Trip - Bintan - The Residence

Hi Blog,

In 2023, I took my first trip to Bintan with D, and we stayed at Nirwana Gardens. I want to visit all the beach resorts in Bintan (if only I were sponsored). Even though I spoiled one of my travel mates' experiences (typically) there due to my eyesoreness and shxttiness. However, I will either do it myself or have an accommodating travel mate if there is one. For my second stay in Bintan, based on Google Maps 'resort search', I want to target the more distant resort, which is The Residence, in the east of Bintan.

Good morning, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. This time, I got the later ferry, so I won't be rushing.

Hope I won't disappoint anyone, including myself, on this trip after that wallet-bleeding incident... Let's go and explore together!

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.

Blog - June Overview

Hi Blog,

Recently, I came across a story about someone who felt insecure about her looks. She believed that changing her appearance would finally make her feel accepted — maybe even loved. As I read through it, I realised… it didn’t feel unfamiliar. In some ways, it echoed thoughts I once carried within myself.

What if the problem was never how we looked… but how we learned to value ourselves? And it is something I always remind myself.

There was a line of thought that stayed with me — even if we could change our appearance, would it ever be enough? There will always be someone prettier, someone more charming, someone who seems to have what we don’t. And if we keep chasing that, the finish line will only keep moving further away.

Blog - May Overview

Hi Blog,

As I grew older, those quiet thoughts didn’t disappear. They simply became softer, more hidden — showing up in small moments. A glance at someone more confident, a passing comparison, or even just the feeling of being unnoticed in a crowd. I told myself I had accepted things, but deep down, something still lingered.

Sometimes, it’s not loud insecurities that stay with us… but the quiet ones we learn to live with.

I began to realise that it wasn’t just about how I looked, but how I believed others would see me. That belief slowly shaped how I carried myself — more reserved, more careful, sometimes holding back before even trying. Not because I couldn’t, but because a part of me had already decided where I stood.

Blog - April Overview

Hi Blog,

There was a time when I looked into the mirror, not to see myself, but to measure what I lacked. Height, appearance, presence — somehow, I always felt I fell short. It wasn’t something people said all the time directly, but it was there… in the silence, in comparisons, in the way attention seemed to flow more easily to others.

Maybe it wasn’t the mirror that was harsh… but the way I learned to look at myself.

Growing up, it felt like there was an invisible standard everyone had to meet. The media, the people around me, even casual conversations — they all quietly shaped this idea of what it meant to be “good-looking enough.” And without realising it, I started to believe that being seen, liked, or even loved… had something to do with how I wished to meet that standard.

Trip - Short Getaway to Korea

Hi Blog,

As you know, travelling with a group of friends is one of my wishes, and that also includes travelling with colleagues. Why so? Because, personally, I think being able to travel together is an art; it shows a willingness to bond and to get to know one another.

But sometimes, it has an issue. Is there anyone who wants to do so, especially with me? Haha. When it happens, it is a blessing for me.

But there is a risk when travelling together; it can break the relationship or leave scars during or after the trip. Personally, I take every moment of travelling to get to know a person and determine whether that person is a good travel partner.

Anyway, I will be going to spend four days on a four-day getaway in Korea with my colleagues! I won't divide my four-day trip into four posts and will keep it all in one. By the way, in case you might have missed my previous trips to Korea, if you are keen, you may click on My First Korea Trip (2024) & Korea Trip with my Mother (2025)

Blog - March Overview

Dear Chat,

There was a season in my life where affirmation felt necessary. I realised I often longed to be seen, acknowledged, and told that I was doing well. At the same time, I also told myself I shouldn’t need it — that I should be strong enough to validate myself. Through these reflections, I began to see that this wasn’t a weakness, but a pattern shaped by my past.

What I discovered: Affirmation is not the problem. Dependence on it is.

I learned that it is human to appreciate encouragement. But I also learned that my worth cannot fluctuate based on whether someone notices me. I can affirm myself. I can recognise my own effort. I can quietly acknowledge my own growth.

