5 awesome accommodations in Medan, Indonesia, to book a stay in Q4 of 2025

Grand Cityhall Hotel Medan in Indonesia

Need a quick travel destination out of our sunny island before the year ends?

How about Medan?

Medan is the capital of Indonesia’s North Sumatra province, and it’s only about 1.5 hours from Singapore by plane.

Consider these awesome accommodations we’ve picked for you in this post.

Adimulia Hotel Medan

Adimulia Hotel Medan

Agoda Rating: 9.1 (7K+ reviews)

Adimulia Hotel Medan is an Agoda Travelers’ Choice 2023 winner that puts you an hour’s drive from Kualanamu International Airport and a 1.2 km distance to Center Point Mall.

Stretch out in deluxe rooms spanning 40 square meters, or level up to business and family suites for extra space to chill.

When it’s time to play, dive into the outdoor pool, soak in the indoor sauna, or maintain your workout routine at the on-site gym.

Bringing the little ones?

Children under 5 stay free when using existing bedding.

Grand Cityhall Hotel Medan

Grand Cityhall Hotel Medan

Agoda Rating: 9.1 (3.9K+ reviews)

Here’s a 5-star hotel, the Grand Cityhall Hotel, steps from Center Point Mall and Tjong A Fie’s Mansion.

Fresh off its 2023 Agoda travelers’ choice award, this accommodation offers rooms from deluxe quarters to junior suites, apartments, and presidential suites.

On-site, you can take a swim in the outdoor swimming pool or work out at the gym.

The indoor sauna also stands ready to melt your tension away.

d’primahotel Kualanamu Medan

d'primahotel Kualanamu Medan

Agoda Rating: 9.1 (3.4K+ reviews)

Skip the long airport transfer hassle at d’primahotel Kualanamu Medan, just 6 km from Kualanamu International Airport.

The standard rooms measure from 24 square meters, while the Deluxe Twin Room spreads out to 35 square meters with two double beds—perfect for group/family stays.

Speaking of family, kids under 4 stay free when using existing bedding.

Take a dip in the outdoor pool, squeeze in a workout at the indoor gym, or challenge fellow travelers to a game of pool right here.

Sishezu Citytel Managed By 3 Smart Hotel

Sishezu Citytel Managed By 3 Smart Hotel

Agoda Rating: 9.1 (1.9K+ reviews)

Sishezu Citytel Managed By 3 Smart Hotel has Agoda’s coveted Top Choice award for 2024.

This property puts you within 2.5 km of Gunung Timur Temple and Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery.

Whether you’re settling into a standard room or in an executive option, you will find spaces that cater to modern-day travelers.

Children 2 and under stay free when using existing bedding.

Grand Central Premier

Grand Central Premier

Agoda Rating: 9.0 (3K+ reviews)

This 4-star hotel sits just 450 m from Center Point Mall, making it perfect for shopping.

The Grand Central Premier’s contemporary interiors set the stage for a camera-ready stay, while various deluxe room types cater to every traveler’s needs.

For those who appreciate extra space, the Executive Suite spans a roomy 64 square meters.

It’s no wonder this property was named a top choice by Agoda travelers in 2023.

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5 terrific accommodations in Hat Yai, Thailand, to book a stay in Q4 of 2025

The Brillianest Gallery Hotel Hatyai

Less than a 2-hour flight from Singapore is a Thai destination called ‘Hat Yai’.

If you’re sick of Bangkok but still love Thailand, why not give ‘Hat Yai’ a chance to freshen up your year-end vacation plans?

We’ve got a list of terrific accommodations in the city of Thailand’s far south for you to consider.

Casa 33 Hatyai

Casa 33 Hatyai

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (2.2K+ reviews)

At Casa 33 Hatyai, minimalist aesthetics reign.

About 12.6 km from Hat Yai International Airport, this accommodation puts you about 1.5 km from Kim Yong and Santisuk Markets.

The standard rooms measure from 22 m², while select spaces open onto terraces and balconies.

Traveling with little ones?

Kids 12 and under stay free using existing bedding, and roomy family rooms give everyone space to spread out.

