the facade of life.... little facets... all the bits & pieces

Klook Promo Codes

2024-04-25T13:04:00.004+08:00

Here are some promo codes you can use for your bookings via Klook:

If you are not yet a member at Klook, sign up here and get S$4.30 off your first transaction! 😊

For Singapore users, do note if you book via Shopback, you can earn cashback or rebates!

[Review for Shopback’s Cashback]

If you are interested to try out Shopback and want a SGD$5 coupon you can use on your first purchase, sign up here!

General

GBP11 off Klook activities, with a minimum spend of GBP150 - 1 Time use only, for EU users - EU11OFF
Save 5% off on all tours and activities in Japan and South Korea. Valid for EU & UK residents only Save 5% off o - CherryBlossom5
Save 8% off on everything in all destinations. Valid for EU & UK residents, New Users only - NEW8OFF
Applicable Platform: Only valid on APP Get 10% off your 1st booking - APP10TW
15% on your first booking on mobile app only - BetterOnApp
5% on your first booking on mobile app only - BetterOnApp2
Save 5% off on your 1st hotel booking on the app - HotelOnApp
Indian users only, 1-time use. Min spend 8,000 INR, max discount 1,600 INR. - HOLI2024
Applicable Platform: All Limited to Indian users, 1 time use only. - SGMASTIGOLD
富邦J卡結帳獨享優惠，Klook日韓商品滿4000折300 - MEGA882403
Klook全站消費滿NT$2000折NT$400 - KJCB2301
以華南信用卡結帳，享Klook全海外商品單筆消費滿8000折400。- HUWNANOB2440003
HSBC Credit Cardmembers with Singapore phone number and residence only. -HSBCCHERRYB50

Click here for promo codes >>

Day out at the Entertainment Companies (Seoul)

2015-11-04T14:17:00.000+08:00

Our flight (on Korean Airlines) to Incheon Airport arrived early in the morning, so we had plenty of time to ~~stalk~~ explore the entertainment companies after we left our luggage at Seoul Mansion Guesthouse. Being Kpop fans how could we miss this opportunity to add this into our itinerary?! Of course, it was all in the hope of bumping into a Korean idol or two and get an autograph and/or photo with them. Thanks to iceprinxess (who directed us to a blog with pretty clear instructions on how to get there), MX and I took a the subway down to the Apgujeongrodeo Station Exit 3.

Note: Please do not mistake that as Apgujeong Station as I did the last time I was in Seoul.

It was an adventure as we meandered along the path and explored the area. MX led me to Chrome Hearts, a boutique (which high security) which sells many stylish accessories that celebrities usually wear. The sales assistants were all dressed in black (giving them that smart polished look) and attended to us politely (even if we ended up not buying anything). From Chrome Hearts, we... Read more >>

Tuk tuk Experience to Central World: the movies and ice-cream

2015-11-02T14:13:00.000+08:00

Since the hotel we were staying at, which was Novotel Platinum Pratunam Hotel, provided complimentary tuk tuk service to the nearby shopping malls (e.g. Siam Paragon, Central World, Big C etc…) and nearby BTS stations, we just had to try it!

Anyways, after breakfast we decided to head down to the lobby to see if the tuk tuk was available (it is on the hour by the hour on a first-come-first-serve basis). We ended up having the whole tuk tuk to ourselves (4 persons). The tuk tuk service was a nice touch to our stay, and it was an interesting experience being on the streets on a vehicle similar to a car and... Read more >>

Travel Thoughts: Day Out at the floating market and zoo, Chocolate Ville and dinner (Bangkok)

2015-11-01T14:15:00.000+08:00

On the second day of our time in Bangkok, DramaQueen arranged with a (tour) driver to bring us to the floating market and the zoo. As a bonus, we were brought to Chocolate Ville and recommended this really nice restaurant for dinner.

We didn’t really plan our trip that well, and so we spent almost half the day traveling – the floating market and zoo were practically at the opposite ends of Bangkok! It took about 2 hours each to travel to each places! We left from our hotel at about 9am and arrived at the floating market around 1030am. Unlike the first time I went with PrincessyLee, we were brought to another corner of the floating market, but the gimmick of taking your photo and trying to sell it to you for 200 baht in the form of a customized photo-frame souvenir was the same.

