Blog - August Overview

Hi Blog,

One day, every one of us will grow old. The youthful face we once admired will slowly change. Wrinkles will appear, hair will turn grey, our bodies will lose their strength, and eventually the mirror will reflect someone very different from the person we once knew.

If beauty is temporary... what remains when time takes it away?

As I thought about this, I realised something that I wish I had understood when I was younger. If my happiness depends on being good-looking, then time is my greatest enemy because it will eventually take that away. But if my happiness is rooted in the person I try to become—being kind, sincere, compassionate, with integrity—and in the lives I touch—then time cannot easily steal those things. In fact, they often become even more beautiful with age, just like plants as they grow.

Hiking - Labrador and Gillman Visit

Hi Blog,

Saturday again. I was supposed to attend a class, but I wanted some me-time. After what happened yesterday, I had a stronger urge to just lie down and doom-scroll; however, I gave myself a little push to go for a hike.

So where should I go today? In my mind, Labrador Nature Reserve stood out, so let's go there and also visit Gillman Forest again to find the spot I missed before. If you missed visiting Gillman Barracks Forest, you can check here. I would rather explore that forest sooner rather than later because it will be deforested for a future project.

Speaking of Labrador Nature Reserve, it is one of my favourite places for exploration. I've been feeling a strong urge to go there lately, so let's go together and see why. If you missed my previous post about Labrador Nature Reserve, you can check it out: Exploring Labrador Nature Park (2017), Night Exploration at Labrador Park (2019), Half Day Hike (2019), With my Childhood Friends (2020), Batu Berlayar AMTB Battery (2022) and again (2022), Finding Old Hideout Shelter (2023), and Revisiting Labrador Nature Park (2024)

Hiking - Facepalm Wrong Forest

Hi Blog,

I am glad there is a public holiday, and I can go for a short hike. I wanted to explore Maju Forest (if you missed my first exploration, you may check here: 2021 - Maju Forest & The Jurong Railway Hike), which is set to be developed, angering many Singaporeans. (news)

Since there has been no rain these days, it is perfect for exploration!

I don't know why... I was thinking of exploring Maju Forest before it was gone, but somehow... I ended up going to the wrong forest... My Facepalm moment... (If you'd like to revisit my previous posts on the wrong forest I visited, you may check this out: 2022 - Dover Forest & Dover Forest Part 2, 2023 - Easter Dover Trees)

Hiking - Finding The Rock Garden

Good morning, Blog,

It's Sunday! Unlike the previous weekends, which were either stormy or busy, today I want to visit a place to properly register the route. If you missed my visit to Rock Garden (2025), you can check it out.

It's perfect weather for hiking because it won't rain; the ground will remain dry, and the place will be bright.

I plan to visit Rock Gardens to familiarise myself with the route so I can revisit it in the future. I hope I can find my way in.

Blog - July Overview

Hi Blog,

As I reflected on all these thoughts, I realised something deeper. Perhaps my struggle was never truly about wanting to be handsome, taller, or more attractive. Those were simply the things I believed would bring me closer to something else — the feeling of being wanted, chosen, and desired.

Maybe we do not long for beauty itself. Maybe we long for what we think beauty can give us.

After spending much of my life single, I have often wondered if things would have been different had I looked better. Would I have received more attention? More opportunities? Would someone have looked at me differently? These thoughts still visit me from time to time. Not because I dislike who I am today, but because there remains a small part of me that wishes to know what it feels like to be desired by another person.

Yet as the years pass, I have also come to understand that attraction alone cannot carry a relationship through life. Good looks may capture attention, but they cannot guarantee kindness, loyalty, understanding, or companionship. Beauty may open a door, but it is character that decides whether someone stays. The older I grow, the more I appreciate thoughtful hearts, genuine souls, and people who make others feel safe to be themselves.

Hiking - Kay Siang Bunker Revisit

Hi Blog,

Today, I decided to continue exploring Kay Siang Bunker as the weather was pleasant and finally completed the hike I had left unfinished on 1st Jun 2026. Looking back, my last visit to Kay Siang Bunker was in 2022, followed by an impromptu one in 2023.

Hmm... I think the rain has stopped. According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the coming months will bring warmer weather due to El Niño. Anyone interested can look it up and get ready for its effects.

