Li River Cruise, Guilin

If you are travelling to Guilin, you should take the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. It is basically one of the main attractions which are provided by many tour provider in Guilin. You will be able to see beautiful karst peaks at every bend of the river under the blue sky. Although, to be honest with you, the dock where we boarded the ship kinda looks like...abandoned. Hahaha. Apparently the boats will only be ready upon booking at specified timing. 

The scenery alongside the Li River is very beautiful. We did not take the full length tour of Li River Cruise because the whole tour can take 4 - 5 hours. This is because Li River is very long at approximately 83 km. 

We took the cruise from the Crown Cave (Guanyan). Hence, the scenery alongside the river has a lot of water eroded cave. 

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Closer look at the underwater cave. 

As we are cruising on a winter day, the water level gets much lower. And hence, our cruises only take us about two hours to complete. Thankfully, that day was sunny so we can still see the beautiful scenery clearly from the boat. 

Alternatively, you can also take an option of bamboo rafting along Li River. The distance will be shorter than taking the bigger boat though. If you are visiting in the spring or summer, there is an option of Li River Hiking too. The entire hiking route is about 22 km and it is divided into two sections: Yangdi to Nine Hore Fresco Hill (10 km) and Nine Horse Fresco Hill to Xingping (12 km). 

There are different prices for the Li River Cruise, depending on the type of boat that you choose: 

(1) Superior River Cruise: 690 - 750 RMB (~ 109 - 118 USD) for adults

(2) Deluxe River Cruise: 385 - 420 RMB (~ 61 to 66 USD) for adults

For the sample of complete pricing, you can go here. 

There have been bad story about tourists being scammed and taken on shopping tours, being accommodated on cheaper boats, boat trips cut short with a surprising bus tour to other place or taken on smaller motorised rafts which are nice when the weather permits, but not really when the weather is not cooperative, and are certainly not what you paid for. So, do be mindful and alert when you are signing up for a tour package for Li River Cruise in Guilin. 

Five Pizza Joints Conquered in Singapore

I love pizza. Period. 

And I guess they are easier to find than a real boyfriend. LOL. #ah #mylife 

So if you are living in Singapore and feel like dating a pizza, here are some of the restaurants which you can try for a blind date. Hahaha. Jump!

1. Extra Virgin Pizza

Craving for a pizza in CBD area? If you have not known it yet, there is apparently a hidden pizza joint called Extra Virgin Pizza at Asia Square. The location is kinda not easily visible from outside because it is located at the back side of the building (instead of the row of eateries facing Shenton Way). We have ordered the spicy pepperoni because we love spicy food (and spicy pizza too). Taste wise, it's okay but I wish the pizza can be less hard to chew. 

2. Pizzeria Mozza

Every foodie in Singapore should have heard (and even eaten here for a few times) about Pizzeria Mozza at Marina Bay Sands. The pizzeria is so popular up to the extent that you need to make a reservation beforehand to avoid disappointment. The pizzeria is very strict with the dining time so if you book a table at 8, you better arrive at 8 and not earlier or later. The prosciutto di parma (SGD31) taste great and it is worth a try. 

3. Peperoni

If you prefer something more casual with no reservation required, you can make your way to Suntec. Peperoni is situated at basement level of Suntec which is around the fountain of wealth. You can order half and half pizza in one pan. So we ordered Margherita (the half part on top) and Pancetta (the half part below). I love the concept of Pancetta because it has an egg on top of my pizza. Yum! The pizza at Peperoni is not bad but I guess you must order the large size if you come with a big group of people as the pizza is on the thinner side. 

4. Bella Pizza 

Have you tried something called White Pizza? Bella Pizza classifies its pizza menu as Red and White Pizza. White Pizza(s) refer to those mozzarella-based pizza while the red pizza(s) refer to tomato-based pizza. The Pizza Mascarpone looks crispy from the outside however, it is very very difficult to cut the pizza dough. Despite the struggle to cut, taste-wise...it is pretty good thankfully. 

5. Timbre Arts House

If you are looking for a nice place to have pizza while listening to beautiful voice of a live band near Singapore River, you can make your way to Timbre Arts House. If you come with no reservation, you probably need to wait in line for at least 30 minutes on a Friday night. But, anyway, the live band will only start at 9PM-ish so you have enough time to order food, eat your food and listen to the live band. I cannot really remember what I ordered but judging from the look, it seems I have ordered pepperoni and some kind of cheesy pizza. LOL. One thing that I remember for sure, the pizza sold by Timbre Arts House. does not disappoint. 

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3 Best Red Velvet Dishes in Singapore

Sometimes I wonder if I eat too many cakes but then...

...okay, Emma! 

