Travel: Summer 2017 in Bali Indonesia

One of the most magical island on planet earth where you can spend the best summer of your life will be no other than Bali, Indonesia.  To those who have seen it's natural beauty, I bet you will agree that 100% you fell in love on this place too. I came from a tropical island in the Philippines that's also blessed with so much of natural resources, but the Island of Bali is still one of a kind from its picturesque sceneries, golden sunsets and huge waves where the true colors of summer can happen.

There's so much to discover in Bali, as I've been here for three time already but still haven't explore some on the best tourist spots and must see places on the island. My last visit here was on April 2017 when my workmates decided to spend a long weekend vacation and had the best summer time of our lives. We explored several locations including Nusa Dua, Pandawa Beach, Uluwatu, Ubud and Seminyak, Every miles we traveled were all worth it looking at the natural beauty of Bali and seeing it's magnificent beaches all over the island.

If you're planning to visit Bali, make sure to book your flights between March to May which is the summer season, although the most common issue during this time will  be number of tourist visits. Its advisable too in  going several places by booking your hotels or AirBnb into various locations to fully explore the island. Don't you worry about the expenses for the transportation and food here coz it's way cheaper than Maldives, Phuket or even in Boracay. One thing that you will also love here will be the local people, with their genuine smile and obvious hospitality that truly captured our hearts, they have the respect and love for tourism and one of their community's source of income and it's been a lifestyle actually to most of them. 

Let me share with you some of the best tourist spots and locations to visit in Bali, including of course my summer OOTD (haha!) and some of the food haven spots to try in the island. I will never get bored or tired of coming back to Bali and surely you will love to be here too one day! Enjoy this photo diary my dear blog readers!

Travel: POSTCARDS FROM BALI

After 3 months of no travel, finally I made it again to one of my dream destination that's so near in Singapore but took me years before It really cane into reality! Welcome to Bali, as usual my travel experience in this Island was definitely awesome. I've been busy these past few days at work so for now, will share with you some picturesque postcards with love from Bali. Happy Midweek everyone!

Strolling around Ubud Art Market.

Fashion: Beach Bum

Here's another beach bum outfit I conceptualized during my year end getaway to Indonesia. I will always love playing colors and prints when I'm on the beach only. Haha! Coz lately I have been wearing basic color matching when I do style my OOTD. In here, I used various vibrant colors to make it look beach appropriate. 

I'm wearing green coconut print top from Bershka. I paired it with orange beach shorts from Factorie, a locally based Singapore fashion brand. Making it a little interesting, I add in white shoulder canvas bag and floral Supreme cap. Don't forget your sunnies and slippers to complete your outfit. I used my Vans aviator and Havaianas slip on for this look. 

Fashion: Summer in December

It's never too early for summer! What symbolizes the hottest season of the year other than coconut prints which will always be a staple design during summer. During my year end trip to Indonesia, I went to ION Orchard to look for some winter free outfits and was able to get a total match for this look. 

I fell in love with this gray sleeveless shirt from Bershka as they're having sale on past season items. This palm inspired print was from a local Singapore based brand same with my beach bag. Wearibg my ever trusted pair of Havs, sunnies and cap from Aeropostale, I have the best outfit for a beach bum. Summer is coming soon so you better get ready! 

Travel: Mutiara Beach Resort Indonesia

Hello again to the world of blogging! I defintely need a better time management for this year 2015 coz I totally can't even have a single blog post due to my ongoing vacation, birthday event, travel and work related stuff. Too much workload but I ain't complaining to all these blessigs and opportunities that came too early for this year. I mentioned during my last post I will start to regularly update you guys so let's do it now!

Towards the end of 2014 I decided to book a year end trip to a nearby beach resort that I needed the most. I had to reflect of what happened for my year 2014 and plan for what I want by 2015. It was such a great experience to just simply bask under the sun and be a beach bum for a day!

I headed to Mutiara Beach Resort in Indonesia for a weekend trip since it's only a ferry away from Tana Merah Terminal here in Singapore. After doing some in-depth research I found this paradise perfect for my weekend relaxing escapade. After my booking for the resort stay, land transfer & ferry ticket, I spent less than $200 SGD for the whole 4 day - 3 nights trip. 

