4 accommodations with an aesthetic design for under $79/night in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Japanese-themed living space

An accommodation that marries style and affordability doesn’t come by that easily.

And if you’re in search of one, look no further for we’ve curated a list of accommodations, each with an aesthetic design and costing under $79/night.

Eager to see what we’ve in store for you?

Let’s get the list started!

Cozy & spacious one-bedroom apartment with a view of KL Tower

Cozy & spacious one-bedroom apartment with a view of KL Tower

Price: $55/night (for 4 persons)

Perched high above, this spacious one-bedroom apartment offers views of KL Tower and the skyline.

Well furnished, the high-floor apartment features an open-concept living and dining area with plenty of natural light. A kitchen area with a coffee machine, kettle, fridge, and toaster makes prepping meals a breeze.

The separate bedroom has a queen-size bed, dressing table, and plenty of storage while the attached bathroom comes with a shower. You also get a balcony space with seats where you can sip your morning tea/coffee.

With Bukit Bintang’s shopping, dining, and nightlife right on your doorstep, this apartment is screaming “Book me!”

Modern studio serviced apartment close to Cheras Stadium

Modern studio serviced apartment close to Cheras Stadium

Price: $58/night (for 2 persons)

Next, we have this modern studio-serviced apartment near Cheras Stadium with everything covered for a convenient stay.

The living area features high-speed wifi, a large TV, smart home voice controls (English & Chinese), a comfortable sofa, a bean bag, and more for lounging. The kitchen is fully equipped for light cooking with an island marble dining table.

The bedroom accommodates two and features a king-size bed, a working desk, and wardrobes. The bathroom comes with a washing machine and essential toiletries. Private parking is available on-site if you’re driving.

Monochrome-themed staycation suite at Arte Mont Kiara

Monochrome-themed staycation suite at Arte Mont Kiara

Price: $64/night (for 2 persons)

Nestled within close distance to Publika Shopping Gallery (shopping mall), this 517-square-foot one-bedroom suite features a color scheme of black, white, and gray.

Relax in the queen bed dressed in premium linens and cook/warm up your simple meals in the microwave/on the induction cooker whenever you need to. A refrigerator, kitchenware, and dining table make this apartment feel just like home.

Step outside your suite to discover dining options and shopping. Yet within your classy monochrome retreat, you will find a place ideal for recharging your batteries between adventures.

Book 7 days or longer to enjoy a 5% weekly discount—your chance to score some extra savings.

Adorable one-bedroom apartment for Japan lovers in Mont Kiara

Adorable one-bedroom apartment for Japanese lovers in Mont Kiara

Price: $78/night (for 4 persons)

Last but not least, we have this one-bedroom apartment situated in the Mont Kiara neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur.

The roomy living room features a Japanese tatami area great for relaxing with a view of Mount Fuji through the lightbox background. The master bedroom offers a queen bed, single bed, floor mattress, and bedding for up to four guests. The kitchen has all the essentials and a water purifier so you can prep food with ease.

Residents also have access to on-site amenities like the sauna, gym, and pool, as well as one complimentary parking space upon request.

A journey to Kuala Lumpur doesn’t have to be expensive. Choosing any of the above-mentioned accommodations with their aesthetic designs can add a touch of artistry to your travel senses. Each of these options, priced under $79/night, offers not just a place to rest, but an experience to remember. So settle your travel dates and let’s get those bookings in!

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6 Vibrant & Inexpensive Lunar New Year Festivities in Singapore

Looking for some fantastic ways to ring in the Chinese New Year in Singapore but haven’t made any plans yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re up for joining a bustling public celebration, exploring an aquarium, soaking in historical richness, or simply enjoying the festive vibe at a mall, there’s something for everyone.

Here are some top picks for you and your loved ones this weekend:

CHINATOWN’S CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Chinatown bursts into a glimmer of lights and color every year, and 2024 is no different. With dazzling displays and family-friendly workshops, the streets come alive with the theme “Soaring into the Auspicious Dragon Year.”

From majestic dragon dioramas to cultural performances, there’s plenty to see and do. More details here: chinatownfestivals.sg.

GARDENS BY THE BAY’S RIVER HONGBAO 2024

For an unforgettable Lunar New Year experience, head to River Hongbao. This annual extravaganza features cultural performances, giant lantern displays, a food street serving up festive treats, and even a glimpse into the history of Chinese New Year markets. This event runs from February 8 to 17 at various locations within Gardens By the Bay.

Image Credits: riverhongbao.sg

What’s more? With 2024 being the Year of the Dragon, expect a 140m-long centerpiece symbolizing this mythical creature. Secure your tickets at gardensbythebay.com.sg.

F1 PIT BUILDING’S CHINGAY PARADE

Chingay Parade is Singapore’s answer to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, blending local flair with international spectacle. This year’s theme, “Blossom”, promises a parade filled with floral delights, along with 230m interactive projections and vibrant art installations. The Parade happens on February 23 and 24 with tickets starting from S$20.