Since we have been given encouragement from Emma Stone so I am gonna share the three best red velvet dishes which I have eaten so far in Singapore. If you are a fan of red velvet, you should give all of them a try at least once. Curious? Let's jump! 

1. Red Velvet Cupcake

Twelve Cupcakes is really making a storm when they are just opened in Singapore. It seems that everyone went crazy over cupcakes where it is common to see long snaking queue at each branch of Twelve Cupcakes. Each customer usually buys a dozen of cupcakes I start to wonder can someone really eat so many cupcakes? Hahaha. But then again, they may buy for a big family or big group of friends or colleagues, I should not jump to conclusion that fast. Having seen the popularity of Twelve Cupcakes, one have to wonder how good is these cupcakes. The red velvet cupcake in particular is one of the most popular cupcake in Twelve Cupcakes. My colleague gave me one on his last day in office and oh boy, it really tastes good (and I seldom give praise for cupcake). Twelve Cupcakes are located in various major shopping centres like Vivo City, 313 Somerset and Bugis Junction so you will be able to spot them easily during your shopping trip in Singapore.

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2. Red Velvet Cake

Dean & Deluca came to Singapore few years back and everyone went hoo-ha because the brand is well-known in the US. It sells a lot of brunch items and desserts on its menu. The red velvet cake, in particular, taste pretty good in my book because it has a hint of coconut taste which goes well with the cream cheese and red velvet sponge. Dean & Deluca is situated at Orchard Central and Far East Square (near Telok Ayer MRT Station). 

3. Red Velvet Waffle

I have to say that the most unique creation of red velvet-based dish that I have ever seen is the red velvet waffle offered by Stateland Cafe. This cafe is situated in Bali Lane, which is within few minutes of walking distance from Bugis MRT. It is not easy to get a table in Stateland because the cafe is not that big but if you manage to secure yourself a table, you must give their Red Velvet Waffle a try. It taste so yummy (and sinful too) but it's better to share this dish with a friend. 

Cake Date at Dean & Deluca, Far East Square

I really love having a cake date! And it is a good thing that there is another branch of Dean & Deluca at Far East Square, which happens to be near my office in Raffles Place. Dean & Deluca sells one of the best cakes that I have ever tasted in Singapore. It does not come at a cheap price though. *cry*

It was having a one-for-one cakes promotion if you are paying with UOB cards last October, so we had valid reason to order two cakes without being judged as glutton. Haha kidding, nobody would care actually. We ordered a slice of chocolate cake and a slice of red velvet cake. I could not remember the exact price but I think the cakes at Dean & Deluca costs 9 bucks on average. 

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The Chocolate Cake is very moist and well, chocolatey. Haha is there such a word? It tastes pretty rich and you will love it if you are a chocolate lover. 

Dean & Deluca sells one the best red velvet cake I have ever tasted. Red velvet cake uses a lot of coloring so I seldom order one. But the one sold at Dean & Deluca have a very nice taste when combined with the cream cheese and a bit of coconut. Worth the coloring I suppose? Hahaha.

If you want to try other cakes at Dean & Deluca, it also has the instagram-worthy Rainbow Cake (which was not available that day) which tastes pretty good. Another all time favourite cake from Dean & Deluca would be the Strawberry Short Cake which is filled with a lot of strawberries. Other than desserts, Dean & Deluca is also pretty well known for its all day brunch items so you may want to give their brunch menu a try. Dean & Deluca has another branch at Orchard Central too. 

5 Best Places to See the Ocean in Taiwan

"I am happy anywhere I can see the ocean."

If you need a dose of the sea and you are travelling to Taiwan, you will be in a treat. Taiwan has a lot of places to view the beautiful ocean. I am quite skeptical at first because well, whenever someone come back from Taiwan, the only thing that he or she is raving about is the night market food. Justified as it is, the beautiful coastal view of Taiwan should not be missed at all. So here are my top 5 best places to see the ocean in Taiwan. 

1. Qingshui Cliff

Qingshui Cliff (清水斷崖) is the only ocean viewing location in Taroko National Park where you can see the beautiful hues of blue of the Pacific ocean. The color of the ocean is so beautiful and it seems to be a sin not to stop for a while at the viewing platform along Taroko Pass to enjoy the beautiful view of this Pacific coastline and the shore of Chongde Beach. 

2. Kenting 

The beautiful Kenting Beach (墾丁) has become famous world wide because of the award-winning movie, Life of Pi. The paradise is located at the southern Taiwan and it took us two hours driving from Kaohsiung to reach Kenting. Whether you want to just lay on the beach, swim in the warm blue ocean, scuba dive or surf, Kenting offers the best spot to enjoy warm breeze and weather of southern Taiwan. 