There was a boat rental where it cost 2,000 baht for 1hr and 2,500 baht for 1hr 30min, regardless of the number of people on the boat. We had 4 people so it worked out to be 500 baht per person, since we went for the 1 hr ride. It would definitely be more worth it if we had more people (the boat can take up to 8-10 people I think). Unlike the first time I was there, the boat was motorized so the speed was definitely faster and more ‘exciting’.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Once we boarded the boat, we were brought around the floating market. This time we also passed by the residential area of the residents that stay around the floating market. The sight was interesting: seeing wooden houses on slits on the river bank with dogs peeking out occasionally gave an insight to how life is like for the local who stay in such a watery environment. As we meandered through the waterways, we also passed by the (familiar) market area where the stalls selling souvenirs are located. If we liked a certain stall and wanted to check out the goods, all we had to do was... Read more >>

Miam Miam (Bugis Junction)

2015-10-31T14:12:00.003+08:00

Most of their dishes have a fusion East-meets-West feel to them, like their signature Miam Miam Spaghetti at S$15.80 (which is one of my favorites!): pasta that is served with sautéed frankfurters, tomatoes, baby spinach and bacon, tossed with French butter, a little broth and some shoyu, and a somewhat half-boiled egg as an icing on the ~~cake~~ pasta.

Miam Miam Spaghetti: The portion is quite substantial and the taste when all the ingredients are mixed together is amazing. The French butter, broth and shoyu gave it that savory and delectable taste with the slightly salted tender bacon enveloping the spaghetti in a yummilicious way, while the baby spinach and tomatoes gave it that extra zing and crunch, not to mention the addition of the (not so cooked) egg (yolk) gave the dish an overall velvety texture.

Previously I tried the Mac & Cheese (S$14.50) but it was a little underwhelming because it was really watered down and not as cheesy as I would have liked it to be, and for that price, the portion was really too small . So whenever I go to Miam Miam, I end up eating the... Read More >>

Pentaxyl Anti-Wrinkle Cream and Motives (Cosmetics) Makeup Party

2015-08-27T22:19:00.001+08:00

Over the weekend I was invited to a Motives (makeup) party by my Korean language classmate. It was held at one of the rental apartments and organized by her Taiwanese partners/friends. They are part of the shop.com group and mainly work with/sell Motives (makeup) and skincare products.

A portion of the products displayed that day

According to Wikipedia, “America/SHOP.com is an internet marketing and product brokerage company that utilizes the internet (including social media platforms) and one-to-one marketing to distribute a variety of products across numerous markets. The company was founded in 1992 by JR and Loren Ridinger.”

After goggling for a bit and reading more about the company, I guess simply put, shop.com can be likened to something like Qoo10.sg, EBay, and Amazon etc... The only difference is that instead of (online) shops selling their own products and doing their own thing (using Qoo10.sg, EBay, and Amazon etc... as platforms to sell their products independent of the site per se), sellers on shop.com can actually be part of the company by being a partner and ordering products to sell on their own. Akin to something of being an affiliate, but the difference is the investments and returns are usually higher; partners act like independent distributors of the brand they are the representatives of... Read more >>

Korean Fried Chicken: Chicken Up Tampines

2015-05-23T15:15:00.002+08:00

On the last trip to Korea, I wanted to try the Korean Fried Chicken but did not get a chance. There was a Korean Fried Chicken store below our accommodation but unfortunately when we wanted to try it they were closed (business must be good since they do not open on Sundays!). Not to say that there aren’t any Korean Fried Chicken places in Singapore, it’s just that they are (mostly) on the other end of Singapore (lol). So imagine my pleasant surprise when Chicken Up opened in Tampines... Read More>>

An impromptu visit to the Teddy Bear Museum (제주 테디베어뮤지엄) & dinner

2015-03-14T10:01:00.000+08:00

Teddy Bear Museum (제주 테디베어뮤지엄) entrance

At the end of the Jejueco tour, it was free time and we decided to make stop at the Teddy Bear Museum (제주 테디베어뮤지엄). Victor was so kind to drop us off at the entrance of the Teddy Bear Museum and so we made our way in. It was about 5 in the evening and there wasn’t much... Read More >>

AirBnB: Owl house@Gyeongbokgung (a.k.a. Sui’s Loft #3) First Impressions

2015-03-12T23:59:00.001+08:00

The comfy bed on the ground floor....

