Archive for 2018

Heard about Naughty Nuri's from many friends before and I finally had the chance to try it during my trip to Phuket in Q4 of 2018. Didn't do much research on what to eat in Phuket but this was one of the few recommendations that caught my attention.

Naughty Nuri's originated from Bali and they are well-known for BBQ ribs. Was so full from lunch but it was too precious to miss.

phuket best ribs naughty nuri patong recommend what to eat

Naughty Nuri's Signature Ribs ($450 THB)

Soft and tender ribs drenched in BBQ sauce

I thought it will be quite salty as most BBQ sauces are like that but the one from Naughty Nuri is just right for me. The meat is tender, soft and very flavourful. Serving size is definitely good for sharing and the best part is...

we got it at 50% off as there was some lunch promotion going on! Not sure if it is permanent but you can try heading down during lunch hour (roughly 12 - 2 pm)

So full slab of good ribs at roughly SGD $10, what more can you ask for?

There are a lot of seats around so don't worry! It is not very crowded when we were there for second round of lunch, around 130 pm or so!

The place has a quirky vibe to it. There are many piggy merchandises to bag home so you can take a look if it interest you!

Didn't have the stomach to try other dishes but I don't think you will be disappointed with the signature ribs, coconut shake (the staff even do a dance for you!). A casual dining place but do note that it is non-air conditioned. Had a couple of mosquito bites while we were there. Insect repellent is a must bring in tropical countries.

Naughty Nuri's, Phuket (Thailand)

122 Thanon Ratuthit Songroipi Rd, Tambon Patong,

Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83150, Thailand

Tel: +66 76 340 308

Operating Hours

12 p.m. - 1 a.m.

(most of the days in a week)

Tips on where to park for self-drive:

1. Jungceylon Shopping Centre

A little far from this place but it is very easy to park and there are ample space.Most likely you will buy something from Watsons/Big C so parking will be essentially free. As you can tell this is my preferred place to park.

2. Private car parks

Not sure what they are called but usually when you turn left or right, you can find a lot of parking space at a small fee.

A rule of thumb is that don't park along the main roads (busy traffic) and I think... the areas with red markings.

3. Naughty Nuri store front

Saw a few cars there but I cannot confirm whether it is an actual car park or not. Let me know if you manage to try!

Rating: 4.5/5

*I have no intention to do a food recommendation/review for this that's why I did not take enough photos/do note-taking during the meal. For record purpose and something to keep this space alive, this is up!

Travel date: 03/06/2017

All information provided are based on what I remember, so please take note.

Visited Bangkok after many years and I must say it has really changed a fair bit.

Still, very nice to see familiar places and navigation in general got easier.

Flight from Singapore > Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok

Booked an early morning flight but I was caught up with a work event last minute so I had to change my flight to a later timing. First time taking a plane like I am going home - just a tote bag and passport! Most of my things were with J and he went over first. Luckily it was only a short 2-3 hours flight away.

It was actually alright to fly alone.. short distance wise at least.

Airport > Paya Thai

By the time I touched down, it was already in the evening. Changed some money over at the airport (By the way, it was better to change in Singapore than in BKK). Took the train to city and we alighted at the last stop - Paya Thai.

Journey Time: 30 mins

Cost: 45B

This is actually my favourite way to reach the city. No problem with jam and you will most of the time have seats. Very affordable as well!

Paya Thai > Siam Square

First thing we did was to head over to Siam Square! To be honest, I have never really walked around Siam area despite visiting quite regularly in the past. The MTR was great and relatively easy to navigate around with the signs and all.

Cost: Forgotten

Siam area was pretty nice. Went over to Siam Centre because I wanted to pick up some bath bombs from Lush. (You will see why soon!) and we settled our first meal in Greyhound Cafe.

Greyhound Cafe

My first visit as well; a lot of first visits for this trip!

Food was pretty alright and because I don't really eat in cafes/restaurants in BKK, I was quite surprised when I saw 'tax and service charge' in the receipt. #suaku

Phad Thai

Crabmeat Pasta

Half Chicken Wings

Cost: Forgotten, but around SG cafe pricing

Then it was about time for us to head to our next destination, Khao Yai.

