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

GS25 July 2025 Foodstuffs

Will you be in South Korea soon?

Head to GS25 for these new finds when you land! 🛬🇰🇷

#1a: Turkish Red Velvet Brick Cake (4,200 KRW; approx. 3.88 SGD)

#1b: Sweet Mix Jelly (Cola) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.77 SGD)

#2a: Squid Game Chewy Cookie (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#2b: Lotte Kancho Snack (Melon) (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.39 SGD)

#3a: Ottogi Curry Crispy Roll (1,800 KRW; approx. 1.66 SGD)

#3b: ‘Real Price’ Oven Baked Whole Chicken Leg (2,900 KRW; approx. 2.68 SGD)

#4a: Soy Sauce Bulgogi Mealbox (5,200 KRW; approx. 4.80 SGD)

#4b: LABNOSH Black Pepper Chicken Rice (5,900 KRW; approx. 5.45 SGD)

#5a: ‘2-Minute Cup’ Korean Beef Radish Soup (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.39 SGD)

#5b: ‘2-Minute Cup’ Dried Pollack Soup (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.39 SGD)

#6a: Spicy Loach Soup (5,900 KRW; approx. 5.45 SGD)

#6b: Jeju Pork ‘One-Meal Pork Belly’ (7,900 KRW; approx. 7.30 SGD)

#7a: Whizzy Gloss Lip (Assorted) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.77 SGD)

#7b: Whizzy Eyeshadow (2 Types) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.77 SGD)

#8a: ROROMALLOW Ice Brulee Matcha (4,500 KRW; approx. 4.16 SGD)

#8b: Ice Balls (Acai Berry) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#9a: CHOYA Iced Ume & Apple Sherbet (3,300 KRW; approx. 3.05 SGD)

#9b: Squid Game Rope-Jump Jelly (Fruity) (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.39 SGD)

#10a: Spicy Chilli Shrimps (7,900 KRW; approx. 7.30 SGD)

#10b: ‘Cotton Ball’ Tangsuyuk (6,900 KRW; approx. 6.37 SGD)

#11a: Chicken Leg Scorched Rice Samgyetang (6,900 KRW; approx. 6.37 SGD)

#11b: Eel Rice Bowl (8,900 KRW; approx. 8.22 SGD)

#12a: ‘Real Price’ Korean Chicken Leg (Spicy) (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.03 SGD)

#12b: ‘Real Price’ Frozen Sliced Pork Belly (9,900 KRW; approx. 9.15 SGD)

#13a: Ottogi Shrimp Jjamppong (Small Cup) (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.76 SGD)

#13b: Yummy Spicy Ramen (Packet) (1,300 KRW; approx. 1.20 SGD)

#14a: Low Sugar Apple Tea (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#14b: Low Sugar Peach Tea (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#15a: Lotte Melon Ice Cream (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.77 SGD)

#15b: ‘One-Hand’ Bingsu (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.03 SGD)

#16a: Random Key Ring Candy (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.77 SGD)

#16b: Capybara Churos (800 KRW; approx. 0.74 SGD)

#17a: Bacon Bread Burger (3,800 KRW; approx. 3.51 SGD)

#17b: Chicken Bread Burger (3,800 KRW; approx. 3.51 SGD)

#18a: Mini Bread (Black Olive) (3,400 KRW; approx. 3.14 SGD)

#18b: Mini Bread (Basil + Tomato + Cream Cheese) (3,400 KRW; approx. 3.14 SGD)

#19a: Juicy Cool ‘Zero’ Konjac Jelly (Plum) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#19b: Juicy Cool ‘Zero’ Konjac Jelly (Pineapple) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#20a: ‘Real Price’ King Lobster (2,400 KRW; approx. 2.22 SGD)

#20b: ‘Real Price’ Protein Bar (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#21a: CJ One-day Natto (2 Pcs) (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.60 SGD)

#21b: LABNOSH Apple Cider Vinegar Gummy (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.76 SGD)

#22a: French Fries Shape Jelly (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.31 SGD)

#22b: Babam Bite Mini Ice Cream (12,000 KRW; approx. 11.09 SGD)

#23a: Corn Bread (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.39 SGD)

#23b: Seongsu Salt Bread (Walnut Cream) (3,200 KRW; approx. 2.96 SGD)

#24a: Spicy Gopchang (Intestines) (7,900 KRW; approx. 7.30 SGD)

#24b: 3900 Cold Noodles (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.60 SGD)