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3. Sanxiatai

Sanxiatai is situated at the 111-kilometer mark on the coastal highway in Taitung. It consists of a headland facing a small island in the sea. Sanxiatai is the perfect spot to see the beautiful East coast of Taiwan.  You will occasionally see the sea creatures like crayfishes which are drifted across to the rocky shore of Sanxiatai.

4. Penghu Islands

Penghu Islands is located in the southwest of the Taiwan strait. It is also known as the pearl of the Taiwan Strait. The islands offer magnificent ocean views. Even though it's located on a different archipelago from the main island of Taiwan, it is relatively easy to reach Penghu. There are regular flights from Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Chiayi and Kaohsiung. You can also reach Penghu islands by boat, with service from Budai Harbor in Chiayi and the main port of Kaohsiung. Don't miss the firework show at night in Penghu!

5. Yehliu 

Yehliu is one of the most popular attractions amongst local and international tourists. This makes the geological park is always filled with tourist buses. It offers a superb view of the northern cape of Taiwan with so many natural wonders and naturally-created rock sculptures. The famous Queen's Head is also located in Yehliu Geological Park. Do bring umbrellas if you are visiting Yehliu on a hot summer day!

Blue Point Beach, Bali

45 minutes from Kuta Beach lies another beautiful beach in Bali called Blue Point. In order to reach Blue Point Beach, you need to pass through the winding roads up and down but it is worth the ride. Blue Point Beach is located in the village of Pecatu, on the southern tip of Badung regency. We are coming closer to the beach. 

There is no admission fee to enter Blue Point Beach. Only parking charge required. Blue Point Beach is originally known as Suluban Beach. However, since there is a well known hotel nearby called Blue Point Villas, the beach is also referred to as Blue Point Beach. Since it is located near Uluwatu, the beach is also a perfect sunset watching spot in Bali. However, we did not manage to see the sunset because we came in the morning before noon. 

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The beach is originally named as "Suluban" which is the adoption of the word "mesulub". The Balinese word means "walking through a gap in the cliff". The name is given because of the unique way of reaching the beautiful Blue Point Beach. You have to pass through and go down a few steps, a narrow bridge and finally, a narrow passage in between coastal cliffs. But the view of the beautiful beach is really worth the journey. 

We are getting nearer to the beach. The coastal cliffs situated at Blue Point Beach are huge. There are some caves that you can explore right under the coastal cliffs. 

If you have the time, you should enjoy a relaxing moment at Blue Point Cafe, which is situated on top of a cliff, or the observation deck. The view of the sea from the top is really pretty in blue. The waves in Blue Point Beach is also perfect for surfing and that makes Blue Point Beach a latest addition to the favourite surfing spot in Bali.

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"Just the smell of the summer can make me fall in love."

Crown Cave Scenic Spot, Guilin

When you are visiting Guilin province in China, you should pop by Crown Cave Scenic Area. The area consists of Crown Cave and the hills, villages, rivers from Zhujiang River in the north to Yangdi Village in the south. 

Crown Cave is the most famous scenic spot in the area. The cave got its name because it is located beneath the crown-shaped hill. It is also known as Guangyan (re: Light) Cave because there is a gleam of light from the ceiling of the pitch dark cave. As the cave is dark, the government has installed lights inside the cave so that tourists can admire the rock formation inside the cave without having to bring their own torchlight. LOL.

Inside the cave, visitors can admire the naturally created cave and rocks. There is a calligraphy drawn on this particular rock.

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The lights installed inside in Crown Cave has many colors and as such it allows visitors to see the rock formations like some kind of scenery. I have to say that the Chinese is very creative here. Hahaha. 

The combination of the stalactites, stalagmites and stone pillars plus the colorful lights will capture your imagination and make you want to stay here to admire the beauty of the Crown Cave for a long time. 

The admission fee for visiting Crown Cave is RMB80 for adults. Children between 3.9 and 4.9 feet (1.2 to 1.5 metres) enjoy 50% discount from the adult price. Crown Cave opens from 8.30AM to 16.30PM everyday. You should definitely visit Crown Cave when you visit Guilin. 

How to go to Crown Cave:

You can either take cab or take a direct bus from Guilin Main Bus Station located at No. 427, Zhongshan Road (South). The bus journey costs around RMB13. 

Donburi Ichiya, A Yummy Japanese Rice Bowl at Lippo Mall Puri

Everytime I go home, there is another shopping mall in Jakarta. I guess the city is turning into one huge capital of consumerism. But that cannot be helped, anything to help the country's economy should be deemed good, no? Okay, back to the shopping mall. The newest addition of what I can consider my neighborhood mall will be Lippo Mall Puri. My mum refused to bring me there though because she claimed that not many shops opened yet. However, my brother often hanged out there and he finally agreed to bring me there for once upon a lunch time. Time for some sibling love over a a Japanese rice bowl at Donburi Ichiya. 

