3 roomy accommodations with an ocean view under $115/night in Okinawa, Japan, for group travelers who are space-conscious

open-concept house with an ocean view

Wanna take advantage of the exchange rate to travel to Japan soon?

1 Singapore Dollar equals 111.84 Japanese Yen

You better do so quickly because analysts have it that the Japanese yen is likely to recover in 2024 with government interventions or shifts in the Japanese central bank’s policy stance.

So while the rates are still good now, gather your gang and book your flights, and let’s be on our way.

Oh yes, before you travel, you will need a place to stay, right?

In this week’s ‘Travel Thursday’ series, I’ve helped us search for some really roomy accommodations with an ocean view under $115/night in Okinawa, Japan.

In my opinion, it’s apt for group travelers who are space-conscious. So without further ado, let’s get the list started in here!

2-bedroom homey unit with a view of Yaka’s sea

Entire home in Kin-chō, Japan

Price: $110 (for 3 persons)

This inviting home away from home offers a wonderful seaside retreat for families and friends. 

Nestled in a quiet residential area along Yaka’s beautiful coastline, this 2-bedroom unit provides ample space and privacy for 3 or 4 guests. Children under 5 stay for free, so little ones can join the fun with child-friendly furnishings and toys provided (do request in advance).

Wake up to sweeping views of the sea from the comfort of your rental unit, then spend lazy mornings sipping coffee in your living room. The well-equipped kitchen allows you to prep meals or heat leftovers to enjoy together, and free parking means you can arrive on-site and settle right in. When you’re ready for adventure, Yaka’s beach and hotspots are just minutes away.

With spacious rooms, an ideal location, and all the comforts of home, this affordable unit provides an impressive coastal getaway you will want to return to again and again.

Bright and modern home along Nagahama Beach

Entire home in Kunigami District, Japan

Price: $112 (for 3 persons)

This bright and airy beachside retreat will have you feeling like a local in no time. Nestled along Nagahama Beach, this modern home sleeps 3 to 4 guests and is 2 hours from Naha Airport. 

The open floor plan features ample natural light, high ceilings, and ocean views from the comfort of your unit. Two bedrooms—one with a double bed and the other with a bunk bed—spaciously accommodate your travel companions. The fully equipped kitchen is stocked with essentials so you can cook up some meals if you need them. Just 10 minutes away is Nakijin Castle Ruins, perfect for an afternoon excursion.

Your host is on hand to meet you upon arrival and ensure you have everything you need to fully unwind during your stay. This home offers all the conveniences of home in a prime beachfront spot, providing the ideal balance of relaxation and experience.

3-bedroom huge traditional Japanese-style house for 8 guests

Entire home in Nanjō-shi, Japan

Price: $114 (for 8 persons)

We’ve saved the best for the last—an authentic Japanese-style house nestled in Nanjō, a city in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

This traditional 3-bedroom vacation home sleeps up to 8 guests comfortably and features partial sea views, great for large families or groups seeking an affordable getaway. Old-world charm abounds from the tatami mat floors to the shoji screens. Spread out in 1 of the 3 bedrooms, each with futons and mattresses for all, or lounge on the veranda and take in the surrounding views.

Just 40 minutes from Naha Airport by car or 1.5 hours by bus, this hidden escape has a free onsite parking space where you can leave the car behind once you’re done exploring the nearby attractions and the beach.

Children 5 and under stay gratis, making it ideal for multigenerational trips. For a truly authentic slice of old Japan in a huge home all to yourselves, this traditional vacation house has you covered.

Over $100/night may seem a lot for the budget traveler… But if you do some travel math and split the cost, it doesn’t even cost that much per person. Especially for the last listing, $114 ÷ 8 persons = $14.25! That’s probably cheaper than an awkward bed space in a hostel. So gather your tomodachis (friends), it’s time to conquer the land of the rising sun.

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Care Bears fans don’t want to miss out on this Care Bears Collection Makeup Set at $69 (U.P. $75)

SHEGLAM X Care Bears Main Banner

Are you a Care Bears fan?

Then you surely don’t want to miss out on Shein’s SHEGLAM X Care Bears Collection Set at just $69.

Let’s take a look at what’s inside, shall we?

