Overseas holidays etc - Travel opens our minds to the world, it helps us to embrace risks and uncertainty, overcome challenges and understand the people we meet and the places we visit. Such collection of tales by WAF' adventurous souls who have completed daring journeys (mostly DIY trips)through challenging situations, confusing no sign boards places with language barrier etc will definitely make our hearts grow. Some stories restore our faith in people, and lastly, the world is not as scary as what some media says!
Australia
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| Bondi beach, Sydney |
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| Australia 1999 |
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| Friendly tour group members |
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| Horse riding was fun on the green green grass of home |
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| Wild wild cowboys |
Brunei
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| Mount Biang, highest point at Temburong, Brunei 1989 |
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| Camp fire celebration |
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| LCT used to transport soldiers from mainland to Tembulong |
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Temburong Army Camp 1989
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| Brunei Sultan 'Golden' Palace |
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| Queue for freebies at Palace |
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| with Sam around, things get more interesting |
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| FREE food and green ang pow from Sultan to public |
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| Meal times are precious moment and unforgettable. With bro KS, Sam and Wemdy. Her warmth hospitability and good cooking really touched me and made me feel at home |
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| KS's SOHO. I had the chance to 'test drive' |
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Last few days for my perm staff services & courtesy of bro KS who brought me here at Tutong beach.
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| Saying goodbye to my Brunei Lancer army service trip after 9 months based in Temburong (& Brunei). Feeling nostalgic after a water taxi trip back to mainland, taking flight next to Singapore |
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China
I felt honour and thankful when both my parents in-laws agreed to join us for holidays in
Hong Kong, Macau and
Shenzhen. Especially when my mother in-law is one who love residing in Singapore than anywhere else in the world! It was also their first overseas experience and allow them to open up their mindsets. After this trip, they also joined us for Penang and Cruise to No where in subsequent years.
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| Hong Kong 1997 |
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| Macau 1997 |
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| Most Memorable Shenzhen tour guide with his unique good services |
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| We miss our KopiO at McDonald |
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| Mini Great Wall of China |
Europe - It took my family at least 6 months to plan and execute a DIY tour in late 2017. This includes planning the countries to visit, itinery, booking the air / train tickets, lodging, local free tours etc. Doing all these in advance will definitely assured us of its availability with better pricing too! We decided on London, Amsterdam, Paris and Switzerland. Here are some interesting videos and photos -
London, United Kingdom DIY trip 2017
Amsterdam/ Holland, we took a direct train from London. When reached, we were puzzled a while how to exit from the train station when it seems nobody use a train ticket to exit. We managed to sort it out when our street sense told us to do so. Click here
for a video trip on Amsterdam
Paris , France
There was initial hiccup when we boarded the train from Amsterdam to Paris. Confusion arise when luggage compartment overloaded and things started to go south with an unfriendly train captain. But glad things settled down fast. We managed to pass through the 'world fearsome' Paris Gare Du Nord station with ease despite many bad publicity. Security was good and the taxi ride and fares were so reasonable that we decided to tip the driver when we found the rates was more competitive than Uber and others! We were glad the rest of trip worked like charm too! Thanks to Jia Xin in particular when her 'street smart' helped us in several difficult situations and she eased with flying colours. Click here for an interesting video link on more eats and fun in Paris
Switzerland - Lucerne, Interlaken and Zurich
The train departed smoothly from Paris and we were glad having a better than expected pleasant experiences. Despite all horror events reported in news, Paris remain charming and cool in our eyes! Next we took another train to Switzerland, our last stop in Europe. Our first stop was Lucerne, follow by scenic train ride to Interlaken and back to Lucerne before we head back to Zurich. My family all agreed Switzerland is the best place to have a memorable feel of Christmas. The cold weather, scenic mountains with lakes, Christmas trees coated with powder snow, city Christmas décor and quiet ambience with Christmas music in the background sum it all.
