A Trip That Meant More Than It Looked: Notes from Macau

A Quiet Milestone

This was our first overseas family trip with my in-laws. Not because they have never travelled. In fact, they have travelled far more than my husband and I ever have.

But this time, it was different. This time, hubby and I were the ones bringing them along. There was this quiet, unspoken acknowledgement that we have reached a new stage in life, like a small rite of passage.

A Trip That Became a Mini Pilgrimage

One lovely memory from this trip was how it quietly turned into a mini pilgrimage.

We found ourselves stepping into church after church: Our Lady of Carmel Church in Taipa, St. Dominic's Church, St. Lazarus' Church, Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady (Macau Cathedral), and The Chapel of St. Michael.

We celebrated Palm Sunday at St. Lazarus' Church on a Sunday morning. It was beautiful. There's something about being away from home, yet participating in something so familiar: the same rhythm, the same sense of reverence. It reminded me God remains constant, no matter where we are.

At one point, on our way to the Ruins of St. Paul, we wandered into St. Paul's Bookstore, run by The Daughters of St. Paul. We ended up spending more time there than expected, browsing and choosing little Catholic items like pins, crosses, rosaries, etc., each of us drawn to something in our own quiet way.

As I was writing this blog post, I stumbled upon this piece of news: Macau nuns use travel stamps to evangelise tourists.

The Portuguese Egg Tart Moment

Somewhere in between, there was a Portuguese egg tart. Just one from a shop near the Ruins of St. Paul's, eaten while being surrounded by people, noise, and movement.

And so, I just have to take this photo to immortalise the moment. Haha.

And Then… Pink Lights!

And then, there was a completely different kind of joy!

Standing there, watching The Parisian Macao light up in pink, synced to BLACKPINK's GO... I didn't expect to feel that excited!

It was loud and vibrant, completely opposite of the quiet churches we had been visiting.

Almost Sakura

And then, of course, there was my "almost sakura" moment.

According to the QR code beside the tree, it was Zhongguohong (Cerasus campanulata), also known as China Red, a type of cherry blossom found in Southern China that blooms between January and March.

Sometimes, close enough is enough.

The Small Things I Keep Collecting

Somewhere along the way, I found myself doing something familiar: collecting souvenir stamps.

Not the official kind you frame, but the simple landmark stamps, the kind you press onto paper just to say "I was here!"

It reminded me of Taipei, where I first started this little habit. There's something quietly satisfying about it. A small, tangible way of holding onto moments that would otherwise pass too quickly.

The Stairs...

Also, a small note for anyone romanticising heritage walks, but Macau comes with… a lot of stairs. The kind that immediately brought back memories of my trip to South Korea.

The kind that quietly humbles you while you're trying to look like you have your life together. Hahaha.

What Stayed With Me

Maybe that's what this trip was, without expectations, but still exactly what I needed.

A collection of small moments I chose to notice.

A quiet milestone.

A Palm Sunday far from home, yet deeply familiar.

Not sakura,

but close enough to be beautiful in its own way.

0

Things That Stayed With Me in 2025

When I take a look back at 2025, it was indeed a year made up of both extraordinary and ordinary things. There were inspirations, conversations, decisions, and pauses that stayed.

They may not be highlights. They were not incredible milestones.

But they are things that lingered and became part of how the year felt.

1. Reflections on Resilience: Inspired by Ejae's Journey

Source: Threads

Have you heard of Ejae's story? 12 years of training, multiple near-misses, and the heartbreak of not debuting in a K-pop group; all before finally releasing Golden. What resonated with me most wasn't her eventual success, but her profound resilience during the wait.

She stayed in the music industry despite the heartbreaking experience of not debuting after 12 years of hard work. Before the eventual success of Golden and Huntrix, she refused to give up; instead, she sharpened her production skills, wrote tirelessly, and strategically leaned into her strengths. Ejae's journey is proof that talent and grit eventually shine and her current impact is only the beginning.

There is something deeply human about that kind of patience. You can feel the vindication and triumph in every record Golden has broken across the globe.

I'm letting her story sit with me as a form of quiet motivation.

2. Rose's "You've Got You"

Source: Facebook

Rosé's MTV VMAs Award acceptance speech crossed my feed at some point, and one line stuck: "you've got you." It wasn't delivered dramatically. It didn't feel rehearsed.

That sentence surfaced quietly throughout the year, especially during moments when decisions felt personal rather than strategic. It wasn't about hype or confidence. It was about self-trust, in a very understated way.