Booked an über for it and after waiting for roughly 20 mins, the ride got cancelled. The jam was really bad in town and the driver took the wrong route. In the end we can't help but to hop onto a cab, luckily we did because it rained like crazy the very next moment. Cost us double of what uber quoted but gonna cover the driver's to and fro right!

Time check: 9pm

Cost: 3000B

Tips to Travel from Bangkok to Khaoyai

1) Taxi, cost roughly 3000B

This is the easiest way, and we chose this mode of transportation because it is a new place and I am not sure how the traffic will be like. Also, it was really late when we set off and God knows what can happen.

2) Grab/Uber, 1800B

Much cheaper but to be honest, I am not sure if they will really drive all the way up or not. It is not close to the city center and probably not close to their homes... You can try your luck!

3) Drive

After surveying the roads, it is actually not that hectic on the expressway. Get BKK city traffic out of your head. The roads are relatively large, straight and well-lit. Just take note of large vehicles and prepare enough for the tolls along the way.

4) Public minivans/buses

We chose this mode of transport back because we are in Khaoyai town and we need to reach the town of BKK city. (unlike BKK city > hotel near Khaoyai natural park when we headed there). There are few cabs/grab around so we decided not to risk it. Imagine we dropped at the town and there's no transport.. It was really cheap per pax (few hundred Baht?) but I got so sick on it. Maybe it's just bad luck; the van I was in had aircon installed but it was as good as none.

Bang Kok > Julius Hotel, Khao Yai

Julius Hotel
Cost: 1,900 B/2 nights ($79/2n)

Chose a budget hotel for a quick night rest (Actually 2!). It is close to the place we picked for our tour package the next day, which is the most important factor.

After close to 3h drive, we finally reached our destination. Oh by the way, you can choose to drive there but we were not that confident so...

Juldius J2 Khao Yai Room

Very fuss-free EXCEPT I saw a rat ran into our room before even unlocking the door. Couldn't find it when we were in and saw it again when we were about to sleep. However, we were so tired to do anything so we just went to bed... with a rat in the same room.

Room was really quite big and clean if you don't consider the rat incident. Then again, it is never considered clean when there are rats running around.
Both are photos I took from the net but it was quite close to what we stayed in.

This post has been sitting in my drafts for the longest time and here you go!
Feel free to ask if you have any questions~

It has been some time since I wrote the last post so I am more selective with my invites.

Recently I gave a heartland beauty salon a try. Lynn's Aesthetic is not a new kid in the block - in fact, it has been around for over 30 years! I have my fair share of experiences (and packages) with the usual salon chains so there are things I look out for during a facial treatment.

1. Cleanliness

2. No hard selling during the treatment itself

3. Post-healing/scarring issue

4. Massage skills (if applicable)

5. Extra miles

So how was my experience in Lynn's Aesthetics? Let's see!

Location

Walking distance from Kovan MRT, not hard to locate with the help of google map.

Experience

First, you got to fill in your personal particulars and tea will be served.

Changed shoes before heading into the treatment room section. Usually the consultant will run through my current skin condition using some machine etc but they did not practise that when I was there.

Behold, this place is big and very nicely decorated!

My treatment room is on the second floor. I really have to give it to them. Feels like a spa instead of the usual room box you see outside.

There is a locker for you to keep your bags in at the lounge area.

My consultant is Kerine, each consultant has their own dedicated room to work in.

The Garden Room

I LOVE IT. The rows of flowers hanging from the ceiling makes everything so mystical hahaaa.

I have a thing for details

After removing my make up ( I went with concealer, eyebrows drawn and sunblock), Kerine suggested I go for Young & Trendy Detox Facial

This Detox Facial focuses on the "self-repair ability" that humans naturally have. By accelerating the metabolism of the cells, you will be able to recover your best skin condition.

Step 1: Double cleanse

First cleanse will 'test' the outer layer of your skin. If there is any reaction/tingling/itch, that is the area that is more dry and you will need to use more moisturiser.

Second cleanse tests the inner layer of your skin and again, any reaction will means dryness. I have some tingling feeling around my nose area and thus Kerine advised me to use more serum around my nose.

I have been very lazy with my skincare now so ya, time to get back to the routine.

