Festivals & Events
The best time of year to visit Japan is during the Cherry Blossoms season. ‘Hanami’ or cherry blossom viewing, is a pretty magical experience as you wander through tree groves under the bloom of delicate petals of the sakura (cherry) and ume (plum) trees. The magic of hanami can also be experienced in Taiwan and… Continue reading Cherry Blossoms 2018 – Sakura Forecast Dates – Japan, Korea and Taiwan
It’s Ramadan season where, throughout the month (May 27 – June 25, 2017), Muslims around the world observe fasting, introspection and deep prayer. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time for spiritual strengthening and personal development, when days are spent exercising discipline and commitment, and nights are spent in both celebration and vigil. It might not… Continue reading 6 Wondrous Destinations to Travel to During Ramadan
I have many memories of visiting the Geylang Serai Bazaar with my family during the annual lead up to Hari Raya. It’s a well-loved tradition in Singapore, with Singaporeans of all cultural backgrounds flocking down for all the delicious Malay kuih-kuih, vadeh, beautiful baju, curtains, cushions…and eating Ramly burger until jelak. It is of course… Continue reading Ramly Burger Meets Rainbow Brite at Geylang Serai Bazaar for Ramadan 2017
Wait, wait, wait, don’t turn your nose up at the mention of jazz! This isn’t a gown-and-champagne uppity jazz festival reserved for ‘atas’ people who are best friends with Yo-Yo Ma. In fact, I was surprised to learn that ‘jazz’ is far more diverse and inclusive than I’d realised. And funner! You CAN attend this thing even… Continue reading Borneo Jazz Festival: A Non-Atas Launchpad into Sarawak Adventures
Springtime brings magic to life in Japan, Korea and Taiwan thanks to the beauty of pink and white cherry blossoms. Every year, travellers flock to Japan for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) where the sakura flowers delight. But you can also enjoy the charm and romance these flowers bring in Korea and Taiwan! Here’s some of the top… Continue reading Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Taiwan 2017
Cherry blossom viewing in Japan, also known as hanami, is an event locals and tourists from all over the world alike, look forward to each spring. Notorious for it’s immensely short bloom (just one to two weeks), planning a trip to Japan to see the cherry blossoms during the fleeting sakura season can prove to… Continue reading Hanami Guide: Top Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2017
Every spring, travellers eagerly await the blooming of cherry blossoms in Korea. [Hope you 90’s kids got my Savage Garden reference ;p ] Much like hanami in Japan, everyone gets excited about the romantic transformation every spring in Korea. Timing is everything (these pretty blossoms aren’t in full bloom for long!), so you’ll need to… Continue reading Chic a Cherry Blossom: Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Korea 2017
My inner hippie danced a happy dance on Saturday, when indie tunes wafted through the air over a gentle crowd of barefoot people in brightly-coloured clothes enjoying the excuse to wear a flower in their hair. It was my first time at Neon Lights Singapore, a cheery music and arts festival held in Fort Canning. I… Continue reading Muddy Good Times at Neon Lights Singapore 2016
Traffic-choked roads, frenetic food markets and labyrinthine shopping malls – Kuala Lumpur can be a little bit crazy all year round. But you haven’t experienced the city in all its colourful, crowded, celebratory glory until you’ve experienced Thaipusam. Just like climbing Mount Kinabalu, going on a street art tour in Penang or soaking up some… Continue reading Festival Guide: Thaipusam in KL