The Brillianest Gallery Hotel Hatyai

The Brillianest Gallery Hotel Hatyai

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (700+ reviews)

Freshly built in 2024, The Brillianest Gallery Hotel Hatyai is about 14.3 km from Hat Yai International Airport.

This newcomer also has the Magic Eye 3D Museum and Our Lady of Lourdes Church within 2.5 km away.

The standard rooms measure from 21 m², while those craving extra breathing room can stretch out in the 40 m² Duplex Room with Balcony.

Families traveling with little ones will appreciate that kids 11 and under stay free when using existing bedding.

Good Dream Premier

Good Dream Premier

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (5.4K+ reviews)

At Good Dream Premier, sweet dreams come with a side of convenience.

Just 11.6 km from Hat Yai International Airport and a 600-m stroll to the ASEAN Night Bazaar, this award-winning hotel (recognized by Agoda travelers in 2024) sits 3rd on our list.

There are deluxe rooms with queen or king beds to spacious studios, and family suites available for booking.

Parents, here’s something to smile about: kids 12 and under stay free when using existing bedding 😊

AT Apartment

AT Apartment

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (1.5K+ reviews)

Make yourself at home at AT Apartment, just approx. 12 km from Hat Yai International Airport.

This retreat offers both standard and deluxe king rooms with the vibes of a private apartment.

Step outside and you’re within 700 m from the Asean Night Bazaar Hatyai.

The Magic Eye 3D Museum is almost equally close by.

Indigo Hotel Hatyai

Indigo Hotel Hatyai

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (600+ reviews)

Newly built in 2024, the Indigo Hotel Hatyai is sited 13.5 km from Hat Yai International Airport.

Both Our Lady of Lourdes Church and Kim Yong Market are less than 2 km away.

Families will love that kids 10 and under stay free using existing bedding.

Starting at 24 square meters, the standard rooms offer enough space to unwind, with family rooms and executive suites providing even more room to roam.

Editor’s note: The 11 am checkout time might have you setting an earlier alarm to get up and get out ⏰

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5 most favorable accommodations in Ipoh, Malaysia, to book a stay in Q4 of 2025

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Ipoh

Believe it or not, it’s the last quarter of 2025—Q4!

And now’s the time to book in your last holiday(s) of the year.

If you’ve run out of travel budget or time, why not head to Ipoh?

It’s just a short 1+ hour from Singapore, and we’ve got a list of the most favorable accommodations to help you plan your trip.

Let’s take a look at the options! 👀

The Farmhouse

The Farmhouse

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (800+ reviews)

The Farmhouse is a quick 3.1 km ride from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, a 1.7 km stroll to Perak Tong Cave Temple, and 2.1 km from Ho Yan Hor Museum and Ipoh World at Han Chin Pet Soo.

Whether you want to fly solo in a snug 15m² double room or bring the family to a roomy 35m² Deluxe Family room, there’s a spot waiting for you.

Kids 12 and under stay free when using existing bedding.

This one sits at the top of our list with a 9.4 rating! ⭐

Bedrock Hotel

Bedrock Hotel

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (2.7K+ reviews)

No long airport transfers if you stay at the Bedrock Hotel, since it is just 2.8 km from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport!

It’s also a km from Concubine Lane and Funtasy House Trick Art.

When it’s time to rest, retreat to your standard deluxe room or spread out in the generously sized 55 m² suites.

Traveling with the fam?

 The 57 m² Duplex Family Room gives everyone a corner of comfort, and kids and teens 18 and under stay free when using existing bedding.

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (3.9K+ reviews)

Tucked away in a corner of Malaysia, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat defines luxury with its 5-star villas.

About 9.3 km from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, this ‘adults-focused sanctuary’ offers both standard and child-free villas for guests aged 12 and above.

The retreat’s location, a mere 540 m from the Lost World of Tambun, means adventure is within easy reach.

Onsen Premium Suites @ Tambun Ipoh

Onsen Premium Suites @ Tambun Ipoh

Agoda Rating: 9.1 (2.6K+ reviews)

This is an alternative for you, just 750 m from our previous listing (The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat).

Onsen Premium Suites offers well-appointed suites, apartments, and villas just 100 m from the Lost World of Tambun’s adventures.

Great for family getaways or group retreats!