They used a special glove made by Lynn, the lady boss herself to wipe off between each step. These gloves are sterilised and soaked in essential oils. A lot of effort right!

Step 2: Tone

Toning with rose water to calm the skin down

Step 3: Gommage peel

Applies like a mask and after 10 mins, it can be rubbed away gently, thereby providing an exfoliating effect. Something like Cure?

Step 4: Steam

To be honest, I hate this step the most. Really can't breath when there's a stream of hot air blowing at my face. Am I the only one?

Step 5: Suction

Suction is used to painlessly remove anything clogged under the skin first before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Extraction

Love-hate relationship again. I am glad Kerine is good at what she does. Swift, effective and clean. Not many consultants does this well.

Step 7: Oxygenating serum

Step 8: Eye Lip care

To take care of my dark circles and dry lips.

Step 9: Eyebrow trimming

Let me take a minute to praise her work. My eyebrows were trimmed to perfection, I kid you not. I will totally go back to get them trimmed by her if I can. Most salons did a ok job for this step as well, it is just an additional service.

She on the other hand shaped by both plugging and shaving. It really helps to maintain the shape longer (3 weeks and still looking good).

After filling them in, it totally looks like I've embroidered them

Step 10: CO2 mask

Soft mask to soothe and seal all the goodness in
There's no gauze thing and the soft mask is really runny so I felt it was a little too messy for me. (and my ears).

One thing worth noting is that all the treatments are done not just on your face, but also on your neck. Really appreciate Lynn Aesthetics for taking care of customers' necks as well as it is one of the places many people neglect.

Step 11: Shoulder and neck massage

Using lavender massage oil, Kerine gave me a firm but good massage. Would be good if they can incorporate facial massage in too.
After she's done, the bed takes over. No, not sleep, but the bed is a massage bed. I have been to a salon which offered thermal treatment beds (I love it too ahaha) but this is another level.

Step 12: Moisturiser and sunblock

Using their in house products to wrap this session up

Kerine then offered me some tea and a lot of tips to improve my skin condition.
I didn't see any scars (mainly on the left side of my face) lighten very much but I did notice an overall brighter and more even skin complexion.

I am not a big believer of immediate results because 8/10 of the treatments I go for can achieve that but look at my skin after 1 week.

Still clean and moisturised until I got sunburn last week lol

The prices are competitive and you are in for a treat there. I will go back for it as a paying customer.
The details of the place is as follows:

Lynn Aesthetics Treatment

Blk 211 Hougang St 21

#01-317

Singapore 530211

Nearest MRT: Kovan

Operating Hours:

Mon-Fri : 10am - 9pm

Sat,Sun,PH : 10am - 6pm

To book an appointment, call 6289 8901

Website

Thanks SampleStore & Sandra from the team for arranging and you can read more reviews here

Click badge at the side bar >>>>>>

It is 2017, not 2016 lol #lost

Despite the close proximity, that was my first time visiting Batam.

Was supposed to head out for more activities on Day 2 but we changed plans due to the potential wet weather.

Day 1

Harbourfront > Batam Center

It is still relatively easy to find our way and to be honest, we have no clue where to go/queue. Follow where the crowd goes and you cannot be wrong.

Bought the tickets online (website/3rd party up to you). I believe each ticket was priced around $45SGD.

We changed our rupiah at the harbour's money changer and a little more in Batam itself. Din't bother changing at other places as we weren't planning to spend a lot anyway.

The ferry ride was rather comfortable and smooth. The journey should take around an hour or so.

After departing and clearing the customs, we hailed a cab to our first accommodation.

The BCC Hotel & Residence, Nagoya

There are many accommodations to choose from in Batam but generally it is not easy to find a place that is nice and well-maintained. I am glad this hotel turned out well.

The close proximity to food and the mall is a plus point.

We chose a Premier Suite for our stay and the room is spacious!

Thank goodness they have renovated the toilet; I love the marble design so much! Didn't take photos of the room itself so I got some help from Google.

The couch area with movable table is really good. We can watch TV while we chill and eat on the couch. Best design ever hahaa.

Packed dinner from the food center beside the hotel. Nothing fantastic but everything is really affordable.

And oh, no photos as well. Ordered room service!

Dragon fruit Milkshake

Margarita

I believe both for $10 or so? Shall try the mains next time if we happen to stay at the same place again.

