Dear Diary | June 2025 Edition

Hello, June. ❤ Here we are, already halfway through 2025, and I am still wandering through the haze, trying to discover what truly feels right for me this year. Nevertheless, June is nothing short of fun and excitements amidst the hustle of work. Let’s begin the review of the month…

Lilytopia @ Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay

01.06.2025 | The lilytopia dreams were back! It has becomes my monthly routine to visit the Flower Dome for various flower festivals. It was a dreamy lily wonderland, with Venice-inspired canals and the charm of a little Italian town. From colorful blooms to artistic displays, Lilytopia was a floral fantasy come to life. I'd love to be back next month for the Rose Romance. 

New Bahru | New playground for the lit

02.06.2025 | First time collaborating with KLOOK to enjoy new experiences in New Bahru! The day started with a buffalo leather coin pouch making workshop at Crafune, followed by a satisfying lunch in The Coconut Club and ended with a relaxing afternoon sip on specialty coffee at Morning. What a fun-filled day!

Come enjoy 5% OFF on any activities in KLOOK using my promo code:

OHFISHIEEKLOOK

Meet my very unique "Ketupat" styled leather coin pouch!

Being a handcraft lover, the leather crafting experience was my favourite activity of the day. We spent a good 1.5 hour crafting our own coin pouch using the premium buffalo leather, embroidered with our name on it plus a cute little embossed character as the perfect finishing for our masterpiece. Lovin' this unique piece of ours! ❤

03.06.2025 | Thanks mate for the souvenirs especially the dainty Chinese tea sachets from

Cha Yan Yue Se (茶颜悦色) from Changsha!

A Valrhona Chocolate Afternoon Tea Experience at The Rose Veranda, Shangri-La Singapore ❤❤

08.06.2025 | It was my first collaboration with Shangri-la Singapore, where we indulged in the elegant Valrhona chocolate-themed afternoon tea. It was a luxurious celebration of chocolates where sweet meets savoury in every bite.

From the warm scones paired with signature Valrhona chocolate milkshake, to the warm and cold savouries, main courses and dainty dessert platter, the afternoon tea set was an elegant interplay of flavours. What I loved most was how the chocolate complemented, contrasted and enhanced the experience in all the right ways. 

*Only available from 5 June till 27 July 2025. 

Father's Day celebration at HaiDiLao Hotpot

15.06.2025 | Happy Father's Day! ❤ Homebound for the celebration together with the family. The simplest meals become feasts when shared with the ones we love :)

Gully at Holiday Inn Singapore Little India

21.06.2025 | We were excited to step into Gully, a true reflection of traditional Indian street food, inspired by the narrow alleyways of the bustling Indian streets. Read more about my food review here.

Sushi Omakase Lunch at Sushi Muni 「無二」

28.06.2025 | Konnichiwa! Sushi Muni (無二) is a new and intimate Japanese omakase restaurant with only ten seats, and it has fully booked for the past month. Happy to be invited for an exclusive food review here. 

Lunch Sushi Omakase

Salad | Chawan Mushi | Kuzu Somen | 11 Sushi Makimono | Soup | Dessert

I was delighted to try this one-of-a-kind experience, where the finest seasonal ingredients were elevated through Edomae (traditional Tokyo-style) techniques - marinating, simmering, aging, and curing. What a delicious meal! 

Lovin' the cute Chilli Crab on the navy ship!

28.06.2025 | National Day Parade Rehearsal Fireworks 2025! ❤ I was elated to be watching the NDP rehearsal fireworks from the Helix Bridge - right in the heart of Marina Bay, yet without the overwheling crowd.

The view was nothing short of spectacular as the city skyline glowed in the background and each firework burst reflected beautifully off the water. The navy ship came by with cute displays of chilli crab, orchid and rocket symbolising the spirits of the nation. 

❤❤❤

June has been really packed with events and food reviews, while July already has an exciting line up of activities that keep me busy and content. Looking forward to more adventures in the months to come!

 xoxo,

FiSh

30.06.2025

[FOOD] Indian Street Food in Gully Restaurant @ Holiday Inn Singapore Little India

Gully Singapore, a journey of reimagined Indian street food

Located on the rooftop of Holiday Inn Singapore Little India, Gully Restaurant and Garden is the place where I embark on a vibrant, sensory-rich journey through modern Indian street food, elevated with inventive flair and high-quality ingredients. 

The atmosphere is buzzy and modern, echoing the spirit of Indian street markets with a sleek, urban twist, hence ideal for group gatherings or an adventurous date night. Now let the food do the talking, and walk you down the narrow alleyways ("gali" गली) of bustling Indian streets.....