Sweet Wishes Colored Eyeliners

SHEGLAM X Care Bears Sweet Wishes Colored Eyeliners

Price: $5.28 after promo (if purchased separately)

These eyeliners pack a punch of color that will light up your eyes.

The matte liquid formulas are jam-packed with vivid pigments to create lines that pop in three dazzling shades: True Heart (white), Lucky Day (green), and Sweet as Sugar (purple). Create graphic liner looks or draw sweet doodles right on your face, the possibilities are endless.

The safe, vegan-friendly ingredients mean your peepers will thank you, not sting you, while the brilliant payoff and long-lasting wear let you rock your colorful creations all day. These Sweet Wishes Colored Eyeliners are your new secret weapons for expressive, standout style.

Catch Some Fun Highlighting Puff—Sparkle 4Ever

SHEGLAM X Care Bears Catch Some Fun Highlighting Puff-Sparkle 4Ever

Price: $6.16 after promo (if purchased separately)

Take a cue from Funshine Bear and add some sparkle to your day with Catch Some Fun Highlighting Puff—Sparkle 4Ever.

Shimmer and shine with this highly concentrated glitter puff ball featuring gorgeous reflective sheer glitter that can be used on your face or body. The mineral blend adds a subtle glow that captures the light just right for that Christmas night out with the girlies. Just a few swipes of this glitter puff releases a burst of sparkle that will have you shining bright all evening long.

Make memories that will last forever with friends by your side and a touch of glittery magic dust thanks to this creation.

Cuddle Time Powder Blushes

SHEGLAM X Care Bears Cuddle Time Blush

Price: from $7.04 (if purchased separately)

These cheek-popping blushes were made for cuddling up to your cheeks.

Available in three flattering shades—Thrill Seeker for a playful flush, Fab-U-Lous for a fabulous pinkish glow and Tickled Pink for a sweet tint—these highly pigmented, easy-to-blend blushes provide the ultimate sweet cheek flush that lasts.

The adorable fluffy packaging is just as lovable as the blushes inside, giving you a cheeky smile every time you apply.

Share Your Care Palette

SHEGLAM X Care Bears Share Your Care Palette

Price: $12.46 after promo (if purchased separately)

This palette is your perfect partner in glam.

Featuring 12 silky mattes, shimmery foils, and sparkly frosts, you will be able to create festive looks that are huggable, just like the cuddly outside packaging. The fragrance-free formula is ideal for beautyholics sensitive to scents, while the highly pigmented shades blend effortlessly for a look that’s ready to share with the world.

Slip into something glamorous, swipe on these huggable hues, and get ready for the compliments to start rolling in. This palette has everything you need to create the flawless glamorous eye makeup that’s ready to be shared this festive season and beyond.

Share a Smile Lip Set

SHEGLAM X Care Bears Share a Smile Lip Set

Price: $13.20 after promo (if purchased separately)

This Share a Smile Lip Set has everything you need to create three gorgeous lip looks that are full of cheer.

The two long-wearing, non-sticky matte lip colors pair wonderfully with the high-shine gloss, or wear any one on its own for a lovely lip look. The formulas are enriched with sunflower seed oil and rugosa rose flower extract for hydrated lips, and are free of alcohol and parabens.

Create custom pouts that will have you smiling all day with this joyful lip set that contains all you need to brighten up your day and someone else’s.

And that’s all we have for you. If you purchase Shein’s SHEGLAM X Care Bears Collection Set at just $69, you will also get a FREE gift—a pink fluffy Care Bear mirror! Together with their cute Care Bear box packaging, how can any Care Bears fan say no? Grab yours at $69 before the promo ends or it gets sold out. Hurry, hurry!

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heya announces $10 Mobile Plan 150GB (extra 50GB for limited time) and 1GB Roaming Data!

Redefine your mobile experience with an unbeatable plan that’s making waves across the nation. heya’s thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking mobile plan, offering a whopping 100GB at just $10 plus 1GB Roaming Data and 300 local minutes, and here’s the kicker – no contract required! Plus, enjoy the freedom of free data rollover and revel in the luxury of being on the best network in town.

