The apartment that I stayed was the Imperio Residences, managed by The Attic Home (listed as “Attic Home Melaka Imperio Residence & Jonker” in booking.com.) This unit that I chose is RM129/night. Stayed on the night of 7 Sep 2025. View of the living room. https://videopress.com/v/5Nk3ezUL?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Video of the place. It is a serviced apartment, … Continue reading Nice Stays – Imperio Residences (managed by The Attic Home), Melaka, Malaysia – 7 Sep 2025 RM 129/night →

View from peak of Hu Shan (Tiger Mountain). Hiking the Four Beasts Mountains四兽山, which are Hu Shan(Tiger Mountain虎山), Leopard Mountain(豹山), Lion Mountain (狮山) and Xiang Shan (Elephant Mountain象山) The whole hike, based on blogs, was to take about 2.5hours. I think that is a very generous estimate. Considering that I was walking quite slowly, I … Continue reading Conquering the Four Beasts Mountains, Taipei, Taiwan – 13 June 2025 →

Visiting Fengtian Temple before the hike. Visiting Fengtian Temple 奉天宫 before hiking the four beasts mountains (四兽山 - 虎山、豹山、狮山、象山） Route to Fengtian Temple. Read that Fengtian Temple奉天宫 was a beautiful temple and a must to visit. So, visit the temple, I did. What I didn’t expect was how beautiful the temple was. Considering that I … Continue reading Fengtian Temple, Taipei, Taiwan 13 June 2025 →

A few days ago, I decided to book flights back home to Singapore, due to various reasons: My onwards Buddhist places are called Piprahwa and Shravasti. Piprahwa is said to have the Buddha’s relics but seems like simple ruins. For Shravasti, I cannot find out how to get there online. So, I might need to … Continue reading Heading back home. 19-20 Nov 2024. →

Maha Bodhi Temple. Nov 2024. Contents In a nutshell Where to start? Choosing a religion.  Turning point - Dec 2005 Great Leap Forward - 2021 Mindfulness, Meditation and not Me  Where now?  In a nutshell This would be a quick summary of this entire post. So that, if you are interested in certain sections, you … Continue reading My Journey in Buddhism as of November 2024.  →

Final update: 19 Nov 2024, 830am (India time) 16 Nov 2024: Maha Parinirvana Temple/Stupa.It is 15 degrees celcius this morning. 16 Nov 2024: Maha Parinirvana Temple/Stupa.Donning the robes for the Buddha.This is a group of devotees from Indonesia. 16 Nov 2024: Maha Parinirvana Temple/Stupa.Paying respects to the Buddha. 16 Nov 2024: Having Masala Chai with … Continue reading In Kushinagar. 16-19 Nov. →

Maha Parinirvana Temple/Stupa. 7am. My portable meditation cushion.  Getting colder in the mornings. That’s why you can see the fog at the background. It is 17 degrees this morning, and would slowly drop to 12 degrees in the mornings by end of next week. Here, I thought I would compare 3 of the 4 main Buddhist … Continue reading Exploring Kushinagar. 15 Nov 2024. →

It has been a long day. This was the full journey for the day: 5am - got on the bus to Kesariya Stupa. 1010am - reached Kesariya Stupa. 1145am - reached Rampur Khajuria 115pm - reached Gopalganj Had an experience which is a highlight of this trip. 345pm - reached Kushinagar. 4pm - checked into … Continue reading Getting to Kushinagar. An Amazing highlight of this trip. 14 Nov 2024. →

Taking the 530am bus to Bihar Sharif. 100 Rupees?  I at first thought it was a direct bus ride to Patna. But at Bihar Sharif, I was told to change to another bus for Patna.  When the bus attendant was walking around collecting fares, I didn’t know what he meant since he didn’t look like … Continue reading To Patna and Vaishali. 13 Nov 2024. →

Hotel Kanak Vihar and Restaurant. 800 Rupees. Decided to stay the night at Hotel Kanak Vihar and Restaurant as it is just opposite Rajgir Bus Stand. I might be taking an early bus to Patna the next morning. The room. Toilet and shower. Rajgir Bus Stand. It has a lift!! But I am only staying … Continue reading Saptaparni Caves / Bimbisar’s Treasury. 12 Nov 2024. →

