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How to Save Money as a Travel-Obsessed Singaporean

For folks with a serious case of wanderlust, nothing beats the excitement of exploring new places. But let’s face it…traveling can get pricey.

The good news? With a few smart moves, you can jet off on adventures without ruining your budget. Consider these tips!

BE FLEXIBLE

Want to score cheaper flights and accommodations? Flexibility is your best friend. Avoid peak seasons like school holidays, Chinese New Year, and Christmas when prices skyrocket. Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner to track price drops and jump on deals. Keep an eye on budget airlines like Scoot and AirAsia for those irresistible flash sales.

MAXIMIZE CREDIT CARD REWARDS

Why not let your daily spending earn you free flights? Credit cards like DBS Altitude, UOB KrisFlyer, and Citi PremierMiles rack up miles you can redeem for travel perks. Combine them with airline loyalty programs like KrisFlyer or Asia Miles, and you’ll be soaring to your next destination in no time.

CHOOSE AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION

Luxury hotels are nice, but budget-friendly stays can be just as charming. Score deals on hostels, Airbnbs, or boutique guesthouses. Agoda often has early-bird discounts, while platforms like Couchsurfing connect you with locals offering free stays. Join hotel loyalty programs for added perks and savings.

EMBRACE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Skip the pricey cabs and discover cities the way locals do. Many places offer tourist passes that give you unlimited rides on buses, trains, and subways. If Japan is on your list, the Japan Rail Pass is a must for affordable long-distance travel. The same goes for South Korea.

EAT LIKE A LOCAL

Food is one of the best parts of traveling, and local eats are not only tastier but cheaper too. Dive into food courts, food markets, and street stalls for authentic, budget-friendly meals. In Southeast Asia, you can feast like royalty for under S$5. Use Google Maps to find the spots locals love.

PACK LIGHT

Budget airlines lure you in with low fares but charge a premium for checked baggage. Save cash by packing light to avoid extra fees. Versatile clothing and travel-sized essentials are your best friends. Plus, most airlines allow a cabin bag and a personal item, which is plenty for shorter trips.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

EXPLORE NEARBY DESTINATIONS

You don’t need to fly halfway across the world for a fabulous getaway. Singapore’s prime location makes it easy to hop over to Malaysia, Indonesia, or Thailand. Budget-friendly options like buses and ferries make quick weekend trips to Batam, Bintan, and Johor Bahru both easy and affordable.

DISCOVER FREE ATTRACTIONS

Believe it or not, some of the best travel experiences are free. Many cities boast museums, parks, and cultural tours that won’t cost you a cent. London, for instance, has world-class museums with no entry fees. Do a little research beforehand to uncover the best free activities at your destination.

INVEST IN TRAVEL INSURANCE

It may seem like an extra expense, but travel insurance can save you from major financial headaches. Medical emergencies, flight cancellations, and lost baggage happen. Affordable plans from providers like NTUC Income and Singlife offer peace of mind without breaking the bank.

BUDGET AHEAD

Spontaneity is fun, but planning ahead can save you serious cash. Set a travel budget and stick to it. Use budgeting apps like YouTrip to track expenses and avoid foreign transaction fees. Booking flights and accommodations early usually means better prices, and a clear spending plan helps curb impulse buys.

IN A NUTSHELL

Traveling doesn’t have to drain your savings. With a bit of planning, creativity, and these savvy tips, you can satisfy your travel cravings while staying on budget.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Pack your bags, chase those deals, and let your adventures begin!

Sources:1 ,2 , & 3

5 well-rated resorts & villas in Lombok, Indonesia to stay in 2025

Heard of Lombok?

I first saw it via an article somewhere and did a search because it was my first time hearing of the name too.

Anyway, if it’s your first time too, Lombok is apparently an Indonesian island east of Bali and it’s only less than 3 hours from Singapore.

Flight time, yeah?

I think it’s a lesser-known area worth exploring if you’re into beaches, surfing, and snorkeling.

So to aid you in your planning, here’s a quick list of well-rated resorts and villas in Lombok, Indonesia to stay in 2025.

Thank us later! ☺️

Pearl Sunset Resort

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (1.6K+ reviews)

First up at Pearl Sunset Resort, you can access the sands of Gili Trawangan Sunset Beach in a six-minute stroll.

Stake your claim on a sunbed with an ice-cold cocktail from Malibu Beach Club and soak up the Indonesia sunsets while waves lap at your feet.

When it’s time to turn in, take your pick from deluxe rooms to suites overlooking the sea.

Royal Avila Boutique Resort

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (720+ reviews)

Or consider this resort on a cliff’s edge between a turquoise sea and hillsides.

