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Travel Thursday: 4D3N Itinerary to Ho Chi Minh City at $440+/pax (flights + hotel + bus + tours)

Did you miss the last 3D2N itinerary to Surabaya, Indonesia for Vesak Day?

Prices might have changed but the itinerary still stands.

View it here:

Travel Thursday: 3D2N Itinerary to Surabaya, Indonesia at $204.30/pax (flights + hotel + breakfast)

For this Travel Thursday series, we will still be eyeing the Vesak Day public holiday but this time around, you will probably need to take a day of leave on 5 June.

And we’re heading to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)!

Since Vesak Day falls on 2 June, a Friday, this itinerary’s prices will be based on research done for 2 June to 5 June 2023 (2-to-go):

Vietjet flights, round trip per pax: $198.90

Saigon Prince Hotel (deluxe double/twin): approx. $266 including taxes via Agoda ($133/pax)

This 4-star hotel located in District 1 of HCMC is one of the more atas options.

I’ve chosen this because, at the time of writing, all the other more affordable options in the range of $20 to $50/night are almost sold out.

You should be able to save much more if you book early so this hotel option is just a price reference point, yeah?

Also, this itinerary will be much more “relaxing” than the free & easy ones I’ve written earlier because we will be using a sightseeing bus to plan our trip and taking on a full-day tour for fuss-free sake.

Get ready to fork out $443.55/pax.

Prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing.

2 June 2023, Friday

Flight: Vietjet

3 pm Reach Singapore Changi Airport T4 for check-in

5.55 pm Flight to HCMC

7 pm (local time) Touch down at Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Hotel: Saigon Prince Hotel

8 pm Take your ride to the hotel for check-in (estimated time is about 30 to 50 minutes depending on the evening traffic)

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Address: 63 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 70000

9 pm Check-in and let’s grab some food at The Gangs Central (just beside the hotel). Or you can take a 5-minute walk to Saigon Centre (shopping mall) for food and shopping.

Image Credits: vietnamdiscovery.com

Oh yes, I would recommend you get some bread/pastries or fruits for breakfast tomorrow.

12 am Wash up and rest. We’ve got a long day tomorrow.

3 June 2023, Saturday

7.30 am Rise and shine. Fill your tummy a little!

8.30 am Take a 6-minute walk to Saigon Opera House/Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. Find the redemption kiosk to exchange your Klook tickets.

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We will be mainly taking the sightseeing double-decker bus today and it leaves at 9 am. So don’t be late!

The $27.25/pax option includes ticketed entries to the Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum so those two stops are a MUST to visit.

Other hop on & off sites include:

Notre Dame Cathedral
Saigon Central Post Office
Ben Thanh Market
Nguyen Hue Street walking street
Bitexco Financial Tower
Huyen Si Church
Bach Dang Pier

Note: The sightseeing bus will take you back to the opera house where you left in the morning.

4 pm Take a short walk back to your hotel to rest and freshen up a little.

6 pm Time for dinner!

We won’t go too far since you should be all worn out from all the walking today. Take an 8-minute walk (just 850 m away) to Ben Bach Dang Park, right on the banks of the Saigon River. There are eateries and restaurants around so it’s up to you to choose.

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Have a hearty dinner and some drinks if you’d like and head back early to rest. Our day’s gonna start early tomorrow.

4 June 2023, Sunday

5.30 am Rise and shine!

We’ve got a full-day adventure to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta today.

6.30 am Be at your hotel lobby for your guide to pick you up.

And all you need to do is to follow through with the day tour’s itinerary. Easy peasy.

Here are some highlights:

Get a chance to explore the hidden network of tunnels in the Cu Chi District

Receive insights into the complex and innovative lives of the tunnel residents during the Vietnam War
Cruise along My Tho River (Mekong Delta) to see the Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands

Visit a local coconut sweet(s) workshop, and enjoy seasonal delicious fruits and drinks offered

Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour fee.

7 pm Once the tour ends, you will be dropped off at your hotel by 7.30 pm, just in time for dinner.

Since it’s your last night here in HCMC, why not head to a restaurant with a view? I suggest taking a 10-minute walk to Búp Sky Lounge & Restaurant.

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Enjoy your food and drinks, before heading back to pack your bags for your morning flight tomorrow.

5 June 2023, Monday

6 am Hop on your taxi to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (it will take roughly 35 minutes)

6.45 am Reach the airport for check-in

9 am Take your flight back to Singapore

Image Credits: valleycentral.com

12.05 pm Touch down at Singapore Changi Airport T4

Head home, unpack, and let’s get ready to head back to work tomorrow 😉

Exciting Things to Experience in Japan

Oh, the Land of the Rising Sun! I recently returned from my trip to Japan, and I’m still overflowing with emotions.

