Friday, 6th April 2012 (Day 01) AirAsia twice daily flights to the city of Bandung provided a fuss-free option for folks like us wanting to explore exotic getaway alternatives from Singapore. Dubbed the "City of Flowers" during the Dutch colonial times, Bandung provided a cool relief at night when temperatures hover around 21 degrees on the mercury. These days, traffic jams are the norm on weekends when thrones of visitors mobbed the 30-odd factory outlets in the city. Our 1hr 40mins flight to the city was uneventful having encountered moments of turbulences prior to descending at the Husein Sastranegara Airport. Similar to our previous experience at Yogyakarta Airport, it took a while to clear through the customs even though we were the only flight that landed this afternoon. The only difference was that foreign visitors were ... read more

Saturday, 3rd March 2012 I wouldn't have the guts to spend a weekend getaway across the crossway if not for SJ's and YP's kind invitation. Still, I managed to book myself a private room given that the prices I paid was about 50% compared to my url=http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowUserReviews-g294265-d306192-r121855121-PARKROYAL_on_Beach_Road-Singapore.htmlParkRoyal staycation last year. Staying overnight in Johor Bahru wasn't a brand new affair for me even though the thoughts had certainly not resurfaced in recent years. I recounted my maiden attempt way back in June 2004 at the now defunct Grand Continental (Hotel Selesa as it is now known as). Back then, it was 3 of us sharing a triple room and getting on each other nerves. T, P and I gathered over the weekend to celebrate our 25th anniversary on earth. My last staycation in Johor Bahru took ... read more

Monday, 20th February 2012 We were up and about by 6.20am this morning. I did had a good night's rest at the comfort of my own room which commanded a nice view of the swimming pool and the Petronas Twin Towers. After breakfast at the hotel, we were ready to set off to our office, about 15 minutes walk from where we stayed. The early morning walk wasn't too inspiring given the heavy traffic condition and the slight drizzle that greeted us along the way. It was just after 8.30am when K and I reached our office located right next to KLCC. In the morning, it was business as usual for me even though my boss was involved in a much heated tangle with one of the managers. Lunch was an Indonesian affair as L and ... read more

Sunday, 29th January 2012 Visiting Wang Qing Yuan (aka Dr Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall) at Tai Gin Road (off Balestier Road) was a last minute affair. Never mind that there were more relatives' homes that I was supposed to visit this afternoon. And never mind that there were birthday celebrations and a farewell dinner that I was supposed to attend the very same evening. This was just one of those few lousy moments that I genuinely wanted some peace and quiet. And since I had combed through all the other museums during the previous open houses, I just wanted to add Wang Qing Yuan to my portfolio. This was the latest museum to be included under the National Heritage Board umbrella. No prizes for guessing it right, the $4 admission was waived and this ... read more

My Staycation Weekend Experience Saturday, 17th December 2011 For the most things in life, there was always a first time. A week before Christmas long weekend, I decided for once, to embark on a Staycation at url=http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowUserReviews-g294265-d306192-r121855121-PARKROYAL_on_Beach_Road-Singapore.htmlParkRoyal on Beach Road - a vacation without having to leave one's home country. My Staycation Wishlist was straightforward enough... 1) A decent location away from touristy Orchard Road and Marina Bay. (And of course, away from the problematic North South MRT Line!) 2) A decent pool and a bathtub for me to engage in nothing other than swimming and bubble bath activities. 3) A good night's stay with complimentary buffet breakfast within my SGD 200 budget. b... read more