Blog - February Overview

Hi Blog,

Chinese New Year has always felt different from the Western New Year. It carries less urgency and more reflection — a pause to look at what has stayed, what has faded, and what quietly follows us into the next cycle of life.

I had to reflect on what I want to do in life.

Now, close to 50, I no longer wait for dramatic changes in my relationship status. Looking back at my 30s and where I am today, I can’t tell whether I truly outgrew that longing or whether I numbed myself for so long that it felt like growth. Perhaps it doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is that I’ve learned to accept it. Instead of letting these unfulfilled hopes become stones that slow me down or injure me, I choose to turn them into stepping stones — a way to cross the river towards the place I’m meant to reach.

Blog - January Overview

Hi Blog,

As the new year arrives, fewer people ask me about my New Year's resolution these days. Maybe people are busy, or maybe they already assume I don’t have one. The truth is, I do have an ultimate aim in life — but I’ve learned that it’s better to stay grounded and realistic than to dress it up into something ambitious-sounding but hollow.

Not every beginning needs noise; some begin with stillness.

When I was younger, like many others — especially when single — my resolutions sounded familiar: eat healthier, work out more, achieve more, move forward faster. Couples seemed different; they had shared motivation and visible milestones ahead of them. As for me, a plain old single guy, my life has been shaped more by responsibility than by ambition — taking care of my mother and siblings, and filling my days with what many might call “boring” activities: hiking, swimming, jogging, blogging, gardening, volunteering, religious work, even cosplaying. These choices don’t always fit the image of someone who looks ready to devote everything to building a conventional family, and over time, they quietly shaped both how others see me and how I see myself.

Blog - December Overview

Hi Blog,

Lately, I’ve been observing my thoughts and reactions, almost like watching waves hitting the shore. There are patterns — familiar emotions, recurring doubts, and the same kind of thoughts that like to visit when I feel small. They come quietly, repeating the same story: that I’m not enough, that others are better, that I’m invisible. It’s strange how these patterns can feel like truth when they’re just echoes of old wounds.

But realising something important — a pattern doesn’t have to be permanent. Just because it has been repeated doesn’t mean it can’t be rewritten. Awareness itself is the first act of change. Each time I catch myself sinking into those old feelings, I can choose to pause, breathe, and rewrite the script: “Maybe this time, I don’t have to believe that voice.”

I used to think change meant erasing the past. Now, I see it’s about understanding it — tracing where the patterns began, learning why they exist, and gently guiding myself toward a new response. It’s not about fighting the old, but teaching myself new ways to feel and think.

Blog - November Overview

Hi Blog,

Over the years, I’ve realised that I actually know my end goals. I know the process, and I even know how to pick myself up when negativity hits. In many ways, the answers and solutions are already in my hands. What I often lack, however, is affirmation.

It’s strange, isn’t it? To know what to do but still feel something is missing.

I’ve come to see that it’s not the instructions or the “how-to” that I’m searching for. It’s that little spark of assurance—the voice that says, “Yes, you’re on the right track. Keep going.” Without it, the path feels heavier, even though I know the direction. What I’m really craving is not more advice, but the warmth of affirmation, the sense that my efforts are recognised, not just tolerated.

Hiking - Rocks Garden

Good Morning Blog,

Long weekend finally, but I have an important thing to prepare for next weekend. However, I was invited to explore a secret place in Singapore. Let me show you the hidden side of Singapore.

Hmm... Heavy clouds spotted... Hope it won't rain...

I was on the journey to a secret spot in Singapore where nature's boulders rest undisturbed. Check them out with me today!

Hiking - Revisit Nee Soon House

Hi Blog,

I awaited ideal conditions and a suitable chance to undertake today's expedition – the Nee Soon house. (not the actual name) In the previous post, I attempted exploration but was thwarted by a sudden rush of diarrhoea and was unable to locate the entrance.

