Updated: Nov 2023 Set at the foot of the picturesque Tien Shan mountains, it forms a beautiful backdrop for Almaty city, also known as the apple. It is the city of fragrant apples, and of kind and hospitable people. It used to be the former capital of Kazakhstan until the capital was shifted to Astana …
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Any trip to Africa would be incomplete without a safari tour. The same goes for Eswatini, despite its small size and that we had just come from South Africa Kruger National Park, we decided to visit Mkhaya Game Reserve. This time, I would not be the one driving and we could sit in a jeep …
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In 2018, the country of Swaziland became eSwatini. The new name, eSwatini, means “land of the Swazis”. The change was unexpected, but King Mswati has been referring to Swaziland for years as eSwatini. He explained that the name had caused some confusion, saying: “Whenever we go abroad, people refer to us as Switzerland.” So this …
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After our drive through Kruger National Park, we went to Nelspruit for a night’s stay. Nelspruit is Mpumalanga’s dilapidated but functional provincial capital, where bakkies (pick-up trucks) dodge potholes en route to shiny malls. It’s more a place to get things done than a worthwhile destination for tourists, but it’s not unpleasant and has the …
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Finally fulfilled my dream of visiting Kruger on my third trip to South Africa. Got to see many animals (elephants, buffaloes, zebras, impalas, giraffes, wildebeest, lions, hippos etc) while driving and imagine our delight when some wild animals appeared from the bushes, allowing us to stop by the roadside and happily snap away. This post …
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Cuisine: Japanese Address: 76 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 048464 Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (Downtown Line) / Chinatown (Downtown/ North-east Line) A colleague recommended me to go to this Japanese restaurant using the Eatigo discount. They used to have 50% off main food items during dinner but now it has been reduced to 40%. It is still …
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The state capital of Uttar Pradesh in northern India was once the “city of the Nawabs”, a place renowned for culture and the arts. The Mughal Empire ruled India from the 16th to mid-18th centuries and established native governors – nawabs – as semi-autonomous rulers of its states. Lucknow became the seat of power of …
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In December 2015, the West Line of Hainan’s much-publicised high-speed railway looped with the East Line in Haikou, creating the world’s first round-island high-speed railway. Departing from Haikou station, we pick a few intriguing spots that prove Hainan is so much more than beaches and pool bars. Wenchang Station/ Eastern Ring With half of the …
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Cuisine: Japanese Address: 16 Raffles Quay #B1-33 Hong Leong Building, S 048581 Nearest MRT: Raffles Place, Downtown or Telok Ayer stations Helmed by the team that brought us sake gastrobar Kabuke, each bowl is made with fresh ingredients and elegantly simple techniques that come together for a naturally flavourful serving of beef don. Under the direction …
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For first time visitors to Krabi, Thailand, it is always a dilemma choosing where to stay, between Ao nang beach or Railay beach. Railay is known mainly for its great beaches and huge limestone cliffs. Visitors mainly come either for the beaches or for rock climbing. While connected to mainland Thailand, Railay is only accessible …
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At the Pasar Bawah, the undercover market of Pekanbaru, baskets are piled ceiling high with the spices and other flavours that make up the local Padang cuisine famous to West Sumatra: ginger, galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, cassava chips, garlic, shallots, shrimp and chilli. Together, they spice up the most iconic dishes of masakan padang: rendang daging …
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The Thai capital’s artisanal cafes will satisfy even the fussiest coffee fanatics. Roots coffee Address: theCOMMONS (Market Floor), Thonglor 17, Sukhumvit Rd. Formerly known as Wattana, Roots has opened an outlet at The Commons. You’ll still be able to choose from a great range of espresso and filter coffees, and pour-over or French-press methods. Conveniently, you” …
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Name: La Petite Cuisine Cuisine: French Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (Downtown / Circle line) Address: 10 Jalan Serene, 258748 One of my favourite to-go places for French food, La Petite Cuisine has been around for at least 10 over years. The restaurant serves food at affordable and comfortable prices with good quality of fresh products. The concept is …
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PR508 Singapore to Manila Flight time: 3h 50min PR110 Manila to Guam Flight time: 3h 30min This is my first time flying with Philippine Airlines. When we reached the airport around two hours before the flight time, there was a long queue at the checkin counter, even for web checkin customers. Not wanting …
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Elemen元素Millenia Walk #01-75A/76 9 Raffles Boulevard Singapore 039596 Nearest MRT: Promenade (Downtown / Circle Line)Tel: +65 6238 0511Opening Hours: 11:30am – 4:00pm Last Order 3:00pm, 5:30pm – 10:00pm, Last Order 9:00pm (Mon – Sun) Though I am not a full-time vegetarian, I do indulge in vegetarian cuisine at least twice a month, as my mum …
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Roam like a local Want to see the city through a local’s eyes? Take one of the many trishaws that fill the streets. Of course, a taxi is a much faster way to get around- but where’s the fun in that? Although trishaws have no meters, the rates are modest: prices start at 2000 kyat …
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An absolute “must visit” day trip for those in Medellin, located just two hours away on bus, you can find the marvel that is Guatapé and the infamous rock, La Piedra. Combine the spectacular 360 degree views from the rock with a beautifully preserved colonial town and you have a formidable Colombian day trip. Although Medellin …
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Pekanbaru is not your typical destination to visit in Indonesia. While it is not really off the beaten track, the international airport only serves two international destinations – Singapore and Malaysia. Being the capital city of Riau province in Sumatra, it serves mainly as as the largest oil-producing capital in the whole of Indonesia and …
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For those who are tired of exploring Bangkok and want a city break, do head over to Phetchaburi, a small, tranquil town about 2-3 hours away from the bustling capital. It has temples, palaces and cave shrines, and is a convenient stop on your way to the beach. Best of all, Phetburi, as it’s usually called, …
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Since Scoot launched their 4 times weekly flight to Pekanbaru, it has been much easier to visit this capital city of Riau province. The economy was originally built on coffee and coal but now relies on oil. The Riau Province produces half of the crude oil for all of Indonesia, 650,000 barrels per year. Pekanbaru is …
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The pretty little coffee town of Jardin in the mountains of southern Antioquia department is one of Colombia’s Heritage Towns and arguably one of the nicest small towns to visit in the whole country. A charming mix of traditional architecture, stunning natural scenery and friendly local people, Jardin is worth visiting for at least a …
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Greek food spreads its culinary influence throughout Europe and beyond. It is known as some of the best food in the world! With an age old tradition, Greek cuisine has been greatly influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures. Fresh vegetables, fishes & seafoods play a significant role in the dishes mostly because of its long coastline while …
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The capital of Argentina is often compared to New York, Madrid or Paris – but Buenos Aires has a soul of its own. The city is seductive and fervent, best known for its guilty pleasure, its streaks and tango saunter. As the birthplace of tango, Buenos Aires pulsates with a passionate rhythm. The fiery dance …
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If there is one place on earth that truly offers a unique experience with nature, that would be Patagonia, a region that straddles both Argentina and Chile in South America. From getting up close and personal with massive penguin and cormorant colonies, to standing in the shadows of spectacular glaciers and towering mountain peaks, this …
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