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan captured my heart with its fascinating culture and friendly people. I found myself constantly mesmerized by the blend of traditional and modern attractions, and each day offered a new adventure.

The thrill of trying new foods and exploring vibrant neighborhoods left me feeling excited and curious, while visiting historic sites filled me with a sense of awe and wonder. Japan truly is a captivating country, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for every visitor.

If you are visiting Japan, anytime soon, here are some activities that you must consider.

#1: GO AMUSEMENT PARK HOPPING

Discover the excitement of Tokyo’s amusement parks! Disneyland, DisneySea, Universal Studios Japan, Sanrio Puroland, and Tokyo Dome City offer rides and attractions for all ages.

I couldn’t contain my joy as I rode each thrilling attraction, watched the vibrant shows, and indulged in delicious treats. I highly recommend arriving early to avoid long queues and to maximize your time at each park. My personal favorites were the magical Harry Potter’s Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Studios Japan and the unforgettable Journey to the Center of the Earth at Tokyo DisneySea. Don’t forget to enjoy the delicious treats at every park.

#2: VISIT SHRINES & TEMPLES

As you search for things to do in Japan, you will undoubtedly come across pictures of tourists posing in front of the vibrant facades of Fushimi Inari Shrine. This shrine is renowned for its thousands of striking red torii gates, which symbolize vitality and protection against evil in Japanese culture. In addition to the shrine, be sure to visit the Kinkaku-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

During my visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, my family and I had to seize the opportunity to capture the perfect pictures, even during the busy Golden Week period.

#3: EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF MT. FUJI

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan. The magnificent mountain appeared before us in all its majestic beauty, and I couldn’t help but feel in awe. We were so lucky to see some of the Sakura trees there too.

A cable car ride to the summit of Mount Hakone provides breathtaking views, while the Chureito pagoda or any of the five surrounding lakes offer equally stunning panoramas. Visiting Mount Fuji is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s a must-see for any Singaporean traveler. From the picturesque views to the refreshing breeze, it’s an unforgettable destination.

#4: SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Japan is renowned for its exceptional shopping experience, with popular areas like Tokyo’s Ginza district, Shibuya Center Street, Osaka’s Shinsaibashi and Umeda areas, and Kyoto’s Shijo-dori and Teramachi shopping arcades.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you’re a shopping enthusiast, you’ll love exploring the discounted luxury items at Gotemba Premium Outlets and the second-hand luxury items at BOOKOFF. And to top it off, most of the shopping outlets offer tax-free shopping, making it a budget-friendly experience. From luxury brands to traditional Japanese crafts, electronics, and unique souvenirs, you’ll find a wide range of shopping options that will make you go crazy. We certainly did!

#5: FEED THE DEERS

Nara is a city renowned for its stunning parks and friendly deer population. The city’s centerpiece is Nara Park, which is home to over a thousand deer that roam freely. While there, be sure to visit the Todai-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. I was in awe of how huge it was up close!

Don’t forget to bow respectfully before feeding the deer, as they will often bow back in appreciation.

#6: INDULGE IN GOOD FOOD

Japan’s incredible food culture left me immensely satisfied. As a tourist, you can indulge in a wide variety of delicious dishes, including sushi, ramen, udon, tempura, wagyu, okonomiyaki, and yakitori. I couldn’t resist trying matcha in different forms every day, from matcha tiramisu cake to matcha ice cream.

Don’t forget to sample the delectable street food such as takoyaki, mochi, and Kobe beef skewer. Japan’s diverse and unique food culture is a must-try experience for any Singaporean foodie.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book a flight to Japan!

Sources: 1 & 2

3 newly opened cafes near Seongsu & Ttukseom Stations to visit in South Korea

If you take an interest in South Korea, you would have known that the cafe culture in Korea is seriously not a joke.

Trends come and go in the land of kimchi and cafes are opening and closing within months.

Not to mention that prices have generally gone up.

But if it’s a well-deserved trip you’re making soon, go ahead and spend within your budget!

Here are 3 newly opened cafes near two train stations of Line 2 (green line)—Seongsu & Ttukseom—so drop by if you’re visiting the area.

