How are you spending your New Year's Eve this year?

NEW YEAR IS COMING!

So how are you spending your new year’s eve this year? Spending some us time with your loved ones or heading to a crazy night out? In case you have no ideas yet, here are the top 15 places to usher the 2015 New Year in Singapore!

For the Party Animal, you are in luck!

Singapore is celebrating SG50 for her 50^th anniversary so head down to The Float @ Marina Bay and countdown to 2015 with Mediacorp and rock the night away! Tickets starting from $28. 

Otherwise, also in the vicinity, head to the Promontory @ Marina Bay for eight hours non-stop party! Ticket price only at a mere $10 inclusive of 1 free drink.

If you are in for a “high” time then 1-Altitude is for you! Get in touch (almost) with the fireworks laid out for the entire year at this world’s highest rooftop alfresco bar! $88 for Heaven's Gate (includes two drinks), $68 for Saints and Sinners (includes two drinks)

Or make your way to the renowned Siloso Beach Party for the time of your life if you are a beach goer. Tickets are priced at $68 (standard) 

As the original party scene that represents Singapore, how can we forget about Zouk for the celebration of the year. Cover charge at $40 with 2 drinks

Thinking of somewhere special and somewhere cold for this festive day of the world? Plan a trip with your young ones to The Rink @ Jcube and enjoy a rare cold New Year in Singapore with its foam party.

Alternatively, if you are looking at somewhere private to spend some cosy time with your love ones, you may consider the following!

Hop onto the Celebration Cabin at $320++ per couple at Mount Faber to overlook the Sentosa skyline and enjoy the exclusive celebratory menu specially prepared.

Or enter the world of wonder by taking the SingaporeFlyer 2015 Countdown Champagne Flight for $88, or take the full Butler Sky Dining Experience to saveur the exclusive 4-course meal by celebrity chef at $329++ per couple to enjoy an unparalleled experience overlooking the Singapore River and the exclusive view of the Fireworks. 

And TADA..........

What is New Year Eve without the extravagant fireworks in Singapore? Chope your places to the following places for the best view of fireworks for this year’s countdown quick!!

Best Fireworks (Premium)

High end party with the view to kill? Book your tables at Ku De Ta today to reserve a night full of memories worth a lifetime! Day sale at $198

Indulge in LeVel33’s Gatsby themed New Year’s Eve party and get an array of canapés, free-flow craft beers and selected wines, as well as a glass of Champagne Barons de Rothschild, Brut at $358++ with the most unique view of the fireworks for the year.

Relax by the roof top of Esplanade without having to squeeze and squash yourself to get the view of the life time. Visit Orgo Bar & Restaurant at $325 per person for free-flow drinks from 7pm to 1am. Parties of four will get a complimentary bottle of prosecco.

No need to book a room or spend extravagantly on a hotel suite. Scale the Marina BaySands NYE@L55 to get an unparalleled view of the fireworks this year at only $128++ per person.

Best Fireworks (FREE)

Wanna experience some crazy time of your life spending the last day of the year under the array of spectacular fireworks and a crowd full of people to count down with? To be honest there are many places along the stretch of Marina Bay, Esplanade and MBS for a decent view. (Read:  http://www.greatdeals.com.sg/2010/12/30/7-places-to-watch-countdown-fireworks-show-from/) But I have shortlisted a few more of my own favourite places not that widely known. So you better chope your seats early at the following places guaranteed to have the best view of the impressive fireworks to start the New Year with a BANG!

Possibly the closest you can ever get to the fireworks launch area, get your seats at the Merlion Park early!

And you probably didn’t know but Gardens by the Bay East has got a pretty decent view of the fireworks away from most of the crowd at the Marina Bay area. So make it there before nightfall and look forward to the amazing show at night.

Head down to Marina Barrage early for a picnic and of course chope your best seats early to prepare for the big party at night!

HAVE A SMASHING NIGHT AHEAD! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

5 things to do in uniquely Singapore. Be a tourist today!

So Singapore has been name as the Number 1 country to visit in 2015 according to the Lonely Planet. Awesome news just in time for our 50 anniversary but HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? I believe most of you will be wondering about this question. So I did a little research and guess what, Lonely Planet has summed up what I thought was the most beautiful description of Singapore while we, the locals has been taking for granted since forever. (Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/singapore/singapore-city)

I love how Cristian Bonetto describes the “sharp and constant contrasts” in our entire neighbourhood where you see a church built beside a temple and a mosque. I have no doubt that many countries would be able to construct such a high level of religion tolerance around the globe.