But wait, it gets even better! For a limited time only, all you awesome new heya customers (whether you’re new to the game or switching teams) get to snag a free add-on of your choice, and it’s valid for a whole 30 days!

Take Your Pick – It’s on the House!

  1. 50GB Bonus: Double up your data for all your streaming, gaming, and browsing needs.
  2. 1GB Roaming to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand: Stay connected even when you’re globetrotting.
  3. $3 IDD Calling: Chat it up with your folks – enjoy up to 300 minutes of calls to Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Switch over and get your second month for FREE!

If you switch over to heya with your existing telco line, your 2nd month is free and this is on top of the free add-on of your choice.

Top up your way with heya!

Say heya to more convenience and top up easily through any of these:

  • heya shop (Tips: you can choose to top up $30 or $50 heya wallet credits all at one go and enjoy extra 10% credits. Download the heya app to top up your heya plan or buy add-ons every month using your heya credits without having to go to the shop)
  • heya app with credit/debit card
  • Lazada
  • Shopee

Want more Data Roaming or IDD? heya have add-ons too!

You can also choose to top up these add-ons from any of the above.

  • $3 1GB Roaming data
  • $5 up to 500 IDD minutes to 9 countries

Exclusive Roadshow Goodies

Can’t wait to get on it? Swing by their roadshow locations to sign up and enjoy a free 1kg SongHe rice at selected heya retailers.

Retailer Address Operating hours
Woodlands MRT 11-8 Mart 30 Woodlands Ave 2 #01-46 Woodlands MRT Station S(738343) Weekends only, 3pm – 9pm
Boon Lay MRT Singcard 221 Boon Lay Place #01-202 Boon Lay Shopping Centre S(640221) Weekends only, 2.30pm – 9.30pm
Tampines MRT Ezylink 8 Tampines Central 1 #01-04 Eastlink Mall S(529543) Daily, 2pm – 9pm
Hougang MRT Uwin 811 Hougang Central #01-194 S(530811) Daily, 12pm – 7pm

Psst… Hurry up! Limited time offer. SongHe Rice giveaway while stocks last.

For full list of heya shop, visit www.heya.sg.

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Experience the First-Ever Christmas Eve Street Party on Orchard Road Starting Nov 16

Mark your calendars! This year’s highly anticipated Orchard Road Christmas light-up, officially named “Christmas On A Great Street,” is set to kick off on November 16, 2023. The festivities will include three enchanting Great Christmas Villages and, for the first time in forever – a Christmas Eve street party.

The groundbreaking street party on Christmas Eve will span from Paterson Junction to Bideford Junction and is scheduled to take place from 8 pm to 12:30 am. Attendees can anticipate a spectacular showcase featuring performances by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Command Band from Swiss Cottage Secondary School, captivating dance performances, lively Christmas caroling, Meet & Greet sessions with Santa Claus, DJ live sets, and a bustling Christmas Market teeming with food trucks offering a diverse array of delicious treats. Gather your loved ones, as the evening will culminate in a thrilling countdown to Christmas Day and the New Year.

EMBRACE THE VIBRANT DECORATIONS

The Great Street will greet you with illuminating displays that will extend from Orchard Road to the area outside Plaza Singapura, boasting a dreamy theme adorned with LED cloud installations, teddy bears, and candy canes. In a commitment to sustainability, organizers aim to further reduce their carbon footprint by repurposing past years’ LED lights and decorations and installing solar panels to power two Christmas set pieces.

VISIT THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGES

This year’s celebration will host three Great Christmas Villages, each brimming with carnival rides, games, pop-up stores, and delectable food kiosks. The first village, located at Shaw House Urban Plaza, will be open from November 24, 2023 to Jan 7, 2024. It will feature a double-story carousel and a Ferris wheel. The second village, situated at Plaza Singapura, will showcase a giant bouncy castle, a balloon dome, and craft workshops by Kiztopia. This will operate from Dec 1, 2023 to Jan 1, 2024.

What’s more? The third Christmas Village, positioned at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, will welcome visitors from December 8, 2023 to January 1,2024. It will offer a Euro Swing ride, an arcade, food trucks, and live performances by local buskers and bands.