While I can’t change the world’s temperature, I’ll focus on enjoying the present and hiking as often as I can. Let’s set off on a journey to Kay Siang Bunker—a perfect beginner spot for urban exploration.

Park - Yishun N8 Park

Hi Blog,

Let's continue our park exploration for the day - park (part) 3. The amount of pun here is perfect! (I understand it is not amusing.) Anyway, N8 Park is quite near 3G Park and Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, which offer more space for residents to use.

I think this photo would be perfect as a theme cover for my future SG parks adventure post.

Let's explore this new park located beside HomeTeamNS Khatib - N8 Park! It was getting hotter and sunnier, so we had to complete this as soon as possible.

Park - Nee Soon 3G Park

Hi Blog,

After visiting Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, let's continue to visit the next park, as this 3G Park is nearby, and see what it is all about.

Nee Soon South 3G Park

Not many people know about this park, and neither do I, so it is an opportunity to learn more about it. You may search online for its official details. I will just share my views about it.

Park - Lower Seletar Reservoir Park

Hi Blog,

I decided to overcome my break and lack of motivation to explore. To be honest, it was not a pleasant feeling. I often wish I lived in a larger country where I could explore more places or had a special way to easily access different locations.

But I know that's a fanciful and unrealistic thought. So, I need to find a way to motivate myself.

I have decided to visit all the parks in Singapore and provide reviews and ratings for each one. I developed a scoring system for this purpose, just for fun, and I am also taking this opportunity to practice my photography and observation skills. I will focus on the larger, well-known parks as the title and include some smaller nearby parks in my reviews. To begin, I'll start with Yishun.

Hiking - Dragon Teeth Structure

Hi Blog,

I combined my two days into a single post because of hiccups during my first day's exploration. Anyway, I saw an interesting structure online that looked like an egg tray or Dragon Teeth, which I missed out on. I now roughly know the location, so let's clear this from my list.

It looked like a perfect day for a good hike.

Singapore's weather in December can change rapidly, and I was unsure about how easy it would be to find that structure. I hope it's an easy one.

Hiking - Get Out of Jail Free

Hi Blog,

This post was published late on 29th November, but I decided to distribute my content evenly and took my time to draft it. Recently, the weather has been rainy, and I had a location in mind to visit, but my plans depended on my weekend availability and the weather conditions.

Fortunately, Heaven allowed me to step out to explore!

There is a place I won't name, but it's somewhere I want to visit before it disappears. While I may not have many details about this location, my intention is to preserve its memory. It has been an interesting part of my entire exploration experience.

Hiking - Forgotten Gun Pit

Good morning Blog,

These days, we are having the monsoon season, and it will affect whether I can go for an exploration or if there are any new explorations in Singapore.

After conducting research, I identified a location to explore, and with assistance, I have refined it to a specific site.

Funny enough, when I woke up, the weather was all moody, but I decided to wait a bit to see if I’d get a thumbs up from the Heaven for my adventure today. Looks like I was good to go!

Blog - October Overview

Hi Blog,

Looking back at my past, I realise how much of my struggles were shaped by what I didn’t receive when I was younger. I grew up without much affirmation from my parents or adults around me, and over time, I found myself silently craving it. That gap has followed me into adulthood, where I sometimes look to others to validate my efforts or worth. It isn’t about attention or recognition; it’s about a part of me that never had the chance to feel acknowledged.

What I’ve realised is that it’s not just about affirmation itself. It’s about the kind of affirmation that reaches me.

I don’t need big, fancy words or people showering me with compliments. In fact, those things often feel cheap and empty to me. I don’t need to be in the spotlight or have the loudest applause; I never belonged on that stage. What I long for is sincerity. A smile that says, “I see what you did,” or someone describing in their own words that they understand what I’ve gone through—that means everything to me. It makes me feel that my effort and experience are not being overlooked. I don’t need more than that. A genuine response is all that's needed.

Blog - July Overview

Hi Blog,

July always makes me reflect more deeply—maybe because it's my birthday month. Another year older, and I wonder, have I grown? Not just in age, but in how I carry myself through life? Birthdays used to feel like quiet reminders of my limits, but now I’m starting to see them as gentle invitations to check in with myself.