Took a bubble bath before heading to bed. Quite uneventful.

The BCC Hotel & Residence

Room: Premier Suite

Jalan Bunga Mawar Baloi Kusuma, 29444 Nagoya, Indonesia

Price: Rsp 1,000,000 (~$96SGD)

Day 2

Complimentary Breakfast

Went for the complimentary breakfast and the spread was... not to my liking. A lot of Asian food/carbo for breakfast and they didn't taste that great. Don't expect good breakfast.

After that, SW & XJ reached to met up with us. Due to the potential wet weather, we scrapped the idea of visiting a beach/water activities. Headed over to our second accommodation by walking.

It is not that far but places like Batam aren't really designed for pedestrians to walk around. In fact, we are probably one of the minority who walks more than 10m. Very courageous lol.

I can't stay it is very safe but just be vigilant and take note of your surrounding.

89 Hotel

This hotel is not close to any malls but I chose this as it looks the most posh out of many others in the same price range. Not disappointed as well.

The breakfast was better than the one we had in The BCC Hotel.

89 Hotel

Room: Superior Double Room

Jalan Pembangunan Baloi Blok 6, 29432 Nagoya, Indonesia

Price: Rsp 439,200 ($42)

What to do in Batam

1. Arcade

This is what we do most of the time over there. Arcade games are really affordable in Batam and they do have games we play. One thing is that people smoke there so it can get rather unbearable along the way.

2. Eat

We visited the Nagoya Shopping mall and grabbed our kueh lapis (feel free to try as they provide sampling!) and lunch.

It is a pity because there are some other places I wish I'd have the chance to eat at. Next time, next time.

3. Massage

I am not a big fan of the massage over there as it is neither that cheap nor good. I went with the popular choice among Singaporeans - Eska Massage Nagoya, Batam

Did a gold facial which is rather mediocre as well. But ear candling was pretty interesting!

If you have any good massage place to recommend, please comment down below!

4. Beach activities

It is possibly one of the closest and most accessible places to do some water activities.

Have not tried though

5. Grocery shopping

Bought many bags of snacks, indo mee (Mee sedap is really good) and random nit-nacks. We did our shopping at Batam City Square (BCS).

All in all, it is not a bad experience as I was not expecting much. Everything is generally more affordable. If I have to choose, I prefer JB to Batam. JB has better transport connectivity (bus, train, uber and grab), food variety, hotel standards and such. Then again Batam is good to go once in a while when you are looking for a quick weekend getaway. I don't mind visiting again.

Perhaps I will share more on JB in my next post!

Back from my hiatus. Looking back, I realised I have written too many reviews and gave too little attention to what is important to me. In 2018, going back to the basics isn't all that bad.

For keep's sake. To give my honest take.

Let's start to work on these two things again in 2018!
Other than that, Dayre is closing soon and that means.. I don't have a place to write daily mundane stuff or whatsnot. And my very selective group of people I chose to follow will be scattered.

Maybe I might join another microblogging app (WeBlogIt) but I heard it is not taking the migration well.

We shall see!

***

Playnation, Henri Charpentier cakes & my specs

Long gone were the days we sat down a day before and DIY some surprise/gift for birthdays. Luckily we did many things together back in school. No regrets.

Playnation is still a nice place with ample games and space for us to spend time bonding.

Oh anyway, one of the rare appearance of specs-JL lol. I feel my specs is fine but many people said it is too big. I quite like the size but I really don't like the fact that it keeps sliding down. Been off contacts for a while to let my eyes fully recover. It is convenient in some sense, troublesome in others.

Amazing card made by Ape

Went for dinner while waiting for Kai. Second time @ Nansuttei and I still feel there are better ramens out there. Eggs should be a standard in ramen btw, not something addition haha.

Five bar

Back then when we were using film cameras, there is really no room for mistake or rubbish. I was flipping through one album I took when I was in primary school and guess what? It is filled with plants, scenery and I-don't-even-know-what.

I didn't bother giving it a second more.

That is when I realise, create memories of people, not things.

Oh how I cherish taking touristy shots with every single thing possible. That truly matters.
I will make this place more alive.

Back to the main topic of the day; Happy birthday SM!

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