Batam is 1 hour away from Singapore and it's a great place to wind down from the busy life in the city. Here are some Batam things to do.  How to travel to Batam? You can take a 1-hour ferry at Harbourfront or Tanah Merah terminal.  We took the Majestic ferry at the Harbourfront ferry terminal.  When to travel to Batam?  Anytime but avoid typhoons or the rainy season (Oct-Jan rainy)  Where to stay in Batam? We stayed at an Airbnb - Nagoya mansions at only $65 for 3D2N  Alternatively, you can stay at resorts e.g. Turi Beach Resort at around $67 per night  Expenses  Travel insurance $29.35 Ferry $136.80 (with 10% discount) Grab $11  Airbnb $65 Go kart $42 Food $170 Cinema $13 Total $467.15 Per pax $233.58 excluding spa expenses  Day 1 Spa Day Take the Majestic Ferry via Klook at the Harbourfront Terminal  We took the 8am ferry slot.  Majestic Ferry  if you select the free 1-way express-way, there will be someone ho...

My Taiwan Itinerary involves Taipei and Taichung, excluding Hualien in view of earthquakes.  Travel Essentials  - Taiwan High-Speed Rail Pass at Klook  -Easycard  - 4G SIM card  -Uber account -Google Maps Arrival card to fill up upon arrival (including Singaporeans): https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/webacard/index When to travel to Taiwan?  Best to go during Spring March-May or October onwards  Avoid June-September because of typhoons and earthquakes Itinerary summary  18th May- 23rd May Day 1: Xi Men Ding and Raohe night market Day 2: Yangmingshan Qingtiangang - Hiking and hot spring Day 3: Shifen + Jiufen + Houtong Cat Village -culture  Day 4: Taichung - food and wetland Expenditure  Flight $400 round trip per pax  Insurance for two $51 Airbnb $240 for 4 nights Transport $56 for two Food $242 for two Total expenses $1475 for two  $737.50 per pax including flights  Where to stay in Taipei  I mainly stay at A...

8 skincare products  I'm a fan of Japanese and Korean skincare as it suits Asian skin and is relatively affordable. Recently I also got Paula's Choice from the US to minimise my comedones.  K-Beauty strives for “Glass Skin” to make skin look luminous and clear.  J-Beauty strives for “Mochi Skin” with its gentle and nutritious products.  Day Routine Optional step (Step 1)   Oil cleanser for makeup and sebum remover   Step 2: Water Cleanser                           I use the Whip Premium facial cleanser (480 yen)  Alternatively, I use  Senka Perfect Whip facial cleanser ($4-7) I find that foam cleansers work better on cleaning the dirt out from oily skin.                      Step 3: Toner  Somebymi Miracle Toner ($10) A toner is used to minimise large pores.  BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) can help to reduce whiteheads an...