Inspired by a Japanese eatery, Donburi Ichiya offers all kind of rice bowl. The basic ones will be yakiniku beef bowl, chicken karage bowl, salmon aburi rice bowl and yakitori rice bowl. Customers can add sauce and topping to be added to their rice bowl. 

In addition to the sauce and toppings offered, there is also a tempura bar just right before the cashier. If you like what you see, simply pick them off and put them on a plate before you are making a payment at the cashier.

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Donburi Ichiya is decorated with a lot of Japanese posters. I suppose the idea is to make you feel like you are dining in one of the eateries in Japan. 

Right, finally it is our time to eat! The salmon aburi rice bowl is pretty interesting because the chef will put a slab of butter and torch it and the salmon together in front of you. It is also served with an onsen tamago on it. 

While, my chicken karage rice bowl looks pretty normal. A fried chicken served on top of a rice bowl with a tiny bit of green. 

As the price can be considered friendly (between 30,000 Rupiah to 50,000 Rupiah), Donburi Ichiya is quite popular amongst students. I suppose that's why my mother does not really want to come to Lippo Mall Puri in the first place. The mall is more suitable for students to hang out together after school. XD

4 Best Sunset Watching Spots in Bali, Indonesia

Having been to Bali a number of times, what I love the most about Bali is its sunsets. There is this melancholic feeling about sunset that I always feel whenever I look at it. I don't know how to explain but since it seems like the sun is waving goodbye for now for a better tomorrow. 

Having said that, so where are the best sunset watching spots in Bali? From my last trips to Bali, I have summarized four best sunset watching spots in Bali. Interested to know? Jump! 

1. Kuta Beach 

Kuta Beach is always popular with both the local and international tourists. It is located at the city centre area and there beach is opened for public. You don't have to stay the night at some private hotels to enjoy the lovely sunset view of Kuta Beach. The drawback, of course, the crowd level in Kuta Beach is kinda unbearable during high season. 

2. Dreamland Beach

We actually did not really know about Dreamland beach until our driver cum guide offered us a ride there. Back then, not many people know about Dreamland beach as the area is not very well-commercialised yet. We spotted mainly the local tourists when we visited Dreamland beach. This is perfect for photography because there are less people who can photo-bomb your picture. 

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3. Seminyak 

If you want to enjoy sunset while sipping your mojito or margarita, you should make your way to Seminyak. There are a lot of restaurants which are located at the side of the sea like Ku De Ta and Potato Head. The sunset view of Seminyak may come at a higher cost because you have to order the food (and drinks) too but hey, there is no harm to enjoy life once in a while, right? You deserve it! 

4. Lovina Beach

Located on the northern side of Bali, I can say that Lovina Beach is the furthest among the other sunset watching spots in Bali. However, the sunset watching experience is even greater here because you can go further toward the middle of the sea by hiring the fisherman's boat. The whole experience is priceless, I must say. 

Have you ever been to Bali? If yes, which place is your most favourite sunset watching spots? 

Wherever you are in Bali, the sunset will always be magical. 

What to see in Taichung - Xinshe Castle

Taichung is the third biggest city in Taiwan. Just like Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taichung is also very popular amongst the tourists. Some of my friends even said that Taichung is their most favourite city in Taiwan. Other that the nearby popular destinations like Sun Moon Lake and Cingjing Farm, there is an attraction located right at the outskirt of Taichung named Xinshe Castle. 

Xinshe Castle took its inspiration from a European castle however, please note that this is no historical castle left behind by the ancestors from long time ago. The whole area is in fact, man-made by the Taiwanese. 

Being man-made does not mean that Xinshe Castle is not beautiful. If you visit Xinshe Castle in spring or summer, the whole area is filled with lovely pinkish flowers. 

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Visitors can roam the place in a leisure pace because the castle ground alone is very big with a swan lake and big garden surrounding the castle. There is also a restaurant in one of the building where visitors can get food to enjoy. 

Saw a lady cosplaying as a knight here. Her costume is really amazing with all those details. Her cosplay also matches the whole atmosphere in Xinshe Castle. The Taiwanese really loves Japanese's culture and there is a close tie between the two countries since long time ago, in the war era.

Xinshe Castle is one of those places which you can take beautiful picture as many as you want. I still cannot get my eyes out of the pink flowers. 

Talking about photo-taking, it seems that Xinshe Castle is a popular spot for pre-wedding pictures in Taiwan too. The cost of entrance will be more if you want to take pre-wedding pictures here thought. 

Entrance Fees (For Wedding Photography)
Per Entry	3,500 TWD

The price of 3,500 TWD is only allowed to accommodate maximum of 6 persons (it comes with free drinks for 6 persons too). Any additional person will be charged according to normal rate of 250NTD per person.