And like a light that dawned on me, I realised these are all so true, the talk about garden city, food paradise, even more so with the recent cafes popping up in every street, adding a tone of uniqueness in our small little red dot.

For a country jammed packed with activities ranging from Universal Studios to Trick Art Museum, or our world renowned Marina Bay Sands or Sentosa Island, I am proposing 5 other top things to do in Singapore for you to appreciate what we have taken for granted!

       Explore our islands

Yes, you may have heard over and over again Pulau Ubin. But did you appreciate the dying out of our motor boatmen who ferry us from mainland to the island and back? Comb the winding roads in bicycles in the safety of our small country or immerse in the beautiful beaches at Lazarus Island. Otherwise, why not travel to Sister’s island for a relaxing day off. You can even snorkel there!! Talk about cheap thrill. Lol.

Lazarus Island (Credit: http://magazine.tripzilla.com)

        Take a local tour

How much do you know our own history and culture? Funny how tourists are often better at a country’s culture and history (since they’re always the ones who went for tours). Take a heritage tour and pretend to be a tourist while at the comforts of your home country today!

Chinatown (Credits: http://traveldelight.biz/attractions/guided-tours.html) 

Read more: http://www.societyoftouristguides.org.sg/walking.htm

        Photo-taking

To be honest, nothing’s wrong trying to pretend to be a tourist for a day and go around taking photos of our beautiful country. Like what Cristian Bonetto mentioned, head down to Tanjong Pagar to be immersed in the sharp contrast between our premium public housing (HDB) in the backdrop of the conserved shophouses. Or, stroll along the banks of Kallang River to be mesmerised by the night view of our ever stunning Marina Bay Sands and Helix Bridge.

Helix Bridge

        Museum Hopping

As you know, Singapore is really small, imagine travelling from one end to the other in less than 2 hours ride. Go museum hopping in Singapore, you can easily visit 3 museums in a day! From the renowned new ArtScience Museum to the lesser know toy museum and Changi Museum or the Singapore Airforce museum, plan your itinerary now!

Toy Museum

        Café Hopping

Another uniquely Singapore experience, personally I like this one most. It coincides with our nature of being a food lover. Unlike huge coffee chains like Starbucks or The Coffee Bean, which are still beaming with people, take a day or 2 to go around café hopping. Be it a rainbow cake, or a 3D coffee art, you will bound to find something interesting, if not, delicious to surrender to your sinful indulgence.

Shop wonderland (Credits: http://www.burpple.com/shop-wonderland-1)

Read More: http://danielfooddiary.com/2014/09/24/cafesingapore2014/

Visit soon to get ideas for a 1 day itinerary to fight really boring days!!

28 Under Rated Destinations in Southeast Asia that will Change your life

Short getaways from Singapore might seem so mundane and boring considering places like Bali, Bangkok and Hanoi. As we take a step back look again at Southeast Asia, we might be able to find, what we like to call "a moment."

It's not an area of the world that tops everyone's bucket list, but Southeast Asia does have its fair share of packed-with-tourists sites, and of course, some hidden treasure.

1.       Cambodia, Kep

(Image Credit: Viet Vision Travel)

Reminaise in the memories of the colonial French (hip getaway for wealthy Frenchies) while indulging in Kep's tranquil beaches, where cute seafood spots on stilts serve some of the yummiest crab in the world. Alternatively, spend a day on in the Kep National Park or visit the once world renowned Kamot Pepper plantation at Phnom Voir mountain.

2.       Cambodia, Siem Reap, Angkor Thom

This largest religious monument in the world is surrounded by a wide open moat. Experience walking through the grand entrances of the different temples and pagodas including the infamous Ta Prohm with trees intertwining through the temples and Bayon with gigantic stone carved faces. Indulge in this never before lifetime experience and sink into the world of wonders.  (Read: Siem Reap:Adventure Land)

3.       Indonesia, Central Java, Borobudur

(Image Credit: Manohara Hotel Borobudur)

Only an hour away from Yogyakarta, Borobudur is not only another UNESCO heritage site, it is also the biggest Buddhist monument on Earth. Overlooking lush green fields and distant hills, be awed by the magnificence of human architecture.

4.       Indonesia, Mount Bromo Ijen

(Image Credit: Banjo Tours)

 Challenge this active volcano beginners’ peak for all to climb. Ascent this stunning mountain and there you will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.

5.       Indonesia, Solo (Surakarta)

(Image Credit: Soulnesia)

 Arguably the least westernized cities on the island, Solo has preserved much of the Javanese culture. Enjoy a laid back afternoon and visit the world best Batik museum at Danar Hadi and enjoy a city tour in a Jaladara steam train built in 1800s.

