As a kid, I was nearly never afraid of anything. I was once the terrorizing kid whom my parents had to constantly be worried about. But as I grow up, society and situations shaped me into a timid soul. I started having anxiety issues - something I never thought I would come to face with. My thoughts and feelings are often closed to the outside world. I became such a serious person, I wasn't having much fun in life as much as I was working, and knew that needed to change.

When Matt suggested a hiking trip, I was all up for it. It was a long time since I participated in my last marathon race and I really needed to challenge myself to 'Live life to the fullest'. And so, I kick-started my virgin hiking experience with Mount Batur - an active volcano in Bali. Flight tickets, checked. Accommodation, checked. I soon found myself packed for Bali, unsure of what this journey would bring to me. We stayed at Pradha Villa in Seminyak, where the beach is close by and most restaurants and cafes gather. Our 1 bedroom villa came with a private pool with jacuzzi, a spacious, open-air living and dining area. You can see my villa tour IG story here

We arrived at Bali in time for a late lunch before retreating back to our villa to slumber the day away, just because we needed all the rest we can get to prepare ourselves for the Mount Batur hike the next morning at 2AM. We settled for traditional Indonesian cuisine (mainly because I was craving for Nasi Campur, Matt's not much of a spice fan) at Warung Mina Seminyak, conveniently located outside our resort.

Just like how I really love Chai-peng (Economic vegetable rice), Nasi Campur is like the chai-peng of Indonesia. It comes with multiple small portions of side dishes to go with your rice. I mean, when one travels, what is the best way to learn about another’s culture other than starting from their food right? Matt had the Nasi Goreng Ayam; an order of fried rice that was served with a sunny side up, some chicken bits and crackers. We ended the meal with ice-cream from Gelato Secrets, just a couple stalls away. It was literally our savior for the scorching hot weather.

While the sky was still dark and the streets quiet, we were up getting ready for our transport to Mount Batur. Decked in sports gear and windbreaker, I was all excited for the unknown. Around an hour’s ride, we reached the foot of the mountain and was joined by another 3 hikers to form a group. Our hike guide was just a young, teenage village girl who wore an old pair of white Converse sneakers. We were handed a torchlight each and soon, began our steady pace forward.

Mount Batur was nothing near our MacRitchie Reservoir Park or Bukit Timah hill. Apart from that tiny warm light shining out from our torches, the path was hardly visible in the darkness. I was on full alert with my surrounding, exhausting my mind and senses even before the tough part arrives. Once the path got steep it was a constant struggle between physical and mental strength, plus my fear of tripping over wasn’t helping much. I was climbing up a high level of steps with tiny loose rocks beneath my feet, there was no turning back with the trail of hikers behind me. All I could do was to push on despite my muscle stiffening and refusing to go further.

In reality, our pool’s heater broke down. It was too cold to enjoy breakfast inside the pool, so I dragged the entire floating basket to the edge of the pool where we sat and eat. The breakfast choices were good enough and we had quite a spread that morning – American breakfast set, pizza, yogurt fruit bowl and some toast with jam. It was truly a relaxing moment being away from work and having completed the hike. I just immersed myself in the now and realised how much I have neglected loving myself in the midst of chasing after life.

Spent the last day doing really touristy activities like exploring the paddy fields, tasting Luwak coffee and experiencing the Bali swing. I would love to share a live video of me swinging across the beautiful paddy field scenery but I was so taken aback by the strong force of from the staff, which send me shrieking while flying across the field. Everyone there seems to have a good time, except me. Only until my last few pushes that I finally managed to get a grip of myself and focus on the view in front of me ha-ha!

The paddy field plantations, on the other hand, are really enjoyable. I highly recommend this activity if you love nature or have a great interest in photography. Probably because I had too much coffee on an empty stomach (or maybe it was just the Luwak coffee), I had a terrible night. And the day after wasn’t any better either. I was vomiting a lot, I puked out almost everything I ate. So very glad Matt was there to take care and accompany me all the way back. I was later diagnosed with food poisoning after a visit to the doctor back at home. It was truly an unfortunate way to end my trip but Bali will always have a place in my heart.

There’s something intriguing about beach holidays, maybe it’s the gentle waves washing up the shores; creating a gentle lullaby or perhaps it’s the unpolluted night sky full of stars. Anyhow, when one speaks of beach retreats, Maldives comes into mind. A luxury way of living beach life like none others. Despite the extravagant accommodation pricing, my luxurious beach life was absolutely rejuvenating. There are plenty of beautiful water resorts in Maldives, I was hosted at one of it - Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa Maldives. It only takes a 4 hours direct flight from Singapore to Male airport, and a short speed boat journey of approximately 25 minutes to reach this piece of paradise!

Many dreamt of visiting the beautiful Maldives; where the lagoon sparkles in a teal blue shade and the beach a sandy white. Said to be one of the prettiest place on Earth, it is not surprising why it is a popular spot for weddings that is just a 4 hours flight away from Singapore. I attended Pris's lovely, private wedding on Centara Island Resort and it was truly a beautiful moment that would be etched in my memory.