Click here on the video link to our best Christmas in Switzerland
Indonesia
Batam visited on 18th December 2019. Day trip by ferry so convenient and affordable. S$10/ pax including seafood lunch, places of interest and ferry ticket (booked via Q10)
Bintan
Japan is a place many love to visit at least once and we did it in late 2014.
Their people, culture, food, weather & natures, technology, creativity and conveniences etc are definitely eye opener and it was also our very first time experiencing snow, what an amazing experience!
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| Best Daiyaki at Sapporo, Hokaido |
Tokyo, Japan
Sapporo /Hokkaido, Japan
Osaka, Japan
Korea - visited Seoul and Jeju around late November /early Dec 2015.
Seoul is a happening place where K POP, movies & dramas, fashion, street food and Samsung technologies etc orginated. They have worldwide popularity and followers including large fan base in USA and Middle East besides Asia. Jeju is an island with nature wonders and sweet local fruits ranging from oranges, kiwis and figs etc MUST try their fresh seafood and local street food, which are so much better than Seoul
Here is an interesting video link about our DIY trip
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| Misty cold Korea makes perfect for hiking and shopping etc |
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| 'made in Singapore' Korean beauty |
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| scenic drama shot |
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| Nam San Tower |
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| Autumn perfect |
Laos (in process)
Malaysia, Selamat Datan
Johor is a jewel when you know how to travel smart and safe from Singapore with public transport. The strong exchange rate of Singapore currency make sense to spend and enjoy in our neighbouring country, Malaysia. The most recent trip was in late December 2018 at KSL, Johor Click here
Desaru
Malacca , Genting / Kuala Lumpur November 2010 - been there several times by coach, bus etc finally had a chance to drive there!
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| Penang 2000 |
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| Hotel near beach where eagles flew past often |
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| JJ was 'discovered' here |
Feasting durian at the hotel balcony
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| Cruise to nowhere. Both parents in-laws love the free flow buffet meals from dinner, to supper to morning breakfast etc |
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Taiwan a beautiful country with cool misty weather, interesting food, culture and people! Besides army days, I visited Taiwan several times. Most memorable trips were in Dec 2008 and Dec 2013. Particularly the later trip when we all missed flight! Too bad monkey see monkey do, when leader of the pack turned up to be most sotong. We had a good laugh about our own mistakes though and continue to have an enjoyable trip Click here for our happy times at Taipei and Alisan etc
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| Yang Ming San December 2013 |
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| Alisan |
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| Alisan Shen Mu deep misty forest December 2013 |
Taipei visit in December 2008
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| Lao Zhang, the boss |
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| Lao Ban Niang |
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| Perfect cooling place for ping cha at Maokong tea plantation up hill by cable car Dec 2008 |
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| Taipei 101 |
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Dansui shopping & cycling sea town
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| Dansui seatown / cycling trail |
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| Bintan (Green lake) |
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| Let's go |
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| We enjoyed the COLD misty weather |
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We had a great time leg paddled the boats , tour around e river with its serene beauty!
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| Best peanut crip with veg is nearby |
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| Funny hor, come this ulu place buy frozen pessimons, wahhaahaa |
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| Friendly Hotel Manager |
Army days Taiwan 1989
Thailand, our love stories with the land of thousand of smiles started in 2000 till now. It is a country my family love to visit for its culture, food, activities, weather, shopping etc. Most recent trip includes Bangkok, Saraburi and Khao Kho around early December 2019 - video link
Pictures alone could not justify, here is the video link to recap our happy and candid moments!
Click here for videos on our past trips collections in Thailand!