BILLOWY | 빌로위 성수

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/jjh30417

Opening hours: 10 am to 12 am (last order at 10.30 pm)

Prices: Starting from 4,500 KRW (4.49 SGD) for drinks

Address: 15 Seongsuil-ro 12-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions: An 8-minute walk (567 m) from Exit 1 of Seongsu Station

BILLOWY makes a good brunch place so if you’re short on time (which most of us are while on holiday), consider dropping by this cafe/brunch place.

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/prejiii

The brunch menu ranges from 14,000 to 30,000 KRW (13.97 to 29.94 SGD) so it’s a little on the high side. But I love the aesthetics of this place.

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/jjh30417

The greyish-white interior colors with pops of greens are easy on the eyes and make perfect backdrops for selfie lovers.

FLOPPY | 플로피

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Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays 10 am to 6 pm; Saturdays to Sundays 11 am to 6 pm

Prices: Starting from 3,500/4,500 KRW (3.49/4.49 SGD) for drinks

Address: 10 Achasan-ro 1 ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions: A 2-minute walk (150 m) from Exit 2 of Ttukseom Station

You will immediately spot this coffee & dessert place from afar thanks to its black exterior and clean white interior with unique mini tables and wooden chairs near the entrance. It’s not a huge space so you may not get seats if you’re unlucky.

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To guarantee a seat, you may want to visit them close to the opening hours, which are 10 am on weekdays and 11 am on weekends.

Prices are pretty wallet-friendly, considering it’s in Seoul.

BREADYPOST | 브레디포스트 성수

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/qqq86

Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm daily

Prices: Starting from 5,000 KRW (4.99 SGD) for drinks

Address: 5 Sangwon 1-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions: Head to Exit 5 of Ttukseom Station and walk along Sangwon-gil. It’s just 259 m away from the exit.

BREADYPOST specializes in freshly made pretzels with a decent variety of jams and sauces as add-ons you can purchase.

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A post shared by 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐘𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓 | 브레디포스트 (@breadypost_bakery)

The cafe itself somehow gives off some old-school vibes so it would make good vintage additions to your social feeds.

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/xenia5779

One visitor added that the pastries are out at 10 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm. So if you want the freshest treats right out of the oven, you know what time you should visit.

And that’s all from me for this short post!

As mentioned in the opening, cafes in Korea open and close at lightning speeds. So I’ll probably be able to bring you another similar post soon.

See you then! 🙂

Travel Thursday: 3D2N Itinerary to Surabaya, Indonesia at $204.30/pax (flights + hotel + breakfast)

One more day to the long weekend!

If you’ve not planned yourself a trip out of Singapore for Labor Day, boohoo.

Haha, just kidding.

It’s never too early to start planning for the next getaway and for this Travel Thursday, we will be looking at a 3D2N trip to Surabaya, Indonesia.

Best of all, it’s just $204.30/pax and includes flights + hotel + breakfast.

Since Vesak Day falls on 2 June, a Friday, this itinerary’s prices will be based on research done for 2 June to 4 June 2023 (2-to-go):

Batik Air flights, round trip per pax: $166.30

The Life Styles Hotel Surabaya (superior room + breakfast): approx. $76 including taxes via Agoda ($38/pax)

Ready for a detailed itinerary? Let’s roll.

Prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing.

2 June 2023, Friday

Flight: Batik Air

8.50 am Reach Singapore Changi Airport T3 for check-in

11.50 am Flight to Surabaya

1.10 pm (local time) Touch down at Surabaya Juanda International Airport T2

Hotel: The Life Styles Hotel Surabaya

2 pm Take your ride to the hotel

Address: Jl. Sumatera No.16, Ketabang, Kec. Gubeng, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60272, Indonesia

2.40 pm Reach The Life Styles Hotel Surabaya (estimated time is about 40 minutes but that depends on the traffic too)

Check-in is from 2 pm so you should be able to drop your luggage and freshen up a little before heading for lunch.

Late lunch: Sansekerta – The Authentic Taste Of Indonesia

Let’s fill our tummies first before we start exploring, shall we?

Take a 4-minute ride or 10-minute walk from your hotel to Sansekerta for a real taste of Indonesian food.

Image Credits: Yunita Wijaya on Google Reviews

Or you can head straight to Grand City Mall Surabaya for more dining options.

4 pm Take a 7- to 10-minute walk from your lunch place to Surabaya Submarine Monument, a museum that offers tours. Or you can go free and easy, snap your quick pics, and let’s move on to the next location.

5 pm Walk your way to Bambu Runcing, about 15 minutes away from the Surabaya Submarine Monument. This landmark monument will certainly prove that you’re in Surabaya. Ha!