Some time back, I took an impromptu break from my hectic schedules and flee away to Penang. Settled the ticket within a day and flew solo a day after; that was how spontaneous the trip was and I have to say it felt really great! Huge love to my colleague who invited and hosted me. Thank you E and family!

Now, whenever someone mentions Penang, the street murals of George Town will never be left out of discussion. Similarly, my host had that planned out for me, but before anything else, they drove me to a local Rojak stall to kick start my Penang trip.

Slightly different from the one I've known all my life; Penang's rojak is a concoction of fruits (Pineapple, guava, green mango etc.) with a twist of thick shrimp paste sauce. Definitely a sweet start to my adventures!

I absolutely adore the Muah Chee (Glutinous Rice Balls) sold by this uncle in the most traditional method I know – on a motorbike. A nostalgic scene you don’t get to see anymore back in Singapore. You can easily know that he’s there because that strong sugary, roasted peanut fragrance is unmistakable and unavoidable. Unknowingly, you will drift towards his stall haha! Uncle only have a bucket of steamed glutinous rice dough, I suppose when the bucket is emptied, he closes for the day.

These glutinous balls are the softest I had in a long time, not very braces friendly but still a wonderful snack anyhow. Served warm and chewy, these snack balls are rolled over finely chopped roasted peanut and fine sugar. A simple yet satisfying food.

Apart from immersing into the culture, what else to do when you are in Penang other than stuffing yourself silly with all the amazing Penang delights? Dinner was settled at Lebuh Kimberely night market; also located within George Town. My excellent host sat me down and soon returned with a table full of food. Penang laska, Dim Sum, Yong Tau Fu soup and a childhood dessert! - Peanut Soup!

Heritage buildings are easily spotted in Penang, but there is this particular one that is frequently spoke about – China House. Known as the longest café in Penang, China House host several cafes, galleries, restaurant and shop etc. With over 10 different selection of cakes to choose from, Beach Street Bakery is the paradise for people with sweet tooth. Apart from cakes and pastries, they offer ice-cream as well! Took our cakes and settled down in Vine & Single bar, where my host generously ordered champagnes and craft beers to go with the desserts. Now, that's how holiday nights should end 😉

Earlier in February, I went on my virgin trip to Hong Kong and it was officially one of the best vacation till date.

Post-vacation blues; it usually happens to me even before my vacation ends, especially on the last day.

For the 3rd day, we were all up early for our final itinerary in Phuket – Island hopping. One of the main tourist attractions in Phuket is their island exploring packages, where you can travel to the famous Phi Phi Island, James Bond Island and Coral Island etc. Since J and I have been to Phi Phi Island on our previous trip, the rest of the group was kind enough to skip these 2 islands.

On board the speed boat, we all got serious sun burns but hack, it was all worth it. Against the blustery wind, our hair got blown in all directions and yet, the trip there was still filled with fun and laughter. Coral Island was however, nothing like how beautiful it sounded. The beach was cluttered with tourists; our enjoyment was accomplished through sand castles building and the over priced-but-yummy grilled corn.

Raya Island was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Long stretch of smooth sandy white beach, gentle waves and shallow teal blue sea, it won my heart over from Phi Phi Island. One of the prettiest place nature brought to us.

Usually, the first thing people think of when they wake up is to have their breakfast. In contradictory, my first thought upon waking up on the 2nd day in U Zenmaya was simply the massage session. J & I are suckers for massages; we are often on the search for good, valuable spa packages back in Singapore.

For breakfast, we decided on outdoor seats. I mean why not? Inside the shady pavilion, we get to enjoy the sea view with water that sparkles under the sunlight and feeling the sea breeze against our skin. When at a beach holiday, just submerge yourself in the beauty of nature. Apart from my dining experience at The Rock Bar in Bali, Jimbaran, This is the second place I have dined at that is accompanied by a wonderful sea view.

U Zenmaya has quite a spread for their breakfast buffet at the Zeascape Restaurant. I love how the beverages come in big bottle form, so you don’t need to travel back and forth to refill your drinks. In Thailand, their fruits are way sweeter than those we buy in Singapore. Which is why I always finish their fruit plate (if any).

After the fulfilling breakfast, every one took turns for the complimentary massage before washing up and head to Patong for lunch and the Simon Cabaret show later that night.

Dinner was settled at the highly raved Number 6 Restaurant. Note - Number 6 Restaurant is not in any way affiliated with Number 6 Red Chair Seafood. When we arrived, there was a short queue and the place was packed with tourist from different countries. That was enough to prove its popularity among tourist.

However, the food itself was not as outstanding. Most of the dishes we ordered were heavily seasoned with salt. Personally, I only found their fried prawn in batter worth recommending, but their prices are indeed cheaper than anywhere else in Patong.

I wondered why did J and I actually remove the Simon Cabaret show from the itinerary in our previous Phuket trip. The show was definitely an eye opener for me (although its a lip syncing show) and I truly enjoyed it! There were both transvestites and transsexuals who participated in the show, and it is a shame when a transsexual actually looks more feminine than a natural women. Standing beside them with my camera bag and tired face, I feel so much like an old lady compared to them.

Well, of course the boys were more popular with performers. Everywhere J went, the "girls" were all calling out to him for a picture. And you can see, he sure was enjoying his popularity haha!