The Royal Avila Boutique Resort is a 5-star Lombok accommodation mere minutes from Malimbu Hill, one that seduces with luxury and Balinese magic.

Whether it’s a premier room you book or you choose to splurge on an oceanview suite or penthouse, picture-postcard scenery awaits.

There’s also an on-site infinity pool overlooking the waves.

Kaleydo Villas

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (720+ reviews)

Here’s your slice of paradise just 500 m from La Cala Beach Club Gili Trawangan.

Kaleydo Villas offers various villa options including deluxe twin and family villas.

Honeymoon villas are available too!

For indulgence at its peak, you may want to book a villa with a private pool for undistracted dips under the stars.

Of course, you will also have access to the shared pool when you’re in the mood to see other humans.

However you spend your days in Lombok, returning to your Kaleydo villa is like the cherry on top.

The Oberoi Lombok

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (670+ reviews)

Next, we have The Oberoi Lombok, a 5-star beach resort with its stretch of sand and blue waters just steps away.

Unwind in pavilion rooms, luxury villas, or royal ocean-view villas with private pools.

The resort’s location is right on The Lombok Lodge Beach and a walkable distance to Medana Bay Marina Beach means more shores to explore.

Shape up at the on-site pavilion-style gym if you’d like or opt to lounge poolside if calorie-burning isn’t a priority.

For home-like stays, the royal villas offer full kitchenettes.

The Chandi Boutique Resort

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (1.4K+ reviews)

Last but not least, situated just a short stroll from the Makam Batu Layar scenic spot and a 6-minute drive from Senggigi Beach, we have The Chandi Boutique Resort offering various room options including standard ones and garden/ocean villas.

The pool area also has ocean views—a great spot to sip a cocktail and watch the sunset.

Speaking of drinks with a view, the resort also offers al fresco dining.

Weirdest Items You Can Buy from Daiso or Don Don Donki

When it comes to quirky, offbeat, and straight-up bizarre finds, few stores do it better than Daiso and Don Don Donki. Whether you’re looking to add some weirdness to your everyday life or just want a hilarious conversation starter, these Japanese retail giants have got you covered. From wacky gadgets to oddly practical innovations, here are some of the strangest things you can snag from their shelves.

DAISO

1. Let’s Make Ramen Tool Set

Why settle for plain ol’ playdough when you can craft your own pretend ramen? This playful toolset lets you make mini noodle masterpieces out of clay (or playdough) but heads up, the clay isn’t included, so you’ll need to stock up first. Perfect for future noodle chefs or anyone looking to relive their childhood in the weirdest way possible. Watch it in action!

2. Chair Leg Foot Covers

Cute and functional? Say less. These adorable covers slip onto your chair legs to keep them from scratching floors or making that screeching noise that could turn your neighbor against you. They’re a low-key lifesaver, especially if you live in a thin-walled apartment. Bonus: they come in fun designs because plain furniture is just boring.

3. Sausage Cutter Set

Kyaraben (character bento) is serious business in Japan, and this sausage cutter set makes it easier to add some flair to your lunch. Transform your basic Vienna sausages into tiny octopuses, chicks, or pigs because why eat boring food when it can be cute and a little creepy? We’re still scratching our heads over the top sausage design, though.

4. Splat Poo Ball

Feeling stressed? Throw some poo literally. This squishy, slimy poo ball splats on surfaces and magically reshapes itself. It’s weird, it’s gross, and it’s weirdly satisfying. A perfect desk toy or an unconventional gift for that one chaotic friend we all have.

Image Credits: mobal.com/blog/travel-talk/15-crazy-things-weve-bought-from-daiso

DON DON DONKI

1. Wasabi KitKat

Japan’s KitKat game is unmatched, and the wasabi flavor takes the crown for weirdness. We haven’t been brave enough to try them, but if you love a kick of spice with your chocolate, this one’s for you. Are they sweet? Are they spicy? Only one way to find out.

2. Handy Beer Server

Who needs a bartender when you have this beer-foaming gadget? It delivers the perfect frothy head on your beer, right from your own fridge. The wildest part? One version features a tiny cupid peeing into your glass. Classy? Debatable. Hilarious? Absolutely.

Image Credits: timeout.com/hong-kong/shopping/10-peculiar-things-you-can-find-at-don-don-donki-today

3. Vermicelli Peeler

Level up your healthy eating game with this quirky veggie peeler that turns your produce into thin, noodle-like strips. Say goodbye to carb-heavy pasta and hello to zucchini spaghetti. It’s the tool you didn’t know you needed but now totally want.