From the ferry terminal in Bintan Indonesia, land transfer via Indotaxi ($60 SGD) two way trip will be additional 1.5-2 hours land travel before you reach Mutiara. I just love how this resort was established in the simplest, natural and relaxing ambience unlike other resort that are too crowded and highly priced. I stayed in a Cabana with no aircon, just light and ceiling fan where everything was made out of wood and natural materials similar to a nipa hut. Everything was so traditional including the food serving, amenities and you'll have the friendliest staff too, what more could you ask for!

Per night accomodation will be around $50-70 SGD depending on the season if its peak period. Food will also be available inside for breakfast, lunch & dinner but bringing along foods with you will be practical esp if you're budget conscious. Meals inside the resort will cost you roughly $4-10 per meal but all food menus I've tried here were so damn good. 

Mutiara Beach Resort also offers water sports, spa package and other sports outdoor activities upon request. They also have a beach house located right in front of the main beach where you can watch TV, read books, surf the internet or get a sun tan for as long as you want. Here's a visual diary of my awesome weekend trip in Mutiara Beach Resort located in Bintan Indonesia. Wishing you all a great kickstart for 2015 guys!

Kelong Seafood Restaurant

Kelong Seafood Restaurant located in Bintan Indonesia offers the best seafood platter in town! Serving fresh delicious fish dishes and also dish out delicious seafood goodies. At Kelong Seafood Restaurant, all seafood is prepared in a simple and straightforward manner. Using only the freshest seafood, as well as natural ingredients, Kelong dishes up great tasting meals with superb quality and value.

Barbecue Medium Package (Rp. 410.000)

BINTAN ISLAND INDONESIA

Welcome to Bintan Island Indonesia! I had a short weekend trip in here last month and had the best summer ender escapade. When my housemates told me they got tickets on sale for $99 SGD/ head going to Bintan Indonesia, I said yes right away! 

It's seriously one of the best tourist spot nearest to Singapore for beach lovers out there. So here's a photo diary of my recent trip in Bintan Island where I truly had a blast. Thanks to my housemates for making this trip an unforgettable one.

Asiana Cafeteria Bintan Indonesia

Asiana Cafeteria is a food haven right inside the Agro Bintan Beach Resort that offers not only sumptuous food menu items but also a great deal of value-for-money food selections. Asiana Cafeteria offers nothing but the best of Asian & Western food from Bee-hoon and Seafood Fried Rice to their luscious pasta & home-made cheezy pizza. 

Before heading back to Singapore, we had out lunch in here. If it looks so appetizing then it was fully justified by its taste that you couldn't go wrong trying this out. It will definitely makes your tummy so happy as they offer nothing but the best food items while having the stunning view of the Indonesian beach. Keep on following my blog post for more informative travel, fashion & food blog entries. I love you all!

Fashion: AQUATIC BLUE

Wearing bright color like this Aquatic blue top from Forever 21 is a perfect match for a last summer weekend getaway. I just love how its so calming in the eyes paired with Ripcurl boardshorts. Whatelese would match this look but to have a pair of Havaianas gray slippers. 

I did not accesorize so much for this look as I had a photo walk around this beautiful Agro Bintan Beach Resort in Bintan, Indonesia. But since I had my commitment to post fashion blog more often, I really made time to have this little fashion shoot even though there's nothing so particularly fashion forward about this look. 

Aquatic Blue Top- Forever 21

Printed Boardshorts- Ripcurl

Slip-on- Havaianas

Depot Ayam Penyet

One of the most popular Indonesian dish to try will be Ayam Penyet and there's no other way to have the original taste of its one-of-a-kind cuisine by trying it out at Depot Ayam Penyet located in Bintan Island, Indonesia. It's always a good way to know the cultural background of the country of your visit by trying out their local food gastronomical dishes. 