JOIN THE CHRISTMAS EVE STREET PARTY

In a nostalgic nod to the iconic Swing Singapore, this year introduces the inaugural Christmas Eve street party on Orchard Road.

Unlike Swing Singapore, which primarily celebrated National Day and the New Year, this street party will unfold on December 24, 2023, from 8 pm to 12:30 am along Orchard Road. Revelers can enjoy dance performances, Christmas caroling, Santa Meet & Greet sessions, a Christmas Market, food trucks, and a thrilling countdown to Christmas. Bring your friends along!

WATCH THE OUTDOOR AR PROJECTIONS

For enthusiasts of augmented reality (AR) projections, Hilton Singapore Orchard will host a mesmerizing 3D illustration on the hotel’s facade. Additional AR displays will adorn 25 glass panels along the pedestrian walkway from ION Orchard to Mandarin Gallery.

Immerse yourself in captivating, augmented reality displays running from November 1, 2023 to January 1, 2024. The inaugural installation at Hilton Singapore Orchard will showcase outdoor augmented reality projections in 3D through the PopAR Live app on our phones. The second projection can be enjoyed on 25 glass panels along the walkway from ION Orchard to Mandarin Gallery.

Image Credits: Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA)

Immerse yourself even more in the holiday spirit as, on the eve of both Christmas and New Year, a festive clock display will enhance the celebratory atmosphere. Feel free to take some pictures!

Sources: 1 & 2

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3 durable raincoats from $14.90 for men because holding an umbrella is still a bit too “auntie”

Decathlon black raincoat

I don’t know about your side of Singapore but for mine, it’s been drizzling, and pouring at certain periods of the day.

The weather has been unpredictable but some guys are still not willing to hold an umbrella because they say it’s a bit too “auntie.”

Oh well, if that’s you or someone you know, read on because we’ve sourced the internet for some raincoats from $14.90 for men.

Eva Black Adult Raincoats

EVA Black Adult Raincoat Heavy Duty Quality Long Big Sizes Waterproof

Price: from $14.90

First up, we have this no-nonsense raincoat that has function—and affordability—written all over it.

Available in bright lime, plain black, and an ‘AW’ print, and in big sizes for men, this coat shields you from the rain without breaking the bank. The long design ensures coverage from shoulder to knee, keeping drizzle or downpours from soaking your clothes.

With near 5-star reviews, customers agree this coat delivers on its simple promise: protection from the rain at a price that won’t drain your wallet. So forget about chasing the brands, this affordable and reliable raincoat lets you focus on more important things, like staying dry.

Men’s Waterproof Jacket Full Zip – Black / Blue

Men's waterpoof jacket full zip - NH100 - Black

Price: $19.90

Or you can consider this sleek waterproof jacket as your go-to for any urban adventure. Crafted from a lightweight, breathable blend, it shields you from the rain while still feeling comfortable enough for all-day wear.

An adjustable hood and waistband ensure a perfect fit no matter the weather conditions, while two hand pockets provide space for essentials. Ventilation areas on the back allow excess heat and moisture to escape, keeping you dry inside and out.

Wear it for everything from a rainy day stroll to an outdoor concert, thanks to its compact, packable design and trendy black and navy color options that complement any outfit. When the weather strikes, this jacket’s waterproof protection has you covered.

Pocketable UV Protection Parka (3D Cut)

Pocketable UV Protection Parka (3D Cut)

Price: from $29.90 (sale price)

Last but not least, we have this parka pocketable design that packs a punch of style and protection into a travel-friendly size.

Crafted from a water-repellent nylon blend that uses recycled materials, it shields you from the elements in a boxy, 3D-cut silhouette with a relaxed fit. The breathable, textured fabric feels at home on great outdoor adventures or in the city, while UPF 40 sun protection technology defends your skin from harmful UV rays.

Available in an array of eight colors, from classic neutrals to lively hues, this pocketable parka offers style and multi-purpose functionality that lets you face any unexpected weather with confidence, no matter where the day takes you.

And that’s all we have for you. If you’re after brands, there are obviously more options for you. But if you’re for function and don’t want to spend a fortune on raincoats, then the abovementioned options would make absolute sense. Should be able to last you for at least a year or two, already good enough, right?

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