Decided to get a refund on my 13 Nov train ticket. Getting the refund because, first, I don’t want to reach Patna so late at 620pm. Secondly, the hotels in Rajgir seem to have a very early check out timing. The first hotel I went to, showed 930am. The current hotel that I am staying … Continue reading To the Ruins of Nalanda University. 11 Nov 2024. →

In the end, I visited the Maha Bodhi Temple again on the morning of 10 Nov 2024, to remind myself once more about, NOT blindly practicing the teachings of the Buddha, but instead practicing while reflecting again and again, testing and testing whether the teachings of the Buddha does help one’s life and achieve happiness. … Continue reading From Bodhgaya to Rajgir. 10 Nov 2024. →

Seems like my last full day in Bodhgaya would be quieter and for reflection. The Maha Bodhi Temple entry. One Woke up early this morning as usual, planning to visit the Maha Bodhi Temple again at 6am but the gates to my guest house was locked. An attendant opened the gates at 7am. Considering how … Continue reading Quiet last full day in Bodhgaya. 9 Nov 2024. →

Just a simple post. More to document the days I am spending in Bodhgaya. At about 7pm. Outside the Maha Bodhi Temple. There is a 4 days holiday now in Bihar State called the Chhath Puja, 5-8 Nov 2024. That's why there are so many local tourists. A very full shared Auto-rickshaw. 7 Nov 2024: … Continue reading Another day in Bodhgaya. 7-8 Nov 2024. →

I visited the Maha Bodhi Temple again this morning at 6am, left at about 745am, and went Bodhgaya temple hopping. The Great Buddha Statue in Bodhgaya. Temples/Places visited in the below order: (Tibetan Temple - Nyingmapa Sect) Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling (Chinese Temple) Mahabodhi Chinese Temple Bodhi Cafe (Bhutanese Temple) The Royal Bhutanese Monastery (Japanese Temple) … Continue reading Temple Hopping, Bodhgaya. 7 Nov 2024. →

Maha Bodhi Mahavihara Temple (Maha Bodhi Temple). Free entry.  First day in Bodhgaya. 6 Nov 2024. Lunch. Baba Restaurant.This restaurant is just outside the grounds of the Maha Bodhi Temple. Would be visiting the Maha Bodhi Temple after lunch. I ordered the Chicken Butter Masala (4 pieces) 260 Rupees, with a Plain Tandoori Roti 15 … Continue reading First day, first night, first morning in Bodhgaya. 6-7Nov 2024 →

Catching the 620am train from Varanasi Junction Tran Station to Gaya Junction Train Station.  I arrived at the station at 5am. The train came early at 530am, so I wasn’t sure it was the correct train. I had to recheck a few times to confirm that it is the correct train. Wondering if there is … Continue reading From Varanasi to Gaya to Bodhgaya. 6 Nov 2024 →

I wasn’t planning to write another post so soon, since today, 5 November 2024 was supposed to be a very straightforward affair The straightforward affair was to: Get an Uber auto rickshaw ride to my next hotel which is near Varanasi Junction Railway Station. Stay the night in the hotel. Take the 620am train from … Continue reading Getting to my next “Hotel” – 5 Nov 2024 →

The view from the door step of my hotel along the Ganges River. Contents Getting to my hotel and room. Exploring nearby my hotel and Lunch Getting my local SIM card Dinner and a Night walk along the Ganges River Good morning, Ganges River. Last views Getting to my hotel and room I booked an … Continue reading Exploring along the Ganges River, Varanasi. 4-5 Nov 2024 →

Visiting Thai Buddhist Monk with the Dhamekh Stupa at the background. Contents Background and Significance of Sarnath Dhamekh Stupa Archaeological Museum of Sarnath Narration of my trip to Sarnath Background and Significance of Sarnath The deer park at Sarnath is, supposedly, where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. The name of the … Continue reading Exploring Sarnath. 2-3 Nov 2024. →

Thought I would share about how I am securing my backpack from theft during this India trip. (And likely for future big backpacking trips too.) Rain cover on the left, my 50litre backpack inside this Ikea bag in the middle, and a superimposed zipped up IKEA bag with lock on the right. (the red arrow … Continue reading Securing my backpack when traveling →