COCKTAILS

Gully Signature Margarita (Masala Margarita)

Little Chennai (Kaya Butter Whisky Sour)

We start off with bold and fun cocktails such as the Signature Margarita. This is definitely not your average margarita. It is rimmed with masala salt and infused with spice, giving a tangy, smoky punch that pairs perfectly with the rich food. Little Chennai (Kaya Butter Whisky Sour), on the other hand, is inspired by the iconic kaya toast, delivering a creamy, nutty and well-balanced flavour on the mouth.  

Tandoori Fish Tacos

A must-have appetiser here is the tandoori fish taco! These tacos are a masterclass in balance. The fish, perfectly marinated and grilled, is nestled into soft taco shells with a bright, zesty mint chutney and a squeeze of lime that cuts through the richness. When Indian meets Mexican, I am surprised it matches perfectly well.  

Smoked Paneer Tacos

Vegetarian diners would not feel left out with this bold dish. The paneer is gently smoked and soaked in saffron marinade, giving it a luxurious aroma. Mint chilli adds a subtle fire, while puffed quinoa lends crunch and texture. It is inventive and deeply satisfying. 

 Bara Bazaar Puchka 

What interests me is the beautifully arranged row of pani puris. The presentation is playful—served as "shots" with crispy shells you fill yourself. The tamarind water is tangy and spiced just right, while the potato mash and sev add a street-side authenticity. A must-try for anyone craving nostalgia with flair.

Tandoori Jhinga

For sharing, the tandoori prawns are also a crowd pleaser. The prawns are plump and smoky, kissed with yellow chilli and coated in a yogurt marinade that clings to the seafood beautifully. They arrive sizzling, aromatic, and perfectly grilled—one of the standout items for seafood lovers. 

 Charred Malai Broccoli

For the mains, this dish surprises us. The broccoli is charred at the edges, creamy in the center, and enveloped in a luxurious cashew sauce. Toasted almonds give crunch, making it both indulgent and wholesome. 

 

Gully Smoked Butter Chicken

The best is saved for last! A twist on the beloved classic, this version of Smoked Butter Chicken arrives with a whiff of smoky ghee that lifts the whole dish. The chicken is tender, the tomato gravy rich and comforting, and it is perfect for mopping up with their pillowy, golden Garlic Butter Naan, which is slathered generously and impossibly moreish. 

Garlic Butter Naan

Overall Experience

I am not usually a fan of Indian food, but dining at Gully Singapore is an eye opener for me! It is a sensory trip through India’s diverse food culture, reimagined with global influences. The execution is polished, the flavors are bold, and every dish tells a story. 

Come hungry, come curious—you’ll leave full and delighted.

Gully Restaurant & Garden

10 Farrer Park Station Road

Level 5,

Holiday Inn Singapore Little India,

Singapore 217564. 

Phone: +65 91464780

Email: gullysg@ihg.com

Website: https://gullysg.com/

Instagram: @gullysingapore

Operating Hours

Lunch: 12.00noon - 4.00pm daily

Dinner: 4.30pm - 10.30pm daily

[TRAVEL] 3D2N Bintan Glamping Getaway @ The ANMON Resort feat. Sand Dune & Blue Lake Tour

Greetings from The ANMON Bintan, Indonesia! ❤

It was my first time in Bintan Island, being one of the most popular weekend getaways for people residing in Singapore apart from Batam. Honestly, I did not set a high expectation, given the mixed review about this place being a tourist trap for Singaporeans. But to my surprise, the trip turned out to be great and the experience in Bintan far exceeded my expectation!

The ANMON Bintan

Bintan is mushroomed with hotels. Everywhere you look, there is a resort claiming to offer paradise, promising luxury, adventure or tranquility. For this trip, we were drawn to something different – The ANMON Bintan – which offers a unique glamping experience rather than just luxury accommodation.

Ferry from Singapore to Bintan

Bintan is accessible via ferry from Singapore and Batam. If you are coming from Singapore, ferries depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal – available daily from 8am-5.30pm with an interval of 1 hour 15 minutes. The ride takes about 60 minutes.

ANMON also provides shuttle services to/from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, which is only 5-minute drive away. It departs one hour prior to your ferry's departure timing, so do plan your time accordingly. 

The teepee-style tents are picture-perfect amidst the beautiful sunny weather!

Situated within the 338-hectare Treasure Bay Bintan, the accommodation here is a dream! That's the place where boho-chic meets comfort. Each teepee-style tent is a spacious 45 sqm (484 sqft) sanctuary with high ceilings, earthy tones and even a skylight over the bed so you can enjoy stargazing. 

The bed is pretty comfortable, while the private en-suite bathroom is modern and clean. The little patio outside the tent can be your go-to morning coffee spot too. It is the kind of place that made me pause to appreciate how cool my surroundings were!