4. Peach-Scented Toilet Paper

Why should your bathroom routine be boring? With this peach-scented toilet paper, even your trips to the loo can be a sweet-smelling experience.

Image Credits: homeanddecor.com.sg/shopping/18-wacky-and-affordable-household-items-from-don-don-donki

Because if your bum could talk, it would probably say, “Thank you.”

Sources: 1,2, & 3

40+ newly launched stuff in March 2025 from Daiso Korea to buy & bring back to Singapore

Any trip to Korea is incomplete without a huge haul from Daiso.

Well, at least for me.

With so many steals under 5,000 KRW (approx. 4.56 SGD), it’s hard to just walk past a Daiso store.

If you’ve got a trip planned soon for Spring, then swing by your nearest Daiso to shop these newly launched stuff this month (March 2025).

Happy shopping! 🛍️

#1a: Pet One-Piece (M/L) (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#1b: Pet T-Shirt (M/L) (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#2a: Pet Poop Trash Bag Pouch (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#2b: Pet Bag Harness (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#2c: Pet Neck Collar / Pet Leash (2,000 KRW each; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#3a: Cereal for Dogs (8 Pcs) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#3b: Stick Treats for Cats (5 Pcs) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#4: Pore Blur Control Balm (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#5a: Cica Pore Blur Control Base (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#5b: Pink Blur Control Base (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#6: Concealenol (01 Pure / 02 Peach) (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#7: Soft Blur Liquid Blusher (01 Fluffy Pink / 02 Rose Blush / 03 Peach Bouquet) (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#8: Fruity Volume Lip Gloss (01 Cranberry Ade / 02 Apple Pop / 03 Punch Orange / 04 Bare Pink) (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#9a: Dropbe Colors Cover Pick Foundation Renew (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#9b: Dropbe Colors Veil Skin Tone-up Base (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#10: Dropbe Colors Cover Pick Concealer / Dropbe Colors Color Pick Concealer (in 4 shades) (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#11: Dropbe Colors Conceal Pot (in 4 shades) (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#12a: Dropbe Colors Eye-cealor Stick (in 2 shades) (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#12b: Dropbe Colors Cover Pick Concealer Pencil (in 2 shades) (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#13: Dropbe Colors Stick (in 4 shades) (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#14: Design Transparent Pouch (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#15: Two-Tone Woven Bag (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#16a: Spring Flower Socks (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.37 SGD)

#16b: Spring See-Through Socks (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.37 SGD)

#17a: Twinkle Ball Clips (4 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#17b: Pom-pom Clips (3 Pcs / 5Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#18a: Tomato Stickers (4 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#18b: Character Stickers (4 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#18c: Dessert Stickers (4 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#19: Sanrio Characters Zipper Bags (3 Pcs Each) (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.37 SGD)

#20: Jogger Pants (Grey / Black) (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#21: Disney Characters Logo Tee (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#22: Checkered Patterned Cutlery (Assorted) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#23: Crema Caracol Cream (Original / Expert / Intensive) (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#24: Crema Caracol Original Mask (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#25: Patterned Cooler Bag (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#26: Picnic Mat I (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#27: Picnic Mat II (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#28: Table Cover Cloth (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#29: Wet Tissue (Assorted) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#30: Soft Travel Tissue Packs (3 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#31: Removable Stickers (3 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#32: Foldable Umbrella (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#33: Patterned Pouch (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#34: 2-Way Bucket Hat (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#35: Ducky Key Chains (2 Pcs) (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#36: Ducky Plushie (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.58 SGD)

#37: Ducky Plushie with Wings (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#38: Bib-wearing Ducky Dolls (3,000 KRW each; approx. 2.75 SGD)

All image credits to Daiso Korea.

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

Here are 40+ newly launched foodstuffs in March 2025 to try from CU, Korea’s convenience store chain

If you’re swinging by GS25 to check out their new arrivals (we wrote about it yesterday so click here to read more), then you’ve got to head to CU too because they’ve got a whole list of newly launched foodstuffs too this month (March 2025).