6.       Laos, Luang Prabang

(Image Credit: Eco Adventure)

Home to another UNESCO world heritage site for the fusion between Lao traditional architecture and European colonial style building, Luang Prabang has well preserved these landmarks from the 19^th and 20^th century. Indulge in the fusion of these architectures and have a four day mahout course where you can learn to expertly (and humanely) ride elephants as their keepers do. 

     7.       Malaysia, Cameron Highlands

(Image Credit: FullofTravel)

Tea plantations and strawberry farms – visit one of the Southeast Asia most popular hill stations and escape from the city heat. Indulge in the lush mountains and tour one of several authentic tea factories, or pick some strawberries before cozying up to a mug overlooking the rolling green hills.

8.       Malaysia, Port Dickson

(Image Credit: Flickr)

 Short drive from the renowned Malacca city, Port Dickson is a place for a short getaway from the bustling city life. Pamper yourself and enjoy the water villas, waking up to sea breeze, gazing at the sun rise and sunset over the horizon.

9.       Malaysia, Sabah

(Image Credit: Flight Center)

 Also home to over-water villas and the infamous Mount Kinabalu, Sabah is the last frontier of nature. Independent governance from the Malaysia Peninsula, Sabah embraces the splendor of nature in her economic development.

10.    Myanmar, Ngwe Saung

(Image Credit: Asean Vacation)

With unspoiled , uncrowded and some of the best beaches in Myanmar, weary travelers looking to literally escape it all should head down to Ngwe Saung Beach and immerse in the moment with an astonishing THIRTEEN MILES of beach that just recently opened to the public.

11.    Myanmar, Bagan

(Image Credit: Frequencies of Life)

 Imagine Angkor Wat before it bloomed with tourists, temples seem to be over the horizon in Bagan, which possess the highest concentration of Buddhist ruins the world. Take an e-bike (http://bit.ly/1aTq3vK) and ride through these magnificent pagodas, or think Cappadocia, enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the temples during the quiet dawn or sunset hours that will take your breath away. (PS. I'm travelling there in a few months time. Read: The Road Less Traveled: 7 Days in Myanmar - Part 1)

12.    Myanmar, Mergui Archipelago

(Image Credit: Mergui Archipelago)

 South of Myanmar, it comprises of more than 800 beautiful islands filled with amazing diversity of fauna and flora including very amazing underwater scenes and marine life. Kick-start your adventure here as you snorkel, dive or kayak around the uncharted blue waters and explore the island and chance upon a meeting with the local sea gypsies who, during the dry season of the year, live on boats while they dive for pearls. 

13.    Myanmar, Shan State, Inle Lake

(Image Credit: Travel Myanmar)

 Alike many lakes, this shallow lake is over 13 miles long and home to many local tribes who set up waterside "workshops" for intriguing traditional crafts. Despite the flocks of tourists, most agree Inle is unmissable because of its peaceful floating gardens and entire towns hoisted onto stilts including many magnificent structures like Buddhists temples. Of it all, don’t miss the unique Intha technique of leg rowing – the use of leg to wrap around the paddles used for rowing.

14.    Philippines, El Nido

Sandy white beaches, crystal clear blue water and the ever enduring sun. El Nido is far from tourist buzz and contain the ever simplicity of pure white beaches, dine in casual candlelight and swim in crystal clear lagoons with hidden entrance. Go before all the tourists flock to this next top destination. (Read: El Nido: Hidden Paradise)

15.    Philippines, Legaspi

Ever see a Volcano erupt with the deadly magnificence? Home to the live volcano, which undeniably destroyed a huge part of the city leaving behind the eerie beauty of the Cagsawa ruins, thousands of visitors would flock here to admire this lethal splendour. (Read: Time Travel: The story of Mt Mayon, Cagsawa Ruins and Daraga Church) Or else, take a quick dive into the ocean and find yourself surrounded by the magnificent whale sharks. (Read: Legaspi: The Town of Sleeping Beauty)

16.    Philippines, Palawan

Home to another one of UNESCO heritage sites, be marveled by the wonders of the underground subterranean river of Palawan and get soaked in the tranquility of this mesmerizing wonder of nature. (Read: Puerto Princesa: Home to the Natural Wonders of the World)

17.    Philippines, Coron

(Image Credit: Two Seasons Resort)

 Shipwreck dive haven. Yes, voted as one of the top ten dive sites in the world featuring magnificent ship wreck dive sites, not to mention, home to one of the most beautiful sea animal on the face of the planet – Dugong. Indulge in the  eerie mesmerising beauty of the shipwreck and discover, if you can, the devastating story behind the ghost of the past.