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| Phuket 2000 Partnership event for a Nasdaq Software company |
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| Chatuchak Weekend market |
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| Sampeng Chinatown, Bangkok 2005-2009 |
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| Elephant Camp, Chiang Mai 2005-2009 |
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| Floating market 2005-2009 |
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| Or Tor Kor market December 2014 |
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| Gigantic cherry juicy & sweet |
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| Duck noodle yummy |
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| Seafood near Chong Nansi station sure Ah Loi |
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| Good breakfast at KC Place hotel, Bangkok 2013 |
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| Coconut ice cream at Chatuchak market |
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| Pratunam market cold in the morning around 18degree! |
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| We never forget visiting our common hideout seafood restaurant at Yaowarat, Chinatown Bangkok |
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| Pattaya 2007 |
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| Parachuting at Pattaya |
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| Chiang Mai 2007 |
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| Chiang Mai 2009 |
Singapore - Our home where WAF families have fond memories etc
The sweet memories start from our homeland, Singapore, follow by countries we visited . I recalled my childhood memory in Mattar Road HDB flat when most taxi uncles would call it '10th storey flat' in hokkien. Many happenings gathered around this neighbourhood from primary and secondary schools, hawker centre and market,playground, basketball court, aquarium shops etc .
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This bridge linked us to nearby Circuit Road hawker centre and pasar malam
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My beloved parents during their courtship days!
Including both my parents and 7 siblings, we had 9 people staying in the 1 room HDB flat. My beloved dad was a taxi driver and my beloved mum a full time home maker. We were poor but happy when there were times we still managed to enjoy the good things like celebration of events like CNY,KFC and McDonald meals, winning 4Ds buying new furniture and decorating our house etc. We had our up and down, these had also taught us to work hard when one wants to get out of poverty.Otherwise we would not be who we are today.
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| Our 'playground' at Mattar East Primary School |
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| Sometimes 'treasure gifts' could also be found at this place...For example, we 'engineered' a way to carry off a discarded big fish tank back home. We learned about team work and credit to our 'chief engineer' in bro James |
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| Especially when it was No joke for 4 small built bros carried a big fish tank of at least 1.5m long up to our 7th storey unit via staircase then . Despite constant glued, it leaked. Success story followed when we decided NOT to fill up too much water. The fishes thrived in it and it gave me an opportunity to start my "first entrepreneur experience" Besides selling fishes to my classmates, I barter trade with aquarium vendor (for other fishes & worms etc) and daily Nasi Lemak boy for its delicious packets of rice. My hobby and extra incomes allowed me to eat up to 3-5 packets of nasi lemak at one go to starve off my hunger and maintain my chubby size |
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My first investment $$ using my hard earned saving and money earned. I bought a fish tank with ligth and air pump. I couldn't wait to experience it back home. I carried the tank single handedly from Sims Drive aquarium to home. Feeling happy and motivated when I fist time witnessed bubble coming out from the castle (via a air tube). Many thanks to both my parents for being so accommodating to my hobby when my fish tanks and bottles etc started to populate and occupy more space in the house.
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| hobby since childhood.. |
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| My dad had this daily ritual of pulling hair out of his chin and head. Maybe this was also a kind of 'self meditation' for him, he felt so relaxed then. |
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| Always in deep thoughts with great perseverance when come to 4D numbers, respect! He already 'invented' on the spot cycling before today gym! |
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| My mum loves 'jiak hong', when I accompanied her taking bus rides from one place to another interchange end. She felt so blissful and happy than facing walls at home |
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| 'sng gum chek' or Uncle Lime, my dad best friend and frequent visitor to our home then. Though tattooed, he was soft spoken, loyal and very kind towards our family. He also adored me a lot. Last met and helped in his mover job when I was in higher secondary. Had a great & delicious zhi char dinner at Circuit Road hawker centre together with another friendly Malaysian teenager when we completed the job. He stayed around Beach Road then..,lost in touch and wonder how was he coping after we last met. |
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| Singapore Zoo. Besides WAF, auntie Vivien and her niece, Wendy. We called Vivien our god sister. She introduced 'Lobang' to our family for extra pocket money for eg, packing/sorting out dried chillies, ikan billies etc Vivien always lively, helpful and energetic, I sincerely wish she will meet her own lucky stars and stay happy! |
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| CNY during childhood. Each time my parents put up the pink curtain, I would be excited to wait for the CNY goodies on the table. My parents, or sister will make an effort to go visit Haw Par Villa or watch a movie etc |
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| Lao da, Beng Seng and me |
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| Happy times at Changi chalet |
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| Very thankful to my dad for keeping his promise to bring us to Bedok Jetty early morning. It was WAF favourite activity playing and catching fish/crab etc at the beach etc. This was my happiest moment! In return, I diligently removed white hair from dad's head when 'duty was called' |
Some recent photos were taken in 2018. Many things changed but some old sights still revive our old good memories!