#25a: Lemon Cream Shrimps (7,900 KRW; approx. 7.30 SGD)

#25b: Guobarou (锅包肉) (6,900 KRW; approx. 6.37 SGD)

#26a: ‘Real Price’ Chewy Cheese Balls (4 Pcs) (1,980 KRW; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#26b: ‘Real Price’ Whole Shrimp Dumplings (5 Pcs) (4,980 KRW; approx. 4.60 SGD)

#27a: Whole Grilled Eel Mealbox (16,000 KRW; approx. 14.78 SGD)

#27b: Grilled Eel Kimbap (9,500 KRW; approx. 8.78 SGD)

#28a: Dried Squid (Stone-Grilled / Chewy Sweet) (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.76 SGD)

#28b: Beef Jerky (Assorted) (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.60 SGD)

All image credits to GS25.

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

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6 best-rated accommodations in Hanoi, Vietnam, to book a stay in H2 of 2025

CLASSYC Hotel in Hanoi

How about a trip to Hanoi for the rest of 2025?

Top sights like Hanoi Opera House, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, and more are begging you for a visit.

If you’re planning to fly to the capital of Vietnam, you will need a place to stay, so why not consider your options from this list? 📋

Hanoi Le Chateau Hotel & Spa

Hanoi Le Chateau Hotel & Spa

Agoda Rating: 9.7 (2.8K+ reviews)

We will start the ball rolling with one of Hanoi’s newest gems in the Old Quarter.

Fresh from its 2024 build, the Hanoi Le Chateau Hotel & Spa is a five-star hotel with an exceptional 9.7 guest rating.

This accommodation puts you a 10-minute drive from Ngoc Son Temple and 21.1 km from the airport.

Spread out in the 65-square-meter Premier Suite if you value space; families will appreciate the connecting suites, while travelers can cozy up in the studios.

CLASSYC Hotel

CLASSYC Hotel

Agoda Rating: 9.6 (2K+ reviews)

This newly minted CLASSYC Hotel has already caught the attention of travelers, earning top choice from Agoda guests in 2024.

You will find yourself positioned just 1.5 km from the Hanoi Opera House, while the airport is about 21 km away.

The hotel’s premium connecting rooms make group stays more enjoyable.

For those seeking space and comfort, their Duplex Suite offers two bedrooms and a separate living room.

Meritel Hanoi

Meritel Hanoi

Agoda Rating: 9.5 (5.3K+ reviews)

If you book a stay at this 5-star hotel, the Hanoi Train Street would be just a 5-minute stroll away.

The hotel’s family connecting suites make group stays easy, and kids 11 and under stay free when using existing bedding.

The airport is about 21.5 km away.

FYI, this accommodation opened in 2022, so it’s fairly 🆕👍

Carillon Boutique Hotel

Carillon Boutique Hotel

Agoda Rating: 9.5 (4.8K+ reviews)

Tucked away in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this boutique hotel proves that stars don’t tell the whole story.

Despite its 3-star rating, the Carillon Boutique Hotel has won the hearts of over 4K travelers with an impressive 9.5 rating, earning it a spot as Agoda’s top choice for 2024.

Banh Mi lovers will be glad to know that they will be just 3 minutes away from Vietnam’s original Banh Mi at Banh Mi #1 Bon Mi.

Their Deluxe Double or Twin Room options are suitable for solo/buddy travelers, while their Suite Queen and Junior Suite with Terrace options offer more spacious stays.

Salute Premium Hotel & Spa

Salute Premium Hotel & Spa

Agoda Rating: 9.5 (4.7K+ reviews)

The Salute Premium Hotel & Spa has snagged a top choice award for Agoda travelers in 2024.

It’s less than 2 km from the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, anyway.

Families can go for spacious rooms and suites designed for group stays, while solo budget adventurers can go for their Superior Double Room (while windowless), a more wallet-friendly option.

Scent Premium Hotel

Scent Premium Hotel

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (7.7K+ reviews)

The Scent Premium Hotel sits approx. 400 m from the Lotus Water Puppet Theater.

Solo adventurers and traveling buddies will feel right at home in the Superior Room or Deluxe with Window options, while families can consider the 40-square-meter Family Room.

Speaking of which, little travelers 5 years old and under stay free when using existing bedding.