On the downside, do note that the tents are quite close to each other, so if you are hoping for total silence, bring earplugs just in case. 

The best time for photos is definitely during golden hours

with the rustic teepee-style tents as backdrop.

Mural arts by the renowned graffiti artist Odeith

Spa and massage experience at The ANMON Bintan

If you are looking for a convenient and relaxing massage within the resort, the massage centre offers pretty decent services that can complement your stay. After indulging in an one-hour full-body message, I felt rejuvenated and relaxed. 

Apart from that, there are karaoke rooms, archery, ATV riding, mangrove kayaking and many other activities available in the resort – so do pre-book the activities accordingly. 

Check out the nightly outdoor cinema under the stars at Oasis too!

What I like here is the convenient 24-hour buggy service and the quick, friendly staff response. Getting around was effortless, and every request was handled promptly. 

But if you prefer exploring on your own, you can rent an electric scooter (known as Telepods here) to zip freely around the resort.

Lovely view from Crystal Lagoon

The ANMON Bintan is only steps away from the Crystal Lagoon, Asia's largest man-made seawater lagoon. On the next morning, I hopped onto the buggy and then lounged at the Crystal Lagoon, while discovering plenty of water sport activities there.

Whether it is paddleboarding, "Slip & Slide", floating on a unicorn float or just soaking in the views, I am sure it is a great way to feel completely unplugged from the daily hectic life. 

Stairway to Heaven

Then I found a perfect photospot here – the Stairway to Heaven – the resort's most iconic and Instagram-worthy staircase, leading to an elevated platform that seems to touch the sky, offering panoramic view of the surrounding desert-themed landscape and the expansive Crystal Lagoon. 

Feel free to capture stunning photographs or enjoy serene moments here!

Throughout our 3D2N vacation, we had most of our meals in the resort. The breakfast was honestly nothing to shout about – especially when there is a lack of varieties of food.

What stood out most was the BBQ dinner, which you can opt to have the BBQ set up right outside your tent and hire an assistant to help with grilling. Overall, the BBQ seafood and meat selections were pretty enjoyable. 

❤❤❤

Sand Dune (Gurun Pasir) and Blue Lake Tour (Telaga Biru Busung)

Guests can also book a half-day tour to Bintan's most popular tourist attractions – the mysterious and picturesque hilly sand dunes and crystal blue lake at Gurun Pasir dan Telaga Biru Busung. The tour package includes transportation (to and fro the resort) and a seafood lunch at the mangrove swamp. 

The idea of seeing a desert in the middle of a tropical Indonesia island may sound wild, but yeah you guess it right – this attraction point is 100% manmade. It used to be a sand mining site until the sand extraction ban was placed in Indonesia, hence the area was left untouched and transformed into charming natural phenomena under the magical hands of nature.

Look at the beautiful crystal blue lake!

Just sit and chill in the middle of the crystal blue mining water as you capture your very best moments among the sparkling reflections of the sun. Definitely a famous spot among photography enthusiasts. 

There is a stairway leading to the platform where you get to enjoy

the unobstructed view of the sand dune and blue lake.

Enjoying some quiet moments from atop, admiring the beauty of nature...

For the sand dune, you will get to see the gentle slopes with varying hues of light brown and yellow accompanied by tints of red in the sand. But be mindful that this is construction grade sand, so be careful as you walk along the coarse surface. 

Frankly, after having visited the largest sand dune in Japan, Tottori Sand Dunes, and experienced the  incredibly fine sand there, I found the Bintan sand dunes rather underwhelming by comparison. The setting in Bintan felt more like a curated photo-op and lacked the grandeur and authenticity. 

Kampoeng Kelong Seafood Restaurant

The half-day tour ended with lunch at the seafood restaurant set amidst the tranquil mangroves. Accessible via a scenic 10-minute boat ride, the restaurant was perched on stilts overlooking the river. With the open-air setting, do expect immense heat and mosquitoes given the natural, rustic environment.

Food wise, the sweet sour prawn, fried calamari and black pepper crab were pretty flavourful. Glad that the culinary offerings here were fresh and more reasonably priced than those in the resorts.

What not to be missed in every trip to Indonesia: Kek Lapis!

Before bidding goodbye to Bintan, we brought home some Kek Lapis, a beloved Indonesian layered butter cake - so rich, moist and punch-packed with flavours of mixed spice and vanilla. 

❤❤❤

Overall Verdict

The ANMON Bintan is a great choice for a budget-friendly weekend escapade, if you want a good mix of adventure and luxury. Enjoying the delicious BBQ seafood and beautiful manmade sceneries with a huge bunch of mates made this trip memorable for me. ❤