Ayam Penyet is a chicken fried with locally infused Indonesian spices served with Asian rice, crunchy tofu and vegetable soup flavoured with locally grown vegetables. I did not search for its food history so I'm just describing it on how it tasted. So if you'll gonna visit Indonesia one of these days, this is one food list you shouldn't miss out. 

BINTAN AGRO BEACH RESORT

I've been waiting for the right time to finally visit the Island of Bintan in Indonesia and I was totally amazed by it's beauty and the simplicity of the island life here. To experience this place was nothing better than to stay in one of Bintan's best beachfront resort located at Kepulauan Riau Indonesia. 

 You will always fall in love to another beautiful day on this island. Taking a dip / going for a swi, everyday in the crystal clear water has simply a way of clearing your mind from all the clutters of your busy life & perhaps cleansing your soul as well. Every moment and every second in this paradise will always be the best just by simply enjoying the gorgeous Indonesian sunset. 

We had our reservation here via Deal.com.sg where recently they had tour package promo via http://www.lokopoko.travel and total including hotel, ferry & land transfer with breakfast, lunch & dinner was aroung $99/pax but after including tax & other fees $169/pax.

This view will never get old. Wish I could stay here forever.

Fashion: AERO

Finally I got the chance to share fashion blog post after several unsuccessful photo shoot attempts. I've been planning of fashion outfit shoot at Henderson Waves or Mc Ritchie Reservoir & hopefully I can make it happen soon.

I just went for a beach weekend getaway in Bintan Island Indonesia and part of the tour package we got was a half day tour around the island including this Chinese Temple which was so picturesque enough to have my unplanned photo shoot. 

Thinking of wearing something comfy & stylish, I decided to wear a white Aeropostale shirt that will never go out of style. Recently in Singapore, I've noticed plenty style conscious wearing Aero shirts especially during sunny days. For me its the substitute for avant garde fashion brands like CK top or CDG shirts. The one I'm wearing was from a friend who recently visited NYC (sponsorship) LOL!

What else could go better with it than my all time fave sweat shorts I got from Forever 21, such a great steal esp I can wear it to any top but still doesn't compromise my style & comfort. I also got my new Nike SB online from www.zumeiz.com This Stefan Janoski limited edition tiger stripe sneakers is just to die for. I love it's simplicity & superb style that really fits my kind-of-style. 

Also wore my Casio silver watch & black leather bracelets I bought in Hongkong perfect for my usual black-white-gray kind of style. Just goo enough to have my Canon D700 DSLR to capture some scenic views of the island. Hope you like this post & so keep following my humble blog for more fashion insights & style ideas. 

Chinese Temple Bintan Island Indonesia.

POSTCARDS BINTAN INDONESIA

I just came back from my weekend getaway in Bintan Island Indonesia. I just can't wait to share my summer-ender weekend stay at Bintan Agro Beach Resorts. So here's the postcards of how awesome my weekend was, just a sample visual diary of my travel escapade. Can't wait to be back here again!

TRAVEL ADVENTURES IN 2013

My 2013 travel adventure was another great year. I have been to 12 cities in a year, it's like 1 travel escapade every month (no wonder I don't have savings last year) LOL! So I decided to have a recap of my travel adventure in 2013.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE

Singapore will always offer stunning to all the tourists whether day or night.

Gadeno Pizza & Steak

Any travel wouldn't be complete without having a try of local cuisines & randomly trying some infamous food spots around the place & get lost with the tastiest food offerings that your taste buds will surely gets hooked up with.

Gardeno Pizza & Steak is one humble place I can recommend located at Nagoya Hill in Batam, Indonesia. Not really sure is its a chain of restaurants here but the foods are definitely worth a try. They offer simple & clean cut menu ranging from rice, pasta & steak options for everyone to enjoy.

It comes with a spacious area & numerous staff to attend your needs. Quite surprised though that it's a free smoking area inside the restaurant & having an English speaking staff will be quite challenging. But over-all experience in terms of food quality, customer service level & budget wise, this place is a must-try food haven & enjoy more to life through good food.

Indonesian Seafood Rice.