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MBS Bets Big with S$10.3B Expansion

On a humid Tuesday morning (July 15), the Marina Bay skyline buzzed with more than just financial activity. It carried the anticipation of transformation. Las Vegas Sands, the parent company of Marina Bay Sands (MBS), held a groundbreaking ceremony for its US$8 billion (S$10.3 billion) expansion, a bold move that promises to reshape not only Singapore’s skyline but also the future of luxury tourism across Asia.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong officiated the ceremony, joined by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu and key figures from Las Vegas Sands, including cofounder Miriam Adelson, Chief Executive Officer Robert Goldstein, and President and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Dumont. Their presence underscored both the global significance and the local commitment behind this landmark development.

ENHANCING THE MBS LEGACY

Since its opening, Marina Bay Sands, crowned by the iconic SkyPark, has become one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Singapore. Now, its next chapter, temporarily called IR2, is poised to elevate this legacy even further. The upcoming 55 story tower will house 570 all suite accommodations, each designed to feel less like a hotel room and more like a private retreat in the sky.

But the expansion goes beyond opulence. The project includes a new gaming area, nearly 200,000 square feet of premium meeting and event spaces, world class dining concepts, enhanced wellness facilities, and a state of the art entertainment arena capable of hosting 15,000 attendees. This is more than hospitality. It is the blueprint for a new standard in global luxury experiences.

TRANSFORMING THE SKYLINE

If the original SkyPark defined the Marina Bay Sands silhouette, the upcoming Skyloop will reimagine how visitors experience it. Spanning 76,000 square feet, this multilevel rooftop destination will offer panoramic 360 degree views of the city skyline. The Skyloop will feature public areas including observatories, lush gardens, and destination restaurants, alongside private sanctuaries with infinity pools, cabanas, and wellness terraces curated for bespoke experiences.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

WHY NOW

This expansion is more than a property upgrade. It is a strategic play. As regional competition intensifies, with new integrated resorts emerging in markets like Japan, Macau, and the Philippines, Singapore is reinforcing its position as Asia’s premier hub for business, tourism, and luxury living.

“This is not just a hotel. It is a vision for the future of hospitality,” said Patrick Dumont in a recent interview. The message is clear. Las Vegas Sands is placing its full confidence in Singapore’s continued relevance and leadership in the global hospitality landscape.

INVITING THE PUBLIC IN

While IR2 is geared toward the ultra luxury market, MBS remains committed to engaging the public. Starting January 17, the Skyline Singapore: Stories From Above showcase will open at the SkyPark Observation Deck. Visitors can explore the evolution of Marina Bay Sands through immersive exhibits while taking in sweeping views of the Esplanade, Gardens by the Bay, and the ever evolving cityscape.

At night, the SkyPark remains one of the best spots to catch Spectra, the free nightly light and water show that continues to captivate both locals and visitors. Even as MBS reaches new heights, it remains grounded in its role as a place for connection, wonder, and shared experience.

Image Credits: facebook.com/SafdieArchitects

With construction officially underway, Singapore is once again stepping boldly into the global spotlight. This expansion is more than a luxury resort project. It is a proof that the Lion City’s next act is already taking shape.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

 

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7 marvelously rated accommodations in Langkawi, Malaysia, to book a stay in H2 of 2025

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi in Malaysia

Can’t wait to visit the beaches of Langkawi? 🏖️

You need to book your accommodation(s) first before you fly.

And to help speed up the process, we’ve shortlisted a few marvelously rated ones in the archipelago off Malaysia’s northwest coast.

The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi

The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (2K+ reviews)

Voted a top choice by Agoda travelers in 2024, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi sits just 4.4 km from Langkawi International Airport and within 5 km of Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls and Langkawi Sky Bridge.

Awake to ocean views from your guest room/villa accommodation, then spend your hours indulging in Ritz-Carlton service.

Traveling with kids? Children up to 11 years old stay for free when using existing bedding.

The Datai Langkawi

The Datai Langkawi

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (1.4K+ reviews)

Toes in the sand, drink in hand—welcome to The Datai Langkawi, a beachfront accommodation mere steps from Datai’s shores.

Listed as a top Agoda choice for 2023, their rooms range from deluxe/premium to villas and suites.

 Little ones 11 and under stay free! 🧒

VILLA PADDY

VILLA PADDY

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (1.3K+ reviews)

Just about 6 km from Langkawi International Airport and about 9 km from Crocodile Adventureland, you won’t have to wait long to get your holiday started.

VILLA PADDY also rolls out the welcome mat for those traveling with kids, allowing little VIPs up to 3 years old to stay free when using existing bedding.

Room options range from standards to double rooms and studios/suites/villas.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (1K+ reviews)

The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is sited right on Tanjung Rhu’s shores, a five-star hotel with spacious rooms and villas that boast garden or sea views.