3. Leaving Corporate, Returning to Digital Agency Life

This year, I resigned from corporate and went back into digital agency life while continuing my Master's.

It wasn't a bold leap or a dramatic exit. It felt more like choosing an environment that fit who I am now: how I think, how I work, how I show up. There was relief in that, and also a sense of familiarity. Like returning to a room I already knew how to breathe in.

4. Continuing my Master's Quietly

I didn't talk much about my Master's this year. I just kept showing up. I met up with my lecturers to thank them for their continuous support.

Reading, writing, submitting. Sometimes tired, sometimes motivated, sometimes simply consistent. It wasn't hustle. It wasn't grind. It was something I carried alongside everything else, without needing it to define me.

I guess I did the right thing, as I was recognised as the most active student representative for my intake (March 2024) in Sunway University's MMKT ODL programme.

5. Making a Personal Choice for Myself

I signed up for the Curas Hybrid Laser treatment at Pure Touch Clinic this year. Not as a statement, not as a transformation story, just as a choice.

It felt less about appearance and more about the decision to listen to my body. Deciding without overexplaining. There was something quietly affirming about that.

6. Travelling My Heart Out

I travelled a fair bit this year, so if there's a recurring theme from 2025, it's me travelling with people who matter. And here's the list:

Anniversary trip to South Korea & Macau with my husband.

Trip to Taipei with my sister.

Work trips (Jakarta and Guangzhou) that blended into shared routines.

Family trips (Club Med Phuket, Ipoh, Kuantan & Pulau Kapas, Muar & Melaka, Legoland Malaysia) that moved at a gentler pace.

The places were different, but the presence mattered more than the destination. Travel became less about seeing and more about being with.

And instead of overplanning, the snippets that I could remember go like this:

By a pool. In a lounge. At a hotel bar. In a mini mart aisle. Eating noodles. Drinking coffee. Holding a cocktail. Watching the sky change. Doing nothing.

I wasn't planning of capturing scroll-stopping content angles. I was collecting moments that didn't ask for performance.

That pattern of sitting, eating, drinking, noticing... felt totally ME. Unforced. Enough.

7. The Tone of the Year

If I had to describe 2025, it would be:  Not empty. Not dull. Just… unhurried.

 

The year didn't push me forward aggressively. It allowed me to settle into myself a little more.

And that, strangely, felt like plenty.

I don't know yet what 2026 will bring. I'm not setting intentions or naming themes.

For now, I'm just carrying these things with me, the ones that stayed.

And I'm okay with that.

8. Mantra for 2026

Wake up early. Drink coffee.

Work hard. Be ambitious.

Keep your priorities straight, your mind right, and your head up.

Don't ever give up.

Do well, live well, and dress really well.

Do what you love, love what you do.

It is time to start living.

Happy New Year!

P.S.: Check out my compilation of annual posts since 2007.

0

The Ultimate Legoland Malaysia Guide for Kids Aged 9 to 12

Guide to Legoland Malaysia for Children Aged 9 to 12

Travelling with kids aged 9 to 12 is a completely different kind of fun. They are old enough for real thrill rides, curious enough to enjoy learning experiences, and independent enough to explore without hand-holding. On our recent trip to Legoland Malaysia, I realised this theme park is actually perfect for this age group.

Fun fact: Legoland Malaysia is our number one pick for "Cuti-cuti Malaysia", a place we have returned to over the years without fail: April 2018, October 2019, October 2020, March 2022 (our first stay at the Legoland Hotel), and February 2023. It is more than a theme park to us now; it is a timeline of our boys' childhood.

So, in this 6th family trip to Legoland Malaysia, here's what we did, what we loved, and what I think other parents of "big kids" will appreciate too.

1. Stay at the Legoland Hotel

One of the best decisions we made was staying at the Legoland Hotel. The moment you step into the lobby, you are greeted by a giant pirate ship, a Lego castle, and piles of colourful bricks waiting to be turned into creations.

For kids aged 9 to 12, this lobby is heaven. No longer toddlers who need close supervision, they can wander between the play zones, work on their own Lego builds, and challenge themselves creatively. We spent a good chunk of time right here; just the kids building, dismantling, rebuilding, and proudly showing off their designs.

On more thing, if your kids enjoy problem-solving, don't skip the in-room treasure hunt. It adds a layer of excitement before bedtime and gives them a sense of independence while solving clues.

Check out our stay at the incredible Legoland Hotel!

2. Go for Repeated Roller-Coaster Rounds

This is the first time my youngest boy is tall and brave enough to go on every roller coaster. Both my boys absolutely made the most of it.

