

We’re looking a little further away this time around, since we should learn to step out of our comfort zone and leave footsteps somewhere less “familiar.”

In this post, we’ve got a number of top-rated accommodations in Dubai for those who are looking to travel to the city in the United Arab Emirates.

Let’s roll! 🧳

Banyan Tree Dubai

Agoda Rating: 9.6 (900+ reviews)

Fresh on the Dubai skyline, Banyan Tree Dubai opened its doors in 2023.

Just approx. a 35-minute ride from Dubai International Airport, the hotel sits less than 1 km from Marina Beach and Madame Tussauds Dubai.

Whether you want your stay in one of the standard “Bliss Rooms” or in a family suite, every space delivers that unmistakable Banyan Tree comfort.

For those with more budget to spare, the Three-Bedroom Presidential Suite offers VIP treatment.

Rove JBR

Agoda Rating: 9.5 (1.7K+ reviews)

The brand-new Rove JBR opened its doors in 2024, just 750 m from Marina Beach.

Their room options range from standard Rover Rooms to One-Bedroom Apartments spanning 58 square meters.

Families will appreciate that infants 3 and under stay for free when using existing bedding, with baby cots available upon request.

No need to rush on check-out day either—Rove JBR offers late check-out until 2 pm.

Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (3.8K+ reviews)

This 2022-opened property sits within 600 m of Jumeirah Lakes Towers Metro Station and Dubai Marina Mall.

Choose between rooms with city and marina views or two-bedroom apartments ranging from 102 m² to an impressive 211 m².

Families will love that kids 11 and under stay free when using existing bedding.

Rove Downtown

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (13.8K+ reviews)

Rove Downtown puts you just 10.3 km from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and within 1 km walking distance of Financial Center Metro Station and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station.

This hotel is a top choice for Agoda travelers in 2024, and one look at the select rooms with breathtaking Burj views explains why.

Kids 12 and under stay for free when using existing bedding + late check-out till 2 pm means you can squeeze in one last swim or roll longer in bed 🛌

Address Beach Resort

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (3.3K+ reviews)

Just 170 m from Marina Beach, Address Beach Resort is a getaway that features an infinity outdoor pool.

Work up a sweat at the on-site gym where panoramic views make even treadmill time feel enjoyable.

This beach resort offers various accommodation options, from standard deluxe rooms to two-bedroom suites and three-bedroom presidential suites.

Selected rooms showcase sea and city views.

Families take note: kids 11 and under stay for free when using existing bedding.

Why Is This Happening?

What Does This Mean for Your Wallet?

When Should You Book?

Bottom Line

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