Looking back, I realise that self-growth doesn’t always look like big achievements. Sometimes, it’s simply learning to be softer with myself.

I’ve spent years criticising my own actions, trying to meet some imagined standard. But this year, I hope and want to shift from self-blame to self-trust—to honour how far I’ve come, even if it’s invisible to others. This birthday, I won’t make loud promises or resolutions. I’ll just choose to be present. Growth is not about being perfect; it’s about being patient. And if I can offer that patience to myself, maybe that’s the real gift of turning a year older.

Hiking - Abandoned Nee Soon House

Good Morning Blog,

The owner of Chasingpeak showed me a new location, which piqued my interest! Based on the pin location, it appeared doable, so I decided to try. My only concern is that it is located on one training ground and may have people nearby, so I must exercise caution.

This morning felt really nice and uplifting!

I hope to be safe during today's exploration. I do not know why... These days, I feel compelled to inform someone who will look out for me in any way, especially in areas where there are fewer people to fall back on if anything goes wrong. Okay, now let us think positively.

Hiking - Finding a Way In

Hi Blog,

I mentioned my failed hike in one of my September 2024 posts, so I decided to give it another try today! I read something about that place in the Straits Times and felt compelled to return.

What a beautiful, sunny morning! Thanks, Heaven, for this nice weather.

If you clicked on the Straits Times news, you would know where I wanted to go. Yes, it is the Oil Refinery Factory that I visited in 2023.

Hiking - Mandai Boardwalk

Good Morning Blog,

After a hectic Saturday, today was a relaxing day to rest and finish my blog backlog, but I felt compelled to do something else. I knew I needed to buy something at the zoo, so why don't I go to the newly opened trail?

The weather appeared cloudy, but I do not think it will rain. So where am I going? As stated in the title, I intend to visit Mandai Boardwalk today, as it is frequently mentioned in hiking Facebook group posts.

Exploring the boardwalk and buying something there is like hitting two birds with one stone. My gut feeling told me that visiting there at noon would be ideal for reducing the number of visitors compared to the morning. Meanwhile, I will see some places near Mandai until the afternoon.

Personal - Suits for the Theme #107

Hi Blog,

Running against my thoughts. Jogging is often seen as a way to clear the mind, but for me, it’s more than that. It’s a quiet battle between my thoughts and my feet, between what I feel and what I know. Every step I take is not just about fitness but about pushing through the emotions that weigh me down. Recently, I realized that jogging, which was supposed to be my escape, also became a reminder of my struggles with self-image and societal expectations.

It all started when a well-meaning friend shared images of fitness influencers with sculpted bodies, captioned with words about dedication, hard work, and achieving one’s dream physique.

On the surface, these messages were meant to inspire, but for me, they became a trigger. Instead of motivation, they reminded me of what I lacked. I know I should only compare myself to my past self, not others, but it’s hard when society worships a specific kind of "ideal."

Personal - Suits for the Theme #106

Hi Blog,

These were monsoon days, and I was not motivated to go for a jog because the ground was wet or raining... Plus, there were long unfinished posts in December and a heavy workload in January... I hoped to regain my jogging motivation...

I tried to reflect on why I had lost motivation. I know that workload, weather, and unfinished posts all impact me, but I believe it is primarily because I have gained weight. Sigh.

Here's a collection of me in trisuits and jogging, expressing my inability to break free from the fat web... I finished this theme early last year, and now I am looking at my fat stomach... I just started to hate myself...

Personal - Suits for the Theme #105

Hi Blog,

Lately, the frequent evening rain coupled with my busy schedule has left me with little opportunity to go for a jog. Honestly, it’s been quite upsetting. I truly miss my hiking and cycling sessions—those moments of freedom and connection with the outdoors...

Looking at myself now, I can’t help but feel a bit down. I’ve put on some weight, and it’s frustrating. But amidst this wave of emotion, I remind myself that feeling this way is natural, and more importantly, that I have the power to make a change.

Even when life gets hectic, I realize how vital it is to carve out time for myself. Whether it’s a short workout, a stretch, or simply stepping outside for a breath of fresh air during a break in the rain, every small effort counts. Motivation is something we must hold close to—it’s not always easy, but it’s so valuable for our well-being...