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03 May, 2024

Why It’s Important to Hire Driver in Bali

Hello from Bali!

The Island of the Gods, as Bali is famously known, is renowned for its diverse array of tourist destinations that seem endless to explore. Therefore, vacationing on the island of Bali requires a considerable amount of time to fully enjoy all the attractions and beauty of its various tourist spots.

Not only that, due to the multitude of tourist destinations, you may need a driver who knows the ins and outs of Bali as a whole. Moreover, hiring a driver in Bali can save you vacation budget. It's a consideration for an economical and efficient transportation option.

Why Hire a Bali Driver?

Drivers can be a great asset when touring Bali, especially if you are not familiar with the country's locations. They will help you navigate roads, find your way around, and take care of other emerging needs.

They can also act as translators and guides during your stay in Bali. You'll be able to explore Bali at your own pace, without worrying about finding your way back to the hotel or restaurant.

3 Important Tips for Hiring a Driver in Bali

Here are some things you should consider before hiring a professional driver in Bali.

1. Broad Knowledge

The driver you hire should have knowledge of the Bali region and safe, comfortable, and positive driving behavior.

When you're hiring a driver, it's crucial to look for someone who knows Bali like the back of their hand and can ensure a safe, comfortable, and positive experience.

They should be familiar with the region, not just in terms of geography but also its culture and customs. Safety should be their top priority, with defensive driving skills and a well-maintained vehicle. 

Comfort matters too. A good driver ensures a smooth ride and attends to passenger needs. And of course, a positive attitude goes a long way in making the journey enjoyable.

2. Responsible

Drivers should have awareness and responsibility towards their profession. 

Responsibility is essential for any driver, especially when it comes to their profession. They should be fully aware of the importance of their role and the trust passengers place in them. This means adhering to traffic rules and regulations, maintaining their vehicle in good condition, and prioritizing the safety and comfort of their passengers at all times.

A responsible driver understands the impact of their actions on others and takes their duties seriously, striving to provide a reliable and trustworthy service to those they transport.

3. Highly Skilled in Driving

They should have good driving skills and be able to adhere to all traffic signs and regulations. 

A good driver needs to be really good at driving. That means they know how to handle the car well and follow all the rules of the road. They should be able to drive safely in different situations, like bad weather or heavy traffic. And most importantly, they always pay attention to signs and follow the traffic laws.

Other Important Tips You Need to Know

Apart from information about the driver, there are some other tips you need to know, that you need your preferred car to be checked thoroughly.

If you decide to choose a driver and rent a car, it's important to check the car. This check should be done in detail, from the physical aspects to the completeness of the vehicle's legality.

Even if you are just a passenger in the vehicle, you need to ensure that the physical condition and legality of the vehicle are in good condition and usable.

28 April, 2024

Dear Diary | April 2024 Edition

Hello, April! ❤ 

Hello April, hello new beginnings! ❤ Here we are, into the second quarter of the year, and it's never too late to start anew and embrace a new perspective.

April began with some healthy eats, due to the recent health concerns.
Thanks for adding colors to my life (literally)!

Wang Omakase @ Lavender Street

06.04.2024 | Satur-date at Wang Omakase. This is my…6th omakase in Singapore thus far. Yet it excites me each time when I get to taste the fresh flavour of the ocean being brought to the table. I did share an Instagram reel giveaway on this and I am glad that it is so well received. Thank you Wang Omakase for the invite! 

Great Nanyang @ 111 Somerset

13.04.2024 | Tea break at a Malaysia-inspired kopitiam. The peanut butter toast, "kopi peng" and Penang prawn mee here are pretty legit. Worth coming back again for other offerings.

All-Blue Cheddar Bagel & Tikken Bagel @ Two Men Bagel House, Novena

14.04.2024 | Sun-date. Thanks for bringing me to a bagel date, just because you know I love bagels. And I am glad that I found a new favourite here from the outlet-exclusive menu - it is a huge cheddar bagel loaded with chunks of tuna tataki, smashed avocado, baby spinach and hoisin vinaigrette. Amazing stuff!

Penguin visit at Penguin Cove, Mandai Wildlife Reserve 

20.04.2024 | Happiest weekend ever. ❤ Bucketlist in Singapore checked! I have always wanted to visit my favourite penguins since the opening of Bird Paradise in Mandai (post relocation from Jurong) in May 2023. 

Inside the Bird Paradise, one of Mandai's attractions, Penguin Cove is the home of over 30 cute little penguins comprising of king (second tallest penguin!), gentoo and northern rockhopper penguins. The largest one weighs as much as 18.8kg! 