Get your tickets here: chingay.gov.sg/tickets.

SUN YAT SEN NANYANG MEMORIAL HALL’S WAN QING FESTIVAL OF SPRING 2024

Celebrate the season at the heritage-rich Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Participate in hands-on workshops, enjoy Chinese music performances, and marvel at a giant inflatable installation. It’s fun for the whole family! Admission is free, with some ticketed activities.

Image Credits: sysnmh.org.sg

More details are available here: sysnmh.org.sg!

S.E.A. AQUARIUM’S SPRING IN THE SEA

Experience the magic of Chinese New Year beneath the waves at S.E.A. Aquarium. Watch an underwater dragon dance amidst Lunar New Year decorations and immerse yourself in a soundscape blending tradition with modernity, curated by the Ding Yi Music Company.

From now to February 25, 2024, you can get your tickets at: rwsentosa.com.

MARINA BAY SANDS’ SOARING FORTUNE

Marvel at the Legend of the Dragon Gate drone show, which showcases stunning visuals and performances against the iconic backdrop of Marina Bay Sands. The event will take place on February 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, and 18.

Don’t overlook the impressive dragon displays and interactive light installations spread throughout the mall, including the two 40m-long dragons adorning the magnificent 15m-tall Dragon’s Gate at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands’ Grand Colonnade. This embellished spectacle features 88 koi fish decorations, a dragon’s pearl, and 28 lotus lanterns.

For those seeking an elevated experience, don’t miss the Dragon in the Sky show at SkyPark Observation Deck on February 10, 11, 16, or 17 at 8 pm.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Discover more at marinabaysands.com.

With so many exciting events happening around Singapore, you’re sure to have a memorable Chinese New Year 2024 celebration!

Sources: 1 & 2

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3 accommodations with a view for $83/night & under in & around the rich Gangnam District of Seoul, South Korea

Gangnam Airbnb

If the city life in Seoul is calling your name, then this article is for you.

We’ve scoured the (internet) streets of Gangnam District to bring you some hidden gems that offer both the views and the affordability.

With each pick priced under $80/night, you can experience living among the rich without the high prices.

Minimalist rental unit with a lovely view of the city

Minimalist rental unit with a lovely view of the city

Price: $75/night (for 2 persons)

Sit back, relax, and soak in the city views from this rental unit. Located just minutes from Sinnonhyeon Station with easy access to Eonju Station, this minimalist retreat offers expansive windows that frame views of the cityscape day after day.

The open layout and simple furnishings create a backdrop for lounging, while the equipped kitchen allows you to whip up simple meals with ease. Additional guests can be accommodated with bedding and mattresses for an extra charge.

Sip your morning coffee in bed here, because you can.

Studio home a 3-minute distance from Eonju Station

Studio home a 3-minute distance from Eonju Station

Price: $77/night (for 2 persons)

Next, we have this studio apartment located just a short 3-minute walk from Eonju Station, placing you right in the heart of Gangnam. The convenient location means you are just minutes from the bustle but can still come home relatively quickly to a retreat.

The studio has been furnished with a queen-sized bed with hotel-style bedding and towels to ensure a good night’s sleep. The kitchenette is equipped with basic cooking facilities and various condiments and seasonings, allowing you to prepare light bites/meals. Complimentary tea/coffee is provided.

If needed during your stay, capsule detergent is also available for doing laundry.

Bright & modern serviced apartment near Samseong Station

Bright & modern serviced apartment near Samseong Station

Price: $83/night (for 2 persons)

Last but not least, we have this bright and airy serviced apartment that offers Seoul living just steps from the city’s subway and hotspots.

Located a mere 2 to 3 minutes’ walk from Samseong Station, you will be connected to Seoul’s transportation network while Hyundai Department Store and Coex Mall are right across the street for all your shopping needs.

Large-size windows bathe the high-floor apartment in natural light during the day, while a queen-size bed and sofa provide a space to rest after a day of exploring. The kitchenette has the basics for light meals and coffee, so you can feel right at home in this home away from home.

Good for anyone seeking a convenient, modern Seoul residence.

So there you have it—a short list of stays in Seoul’s posh Gangnam District that are as friendly to your eyes as they are to your wallet. Each of these accommodations not only offers you quite a view of the city’s skyline, but they all come in under $80/night. Have your flights to Korea booked already? Then get your accommodations settled today before they get sold out!

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Capture IG-Worthy Moments at the Claude Monet-Inspired Exhibition in Gardens by the Bay This July

In my quest for exciting activities and hidden gems within the Red Dot, a captivating advertisement caught my eye – “Impressions of Monet: The Garden” at Gardens by the Bay.

Mark your calendars because, from July 12, 2024, this exhibition promises to transport you into the enchanting world of Claude Monet, the renowned French painter.