The Great LEGO Race, the one at the LEGO Technic area is fun, fast, and great as a warm-up before venturing to the other two classic roller coasters.

The Small Dragon (Dragon's Apprentice): This one is perfect for repeated rounds. The queue moves fast and the ride has just enough kick for kids who love the not-so-extreme roller-coaster buzz and thrills.

The Big Dragon (The Dragon Coaster): This is a classic. Dramatic castle entrance, thrilling drops, and just enough speed to get everyone (even the adults) screaming and laughing without being too overwhelming.

3. SEA LIFE is Surprisingly Engaging for Big Kids

I wasn't expecting SEA LIFE to hold the kids' attention for long, but it did. We turned it into a mini learning adventure: identifying different species, laughing at some species' names, watching animal behaviour.

Guess what's the highlight? It's that adorable baby stingray that kept "dancing" along its glass tank, flipping and wriggling like it was performing a show.

There's also an illustration station, where my eldest kiddo drew Patrick the starfish. It's surprisingly therapeutic and gives kids (and adults) a creative break between exhibits.

SEA LIFE is a must-do if your kids enjoy animals, marine life, or hands-on activities.

4. What We Missed (and What You Should Check)

We didn't make it to the Water Park this round. It was closed on Tuesdays. So if you are planning your trip, double-check the operating days and hours before you go. It's the kind of small logistical detail that can make or break your itinerary.

So, What Makes Legoland Perfect for Kids Aged 9 to 12?

Well, every parent knows that 9 to 12 is an interesting in-between stage. They are not babies, but they are also not teens yet. Legoland suits this "big kid" stage beautifully because:

• Rides are exciting, not scary.
• Activities are hands-on and stimulating.
• The hotel lobby gives them independent playtime.
• SEA LIFE appeals to their curiosity.
• They can handle a full, active day without meltdowns.
• They appreciate Lego creativity on a deeper level.

This is the age where childhood memories become core memories, and Legoland provides the perfect backdrop.

Tips for Parents Visiting Legoland Malaysia with 9- to 12-Year-Olds

Travelling with older kids is such a joy. Here's what worked for us:

✔ Spend time in the hotel lobby; it’s genuinely a big hit.

✔ Allocate at least 1-2 hours for SEA LIFE.

✔ Go early to avoid queues for the Dragon roller coasters.

✔ Let them choose which rides to repeat.

✔ Go on the rest of the rides and thematic activities (find out from Legoland's website).

✔ If the Water Park is part of your plan, avoid Tuesdays.

This trip reminded me how much magic there is in experiencing a theme park through their eyes. Legoland Malaysia is more than just a place for little ones.

For kids aged 9 to 12, it's a world of adventure, creativity, and discovery. Honestly, I think this might be the best age to visit.

0

Guangzhou Trip 2025: All the Firsts (A Working Trip, But Make It Fun)

My recent Guangzhou trip was meant to be work (think: hospital facilities tour, live medical treatment sessions, doctor interviews). And of course, all that happened.

But somewhere between Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Canton Tower, Guangzhou gave me a long list of 'firsts' that turn a work trip into something a little more memorable.

Here's everything that made this working trip fun!

First Time Flying China Southern Airlines

Just like my first time flying TransNusa to Jakarta, there's always something about boarding a new airline that makes even a routine flight feel a little special. This time, my flight experience with China Southern Airlines makes me momentarily forget I have work deliverables waiting for me on the other end.

First Time Visiting Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou

This one definitely deserves its own spotlight.

Walking into St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, I expected "hospital energy", you know, that cold, clinical, intimidating vibe. But instead, I felt warmth. The people were kind, the environment was welcoming, and the level of care and technology was honestly eye-opening.

It was my first time touring a cancer hospital overseas. Seeing how seriously they take multidisciplinary treatment, how structured their processes were, and how genuinely involved their teams are… it made my work feel even more purposeful. If I ever needed a reminder of why we do what we do, I found it there.

First Time Trying Xinjiang Cuisine

Credit to my Muslim teammates, this was a culinary experience in Guangzhou I didn't know I needed. Lamb skewers, cumin, spices that wake you up and your ancestors hahaha... Xinjiang food (yes, we had Xinjiang cuisine in Guangzhou) is bold, hearty, and full of character!

First Time Walking Along Beijing Road

And then there was Beijing Road - my first time walking through its colourful chaos. The energy was loud, bright, and overstimulating (argghh the crowd!)