As I had planned this trip to India as a pilgrimage to the Buddhist sites in India, I had decided that I would not stay long in New Delhi and head to the Buddhist sites as soon as possible when I arrive into New Delhi. Main hall of New Delhi Railway Station at 5am. Train … Continue reading Train ride from New Delhi to Varanasi. 2 Nov 2024. →

For me, I can deal with a lot of things during my holidays, be it late or even cancelled transportation, to being sick or getting diarrhoea, to getting lost in the middle of nowhere. The one thing which I hope I never get to deal with is theft or robbery. To me, theft and/or robbery … Continue reading Precaution to avoid possible theft and/or robbery of my phone in India (and also other countries) →

Somehow, I feel like blogging about this simple journey from New Delhi Airport to my hotel which is near the New Delhi Railway Station. (I have a feeling that I might be blogging quite often on this India Holiday.) Off to my first night adventure in India! After exiting the gates of the Airport, I … Continue reading New Delhi Airport Metro: Getting from the Airport to my Hotel. 1 Nov 2024. →

I seldom write posts for trips beforehand but this upcoming India trip from 1 Nov 2024 till 2 Dec 2024 seems to deserve a pre-trip post. Route planning Contents Why am I writing a pre-trip post for India? The rough outline of the route Anecdote Why am I writing a pre-trip post for India? Firstly, … Continue reading India Pre-trip Post →

Updated on 27 June 2024, based on my purchase of my online Ghibli Museum Ticket on 10th May 2024. Contents Tips on getting online tickets (without any hacking) My background and Ghibli Museum Pictures from my 26th June 2024 visit to Ghibli Museum. Tips on getting online tickets (without any hacking) You CANNOT BE LATE … Continue reading Japan, Tokyo, Getting online tickets for Ghibli Museum (My personal tips) →

One of the many Caffe Veloce For me, in Tokyo, due to flight timings and/or checking in/out of hotel timings, I want to find a place to chill, charge my devices and have free wifi. I found that place on Caffe Veloce which has several outlets in Tokyo, and other outlets in Japan as well. … Continue reading In Tokyo: Charge your devices and free Wifi? Caffe Veloce (including a review on Manga Cafe) →

Mt Fuji as seen from Tokyo-Wan Port at Hamakanaya. Photo taken using 8x magnification. My relive video for this ferry ride: https://www.relive.cc/view/v1vjdKkJDY6 I am very excited to take this 40mins ferry from Hamakanaya to Kurihama. I only found out about this ferry a few days ago when I was doing detailed research for my hike … Continue reading Tokyo-Wan Ferry, from Hamakanaya to Kurihama →

The plan for today was to go to Sunosaki Lighthouse and do a coastal walk around there and visit Tateyama Castle. But it rained the whole day today. So, decided to take a break and chill. Later in the day, saw the forecast that showed the rain going to stop at about 430pm. Thus, decided … Continue reading Tateyama Castle, Tateyama, Chiba, Japan (21 June 2024) →

This is the Relive video for Nihonji Temple and Nokogiriyama Ropeway. https://www.relive.cc/view/vYvE2LVPBGO Nihonji Temple costs 700yen to enter. The Nokogiriyama Ropeway costs 650yen/one way. Statue of Guan Yin (Kannon in Japanese) at the side entrance of Nihonji Temple. Map of Nihonji Temple. After the tiring hike up Mt Nokogiri and to side entrance of Nihonji … Continue reading Around Nihonji Temple and Nokogiriyama Ropeway, Chiba, Japan (20 June 2024) →

This is a Relive video of the hike. There is a typo, it should be Nihonji Temple NOT Nikonji Temple. I didn’t pay for subscription so I cannot edit the video after it is made. Enjoy the video before my boring post. https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqN1R2rn36 I was NOT planning to hike up Mt Nokogiri today. I had … Continue reading Climbing Mt Nokogiri to Nihonji Temple, Chiba, Japan (20 June 2024) →

Contents 1. Introduction 2. Plan to explore Sakura 3. Exploring Sakura Introduction (By ChatGPT.) Sakura, located in Chiba Prefecture, is a city rich in history and culture. Notable attractions include: Sakura Castle Park: Ruins of Sakura Castle with scenic gardens and cherry blossoms. National Museum of Japanese History: Comprehensive exhibits on Japan's history and culture. … Continue reading Sakura, Chiba, Japan with a mini trip to Inagekaigan Seaside Park (19 June 2024) →

