Chasing Coffee and Fun in Ho Chi Minh City
(Mar 25)
March 2025 was all about diving headfirst into Ho Chi Minh City. First impressions? Exceptional coffee culture, incredibly warm people, and surviving my very first GrabBike ride through the most beautifully insane traffic I’ve ever seen. The locals were super helpful, and I even connected with a few travelers from the U.S. who were so captivated by the vibe they wanted to move there for a year (must be that strong currency power, lol!).
HCMC is pure magic, and this is the breakdown of how a solo trip turned into an unforgettable experience.
Surviving Osaka’s Extreme Heat &
Discovering Hidden Matcha Spots
(July 25)
July 2025 in Osaka was an unforgettable blur of extreme heat and amazing hidden gems. As a Malaysian, I thought I knew summer, but Osaka proved me wrong! I survived the midday sun by hanging out with cute cats at a cafe, and spent my evenings exploring local nightlife and ducking into hidden bars with a friend.
My favorite part? Walking with absolutely no destination in mind and randomly discovering low-key cafes with incredible matcha. Osaka has a vibe that even a crazy heatwave couldn't ruin.
Concert Hype & New Year Lights:
My Taipei Travel Summary
(Dec 25)
Ringing in 2026 in Taipei was easily one of the coolest decisions I've ever made. I went there with one massive goal: to see Jolin Tsai live, and she absolutely crushed it. That concert high carried me straight into midnight on December 31st, making it my first time experiencing a New Year countdown outside my home country.
Aside from the unforgettable events, what stays with me most is how polite and kind everyone was. Taipei has a gentle, welcoming soul that balances out its massive city energy perfectly.
First Impressions of Hong Kong:
High Energy & Cultural Hub
(Jan 26)
January 2026 marked my first time exploring the high-octane streets of Hong Kong. The city completely lives up to its reputation for tight spaces and rapid, electric energy.
However, as someone who grew up watching TVB dramas, the actual vibe defied my expectations. Rather than feeling locked in a singular cultural style, the city revealed itself as a fascinating, multiracial environment where people from all walks of life including Chinese, Indian, and diverse international communities intersect.
Experiencing that unexpected global blend firsthand made my solo steps through Hong Kong incredibly memorable.
Slowing Down in Bangkok:
City Gazing, Self-Reflection
(Mar 26)
Returning to Bangkok for the third time in March 2026 was all about mindfulness. Instead of chasing sights, I chose to wander aimlessly, watching the city breathe, observing the people, and using the quiet solo time to self-reflect.
Beyond the peaceful city walks, the highlight of my stay was definitely meeting Pelamon, a brilliantly smart and charming cat who basically "managed" the homestay, lol. Huge shoutout to his owner, Pelamon’s dad, for being so incredibly helpful.
This trip proved that sometimes, the best way to experience a familiar city is to just live in the moment.