Plus, kids aged 12 and under can stay for free using existing bedding, making vacations slightly easier on the wallet.

De Quinton Hotel

De Quinton Hotel

Agoda Rating: 9.1 (1.6K+ reviews)

Fresh on the Ipoh hospitality scene (opened in 2024), we have De Quinton Hotel, sited just 3.1 km from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport.

Culture buffs will love being within 600 m of both Ipoh World at Han Chin Pet Soo and Ho Yan Hor Museum.

The Triple Rooms offer 20 square meters of space to stretch out, while the standard doubles provide comfort without a higher price tag.

Families traveling with little ones will also appreciate that kids 8 and under stay free when using existing bedding.

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Why Bencoolen Is Officially One of the World’s Coolest Neighborhoods

Tucked between the vibrant streets of Bugis and the cultural charm of Bras Basah, Bencoolen has long been one of Singapore’s most overlooked districts. Often passed by on the way to bigger attractions, this neighborhood is finally stepping into the global spotlight after being named one of the World’s 39 Coolest Neighborhoods by Time Out in 2025. Once you take the time to explore it, you’ll see why it deserves the attention.

Image Credits: zhenkang (CC BY-SA 4.0) via commons.wikimedia.org

Bencoolen has a creative heartbeat that’s impossible to miss. Students from NAFA and Lasalle bring the streets to life, filling the area with sketches, ideas, and youthful energy. Galleries run by these schools open doors to works from emerging artists, while Objectifs showcases bold voices in photography and film from across Southeast Asia. Along Stamford Road, the National Museum of Singapore offers a journey through history, while the Stamford Arts Centre keeps traditional arts alive with performances and showcases that connect the past with the present.

obj: Image Credits: facebook.com/objectifscentre

Food is another reason Bencoolen is earning its cool status. Fortune Centre has become a landmark for affordable and unforgettable eats, from the irresistible salted egg yolk chicken rice at New Station to hearty vegan meals at Bodhi Deli and nostalgic desserts at Yat Ka Yan. Beyond its famous food court, Bencoolen is home to cozy spots that feel like secrets waiting to be discovered, including a tiny eight-seat grill house where the chef cooks right in front of you, a playful umeshu bar, and a relaxed natural wine spot where conversations flow as easily as the drinks.

The neighborhood’s charm lies in its contrasts. Masjid Bencoolen, a historic mosque, stands alongside a modern serviced apartment tower, while Sim Lim Square buzzes with tech enthusiasts in search of bargains. These juxtapositions create a district that feels both rooted in heritage and alive with modern energy.

Image Credits: Muhammad Adrian via flickr.com/photos/198561627@N08/54579780000

Bencoolen doesn’t compete with Singapore’s flashier districts, and that’s exactly why it stands out. It’s a neighborhood full of surprises for those willing to slow down and wander. Now that the world has taken notice, perhaps it’s time you did too.

Source: 1

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50+ new Korean convenience store foodstuffs in September 2025 to buy & try from GS25 because Singapore don’t have

GS25 New Launches in September 2025

It’s the last stretch of Q3 of 2025, and before we wrap it up and head into Q4, here are some new launches from Korea’s GS25 this September.

This launch has some new food items themed around K-pop Demon Hunters, if you’ve watched the show and happen to be a fan… Good for you 💟

So without further ado, here’s the list!

#1a: Original Cream Brulee (3,800 KRW; approx. 3.49 SGD)

#1b: Cookie Shot (Red Velvet Cream Cheese) (3,600 KRW; approx. 3.31 SGD)

#2a: Cheese Star-Corn Snack (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.82 SGD)

#2b: Honey Caramel Snack (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.82 SGD)

#3a: Fruits Jelly (Blue) (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.02 SGD)

#3b: Fruits Jelly (Pink) (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.02 SGD)

#4a: Octopus-Shaped Marshmallow (2,300 KRW; approx. 2.11 SGD)

#4b: Roasted Sweet Potato Jelly (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.82 SGD)

#5a: Melon Pudding (2,700 KRW; approx. 2.48 SGD)

#5b: Coffee Pudding (2,700 KRW; approx. 2.48 SGD)

#6a: Spam Tuna Mayo Triangle Kimbap (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.38 SGD)