Looking good today.

I had a feeling that today could be successful. I attempted to research the house online, but I only found pictures shared on Reddit. Nothing more towards it.

Trip - Australia D5 - State Coal Mine

Hi Blog,

Today marked the fifth day of our trip to Melbourne. Staying at someone's house puts me at ease.

Sitting on a carpet at home is a unique experience, but I understand it requires a lot of upkeep.

Where will we go today? We tried to keep it simple with three locations, starting with the farthest (not as far as the Twelve Apostles), and as the title suggests, WC had never heard of it.

Trip - Australia D4 - Go Suburbs

Good Morning Blog,

Fourth day in Melbourne, and there are still so many things and places I have not seen... Anyway, I intended to spend the first three with my friend Sf and the last three with my Australian friend WC. Fortunately, Sf and WC do not mind making new friends, so Sf will not be alone in the city while I am away with WC.

WC will be coming to our hotel to pick us up.

I was wondering what and where we would be going next. The fourth day was spent visiting the suburbs where WC lived to gain a general understanding of how the locals live.

Trip - Australia D2 - Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Yoh Blog,

Let us continue from where we left off in the previous post: the Great Ocean Road. Sf recognised that I enjoy seeing the natural side of a new location, so he suggested we visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, which offers free admission! Yippee!

Another long ride, but not far from the Great Ocean Road.

What's Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve? In short, Tower Hill is home to some of Australia's native wildlife, including emus, kangaroos, and koalas, which live in a large dormant volcano. Visitors can explore the area's wetlands, craters, and bush. My imagination began to run wild, as if there would be a large number of animals roaming around like on a safari. Let's see if we can find any!

Trip - Australia D2 - Great Ocean Way

Good morning Blog,

Today we went on a road trip to the Great Ocean Road! Anyone who knows I am going to Melbourne has highly recommended it.

You may be wondering if my title is incorrectly named. It should be 'Road' rather than 'Way', correct? There is a reason, which I will explain last.

Why did I wake up so early, like 6:30 a.m.? Aside from the need to get the vehicle out early due to the long distance, there was another reason...

Trip - Australia D1 - Melbourne City

Hi Blog,

It is finally here: time to travel! Many people have asked me if I am wealthy or something for travelling so frequently over the years, and I must admit that there are two primary reasons for this trip. I do not expect anyone to believe my words.

First, we had promised my Australian friend, WC, that we would visit him sooner than last year. He told us that this year would be a good time to visit him because he had just moved into a new house that could accommodate us. However, I did not see anyone making any plans to make it happen, so I decided to fulfil the promise myself.

Second, I enjoy travelling, exploring, and learning new things outside of my normal routine. When I was younger or first started working, I could not afford to travel because I did not earn enough to cover everything, including flight tickets and accommodations, let alone spending; it was out of reach. In recent years, I have been able to save enough money to allow myself to travel.

Hiking - Yishun Forest Again

Hi Blog,

On the first of March, the last day before Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a month of fasting), I will hike with my friend because I promised to meet SY for a simple exploration.

Today’s weather was a bit moody, but at least it didn’t rain!

As the title implies, Yishun Forest will be a Level 3A experience based on my own Hiking Measurement System and fulfilled SY's desire to try off-trail hiking. Let me show you what a Level 3A hike will look like, and you can also read about my two hikes (Aug 2023 & Aug 2024) to see how much has changed since my last visit.

Trip - Thomson Nature Park Again

Hi Blog,

I had intended to visit the old uncle's banyan tree but I chose to meet an old friend who was available that morning instead. He used to volunteer at the park, bringing people around, and he had previously visited Thomson Nature Park.

So why not meet him and give me a private tour of Thomson Nature Park?

Thomson Nature Park is not new to me or any of my readers (if any); however, it is a relatively new park that has a special place in my heart; and, according to my own hiking measurement score, it is a Level 2A. You can check out my Enter before it started, First Opening and Revisit in 2020 posts.