Thank you for bringing me here so I get to experience seeing my favourite penguins in such a close-up and interactive way.

The penguin bao and penguin latte complete the experience!

The penguin visit is made complete with a detailed penguin keeper talk, penguin feeding session and not forgetting to mention tasting the most adorable penguin bao (steamed bun filled with red bean paste)

It is so cute to watch the little gentoo penguins marching back and forth on the iceberg. In case you're wondering, the Penguin Cove is one of the world’s largest sub-Antarctic, cold salt-water habitats for penguins. Happy to see that the penguins are very well taken care of here. 

Bird Paradise, Mandai Wildlife Reserve 

While the Penguin Cove is one of the many attractions in the Bird Paradise, we get to spend a couple of hours exploring the rest of the park and I am truly amazed by the symphony of colors at Asia’s largest bird park

Here we get to see some of the world’s most brilliantly colored birds, including the Caribbean flamingos, Papuan hornbills, scarlet ibises, etc, just to name a few. The landscape, treetop bridges and adventure trails are so well designed and create pretty sights everywhere. 

Thank you for the amazing experience!

Chinatown Food Centre | September Coffee

21.04.2024 | Sunday calls for food hunting in Chinatown and we stumble upon a very popular braised duck stall and Michelin-recommended Xiao Long Bao stall in the food centre. After the delicious finds, our chillax day continues at a nearby café. A simple yet satisfying Sunday :)

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen @ CHIJMES Hall

22.04.2024 | Candlelight concert, by a string quartet - 2 violins, 1 viola and 1 cello. ❤ It is a pure enjoyment of the emotive melodies, uplifting lyrics, mesmerising candlelit atmosphere. Held in such an awe-spiring location, the concert is incredibly amazing and memorable. Thank you for the memories x.

Hello, KL.

27.04.2024 | Homebound. Catching up on the hospital runs, café hopping and dental visit. Nothing much, really, just me and family and  best friend. 

❤ ❤  

Thank you April for the wonderful experiences. But it also serves as a reminder not be too comfortable with the current state of life that never truly belongs to me. 

And it is important to remind myself to be true to myself. Who you are shines through in every thought, in every choice and in every action. You are what you chose to be and do..... especially when you are alone. You build yourself each and every day and live with the results as they return to you.

You don’t need to remind yourself to please everyone's needs. It's time to choose and think and make conscious decisions according to what you think is right. It’s that simple.

So, learn who you truly are and live that person authentically.

❤ ❤ 

Signing off,
FiSh
30.04.2024

20 April, 2024

Top Actions Owners of Vacation Homes Should Take

If you love to travel, you might have decided to invest in a vacation home. This vacation home can allow you to go on a trip whenever you want to a place that you adore, and it will mean you always have somewhere you can escape to. However, owning a vacation home comes with extra responsibility, and here are some of the top actions that owners of vacation homes should take every so often.

Value Their Home

Whenever you own a property, it is vital to know how much your asset is worth. This is important not only when you come to sell it but also when you need to apply for insurance. Knowing the value of your home will also help you to make shrewder financial decisions and can guide you when you are looking to make renovations. When you want to get a home valuation, though, you should always look around for a trustworthy and respectable company that can give you an accurate estimate in no time at all. You might also look for companies that offer free valuations in the country in which your home is based. For instance, you might need to look around for a UK house valuation if you have a vacation home in Europe.

Add Extra Security

Although you might believe that your vacation home is in a safe area, you need to add extra security measures to vacation properties as they will be left vacated and unattended for a large portion of the area. This means you should consider investing in a security alarm that automatically calls the local emergency services or a security company when it is triggered. You should also consider installing motion-sensor video cameras that can act as deterrents and alert you instantly to intruders, and that will allow you to collect evidence in the event of a crime. You might also choose industrial locks for your building and ask neighbors to keep an eye on your second abode for you.

Decorate It

No matter how much time you will be spending there, you want to feel relaxed and at home in this space. Rather than leaving it clinical and blank, you should create the indoor paradise you have always wanted. You might even choose a relevant theme for your décor that matches the environment and country that your property is in. For instance, you might decide to paint it in nautical blues and reds. By doing this, you will be able to feel as if this house is as comfortable and cozy as your main living situation.

Check for Issues

Instead of allowing your vacation home to fall into rack and ruin, you should check for issues whenever you go there. This will allow you to keep up with the maintenance and conduct repairs before the problem worsens. For instance, you might see whether there are any roof leaks and whether adverse weather conditions have knocked down your fencing or guttering. You should also check if your fixtures, such as your boiler and taps, are still in good condition.