#6b: Chewy Mozarella Cheese (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.82 SGD)

#7a: Sanrio Kuromi Black Bean Fried Noodles (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.02 SGD)

#7b: Sanrio My Melody Pink Carbonara Fried Noodles (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.02 SGD)

#8a: Teenieping Character Cream Cake (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.74 SGD)

#8b: Teenieping Character Dorayaki (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.74 SGD)

#9a: Chunsik Choco Banana Milk (1,850 KRW; approx. 1.69 SGD)

#9b: PRIME MLB Limited Edition Drinks (2,900 KRW; approx. 2.65 SGD)

#10a: Acai Yogurt Bowl (4,500 KRW; approx. 4.12 SGD)

#10b: Pulled Pork Taco Salad (5,500 KRW; approx. 5.03 SGD)

#11a: Tuna Mayo Soy Sauce Egg Rice (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.57 SGD)

#11b: Original / Sour Cream & Onion / Honey Butter / Truffle Potato Chips (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.38 SGD)

#12a: Me-long Bar (Apple) (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.38 SGD)

#12b: NIVEA Deep Moisture Lip Balm (Olive Lemon) (9,900 KRW; approx. 9.06 SGD)

#13a: [K-pop Demon Hunters] Golden Mango Ice Brulee (5,500 KRW; approx. 5.03 SGD)

#13b: [K-pop Demon Hunters] Soda Pop Ice Brulee (5,500 KRW; approx. 5.03 SGD)

#14a: [K-pop Demon Hunters] Tuna Mayo & Jeonju Bibim Kimbap (3,500 KRW; approx. 3.21 SGD)

#14b: [K-pop Demon Hunters] Jeonju Bibim + Jeyuk Set (Triangle Kimbap) (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.02 SGD)

#15a: Choco Cream Bread (2,800 KRW; approx. 2.57 SGD)

#15b: Milk Roll (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.57 SGD)

#16a: Spicy Rice Cakes (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.29 SGD)

#16b: Rose Rice Cakes (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.29 SGD)

#17a: Spring Onions ‘Crazy Spicy’ Kimchi (17,900 KRW; approx. 16.41 SGD)

#17b: Spicy Roasted Chicken Skin / Feet (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.57 SGD)

#18a: Marshmallow Choco Fondant (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.75 SGD)

#18b: Icheon Rice Sikhye (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.74 SGD)

#19a: Twist / Choco Corn (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#19b: Fish-Shaped Hot Pack (Pocket / Stick-on Type) (1,300 ~ 1,500 KRW; approx. 1.19 ~ 1.38 SGD)

#20a: Fruit-Shaped Fruit Pops (Ice Cream) (Bucket) (9,900 KRW; approx. 9.08 SGD)

#20b: Ice Burg (Ice Cream) (4,500 KRW; approx. 4.13 SGD)

#21a: [K-pop Demon Hunters] Buldak Corn Cheese Triangle Kimbap (1,800 KRW; approx. 1.65 SGD)

#21b: [K-pop Demon Hunters] K-pop Classic Hotdog (2,800 KRW; approx. 2.57 SGD)

#22a: Choco Cream Mochi Roll (3,800 KRW; approx. 3.48 SGD)

#22b: Baskin-Robbins Puss in Boots Cream Bun (3,300 KRW; approx. 3.03 SGD)

#23a: Spicy Ego Challenge Fried Noodles (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.57 SGD)

#23b: Grilled Intestines (Garlic) (6,900 KRW; approx. 6.33 SGD)

#24a: [Lee Kum Kee] Spicy Jokbal (Boneless) (6,500 KRW; approx. 5.96 SGD)

#24b: [Lee Kum Kee] Dongpo Pork (6,500 KRW; approx. 5.96 SGD)

#25a: Chuseok Holiday Dosirak (6,600 KRW; approx. 6.05 SGD)

#25b: Shrimp XO Fried Rice (Triangle Kimbap) (1,800 KRW; approx. 1.65 SGD)

#26a: Sundae (Blood Sausages) (2,300 ~ 2,500 KRW; approx. 2.11 ~ 2.29 SGD)

#26b: Dried Squid & Peanuts (8,900 KRW; approx. 8.16 SGD)

All image credits to GS25.

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

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