Located within the Jongno district, Owl house@Gyeongbokgung (a.k.a. Sui’s Loft #3) can accommodate up to 4 people and is strategically located near the palaces (Gyeongbukgung) and cultural places such as Gwanghwamun square (about 5 minutes away), The Great King Sejong's museum, the Gyeongbokgung palace and Cheonggyecheon Canal, Insadong and Bukchon (about 15 minutes away). The nearest subway stations are Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun... Read more >>

The Jejueco Suites (3 Days/2 Nights) Experience

2015-03-08T13:03:00.003+08:00

For our 3 days 2 nights stay on Jeju Island, we stayed at Jejueco Suites and joined their tour. Our stay was pleasant and the room was comfortable. The room was just like an apartment with TV, bed, kitchenette and all. We evening had connecting rooms (though we never did open that door hehe)! ... Read more >>

Our cozy room!

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (천지연 폭포)

2015-03-08T13:01:00.004+08:00

The calm before the waterfall ^^

After the satisfying lunch at Soban 소반, it was off to visit one of the natural wonders of Jeju, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (천지연 폭포), an area full of natural monuments (e.g. from the wild Dampalsu trees, camellias to the clear and deep waters of Cheonjiyeon etc...). The waterfall got its name from the legend of the 7 fairies serving the King of Heaven who came down to the pond on stairs of cloud and bathed in its clean waters... Read more>>

Wulai Waterfalls and Gondola

2014-04-26T21:14:00.005+08:00

Read all about the adventure at Wulai Waterfalls and gondola here

Universal Studios Singapore (Sentosa) Guide

2014-04-20T14:21:00.000+08:00

Getting your tickets

Being the only theme park in town and having included a relative new ride (TRANSFORMERS The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle) into the family, Universal Studios Sentosa is the place to be if you love rides and themeparks. With 7 zones, there is plenty to see and do. Usual prices of admission tickets are S$74, but there are a couple of online promotions going on at the moment:

1. Mastercard Promotion - 15% off Adult One-Day Pass (U.P. $74)
Promotion valid till 31 May 2014

2. Easter Festival Online Exclusive
Visit Universal Studios Singapore from 18 Apr till 13 May and enjoy One-Day Adult Passes at S$66 (U.P. $74). Valid for Singapore IP addresses.

So who said being tech-savvy and planning a little ahead (even on day or the day itself) never paid off? If you know which day you want to go, have access to the internet and a printer, and own a credit (great if they are having a card promotion), it’s always best to check the website and make your booking online rather than buying on the spot and missing out... Read more>>

i Light Marina Bay 2014

2014-04-18T14:22:00.002+08:00

Making its debut in 2010, i Light Marina Bay, is a month long festival that is Singapore’s, as well as Asia ’s first sustainable light art festival. It serves as the regional platform for exchanging ideas and technology, artistic expression and public engagement through light art works which emphasize on intelligent light usage and sustainable use of energy. Since then (2010), there have been numerous dynamic and innovative light art installations along the 3.5km waterfront promenade that have been displayed over the years.

This year, i Light Marina Bay's theme is Light+heART and features 28 innovative and environmentally sustainable light art installations from around the world. From 7 to 30 March 2014 enjoy a full array of events, programmes and fun activities that are aimed to create a dazzling and enriching experience. There are free guided tours, entertaining performances, workshops and more; to bring you an even more enjoyable experience (check out the Calendar of Events)... Read more>>

Crayon Art Basics: The art of melting crayons

2014-04-18T14:18:00.001+08:00

Crayons, those sticks of colors that we often use when we were children to color the walls and pieces of paper soon get boring when we get older and coloring within the lines (or on walls) becomes passe. Well, a few months ago, I discovered a new creative (and really fun) way to use crayons - crayon melting. Yes, you read me right, melting crayons is the latest craze in town (my town at least) and how could you not want to try melting them? :)

I thought this was really cool and since I discovered this method. I have always wanted to give it try it. So yesterday, I decided to give it a go in my spare time.

Not bad eh?

Interested in making your own crayon melt art? Don't worry it is actually really simple to do! Read more>>

A Trip to the Zoo for a Good Cause

2014-01-14T10:30:00.000+08:00

It was supposed to be a normal day at work, except that it wasn’t… well, at least for the latter half of that day: we were to bring out some elderlies from St. John’s Home For Elderly Persons to the zoo! The date was set and the snacks were bought (and brought) when the day arrived. We made our way to the home in anticipation, not knowing exactly what to expect. But it turned out to be an interesting and fulfilling day out with the colorful characters we brought out that day, amongst them was even an ex-Olympian!