Image Credits: tourism.surabaya.go.id

*Plan ahead*

Since you’re in the district, you may want to book yourself a massage session for tomorrow night (3 June). RATU MASSAGE SURABAYA (massage panggilan) is right around the corner from Bambu Runcing so drop by to book yourself a massage appointment.

5.30 pm It’s almost dinner time and from all the walking, you should be ready for some food. A 10-minute walk will take you to Apsari Park, an urban green space with street eats. You will instantly know you’re at the right place if you spot the Monumen Patung Gubernur Suryo.

6 pm If the food stalls are closed, you may want to take a short walk to Tunjungan Plaza instead. You will never go wrong with a shopping mall, yeah?

Image Credits: Yemima Eve on Google Reviews

Enjoy your dinner, and drinks, do some shopping, or even catch an evening movie at the Tunjungan 5 XXI cinema. It’s your holiday so do it your way!

Once you’re done, your hotel is just a less than 15-minute drive away.

Take a swim, or wash up and get some rest; I’ll see you tomorrow.

3 June 2023, Saturday

8 am Rise and shine, and get changed because it’s time for hotel breakfast.

9 am After breakfast, grab yourself a taxi to Surabaya Zoo. It will be a short 10-minute ride from the hotel.

Fun fact: Do you know that looking at cute animals can lead to reduced stress levels? Science has backed this up. So all the sake of our happiness and well-being, here’s a zoo trip planned for you.

11.30 am We’re heading for lunch soon but before we go, let’s drop by Bungkul Park, just 600 m from the zoo.

Bunkul Park is a dog-friendly popular green space so just take a walk through and snap some pictures for keepsake.

12 pm Let’s head to Marvell City Mall for lunch. It’s a 5-minute ride away from the park or if you prefer to clock more steps, take a 12-minute walk to the shopping mall.

Have your lunch, shop at LOTTE Mart if you wish and I’ll see you at 2 pm.

2 pm We’re heading far out so make sure you stop by the washroom to relieve yourself before we grab a ride to Surabaya North Quay.

It’s going to take 30 to 40 minutes (depending on the traffic) to get to the famed tourist attraction by the waters.

2.45 pm There’s a rooftop deck over there, so feel free to grab yourself a drink at the cafe and soak in the port and sea views and vibes while you’re there.

Don’t forget to look out for the Monumen Jalesveva Jayamahe by the corner!

4 pm Call yourself a cab because we’re heading to Chinatown. More specifically, we want to snap some pictures of Kya Kya Surabaya, a historical landmark marked by red “gates” and golden dragons.

Image Credits: suarasurabaya.net

You’re in the Chinatown district so take some time to walk through the streets before you walk yourself to ITC Mega Grosir Surabaya (shopping mall) for some cool air and respite. And of course, food!

Pasar Atom (another shopping mall) is just right around the corner so we have options ya.

7 pm Let’s grab a cab to RATU MASSAGE SURABAYA (massage panggilan) for your massage session.

9 pm All relaxed for bed? You’re just a 5-minute ride or a 15-minute walk back to your hotel.

Pack up, wash up, and hit the sack early because we’ve got a morning flight to catch tomorrow.

4 June 2023, Sunday

4.45 am Hop on your taxi to Surabaya Juanda International Airport T2 (it will take roughly 40 minutes)

5.45 am Reach the airport for check-in

7.45 am Take your flight back to Singapore

Image Credits: travel.kompas.com

11 am (local time) Touch down at Singapore Changi Airport T3

Hope you’ve had a superb trip in Surabaya!

See you soon for our next flight out 😉

Travel Thursday: 3D2N Itinerary to Miri, Malaysia at $204.20/pax (flights + hotel)

Labor Day’s approaching, right?

Have you had your holiday plans set yet?

If not, let me warmly welcome you to this new Travel Thursday series where I bring you a FREE itinerary planned by yours truly.

In this “first episode”, we will look at a 3D2N itinerary to Miri, Malaysia.

We love Malaysia, don’t we? But when trips to Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur get a little repetitive, why not give other cities a go? And that’s why I’ve decided on Miri for us.

Since Labor Day falls on 1 May, a Monday, this itinerary’s prices will be based on research done for 29 April to 1 May 2023 (2-to-go):

AirAsia flights, round trip for 2 pax: $347.40 ($173.70/pax)

Ajang Hotel (superior queen with city view): $61 including taxes ($30.50/pax)

Agoda and ShopBack have a collaboration that could get you up to 15% off so you might want to check that out before booking:

Total: $173.70 + $30.50 = $204.20/pax

Prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing.

