A Simple Hawker Lunch at Blk 75 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh Food Centre

 Singapore - Dropped by Blk 75 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh Food Centre for a Brunch, but was rather surprised by the limited food choices. Not sure why, but quite a number of stalls were closed that day. Even at around 10am, there were very few options available, leaving me wondering whether I had arrived on the wrong day!

Fortunately, Soon Lee Fried Kway Teow (#01-09) was still open, so I decided to give its char kway teow a try. At just $4 a plate, it turned out to be a pleasant discovery. 

The noodles were nicely fried with a good balance of flavours and, more importantly, had that lovely wok hei aroma that makes a good plate of char kway teow so satisfying. It was delicious and well worth the money. Sometimes, a simple hawker dish cooked with skill can be more satisfying than an elaborate meal.

My next stop was the Ming Seng coffee stall (#01-19), manned by an elderly gentleman who was slightly hunched but continued serving customers. I ordered kaya toast, which was nicely toasted, crisp on the outside and enjoyable with its sweet kaya filling.

Although the food choices were limited, I left with a satisfying breakfast. The char kway teow was the highlight, and the kaya toast made a nice finish to my simple hawker morning.

Luge adventure @ Sentosa

 Singapore - Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a day out is to let your hair down and have some good old-fashioned fun! We recently headed to Skyline Luge Sentosa for an exciting experience, and what a fantastic time we had!

For those who have never tried it, the Luge is a gravity-powered, three-wheeled cart ride that lets you control your own descent down a specially designed track. Think of it as a cross between a go-kart and a toboggan. You steer using the handlebars, pulling back to brake and releasing them to pick up speed as you navigate the twists, turns and slopes. It is easy to learn, but certainly exciting enough to get your adrenaline pumping!

There are four downhill tracks to choose from: Dragon, Jungle, Expedition and Kupu Kupu. Each has its own character, featuring winding corners, tunnels and downhill stretches through Sentosa's lush greenery.

The fun does not end at the bottom. After each Luge ride, we hopped onto the Skyride, an open-air chairlift that carried us back up the hill. It was a lovely opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of Sentosa, the coastline and the surrounding greenery before getting ready for another thrilling descent.

We enjoyed the experience so much that each of us went for FOUR rounds of the Luge and Skyride! By the fourth round, we were already getting more confident with the steering and braking, and perhaps a little more adventurous with our speed!

It was a wonderful outing filled with laughter, excitement and shared memories. Whether you are visiting with family or friends, Skyline Luge is definitely an activity worth trying. One ride is simply not enough – once you start, you will probably want to go again and again!

A Leisurely Walk to Ang Mo Kio Linear Park - 6km walk

 Singapore - Sometimes, the best way to discover the neighbourhood we live in is simply to put on a pair of walking shoes and explore the green spaces nearby. One of my recent walks took me from home to Ang Mo Kio Linear Park, a pleasant stretch of greenery running along the north side of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, from Seletar Green Avenue to Seletar Road.

Unlike the larger and more popular parks in Singapore, Ang Mo Kio Linear Park has a quieter, neighbourhood feel. It is a welcome green corridor where residents can enjoy a leisurely stroll, get some exercise or simply take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Ylang ylang flowers

What makes this park particularly interesting is its setting. On one side is Yio Chu Kang Road, with its steady flow of traffic, while just behind the park lies the beautiful landed residential estate of Seletar Hills. The contrast is quite striking. A short distance away from the busy main road, the landed homes offer a more peaceful and private residential environment, surrounded by mature trees and greenery.

As I walked along the park, I enjoyed the open surroundings and the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the simple things around me. It is easy to overlook these neighbourhood green spaces, but they provide valuable pockets of nature within our urban landscape.

For me, the walk was not about covering a long distance or reaching a particular destination. It was about getting outdoors, keeping active and discovering another little corner of Singapore.

Ang Mo Kio Linear Park may not be a major tourist attraction, but it is certainly a pleasant neighbourhood escape. Sometimes, a refreshing walk close to home is all we need to recharge.

Obelix Sea View: Chasing Sunset Above the Indian Ocean

 Jogja - After exploring the history of the Kraton and the tranquil beauty of Taman Sari, our final destination on the Klook Obelisk Tour was the breathtaking Obelix Sea View. The journey itself became part of the adventure, with a scenic one-and-a-half-hour drive through the winding roads of Gunungkidul as we climbed into the hills overlooking Yogyakarta's southern coastline.

Perched high above the cliffs facing the Indian Ocean, Obelix Sea View offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the region. As we arrived, the vast blue ocean stretched endlessly before us, with powerful waves crashing against the rugged coastline far below. From this elevated viewpoint, even the famous Parangtritis Beach could be seen in the distance, making the scenery even more impressive.

The timing could not have been better. As the afternoon slowly faded, the golden sunlight painted the sky with warm shades of orange and pink, creating the perfect setting for sunset photography. It was easy to understand why this has become one of Yogyakarta's most popular sunset destinations.