Here’s the full list:

#1: Honey Chicken & Garlic (7,500 KRW; approx. 6.86 SGD)

#2: Honey Yogurt Sandwich (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.74 SGD)

#3: Blueberry Yogurt Sandwich (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.74 SGD)

#4: Jeju Dried Tangerine Chips (2,900 KRW; approx. 2.65 SGD)

#5: Bakehouse 405 Sausage Corn Cheese Bread (3,400 KRW; approx. 3.11 SGD)

#6: Bakehouse 405 Sausage Pizza Bread (3,400 KRW; approx. 3.11 SGD)

#7: Bakehouse 405 Strawberry Matcha Cake (4,800 KRW; approx. 4.39 SGD)

#8: Lemon-Flavored Vitamins (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.37 SGD)

#9: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers (Frozen) (4,900 KRW; approx. 4.48 SGD)

#10: Culinary Class Wars Napoli Matfia’s Grapefruit-Orange Citrus Highball (4,500 KRW; approx. 4.11 SGD)

#11: Condensed Milk Latte (2,700 KRW; approx. 2.47 SGD)

#12a: HOTN’ THINGS Pizza (5,200 KRW; approx. 4.75 SGD)

#12b: HOTN’ THINGS Bacon Cheese Kimbap (3,500 KRW; approx. 3.20 SGD)

#12c: HOTN’ THINGS XO Shrimp Sauce Triangle Kimbap (1,400 KRW; approx. 1.28 SGD)

#13a: HOTN’ THINGS XO Shrimp Fried Noodles (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.57 SGD)

#13b: HOTN’ THINGS XO Chicken Burger (4,500 KRW; approx. 4.11 SGD)

#13c: Full-of-Meat Meal Box (4,600 KRW; approx. 4.21 SGD)

#14a: Vanilla Strawberry Sandwich (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.29 SGD)

#14b: Vital Lemon Can Drink (2,700 KRW; approx. 2.47 SGD)

#15a: Bakehouse 405 Truffle Curry Bread (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.74 SGD)

#15b: Bakehouse 405 Yakisoba Bread (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.74 SGD)

#16: Traditional Galbitang (Beef Short Ribs Soup) & Rice (6,300 KRW; approx. 5.76 SGD)

#17: Cream Cheese Tarte (4,200 KRW; approx. 3.84 SGD)

#18: Yonsei Muksan Whipped Cream Bread (3,400 KRW; approx. 3.11 SGD)

#19: Culinary Class Wars School Cafeteria Cook Lee Mi-yeong’s Stir-fried Pork + Perilla Leaves Rolled Omelette Meal Box (5,500 KRW; approx. 5.03 SGD)

#20a: Culinary Class Wars School Cafeteria Cook Lee Mi-yeong’s Grilled Beef Kimbap (3,300 KRW; approx. 3.02 SGD)

#20b: Culinary Class Wars School Cafeteria Cook Lee Mi-yeong’s Grilled Beef Triangle Kimbap (1,300 KRW; approx. 1.19 SGD)

#21a: Culinary Class Wars School Cafeteria Cook Lee Mi-yeong’s Fried Egg Smokey Ketchup Sandwich (3,500 KRW; approx. 3.20 SGD)

#21b: Culinary Class Wars School Cafeteria Cook Lee Mi-yeong’s Grilled Short Rib Patty x Double Cheese Burger (3,500 KRW; approx. 3.20 SGD)

#22a: Bakehouse 405 Peanut Cream Sandwich (2,400 KRW; approx. 2.19 SGD)

#22b: Bakehouse 405 Chestnut Cream Sandwich (2,400 KRW; approx. 2.19 SGD)

#23a: HEYROO 990 Hot Bar (Original / Black Pepper) (990 KRW; approx. 0.90 SGD)

#23b: Cherry Blossoms Edition Crab Inari Sushi (3,600 KRW; approx. 3.29 SGD)

#24: Apple House Chewy Korean Noodles + Ramyeon Tteokbokki (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.57 SGD)

#25: “Crayon Shinchan’s Full” Ramyeon (1,800 KRW; approx. 1.65 SGD)

#26: Culinary Class Wars School Cafeteria Cook Lee Mi-yeong’s Black Bean Sauce Tteokbokki (3,800 KRW; approx. 3.47 SGD)

#27a: No.1 Egg + Chicken Triangle Kimbap (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.01 SGD)

#27b: No.1 Egg + Sausage Kimbap (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.47 SGD)

#28a: No.1 Pork Braised Kimchi Meal Box (5,900 KRW; approx. 5.39 SGD)

#28b: No.1 Real Beef Burger (4,800 KRW; approx. 4.39 SGD)

#29a: Bakehouse 405 Flat Salty Mont Blanc (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.01 SGD)

#29b: Bakehouse 405 Flat Original Mont Blanc (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.01 SGD)

#30a: Yogurt Popping Tok (Coconut & Watermelon / Melon) (1,600 KRW; approx. 1.46 SGD)

#30b: HEYROO Local Chicken Skewer (Original / Black Pepper) (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.29 SGD)

All image credits to CU.

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

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