Kids 12 and under stay for free using existing bedding.

PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort

PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (7.6K+ reviews)

PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort, which opened in 2023, is a 5-star hotel along Tengah Beach’s shores and a fairly quick 6.5 km from Langkawi International Airport.

Families can maximize togetherness in deluxe rooms or opt for roomy villas, with kids 11 and under staying free using existing bedding.

It’s also just approx. 1 km to Underwater World.

The Bayou Hotel Langkawi

The Bayou Hotel Langkawi

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (2.8K+ reviews)

Fresh off a 2023 renovation, this accommodation places you just moments from Tengah Beach’s sands and waters.

Families and groups will love the studios and suites—some even include kitchenettes.

With the airport only 6.3 km away, you can trade plane for paradise in no time.

The Danna Langkawi

The Danna Langkawi

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (2.6K+ reviews)

The Danna Langkawi is a 5-star hotel of luxury.

Basking in the glow of its 2024 renovation, each grand room and suite exudes freshness.

We would recommend their Princess Beach Villa, if you want a private pool all to yourself.

Skytrex Adventure Park lies a mere 500 m away, while Langkawi International Airport sits 6.3 km away.

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5 perfectly rated accommodations in Padang, Indonesia, to book a stay in H2 of 2025

Hotel Santika Premiere Padang in Indonesia

Do you know that Padang is the capital of Indonesia’s West Sumatra province?

If you haven’t heard of Padang, it’s time for a trip there to see things yourself.

We like how it’s only 1 to 1.5 hours from Singapore by flight, so you save on traveling time and annual leave.

Makes a good, quick getaway if you’re on a budget but still want to get out of our sunny island to a fresh destination.

So to help you with your planning, we’ve got a quick list of perfectly rated accommodations for your consideration.

Take a look! 👁️‍🗨️

Hotel Santika Premiere Padang

Hotel Santika Premiere Padang

Agoda Rating: 8.9 (950+ reviews)

Opened in 2021, Hotel Santika Premiere Padang places you about 5.2 km from the sands of Air Manis Beach.

The hotel’s location, earning a 9.8/10 traveler rating, sits about 40 minutes from the airport, making arrivals and departures fairly quick.

Find a room style to suit your vibe, from deluxe quarters to ocean view suites worthy of a splurge.

Kids under 8 stay free when using existing bedding, so this means more rupiah for food and stuff 😛

Truntum Padang Hotel

Truntum Padang Hotel

Agoda Rating: 8.8 (3.6K+ reviews)

Your West Sumatra adventure at this 4-star hotel puts you just 45 minutes from the airport but a mere 5-minute ride from Plaza Andalas mall, ideal for shopping or a bite.

Whether you opt for a deluxe room or stretch out in an executive suite, the choice is up to you.

Traveling with the kids?

Little ones 10 and under stay for free when bunking with adults, keeping more cash in your pocket for experiencing Padang.

Whiz Prime Hotel Khatib Sulaiman Padang

Whiz Prime Hotel Khatib Sulaiman Padang

Agoda Rating: 8.8 (3.4K+ reviews)

Whiz Prime Hotel Khatib Sulaiman Padang is just 35 minutes from the airport.

This 3-star gem puts Padang Beach’s surf and seaside sunsets a quick 10-minute drive away.

Whether you’re in need of a roomy queen/king room or a twin, this hotel’s got the cozy crash pad covered.

Junior suites are available for booking too.

ibis Padang Hotel

ibis Padang Hotel

Agoda Rating: 8.7 (2.1K+ reviews)

When your vacation calls for easy oceanside access, the ibis Padang Hotel hits the sweet spot.

This hotel sits just a less than 10-minute drive from Padang Beach and is also a 35-minute jaunt from the airport, so you can ditch that travel fatigue fast.

Choose from a range of guest rooms, from deluxe to business suites—some even flaunt mountain and ocean views.

For families, kids 11 and under snooze for free when sharing your room, stretching that travel budget farther.

Amaris Hotel Padang

Amaris Hotel Padang

Agoda Rating: 8.7 (1.4K+ reviews)

Last but not least, we have Amaris Hotel Padang, which has earned rave reviews, voted a top choice for Agoda travelers in 2024.

With standard, twin, and double rooms available, there’s plenty of space for everyone, and kids 8 and under stay free using existing bedding.

It’s also about a 45-minute drive from the airport (minus the traffic).

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