18.    Philippines, Vigan

(Image Credit: Jossie's View)

 Recognised as another UNESCO World heritage site, you cannot find another heritage site preserving their old colonial Spanish town as pure as Vigan does. Pamper your senses in this timeworn settlement that gives you a glimpse into the past.

19.    Thailand, Ayutthaya

(Image Credit: Telegraph)

 Serving as the Thai capital for an astonishing 417 years, the Ayutthaya Historical park listed as another of UNESCO world heritage sites houses many magnificent ruins, of which boasts the glamorous history as one of the most prosperous cities back in the glory times.

20.    Thailand, Pai

(Image Credit: India Travel Blog)

 Unlike most touristy places, Pai (read as “bye”) enjoys a large crowd of local Thais who visits during the cool seasons in December and January. Ride your motorbike a few hours into this mountain town for a chillaxing weekend of zenning out at Rasta bars, napping in woven hammocks, and exploring the waterfalls and hot springs if you can manage to leave your field hut in the nearly picture perfect setting in a mountain valley.

21.     Thailand, Chiang Dao

(Image Credit: Garvin Farrell)

 The rural nature of this lush, forested region is a Disneyland for nature junkies complete with waterfalls, hot springs, and incredible limestone cliffs. The highlights are the Chiang Dao Caves, consisting of roughly 100 caverns which extend out more than 40,000 feet into the mountains. You can explore the caves alone or engage a guide to navigate through narrow rocky hallways, hanging stalactites and hidden Buddha statues.

22.    Thailand, Chiang Rai, The White Temple

(Image Credit: Canuck Abroad)

It look so divine you may imagine it to be no man’s creation but the White Temple (technically named Wat Rong Khun) was actually designed by a Thai artist in the 1990s, and it's has only be recently completed. A tangle of gnarled statues and outstretched hands -- symbolizing the cycle of rebirth -- lead you into the temple, where you'll find many intricate (although haunting) murals and even many defining images of the pop culture including pop icon Michael Jackson and the unfortunate events of 9/11.

23.    Thailand, Ko Lanta

(Image Credit: Kilroy)

Ko Lanta, in spite of being the largest island amongst the hundreds of islands off Thailand's coast, backpackers normally head for the "big names" like Ko Tao (known for its scuba diving) or Ko Phangan (home of the famous full moon parties). These islands are awesome, but for a true Thai experience, try the blissfully empty and flat Ko Lanta, where the National Marine Park protects unpolluted oceans.

24.       Vietnam, Da Nang

(Image Credit: Furama Resort)

30km of pure white beaches and crystal clear water, it is a peninsula with a dazzling lagoon on one side and a beach on the other. It is easily accessible by daily flights and train. Forget crowded Bali and Phuket for now and think Da Nang.

25.       Vietnam, Hue

(Image Credit: All-Free-Photos)

Akin to a Disneyland for history buffs, be prepared to be astonished by the beauty and exquisite tombs and citadels that dwell in the distant memory of the vanished Vietnamese feudal empire. You can also indulge in the various mineral hot springs or scale the Bach Ma Mountain to experience 4 seasons in one place.

       26.       Vietnam, Mui Ne

(Image Credit: Vietnam Visa)

Frequent oceanic winds had sculpture the resident sand in Mui Ne into the beautiful Saharaesque formations. not far from Saigon, these sand dunes seem like they belong on another continent entirely. You can sled, bike, or just freely frolic down both the white and red mountains of bliss and the Fairy Stream, a magical river with a soft, sandy bottom that flows between dry rocks.

27.       Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island

(Image Credit: Talk Vietnam)

Phu Quoc is about to become Vietnam's next hot destination, but thankfully the perfect beaches are still mostly empty. You can rent a motorbike and zoom around the red dirt roads of this island paradise. Then enjoy a fresh cocktail by the beach or take a snorkeling or scuba dip. Hurry up, before other people discover the secret.

28.       Vietnam, Sapa

(Image Credit: Travel to Sapa)

Cascading rice terraces, tiers on tiers of bright-green rice fields are dotted with the colorful clothes of hill-tribe dwellers and roofs of French colonial villas, there’s no other place like Sapa. Also known as the Tonkinese Alps, sometimes the view gets clouded by a warm, jungle mist, but it will only make your day of hiking even more gorgeous.