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| Our flat gone liao now they even have a Mattar Road MRT station |
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| Having a kopiO feeling nostalgic |
Jen finally found her long lost childhood place at Jalan Tentera Feb'22 (nearby current Jalan Toa Payoh)
Media Corp Artiste Vincent Ng & student |
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| Cycling trip from UBK to National Museum, Marina Riverfront etc |
Roller blading was once a leisure sport for my family
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| Telok Kurau Park basketball session 2009 |
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| SOHO Office at D'Gallery 2005 |
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| Rooftop facilities |
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| 'No rule' cycling at DG |
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| Happy times at park 2009 |
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| Recreation at DG |
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| 'Algage' jacuzzi |
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| Morning bf at rooftop |
Events of the year 2019 - Jason and Zhiying wedding
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| Grand wedding on 22nd September 2019 |
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| Among the siblings' children, Jason is the 1st cousin getting married. Time flies, best wishes to both Jason and Zhi Ying |
On 8th Jan 2022, Blenda got married to Jingsong, congrats to my bro James & Moon!
Next come Jia Xin & Jacob' marriage on 30th May 2022
Pulau Ubin, October 2019
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| 12th October 2019 |
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Kallang Residence to Garden by the Bay next
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November 2019 - Kampong Lorong Baungkok , Singapore Civil Defence open house and Ponggol Park farming etc
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| Kampong Lorong Baungkok , the last kampong in mainland Singapore |
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| Kampong landlord, M/s Sng so humble and nice!Tour organizer, Patrick mentioned landlord rejected an offer of $30 million from government. Simplicity is beauty and she is happy with current state. More importantly to ensure lodgings for her current tenants of 20 families (only $30/month rental) |
Special dedication to both Linda & Norman-
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| Linda & Norman |
Followed by a 60th birthday celebration video in 2017. Don't miss out the wonderful sound of music by producer, James & family!
CNY is even more meaningful when WAF gathers and talk until the cows come back home!
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| CNY 1997 |
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| CNY ? |
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| My grand parent's house |
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| CNY 2005 at D'Gallery rooftop |
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| CNY 2005 KFC meals |
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| CNY 2008 |
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| CNY 2014 |
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| CNY 2014 Losing team but in good spirit! |
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| CNY 2014 winning team with last mins luck & cheating or common sense? |
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| CNY 2017 |
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| CNY 2009 |
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| CNY 2009 |
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| CNY 2009 |
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| CNY 2009 |
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| CNY 2011 |
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| CNY 2014 & JJ birthday |
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| and Guests of honor |
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| CNY 2014 buffet lunch courtesy of Sam & family |
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| CNY 2017 |
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| Someone must have farted after Jen's delicious meals |
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| CNY 2017 |
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| CNY 2018 |
Sam Hui's song sums it all for WAF in CNY 2015
However Chinese New Year in 2020 to 2022 is different with much less 'noise' and get-together due to Covid-19 restriction and safety measures here. Strict restriction to each households on guests visits during festive seasons
CNY 2021
Thanks bro James for his video contribution as always!
Other favorites include Nasi Lemak and Japanese Ramen too -
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Their people, culture, food, weather & natures, technology, creativity and conveniences etc are definitely eye opener and it was also our very first time experiencing snow, what an amazing experience!