Exploring the main attraction of Narita City, Naritasan Shinshoji. (I think maybe the only attraction within the city.) Contents 1. Introduction (by ChatGPT) 2. Exploring Naritasan Shinshoji. 1. Introduction (by ChatGPT) Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and Omotesando Street in Narita, Japan, blend spiritual tranquility with cultural charm. Established in 940 AD, the temple is revered for … Continue reading Naritasan Shinshoji, Chiba, Japan (18 June 2024) →

Contents 1. Introduction and Overall Sights of Sawara 2. Plan to explore Sawara 3. Exploring Sawara 1. Introduction (given by ChatGPT) Sawara, in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, is a historic town known as "Little Edo" for its well-preserved Edo-period atmosphere. Key attractions include: Sawara Historic District: Traditional Edo-era buildings along the Ono River. Ino Tadataka … Continue reading Sawara, Chiba, Japan (17 June 2024) →

Yay! Got my air ticket without any problems. Was a bit worried since I bought my air ticket via a 3rd party website (trip.com) as I couldn't conclude my purchase of the ticket on the airline website. (And I had already purchased my Taipei-Singapore air ticket.) Either way, the ticket via trip.com costs me S$160 … Continue reading 2022 Nov Taiwan, Taipei (Journey to further north…) →

The plan: travel by train from Kulai to Bangkok then to Chiang Mai. (Did not start the train journey from JB/Singapore as I met a friend for breakfast in JB and a friend for lunch in Kulai.) JB to Kulai: 2 Nov Took the bus from JB sentral to Kulai. (RM4) 50mins Kulai to Kluang: … Continue reading 2022 Nov: Journey to the North →

View northbound to Kluang. 1st Aug 2022 JB Sentral(0830am) to Kluang(1042am) One way - RM14The train plan is a mirror image. My seat is 2D (as per picture below) on the booking is on the left side. (I chose the left side as I did not want the morning side while heading north.) But in … Continue reading 1-2 Aug 2022 – JB Sentral to Kluang via Train →

Togoshi Ginza, supposedly the longest shopping street in Tokyo. I read about this place from this link: https://digjapan.travel/en/blog/id=11797 I had actually taken lots of photos to show the wide variety of shops and of the shrine in the area. You can view the photos at my google drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vFQ8GYCCC6ZsOZUFQqmBPvxRiXuVfk4x I did enjoy this shopping street … Continue reading Togoshi-Ginza Street, Tokyo. Longest shopping street in Tokyo. (At least that’s what I read.) →

I went to watch a single act of Kabuki in Tokyo at the Kabukiza Theatre (just above Higashi-Ginza station). What is Kabuki? It is a traditional Japanese play-like art form with elaborate costumes and stage set ups. You can watch Kabuki at several theatres in Japan. There are English audio guides for your listening. These … Continue reading Watching a Kabuki Act in Tokyo →

This is going to be my diary entries during my road trip. Hoping to capture some memories in writing and pictures via this blog. So, that means that this post would get kind of boring. Have done a quick summary if you want a overview of events. If you want the costs of my trip, … Continue reading 2018 Dec Australia Road Trip part 3: 15Dec – 16Dec →

Why do I bother to drive such long distances? There is the easier option of flying from place to place. It might be cheaper to fly than drive the long distances. I was pondering on this question that people have posed to me whenever I tell them of my road trip. My usual answer is, … Continue reading Why do I bother to drive such long distances? →

This is going to be my diary entries during my road trip. Hoping to capture some memories in writing and pictures via this blog. So, that means that this post would get kind of boring. Have done a quick summary if you want a overview of events. If you want the costs of my trip, … Continue reading 2018 Dec Australia Road Trip part 2: 12Dec – 14Dec →

This is going to be my diary entries during my road trip. Hoping to capture some memories in writing and pictures via this blog. So, that means that this post would get kind of boring. Have done a quick summary if you want a overview of events. If you want the costs of my trip, … Continue reading 2018 Dec Australia Road Trip part 1: 9Dec-11Dec →

Hi, I am Will from Singapore. I am a solo budget backpacker who explores off the beaten tracks. This blog is meant to tell my new adventures when travelling and providing budget tips to the places that I have traveled to. If I have the time, I would write on my past adventures. These are … Continue reading The Journey Begins →