But what caught my eye the most? The rows and rows of tanghulu - glossy, jewel-like skewers of candied fruit lined up in every colour possible. If Guangzhou had a dessert mascot, it would definitely be tanghulu. They are just too impossible to ignore.

First Time Taking the Pearl River Cruise at Night

If you ever want to see Guangzhou glow, take the night cruise.

The skyline, the bridges, the neon lights reflecting on the water. It was peaceful and beautiful throughout the entire 1-hour ride.

First Time Seeing Canton Tower in Both Daylight and Night Glow

Seeing Canton Tower twice, once in daylight and once glowing at night, felt like meeting two different sides of Guangzhou. By day, it's sleek and striking. By night, it transforms into a rainbow-lit showpiece that steals the skyline.

And yes, it was breathtaking… but a small part of me felt proud knowing that back home, KL Tower stands just as tall in spirit - equally impressive, if not more, in its own Malaysian way.

0

My Reflection After Visiting St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou

Cancer Diagnosis is Not a Death Sentence

I left Guangzhou with one big takeaway: a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. What I saw and learned during this trip reshaped the way I think about cancer care, especially how China approaches it. Their philosophy goes beyond simply "treating cancer" or "extending survival".

The focus is also on improving the patient's overall quality of life - physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

It was a reminder that hope still exists, even for patients who feel like they have run out of options.

Integrative Oncology and Minimally Invasive Cancer Treatments

At St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, I witnessed first-hand through lectures and an actual live treatment session - how their integrative oncology approach works in real life.

Their system combines:

• Minimally invasive cancer treatments

• Western medical oncology, led by an MDT (multidisciplinary team)

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for strengthening immunity and supporting recovery

This combination gives patients more choices, especially those seeking a second or even third opinion after traditional treatments elsewhere have failed or become too exhausting.

Some of the techniques I saw include Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) and Radioactive Particle (Seed) Implantation. There are also other minimally invasive procedures that reduce trauma yet deliver targeted results. These aren't just "advanced technologies". They offer doors where previously, many patients saw only walls.

If you would like to understand more, feel free to reach out. I can guide you on how to seek cancer treatment at St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou.

The Heart Behind the Care

Beyond the medical side, what truly struck me was the heart behind the hospital’s service. They:

• treat every patient like family

• respect different cultures, beliefs, and nationalities

• offer emotional and psychological support

• stay connected with patients even after treatment ends

There is a real effort to remove fear, build trust, and support the patient as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. And you can feel that warmth everywhere, from the doctors to the nurses to the international service team.

Their philosophy is simple yet powerful:

Love without boundaries.

 

Seeing how consistently they live out this principle reminded me why compassionate healthcare matters just as much as medical innovation.

Returning Home with Renewed Hope

I came back to Malaysia with a renewed sense of hope, not just for patients, but for families who are walking through the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.

With the right people, the right care, and the right heart, patients can find strength even in the hardest journeys.

 

And sometimes, finding a new option or perspective, even thousands of kilometres away, can make all the difference.

0

Six Firsts That Made My Jakarta Trip Memorable

Jakarta wasn't meant to be a holiday. It was a typical work trip, but between the busy moments, I found myself collecting "firsts" - small, unplanned ordinary things that made this trip a little more memorable than I expected.

1. First TransNusa Flight

This was my first time flying with TransNusa. It had always been AirAsia or Batik Air, for example, during my trips to Guilin, Seoul & Macau, Taipei, and Phuket.

There's always something about boarding a new airline that makes even a routine flight feel a little special.

2. Meeting the Ondel-Ondel

At first, I thought they were part of the hotel décor: two towering, colourful figures with painted faces, one red and one white. Then I spotted them again at the airport. Curiosity got the better of me, and a quick search told me they were Ondel-Ondel, Jakarta's iconic Betawi symbol that represents protection and good fortune.

The red-faced man symbolises courage, while the white-faced woman symbolises calm. Together, they bring harmony and protection wherever they appear. Traditionally paraded through the streets to ward off bad spirits, they now stand proudly as reminders of the city's heritage.

It's strange how something I almost walked past turned out to be one of the most meaningful sights of the trip.

3. Indomaret Pop Mie Adventure

I think convenience stores like Indomaret in Jakarta is like Speedmart and KK Mart in Malaysia. I first came across the Pop Mie cup noodles brand on the TransNusa flight.

So when when I saw rows of Pop Mie of different flavours at Indomaret, I just had to buy all of them. I laughed at myself for travelling all the way to Jakarta to buy cup noodles… and then decided it was exactly what I needed.