Beyond the stunning views, Obelix Sea View also celebrates local culture through its open-air amphitheatre, where traditional Javanese dance dramas, or Sendratari, are regularly performed. Combining dramatic coastal scenery with Indonesia's rich performing arts makes this more than just a viewpoint—it's a memorable place where nature and culture come together, providing a perfect ending to our day's adventure in Yogyakarta.

Taman Sari Water Castle: Discovering Yogyakarta’s Hidden Royal Retreat

Jogja - After visiting the historic Kraton Palace, our next stop was Taman Sari, also known as the Water Castle. Located in the heart of Yogyakarta, this fascinating historical site offered us another glimpse into the lifestyle of the Javanese royal family.

Built in 1758 under Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, Taman Sari was originally a royal retreat where the Sultan and his family could relax away from the responsibilities of court life. The complex featured bathing pools, gardens, pavilions and secluded passages, creating a peaceful sanctuary within the bustling city.

As we explored the grounds, I was intrigued by the distinctive architecture, with its weathered walls, arched doorways and beautiful courtyards. The bathing complex, with its turquoise pools and surrounding structures, was particularly photogenic. It was easy to imagine how this tranquil setting once provided privacy and relaxation for the royal household.  The palace has interesting plants that I have never seen before..

 

Magnolia flower

Kepel 

Historically cultivated in Javanese royal palaces (like in Yogyakarta), eating Kepel was believed to make a person's body and sweat smell fragrant.  Beyond its beauty, Taman Sari also served practical purposes, including providing sheltered spaces and passages for the royal family. Its combination of water features, defensive elements and carefully planned architecture makes it much more than an ordinary garden.  

The guide brought us through the town that surrounds the palace.  

Although parts of the complex have been destroyed and deteriorate, restoration effects have helped preserve its historical character.   The mosts recent eruption by Mount Merapi eruption occured in 2010, which claimed over 300 lives and led to widespread evacuations across Central Java and Yogyakarta. 

Today, Taman Sari is a popular attraction where visitors can appreciate the ingenuity and artistic traditions of the old Javanese kingdom.

After the grandeur of the Kraton, Taman Sari offered a more intimate experience of royal life. It was a worthwhile stop that combined history, architecture and plenty of opportunities for memorable photographs.

Exploring the Kraton of Yogyakarta: A Living Legacy of the Javanese Sultanate

 Jogja - Today, we booked an Obelisk tour through Klook for $43.41, taking us to three interesting destinations in Yogyakarta: the historic Kraton Palace, Taman Sari Water Castle and the Obelisk Seaview. It was a convenient way to explore the city's royal heritage and surrounding attractions without having to arrange our own transport.

Our first stop was the Kraton, officially known as the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace, the historic heart of Yogyakarta's royal family and one of the city's most important cultural landmarks.

Unlike many royal palaces that have become purely historical attractions, the Kraton remains a living symbol of Javanese tradition. It continues to serve as the residence of the Sultan of Yogyakarta and his royal household.

What makes Yogyakarta particularly unique is its political status. The Special Region of Yogyakarta, commonly known as DIY, enjoys special autonomy within Indonesia. The region is governed under an arrangement that recognises the hereditary role of the Sultan as its governor, preserving a remarkable link between traditional monarchy and modern government.

Queen bathing the son the last time

Walking through the palace grounds, I was fascinated by the traditional Javanese architecture, open courtyards, ornate pavilions and carefully maintained surroundings. The buildings reflect a distinctive style that emphasises harmony, balance and respect for tradition rather than the extravagant grandeur associated with some European royal palaces.  The Sultan vast porcelain tea set collection.

The Kraton was originally established in the eighteenth century by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. Over generations, it has remained a centre of Javanese court culture, including traditional music, dance, ceremonies and royal customs.

Today, parts of the palace are open to visitors as a museum and cultural attraction, allowing us to learn about the history of the sultanate, its royal family and the traditions that continue to shape local identity.

I found it particularly interesting that, even after Indonesia became an independent republic, Yogyakarta retained its special status and royal institution. The palace therefore represents more than a reminder of the past; it demonstrates how history and tradition can continue to coexist with modern society.

Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan: A Magical Evening of Dance, Culture and Ancient Legends

 Jogja - One of the highlights of my trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, was watching the spectacular Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan, a cultural performance that brings an ancient Hindu epic to life against the breathtaking backdrop of the illuminated Prambanan Temple.

After exploring the magnificent temple complex earlier in the day, the evening offered a completely different experience. Instead of admiring the temples in daylight, we returned to witness their beauty transformed by the night, with the ancient stone structures glowing under carefully arranged lighting. It was a wonderful way to appreciate Indonesia's rich cultural heritage.