18 April, 2024

Alternative Treatments to Help Manage Pain

Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide. While traditional medications like painkillers and anti-inflammatories can provide relief, they also come with side effects and risks. Many people are now turning to alternative and complementary treatments as additional ways to manage pain without relying solely on prescription drugs. Here are some of the most popular alternative pain management options to consider:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this helps correct imbalances in the flow of energy (known as qi or chi) along pathways called meridians. Modern research suggests acupuncture stimulates the release of natural painkillers called endorphins and changes brain chemistry to help block pain signals.

Acupuncture in Bristol is commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches and back pain. During a session, a Bristol acupuncture specialist will insert sterilised stainless steel needles into points along the meridians that correspond to the location of your pain. You may feel a slight tingling sensation or dull ache when the needles are inserted. The needles are left in place for 15-30 minutes. Acupuncture is generally considered very safe when performed by a licensed, certified practitioner. It provides pain relief for some people, but responses can vary.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy applies pressure and manipulates the muscles and joints of the body. It comes in many styles - Swedish massage uses long gliding strokes while deep tissue massage applies more intense pressure to target deeper muscles and connective tissue. Shiatsu and Thai massage involve pressing on acupressure points.

No matter the technique, massage is thought to help ease pain by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, releasing endorphins and blocking pain signals to the brain. It's often used to treat low back pain, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia, headaches and other conditions involving tight, painful muscles. Massage therapy is considered very low risk when performed by a trained massage therapist. It can provide temporary pain relief and allow people to move and function more comfortably.

Mind-Body Therapies

Mind-body therapies help induce relaxation to reduce feelings of pain and stress. Methods like meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi and qigong use a combination of focused breathing, prescribed body postures and concentration.

For example, mindfulness meditation trains people to be present and detached observers of their pain instead of anxious participants. Yoga combines gentle stretching, focused breathing and meditation. Regular practice of these activities may alter brain chemistry to help block pain transmission and activate natural pain relief. Mind-body therapies are considered safe and can empower people to take an active role in managing their pain. 

Dietary Supplements

Certain vitamins, minerals and herbs are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and pain- relieving properties. Popular supplements for pain include turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, devil's claw, capsaicin cream, magnesium and ginger. Many people take glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and arthritis pain. While some small studies show benefits, more research is needed to confirm effectiveness and establish optimal dosing for pain relief.

Always consult your healthcare provider before trying alternative therapies, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. Most treatments are considered safe when used appropriately. Alternative options may be used in addition to, or in place of, conventional pain medications for some people. Keeping an open mind and being willing to try different therapies is key to finding the right pain management plan for your individual needs.

02 April, 2024

[TRAVEL] Top 10 Places to Visit in Kaohsiung, Taiwan #高雄景点

Hello from 高雄 Kaohsiung, Taiwan! 

After several times of visiting Taiwan at the northern and central regions, I have always wanted to visit the southern part which is famous for its beautiful beaches, islands and crystal clear water. So here I am, spending 7D6N in Kaohsiung, immersing myself into the beauty of this little town. 

Overview of Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is a place for slow mornings, hillside sunsets, and relaxing evenings by the pier. As it is located adjacent to Tainan, Pingtung and Kending, there are a lot to see at the neighbouring towns outside of Kaohsiung. But my main focus of this trip is Kaohsiung, so I have compiled a list of must-visit attractions (with No. 1 being the most preferred location): 

1. Qijin Island (旗津島)
2. British Consulate at Takow (打狗英国领事馆) / Sizihwan Lookout (西子灣觀景臺)
3. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山佛陀紀念館)
4. Pier 2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區) / Great Harbor Bridge (港大港橋) / Kaohsiung Music Center (高雄流行音樂中心)
5. Tianliao Moon World (田寮月世界) / Qishan Old Street (旗山老街)
6. SKM Park Outlets 高雄草衙
7. Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市)
8. Formosa Boulevard Station Dome of Light (美麗島站光之穹頂) / Liuhe Night Market (六合觀光夜市)
9. WeiWu Mimi Village (衛武迷迷村)
10. San Feng Temple (三鳳宮)

Places not covered during this trip:
• Eye of Gangshan (岡山之眼)
• E-DA Theme Park (義大遊樂世界)
• Meinong Folk Village (美濃民俗村)

Qijin Island (旗津島)
Qijin Shell Museum by the sea

Qijin Island is full of scenic views, be it from the mountain or the beach. Transportation wise, it is easily accessible via the Orange Line MRT (Alight at 01 Sizihwan Station), then a 15 minutes ferry ride from the Gushan Ferry Pier Station (旗津輪渡站) will bring you to the island. 