When we arrived, we learnt that as there were too many of them (versus us who were to bring them out), the residents had to draw lots to see who could go on the trip to the zoo. Since we had to tend to them (basically wheel them around the zoo in their wheelchairs and keep them company) we had to be paired up with an elderly whom we could communicate with else it... Read more>>

Fatboys the Burger Bar (Katong)

2014-01-11T21:21:00.002+08:00

Snuggled in a tiny corner of Joo Chiat Road opposite the Katong 112 shopping mall is Fatboys the Burger Bar, which serves up burgers with a twist: its a burger joint, its a bar, its... a burger place where you can customize your own burger from a list of buns, patties, cheeses, add-ons and sauces all in the comfort of a 'happening' environment. Besides burgers, Fatboys the Burger Bar also has other comfort foods such as onion rings, milk shakes etc... All in the comfort of... Read more>>

Wangz Hotel, Singapore [Guest Post]

2014-01-11T21:19:00.004+08:00

If you are ever in Singapore and are looking for a hotel that is near Outram Park and the MRT, Wangz Hotel is a hotel that you can consider. Being close to the Outram MRT Station, it is also a breeze if/when you want to go to Habourfont (and Sentosa). From the hotel there is a shuttle bus that will bring you to the MRT station, so it is pretty convenient. If you prefer to walk, the hotel is about a 5-10 minutes walk to the Outram MRT Station.

Wangz Hotel, being a boutique hotel, may not be very big, but it has all the basic necessities and facilities. Service was commendable and personal: check in was swift and efficient. The room we were allotted was clean and well-maintained, with the usual amenities such as bottles of water and toiletries being replenished daily. Throughout our time in Singapore, the staff were very helpful and... Read more>>

Tangle no more! Hassle-free Music and Phone Calls

2013-10-28T19:56:00.003+08:00

While normal earphones with their wire (frequently) constrain movement or get caught up in something, and untangling the wire can be a (painful) hassle, it never really occurred to me how much more enjoyable music can be wire-free. So when I first heard of and received my Plantronics Backbeat GO 2 Wireless Earbuds, the first thing that came to my mind was, “Why didn’t I not think of getting one before? They are a God send!”

Normal earphones have the tendency to get tangled easily, especially when they are not connected to the phone or mp3 player (nicely coiled and/or corded up). It’s a mess having to just rummage through a vast bag, and a torture having to untangle the wire (especially when you are up and about in a crowded place). Even when the wire is nicely (as much as possible) coiled around the phone or coiled inside a case, it is a nightmare having to uncoil it (holding on to both phone and bag) on a crowded moving bus or train.

Just to get music into the ears or even answering the phone with normal earphones can be a challenging affair, especially when in a crowded and/or moving platform (regardless whether the earphones are connected to the device). There are also just too many steps! You have to:

Take them out of bag and/or casing
Untangle or unwind them
Plug the earphones into device (e.g. phone or mp3 player)
Maneuver the wires around/into your bag or pocket
While you have music piped into your ears, you are still subjected to the constraints of the (slightly short) wire getting in the way (dangling from the ears all the way to the bag or pockets) and risk any device connected to it to accidentally drop.

However, with Plantronics Backbeat GO 2 Wireless Earbuds, listening to music and being on the go is much simpler. Minus the maneuvering constraint of (sometimes) short wires and headache of tangles. All you have to do is:

Take out the Plantronics Backbeat GO 2 Wireless Earbuds from bag / casing.
Connect the earbuds to the music device via Bluetooth and you are done!

Pairing the earbuds with any Bluetooth enabled device (e.g. phone or mp3 player) is straight forward and simple to understand. All that is needed is to hold the center button till it says "PAIRING" (of course you have to also turn on the device’s Bluetooth function). Click “Pair” on the device... Read more>>

Tim Ho Wan (Plaza Singapura)

2013-10-06T00:30:00.000+08:00

After a day out playing at St. Games, we made our way to Tim Ho Wan - the latest (branch at Plaza Singapura) place / craze for dim sum apparently. The restaurant takes no reservations, so the queue can and is usually insanely long (40 minutes or more just to get in!). Fortunately for us on a weekday mid afternoon there wasn't much of a crowd. LuttiSparrow & Co.were already famished at this point. Thankfully, it took us less than 15 minutes to be seated.