Novotel Batam Indonesia

Novotel Batam Indonesia is a place worth staying & a value for money hotel. Everyone would love to have a convenient & affordable staycation and for that Novotel is one place I would recommend to all wanderlast souls out there.

We were supposed to have our stay at Turi Beach in Batam but due to some time constraints, we had some last minute hotel booking via Agoda.com & bumped into this hotel with good offers in terms of their room price & excellent review from the web. We never had a second thought to spent a night in Indonesia here.

Arriving at around 9AM, we were advised of the early check in by 11AM, so we headed our way to their cafe to grab a cup of coffee. Next thing we did was to stroll around the hotel vicinity & guess what, we had some great Indonesia lunch & heavenly massage for the hitel location is strategically located near commercial & tourist spots area.

Upon check-in, I am personally impressed the hotel's interior, service & over-all experience. I can definitely say this hotel made a good impression considering all the hotels I've been to in Asia.

So the next time you decide to take a relaxing weeked getaway to Batam, head your way up to Novotel Batam Indonesia & experience more of what it can offer you.

Novotel Batam Main Entrance.

Bali Tropikal Spa

Any travel escapade wouldn't be complete without having a soothing & refreshing whole body massage unique in a country of your visit. Considering the high cost of typical body massage in Singapore, most of us will go hunting for the best massage place and good enough I found one in Batam, Indonesia.

Tropikal Body Massage is strategically located righy in front of Novotel Batam Hotel. The place is just a walking distance away from the hotel main entrance. We were lucky enough to find this massage haven after having a satisfying Indonesian Lunch in a nearby restaurant. 

We came in and treated first class with staff. Offered with some hot tea, we were given the massage manual to quick view of their service offer. We were stuck on choosing between the Tropical Balinese or Javanese Massage. We ended up trying the Balinese massage for a price of 

RP 268,000 upon recommendation of the receptionist. It is a combination of aromatherapy with the choice of Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Grapefruit or Eucalyptus 100% Essential Oil.

Essential Oils & Organic inspired Tropikal Body Massage.

Batam Indonesia 2013 Video Blog

Want to have a short vacation away from the hustle & bustle of Singapore's busy lifestyle? Then have a short vacation in Batam Island, Indonesia just a 40 min distance away via ferry ride & you will never miss out the excitement, fun & adventure this humble island could offer you. So here's a video of how we did enjoy our Batam trip & some exciting itineraries for you to consider from food tripping to island hopping. Wishing more travel experience for everyone =)

Click (here) to view the video link via Facebook

Click (here) to view the video link via Vimeo.

Rawon Setan Surabaya Restaurant

One of the best restaurant that I tried in Indonesia will be this food haven called Rawon Setan Surabaya Restaurant. Famous for their local delicacies, this restaurant offers authentic Indonesian menu items to complete your Batam experience. Make sure to always try local food whenever you travel to know or simply drop at any popular spots in town & drop by for a meal. Here are some photos of our food experience.

Chicken marinated in special loca flavours served with fresh greens & chili sauce.

Haze in Singapore

The skyline of Singapore was once again dominated by the "haze" as seen even on street level at various street in Singapore.

When I woke up this morning, I thought it was due to a fog or someone was burning something near my neighborhood. It was when I opened Yahoo that I realized that the haze episode is back in Singapore again. This is a yearly phenomenon due to prevailing winds from the fire in Indonesia's Sumatra Island. 

The Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) reported that it hit 155 in terms of the PSI by 10PM (June 17, 2013). This is categorized as "unhealthy" by health organizations in Singapore. 

So to further help avoid any health effects of this, air cleaners from across the market will help to filter the indoor particulates to safeguard our families from the unhealthy haze we are experiencing now. My first job in Singapore was as Sales Associate here in Singapore so I'm quite aware of the existing air cleaning & sterilizing products available to filter such air particulates (haze, dust, odor, bacteria, viruses). 

Click here to check & compare the various air cleaning products for your benefit & consumer needs.

I just compiled some of these photos I saw in Instagram by checking the #haze hashtag & it's not my photo property just for every reader's information. So stay safe everyone & keep educated from the latest info on haze in Singapore through various news platform for more update.