29 April 2023, Saturday

Flight: AirAsia

7.15 am Reach Singapore Changi Airport T4 for check-in

10.15 am Flight to Miri

12.15 pm Touch down at Miri Airport

Hotel: Ajang Hotel

1.15 pm Grab/take a taxi to Ajang Hotel

Address: Jalan Sri Dagang, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

1.45 pm Reach Ajang Hotel (estimated time is about 20 minutes but that depends on the traffic too)

Image Credits: ajang-hotel-miri-my.booked.net

Check-in is at 3 pm. So if early check-in is unavailable, leave your luggage and bring your valuable belongings along because it’s time for late lunch.

Late lunch: Restoran Ayam Penyet Ria

There are various options around the hotel but you can try Restoran Ayam Penyet Ria, which is just right beside the entrance of Ajang Hotel.

You should already be starving by now, no need to walk so far lah, hor?

*Plan ahead*

After lunch, you may want to head to Lemongrass Family Reflexology & Spa (Permaisuri) to book an appointment for a massage session tomorrow night (30 April) so you can be guaranteed a spot.

The massage shop has gotten pretty good reviews and it’s just a 3-minute walk from Ajang Hotel. Good choice!

3 pm Check-in, freshen up, and rest a little.

4 pm Take a 3-minute walk to Miri Waterfront to snap some pictures of the iconic seahorse-looking sculpture.

Image Credits: Adrian Lunsong on Google Reviews

4.30 pm Grab or hop on an 8-minute ride to Coco Cabana

Address: Lot 2260, Jln Bandaraya, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

Coco Cabana is one of the top sights in Miri with a 4.4 rating from over 4,500 reviews on Google. It’s certainly worth your time.

Image Credits: Ariel Abriam on Google Reviews

There’s also another seahorse-looking sculpture here at Coco Cabana. Walk around Miri Marina, Miri Central Park, and Marina Bay Park and catch the sunset before grabbing dinner.

Dinner: Wondering Seafood Restaurant

7 pm Head to Wondering Seafood Restaurant about an 11-minute walk from Marina Bay Park.

It can get quite packed in the evening when people start having dinner so you might want to make a reservation first or reach earlier to chope seats yeah.

9 pm Take a 10- to 15-minute walk to Miri Times Square for some pictures and to digest your hearty seafood dinner.

Image Credits: marinaparkcity.com

Watsons and Guardian are available nearby Miri Times Square so you can grab some essentials there.

Food all digested and ready for round 2? Let’s go!

Walk to Recharge Fried Chicken & Beer Cafe within Miri Times Square for some Korean-style food with beer and/or soju.

11 pm Cab back to Ajang Hotel and rest for the day.

30 April 2023, Sunday

All rested from the fatigue from day 1?

Rise and shine, it’s time for day 2.

9 am Breakfast at Hainan Cafe or Wang Sing Cafe. Both eateries are located right behind Ajang Hotel so you will be there in a minute.

Image Credits: See Fong Jong on Google Reviews

10 am Two routes for you to choose from: local markets or shopping malls

If you prefer that local vibe, you may want to check out 2 local markets: Miri Central Market (a 9-minute walk from Hainan Cafe) and Tamu Muhibbah (another 9-minute walk from Miri Central Market).

If you prefer the aircon and shopping mall vibe, then you can consider Permaisuri Imperial City Mall and Bintang Megamall (both are within a 15-minute walk from Hainan Cafe).

12 pm Lunch time! Your lunch place will depend on where you go, whether it’s the markets or the shopping malls. More options at the shopping malls of course.

Or since there’s ample time, you can visit both the local markets and shopping malls!

4 pm Take an 8-minute ride from Bintang Megamall to Saberkas Night Market.

The night market opens at 4 pm according to Google so you will reach just in time for pasar malam snacks and dinner.

Image Credits: جسمي jasmi aris on Google Reviews

6.30 pm Walk about 15 minutes to the nearest Boulevard Shopping Mall for some final shopping/more food before heading back to your hotel area for your spa/massage session.

9 pm Reach Lemongrass Family Reflexology & Spa (Permaisuri) and enjoy your session!

11 pm Head back to Ajang Hotel to pack up and rest.

1 May 2023, Sunday

Happy Labor Day!

It’s your final day here at Miri. Boohoo.

But it’s time to prep for check-out so rise and shine!

7 am Leave for Miri Airport

7.30 am Reach Miri Airport, check-in and have breakfast.

9.55 am AirAsia flight to Singapore

11.55 am Reach Singapore

Time to gear yourself ready to go back to the daily grind on 2 May 😉