BACKGROUND OF THE EXHIBITION

Enter the realm of Claude Monet (1840-1926), a visionary who not only pioneered but passionately championed the Impressionist style. Originating in France in the 1860s, Impressionism is a painting movement that focuses on capturing the visual essence of a moment, emphasizing the play of light and color.

Prepare for a truly immersive experience as a digital presentation breathes life into the timeless masterpieces of Claude Monet. Complementing this, a delightful floral arrangement painstakingly recreates the landscapes that fueled Monet’s creativity in Giverny, France.

Titled “Impressions of Monet,” the exhibit unfolds in two captivating zones: The Garden and The Experience. Step into The Garden at the Flower Dome, where you’ll be welcomed by scenes reminiscent of Monet’s own Giverny garden in France.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Transition to The Experience, where several of Monet’s masterpieces come alive on the walls and ceiling. Amidst a lively symphony of strobe lights and tunes, you’re invited to roam freely, becoming part of the living canvas.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Revel in the recreation of Monet’s iconic pink house and its garden, now the second most visited tourist attraction in Normandy, France. Explore the adjacent Clos Normand garden and the serene Water Garden, both integral to Monet’s later works. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the beauty of hydrangeas, weeping willows, digitalis, daisies, delphiniums, and geraniums – all echoing the flora of Monet’s original gardens.

What’s more? Feast your eyes on the green Japanese bridge and water lilies, subjects immortalized in Monet’s renowned Water Lilies series.

This multi-sensory adventure is a deep dive into the heart of French Impressionism, offering glimpses of 19th-century Europe through the eyes of Monet and his fellow Impressionist painters.

Get lost in the grandeur of famous, inspirational images set to a powerful classical score. Watch as paintings are projected at an enormous scale, illuminating the bold brushstrokes of Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, and many other luminaries.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary exhibition running from July 12 to September 15, 2024, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Admission ticket prices start at S$8 for Singapore residents. Prepare to embark on a journey into the captivating world of Monet’s artistry – an experience that promises to linger in your heart and Instagram feed alike!

Sources: 1 & 2

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3 well-rated villas under $349/night in Phuket, Thailand, for introverted group travelers who want to flex

Phuket Luxurious Villa

Are you an introverted traveler traveling with like-minded friends and seeking a peaceful getaway in Phuket, Thailand?

Wonderful.

Allow us to share a list of well-rated villas under $349/night so you can consider between the options.

Let’s get started!

Luxurious 2-bedroom & 2-bathroom villa in Saiyuan Estate

Luxurious 2-bedroom & 2-bathroom villa in Saiyuan Estate

Price: $187/night (for 4 persons)

Situated in the gardens of Saiyuan Estate, this luxurious two-bedroom villa offers an oasis just minutes from the beaches of Nai Harn.

Combining modern comforts and traditional Thai design, the villa features high-end materials, furnishings, and artwork—from antique furniture to hand-woven tapestries. Two king bedrooms and two bathrooms provide enough space for 4 people, including the spacious living and dining area and fully equipped kitchen.

Let’s not forget the villa’s private pool and sun loungers, where you can soak up the tropical sunshine in absolute privacy with the sounds of nature providing a soothing soundtrack. Saiyuan Estate’s enclosed community ensures privacy and security, while the nearby beaches offer the chance to explore the waters of Phuket.

Modern-looking villa for 4 guests near Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Modern-looking villa for 4 guests near Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Price: $248/night (for 4 persons)

Next, we have this modern villa that provides a retreat near the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Located in a family-friendly part of the island with security, a gym, and a cafe, the corner-unit villa offers privacy yet convenience.

The private pool, furnishings, and separate bedroom access ensure comfort for up to four guests. Kids will be well-taken care of with child-friendly high chairs, cribs, toys, and more (upon request).

Enjoy free parking, electricity, and water while taking advantage of the villa’s proximity to area attractions and tour booking services at the reception. The open layout and natural light fill the space during the day so you can get enough vitamin D.

Spacious 4-bedroom bungalow for a big group of up to 6 guests

Spacious 4-bedroom bungalow for a big group of up to 6 guests

Price: $348/night (for 6 persons)

Lastly, we have this spacious bungalow that has everything you need for a luxurious Phuket escape.

Built in 2016, the 4-bedroom home sleeps up to 6 adults and 2 children. The 5 beds include a mix of single and queen/king sizes, so the whole family or group can spread out.

A highlight is the huge swimming pool and jacuzzi, which are great for cooling off after a day at the beach just 7 minutes away. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the open-concept interior with natural light. The contemporary design balances luxury and laid-back, making it a home base to stay in.

With a gym on-site, you can get some workout done without heading too far. Book this spacious bungalow now if you really like it because it’s almost sold out through April 2024!

With these villas, Phuket, Thailand proves to be a haven for introverted group travelers seeking a rejuvenating vacation. Priced under $349 per night, you can indulge in the luxury of privacy. So gather your introverted kakis and get ready to say “kop khun krap/ka”. Pad Thai, Som Tam, and Tom Yum Goong await you on the other side 😉

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