The ferry starts running as early as 5am and stops past midnight, so it is easy to plan your time around for a day trip in Qijin Island.
 
My one-day itinerary in Qijin Island includes: 
 Qijin Beach (旗津沙灘)
 Qijin Rainbow Arch (彩虹教堂)
 Qijin Shell Museum (貝殼博物館)
 Qijin Star Tunnel (旗津星空隧道)
 Estrella del Mar (海之星沙灘俱樂部)
 Shoreline Coffee & Roaster (海岸線咖啡)
 Qijin Lighthouse (旗津燈塔)
 Cihou Fort (旗後炮臺)

My favourite spot goes to Qijin Shell Museum (貝殼博物館) 
with a huge shell replica facing the sea. So picturesque!

Estrella del Mar (海之星沙灘俱樂部) - a camping-themed café located by the beach.
Amidst the aesthetically pleasing setting, it feels like dining in the wilderness!

Take a short hike up the hill and you will arrive at the Shoreline Coffee & Roaster (海岸線咖啡), located next to the Qijin Lighthouse (旗津燈塔), a white dazzling lighthouse overlooking the Kaohsiung Port. A proud symbol of Kaohsiung! The view here is amazing especially during sunset hours. 

British Consulate at Takow (打狗英国领事馆) /
Sizihwan Lookout (西子灣觀景臺)
Whenever I travel, I will always look out for amazing architecture which is well-preserved from the yesteryear. And I am glad that I found one in Kaohsiung! Built in 1865, the historical former British consulate is one of the oldest western buildings standing prominently on a hilltop overlooking Sizihwan.

The unique, old British colonial architecture is such a beauty to admire.
Remember to head up to the second floor for a panoramic sunset view through the red-bricked archways.

I am totally blown away by the magnificent view.

Thank you for blessing me with such beautiful sunset. // 


Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山佛陀紀念館)
Do you know that Fo Guang Shan (佛光山) is one of the largest Buddhist organizations in Taiwan? The Buddha Museum (f.k.a. the Buddha Memorial Center) is a magnificent 250-acre complex built to enshrine the Buddha' tooth relic. While it is a Mahāyāna Buddhist cultural, religious, and educational museum, I'd say this place is for everyone to visit. 

It is easily accessible via E02 Hafo Express Bus and High Speed Rail (HSR Zuoying Station) from the city, but the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours (one way). 

Look at the Fo Guang Big Buddha, which sits atop the Fo Guang Building!
The enormous, sprawling Fo Guang Shan Temple complex is worth exploring too.


Pier 2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區) / Great Harbour Bridge
(高雄港大港橋) / Kaohsiung Music Center (高雄流行音樂中心)
Hello, Bumblebee!

Pier 2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區) is definitely a must-visit for first timers. It was once an abandoned and forgotten warehouse buried in history, but is now a popular installation art made from repurposed cargo containers. Out of these installations, the most famous one is probably the Bumblebee, which was the actual piece used for Mayday's (五月天) DNA concert.

Located by the pier, it is easy to get here via the circular light rail (環狀輕軌) which runs on the ground. Alight at Penglai Pier-2 LRT Station and start exploring the places! 

There are plenty of interesting finds here, including unique artwork, hand crafts / souvenir shops, cafes etc. The most memorable experience I have is in the SunnyHills (微熱山丘) flagship store where visitors are treated with their signature pineapple cakes, paired with coffee / tea. The best part? It is complimentary and the queue is not long. 

Kaohsiung Music Center (高雄流行音樂中心)

Just a short stroll away from the art enclave, Kaohsiung Music Center is a prominent landmark for pop music performances in Southern Taiwan that nurtures domestic pop music talents. The futuristic esign is inspired by the seabed and sea creatures (whales, dolphins, etc), giving a strong identity to the area given its history and geopolitical situation in Kaohsiung. Don't forget to wait till it lights up at night and enjoy the night scenery here!

Great Harbour Bridge (高雄港大港橋)

Located on the waters of Love River, the Great Harbour Bridge has always been an ideal spot for lovebirds to enjoy the night view of Kaohsiung. But it is pretty boring for a solo traveler like me.

Tianliao Moon World (田寮月世界/
Qishan Old Street (旗山老街)
If you are up for exploring the outskirt of Kaohsiung, then Tianliao Moon World (田寮月世界) is a great place to visit! It may seem to be a tract of barren land but it has a dreary and desolate beauty of desert, mimicking the landscape of the Moon surface.