A Spectacular Stage Beneath Ancient Temples

The Ramayana Ballet, also known as Sendratari Ramayana, is one of Yogyakarta's most iconic cultural performances. What makes the Prambanan production particularly special is its setting. During the outdoor performance season, the stage is positioned against the dramatic backdrop of the ninth-century Prambanan Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As darkness settled, the illuminated temple towers created an almost magical atmosphere. The sight of these magnificent Hindu monuments standing proudly behind the performers made the entire experience feel like stepping back in time.

The outdoor performance season generally runs from May to October, subject to weather conditions and the performance schedule. We were fortunate to visit towards the end of October, just as the rainy season begins in Yogyakarta. Had we arrived later, there would have been a greater risk of rain affecting the outdoor show.

It was one of those travel experiences where timing really matters. We had arrived at just the right time to enjoy the open-air production in this extraordinary setting.

The Timeless Story of Rama and Shinta

The ballet tells the story of the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic that has influenced art, literature, dance and religious traditions across Southeast Asia for centuries.

The central characters are Prince Rama, his beloved wife Princess Shinta (Sita), and the demon king Rahwana (Ravana), who abducts Shinta and takes her to his kingdom of Alengka.

Determined to rescue his wife, Rama embarks on a dangerous journey with the help of his loyal allies. One of the most memorable characters is Hanuman, the powerful white monkey general whose courage, intelligence and devotion make him an indispensable figure in the rescue mission.

The story unfolds through a series of dramatic dance sequences, expressive gestures, elaborate costumes and carefully choreographed movements. Unlike a conventional theatrical production, the ballet is performed without spoken dialogue. The audience follows the narrative through the dancers' expressions, body language, music and movements.

Even for visitors unfamiliar with the complete story, the emotions are easy to understand. Love, loyalty, courage, sacrifice and the struggle between good and evil are universal themes that transcend language and culture.

Dance, Music and Elaborate Costumes

I was impressed by how the performers communicated so much without saying a single word. Every movement appeared deliberate, from the graceful gestures of the female dancers to the more energetic and dramatic movements of the warriors and supernatural characters.

The traditional Javanese gamelan music added another dimension to the performance. Its distinctive rhythms and melodies created the atmosphere for each scene, building tension during confrontations and providing a more delicate musical background during romantic or emotional moments.

The costumes were equally fascinating. Rich colours, ornate headdresses, decorative accessories and intricate designs helped distinguish the royal characters from the warriors and other figures in the story.

Hanuman was particularly entertaining, bringing energy and personality to the stage. His movements were lively and expressive, providing moments of excitement and humour amid the more serious dramatic scenes.

The battle sequences were another highlight. The combination of coordinated movements, music and theatrical staging made the confrontations engaging to watch. Rather than relying on dialogue or elaborate modern special effects, the production used traditional performing arts to tell its story.

What impressed me most was the discipline and coordination required from the dancers and musicians. Bringing such a lengthy and well-known epic to life through movement alone requires considerable skill, rehearsal and teamwork.

Our Special Class Experience

We purchased Special Class tickets at Rp350,000 per person, which included a drink. While it was more expensive than some of the other seating categories, it was a worthwhile opportunity to enjoy this renowned cultural performance.

For travellers, I would recommend checking the seating plan when booking, as prices and inclusions may vary depending on the performance date and ticket category. If you are planning to watch the outdoor production, it is also sensible to confirm that the show will take place on the open-air stage rather than an indoor venue.

Arriving early is advisable, as it gives you time to settle into your seats and enjoy the surroundings before the performance begins. You can also appreciate the temple backdrop as the sky darkens and the lights gradually bring the ancient structures into focus.

One practical consideration is the weather. Since the outdoor show is seasonal and Yogyakarta's rainy season generally begins around October or November, bringing a light rain jacket or checking the forecast beforehand would be sensible.

More Than Just a Ballet

What makes the Ramayana Ballet so memorable is that it is much more than an evening of entertainment. It is a living expression of the cultural connections between India and Indonesia, demonstrating how an ancient Hindu epic has been embraced and reinterpreted through Javanese artistic traditions.

Although the story originated in the Indian cultural world, its characters and themes have become deeply embedded in Indonesian performing arts. The Prambanan production combines Hindu mythology with traditional Javanese dance, music and theatrical techniques, creating a distinctive cultural experience.

Watching the performance also gave me a greater appreciation of the temples we had visited earlier that day. During daylight, Prambanan impressed me through its architecture and historical significance. At night, the ballet added another layer of meaning, connecting the magnificent monuments with the stories and traditions that inspired them.

It was fascinating to see how a heritage site could serve not only as a reminder of the past but also as a setting for contemporary cultural performances that continue to attract audiences from around the world.

The Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan was undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences of my Yogyakarta trip. The combination of traditional dance, gamelan music, elaborate costumes and the illuminated Hindu temples created an atmosphere that would be difficult to reproduce elsewhere.