4. Discovering Nasi Tutug Oncom

I tried Nasi Tutug Oncom for the first time. It's a humble Sundanese dish described as mixed rice with oncom fermented beans, wrapped in banana leaves, and served with assorted salted fish, dry fried chicken, tofu, tempeh, basil leaves, and raw vegetables, and special chili paste or sambal. 

It was simple, honest food - the kind that doesn't try too hard, but leaves you thinking about it hours later.

5. My First Negroni

The first time I heard of Negroni was when I watched "Drink Masters" on Netflix. I Googled, and AI Overview explained: "A Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, garnished with an orange slice or peel. It's typically stirred with ice, strained into a rocks glass with a large ice cube, and served as an apéritif due to its strong, bitter, sweet, and herbal flavour profile."

But, being a non-drinker, I've never tried one. At the hotel bar, I finally did. One sip and I understood the reputation: bitter, bold, aromatic, unapologetically grown-up. It wasn't a "relax by the pool" drink; it was more of a "pause and take it in" kind of drink.

6. Visiting Jakarta Cathedral

The Jakarta Cathedral is located right across from Istiqlal Mosque. Two places of worship standing side by side. Two buildings connected by Terowong Silaturahim.

It was beautiful - architecturally and symbolically. After days of rushing between work and rest, it was the kind of stillness that gently stays with you.

Closing Thoughts

None of these "firsts" were bucket-list material. And maybe that's exactly what made them special. Ironically, they weren't planned (which says a lot, coming from someone who usually over-plans every trip abroad).

They weren't glamorous either. Just small, human, real.

I guess, travel isn't always about how far you go or how much you see.

It's about noticing—really noticing—the little, unplanned things that quietly turn any trip into a story worth remembering. Maybe that's what matters most.

0

Sipping My Way Through Club Med Phuket

 

I’m not the type to fill my holiday schedule with activities. Just give me a quiet spot, a good view, and something nice to sip on. That's my ultimate definition of bliss.

At Club Med Phuket, that's exactly how my days unfolded. While others were doing archery or some form of sports, I was busy curating my own "itinerary": a menu of drinks, each paired with a different feeling of the day and a different shade of the sea, so to speak.

☀️ Mornings always began with coffee.

There's something about starting the day with coffee that feels grounding. That first sip with sunlight reflecting off the pool. That quiet pause before the day properly began.

Morning calm: Coffee + light salad + Phuket sunshine. The ritual that grounded the day.

Coffee + sea + blue sky = three shades of calm. The kind of moment I refused to rush or be rushed.

Mid-morning refuel with a glass of creamy, nutty smoothie; paired with a toasted light bite.

🌿 Afternoons called for something cooler.

Usually some kind iced concoctions. These afternoon drinks became tiny celebrations of slowing down while I hid in the shade. Each sip was a testament that holidays don't need to be rushed.

Post-lunch at the lounge near the main bar, I settled in with this bright, citrusy cocktail that tasted like bottled sunshine. I'm pretty sure it was mango.

Excuse me while I sipped on a pineapple-topped frozen delight, relishing my unapologetically holiday mood in the lounge corner.

The pink cocktail was gentle and vodka-soft, the other bold with apple and ginger. Together, they turned a simple afternoon into a double dose of calm at the Zen Pool.

🌅 Evenings were for cocktails.

Mojito, espresso martini, something citrusy, something sweet. Each one felt like a little chapter — light, fizzy, soothing, or bold — depending on the mood.

It was more than a cocktail. It was a glass as blue as the pool, glowing quietly against the skyline as the day gave way to night.

More cocktails in the early evening by the pool, when the sky still has hints of blue, and the night hasn't quite begun.

A crisp cocktail with a leafy crown, perfect for slowing down as the day fades.

There's something about an Espresso Martini at night. It's strong and unapologetic, like a bold jolt that carries you into the late hours.

And somewhere between the first sip and the last, I realised I didn't miss the activities. I didn't need to tick boxes or keep up with a schedule. The simplicity of it became its own kind of ritual, a way of noticing the small pleasures that often get lost when we're too busy "doing."

Maybe that's the real luxury of a place like Club Med. It doesn't pressure you to do everything. It gives you the space to choose your own version of holiday happiness, even if that means spending everyday measuring your days in cups and glasses.

Because sometimes the best souvenirs aren't activities ticked off a list, but the little rituals you bring home with you. And mine? The freedom of doing almost nothing, but still come home with memories worth keeping.

0