It takes a 2-hour bus ride to reach here, but I take only 1 hour to explore the entire landscape park. To make it a fruitful day trip, I also drop by the nearby historical town, Qishan Old Street (旗山老街) (30 minutes via bus 8042) for some local delicacies. 

Qishan Old Street (旗山老街)

Qishan is a little vibrant town that welcomes tourists with a wide array of delicacies and souvenirs to bring home. The local flavours are pretty unique and delicious, and I don't mind overeating at all! 

My half-day itinerary in Qishan includes: 

 Qishan traditional market (高雄百年歷史傳統市 - 旗山市場)
 Ah Ma sweet potato dessert (阿嬷𠃍蕃薯圓 - 旗山老街店)
 "Ice cream meatball" (冰淇淋肉圓)
 Red glutinous crisp pork (旗山紅槽肉)
 Wu Ji meatball (吳記肉丸)
 St Joseph Catholic Church (旗山聖若瑟天主堂)

Ah Ma sweet potato dessert (阿嬷𠃍蕃薯圓) is my favourite here!

SKM Park Outlets (高雄草衙)
If you fancy some outlet shopping (particularly the heavily discounted off-seasons items) and enjoy riding go-karts and other games in the amusement park, then SKM Park Outlets is the place to go for.

During Christmas time, the mall transforms into a Christmas town which is really worth a visit for beautiful festive photographs and the snowfall show in the evening. 
 
Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市)
Night market is a must-visit in Taiwan, so if you must experience it at least once in Kaohsiung, then Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市) is the largest night market that the locals usually go for. This market has over 1,000 stalls, very well-organised with different sections for different categories such as food, fashion, games, entertainment etc. 

Access: Only 3 minutes walk from MRT Kaohsiung Arena Station (捷運巨蛋站(裕誠路))

Dome of Light (美麗島站光之穹頂) /
Liuhe Night Market (六合觀光夜市)
A more tourist-centric night market would be the Liuhe Night Market, occupying only a long stretch of street, much smaller in scale but you can have more space to breathe. It is just few minutes walk from the MRT Formosa Boulevard Station where the famous Dome of Light (美麗島站光之穹頂) is located at. 
 
I remember the Thai chilli lime pork bakkwa is freshly grilled in front of customers and the tangy savoury flavour is amazing. But I am not sure if this is an usual offering or CNY special snack here.

Futagi Coffee Roasters (二木咖啡)

Just a 10-minute walk down the street, I spotted this interesting Japanese-style cafe tucked along the alley. It opens in the afternoon till late night, and I see the crowd starts flocking in after 10pm. But coffee drinking at night is not my thing, so I come back in the following afternoon and enjoy some quiet me time at the corner table sipping on my latte - so relaxing an therapeutic! 

WeiWu Mimi Village (衛武迷迷村)
If you have some extra time to spare in Kaohsiung, perhaps you can add the artsy neighbourhood in Lingya District, WeiWu Mimi Village (衛武迷迷村) into your itineraray. It is quite an unique experience to stroll along a fully functioning residential neighbourhood which is filled with mural arts. 

Each block of residential units is painted with arts of different themes and designs, elevating the vibrant atmosphere of this area. However, apart from photo taking, there is really nothing much to do here. 



San Feng Temple (三鳳宮)
Dubbed as the largest temple dedicated to the Neza in Taiwan, San Feng Temple (三鳳宮) now has over 300 years of history and I am here to check out the elegant architecture and exquisite details in every nook and corner of this religious landmark. And the photos turn out to be really vibrant and full of energy too. 

Sanmin Breakfast Shop - 三民周豆漿攤 (老周)

I feel lucky to have bumped into this popular local breakfast shop (I didn't see any tourists during my visit). And the food smells so good from afar! I order the crowd's favourite egg crepe (蛋饼+咸菜+肉松) which is surprisingly filled with crunchy preserved vegetables and loads of meat floss and sausages. The eggy aroma is so prominent that I am craving for another helping of this! 

The crullers and soft carrot cake are worth trying too. Absolutely lovin' the simple breakfast experience here. Be mindful that it opens as early as 4am in the morning, so come early before they close by noon. 


It's a wrap for the 7D6N Kaohsiung itinerary! Although I did not set high expectations on this trip, I am glad that it turns out to be so colorful and more enriching than I thought. And it is a milestone that I have finally covered the entire Taiwan - looking forward to visiting its neighbouring countries next! 

xoxo,
FiSh

10.12.2023 - 16.12.2023
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