Interesting fact: Tim Ho Wan is a Michelin one star restaurant famed for it’s affordable and delicious dim sum.

http://www.travelbytez.com/2013/09/tim-ho-wan-plaza-singapura.html

It was a vibrant place bustling with constant activity (true to its Hong Kong origins I guess). Service was prompt and attentive enough (even though it was full house as the afternoon progressed); kudos to the service staff that day. Food was served at a relatively fast rate (we had to eat faster just to make... Read more>>

Hotel Equatorial Melaka (Review)

2013-10-06T00:00:00.000+08:00

The lobby

Was in Malacca recently and stayed in Hotel Equatorial Melaka for 5 days (for a church camp). Hotel Equatorial Melaka claims to have a 5 star rating and its décor is on the vintage side (it has been around for some time and its age does show). Fortunately some areas seem to have undergone some refurbishment, but unfortunately the hotel ends up with what seems like an identity crisis: while some areas retain its old vintage-ness (and tired chairs / sofas / carpets), other areas attempt to be modern (but both not complementing each other in any.. Read more>>

Samcheong-dong - Bukchon Village: Food, Shopping, Cafe and History!

2013-10-05T23:52:00.002+08:00

As Gyeongbokgung Palace (not to mention the Ginseng Chicken at Tosokchon) took more than half a day, we left Samcheong-dong to the 6th day. Samcheong-dong is near to Gyeongbokgung Palace and is relatively near to Cheong Wa Dae (the Blue House a.k.a the President’s Office) and Insadong; both of which are tourist spots worth to visit. To get there just alight at the some subway station stop (Anguk Station, Subway Line No. 3) for Gyeongbokgung Palace.

From the subway station out to Samcheong-dong

Just follow the signs and you will find yourself at Samcheong-dong, one of the most unique places in Seoul where there is the hanok (traditional house made out of wood and put together without any nails) Bukchon Village. Samcheong-dong is a beautiful neighborhood and will definitely take more... Read more>>

Farewell Dinner at Big Mama’s (Korean Food)

2013-10-05T23:51:00.001+08:00

We had a farewell dinner (some time back) for our favorite Korean language teacher’s farewell and where else would we go but a Korean restaurant! Ke had suggested going to Big Mama, whose owner, to our pleasant surprise happened to be 샘's friend. So with venue in place and day scheduled, all that was left was to await the (farewell) dinner.

The day come and we met as planned at Tanjong Pajor MRT Station. Big Mama is just a walk way; about 10-15 minutes from the station. Coincidentally there was a Korean meetup group having the same meeting place and same venue - we had to clarify a couple of times that we were not the... Read More>>

Cold Eyes Singapore Movie Gala Premiere and Red Carpet

2013-09-08T00:56:00.002+08:00

This summer the movie Cold Eyes is one of the hottest movie in Korea, topping the domestic box office charts in its first week of release on 3 July 2013 and earning more than US$36 million. In conjunction with the Singapore promotional tour, an exclusive preview screening was held for the fans at Marina Bay Sands MasterCard Theatres with a red carpet event to boot too!

Thanks to DramaQueen who had invited me, I had to opportunity to not only have a look (at me first red carpet event!) but also watch the movie before it hits the theatres in Singapore on 5 September 2013.

It was an eventful evening as we made our way to the Marina Bay Sands MasterCard Theatres to collect the tickets before heading over to have a peek at the red carpet event. The crowd for the red carpet was growing as the minutes ticked by. By the time it was time for the Korean casts' arrival, "orderly" fan chaos ensued. Earlier in the day there were promotional rounds and interviews, where... Read more>>

Madame Patisserie: Passion for Baking and much more!

2013-09-08T00:53:00.001+08:00

Hidden in a corner of Boat Quay lies this quaint cozy looking cafe, Madame Patisserie, which serves pastries, desserts, tea and coffee (even wine!). There are even baking classes and you can customize your cakes! How cool is that? ^^

It has been a while since I last visited Boat Quay and since Mmy was invited by her friend, I tagged along and we took the mrt alighting at Raffles Place MRT Station Exit H. From there, it was a 10-15 minute walk to Madame Patisserie, but in the scorching hot sun that day made the walk seem even longer.

Madame Patisserie has outdoor and indoor seating, both of which are comfortable and overlooks the Singapore River (nice for a relaxing afternoon tea break on a breezy day). The menus are pretty and... Read more>>