[29 Jan] A Familiar Ritual
Chinese New Year was spent in Malaysia with my partner. It seems to be a bit of a trend these days. The vibe was great – fireworks everywhere. Some from business owners, others from families. They went on throughout the night, and throughout the nights. Now I know why she is not a fan of fireworks.
[1 Mar] Desaru, Revisited
I hadn’t been to Desaru in ages. The last time I was there was for a corporate event filled with team-bonding exercises by the beach – tug of war, etc.
This time, we stayed at Hard Rock Desaru at the beginning of the year, which coincided with a Malay festival. The water park next door was mostly empty. We went on the same rides multiple times with no queues. What an experience.
[25 Mar] The Blind Box Phase
2025 was also the year I got into Pop Mart blind boxes – Cry Baby, in particular. Little did I know that my sister and my two nieces were into Pop Mart as well. That discovery instantly made buying presents much easier.
[14 Apr] First Time in Japan
Hokkaido in late spring was charming in its own way – mostly white and grey. It was my first time visiting Japan.
I didn’t expect to love onsen bathing facilities, but I did. It became almost ritualistic. By the end of the trip, I was bathing twice a day, onsen-style. That alone says something.
[5 May / 15 Jun] Bailey Time
As part of an unofficial joint-custody arrangement, I look after Bailey the Pomsky whenever his mum needs help.
He really loves my neighbourhood – I think it’s the scent. So many dogs around where I live. He also loves the mini dog park, which is the only place outside the home where he can be unleashed. He loves playing fetch. With or without a leash, dramas tend to follow him. But what to do? He is what he is.
[29 Jun] A Break in Krabi
My partner thinks my new job is taxing. She’s not wrong.
So we booked a holiday to Krabi. Snorkelling was fun, though the underwater scene wasn’t as impressive as Tioman Island. Thai food, as always, was excellent.
In the past, I didn’t like Thai oil massages. But in the spirit of adventure, I gave it another shot – and loved it. Both the inexpensive street ones and the hotel versions.
[7 Jul] The Oura Ring Effect
The arrival of the Oura Ring was, without exaggeration, life-changing.
I rarely drink alcohol now – only in social settings. I exercise more, eat healthier, and sleep more. Data can be persuasive when it quietly holds up a mirror.
[12 Jul] Glamping, Malaysia Edition
July, much like Chinese New Year, usually means a trip to Malaysia.
This time, it was my first glamping experience. Essentially, a very large air-conditioned tent with enough beds for a big family, complete with an indoor bathroom and kitchen. The site also had common areas for hanging out, playing games, and singing karaoke. Camping, but without the suffering.
[31 Aug] Balcony Gardening
Last year, I started experimenting with growing plants on my balcony. I don’t have green fingers, and keeping plants alive isn’t easy.
Yet there’s one plant that keeps coming back from the dead – even when all the others are long gone. Wishbone flowers. Seeing them return again and again is oddly heart-warming. Such tenacity of life.
[27 Sep] Back to Hong Kong
It’s always good to visit Hong Kong – to see my parents … and that one friend I still keep in touch with.
Hong Kong doesn’t seem to have changed much. Still crowded. Still full of good food. Still plenty of bookstores selling physical books, and shops offering locally designed goods.
[29 Sep] Macau, Eventually
My mum, my partner, and I finally made it to Macau. We couldn’t do it the year before due to cold weather.
This time, the problem was the opposite. It was hot. I thought it was supposed to be autumn in Hong Kong and Macau?!
Speaking of weather, we almost didn’t board our flight to Hong Kong because of a Typhoon Signal 10. And yes – there was another typhoon the day before our return.
[2 Oct] Lion Rock
We hiked up Lion Rock (495 metres above sea level) with my friend Alex. Alex found the heat overwhelming. We live in Singapore, so we’re more used to this kind of weather.
Growing up, I’d always wanted to climb Lion Rock. Another box ticked. Yay.
[6 Dec] Half-Marathon, Done
Yes. I ran a half-marathon.
There’s another post that goes into more detail, but the finisher’s medal looks great. It was my first attempt, and my timing was 2:42:55. I’m pleased with myself.
[15 Dec] One Last Drive
Since my car was due to be scrapped by year-end, we decided to take it on one final trip to Malaysia.
We met my colleague MK in KL. He’s a fun guy. The meet-up wasn’t planned – and that was the best part.
[18 Dec] Monkeys at Malawati Hill
Malawati Hill in Selangor is home to a type of monkey I haven’t seen in Singapore. These black ones, I’ve read, are vegetarians.
They also seem more docile than the brown ones. A small but memorable stop.
[30 Dec] The End of an Era
This date marked the end of my 25 years of driving in Singapore.
My 10 year-old 2.0L Mazda 3 had clocked only 74,000 km when it was scrapped. In another country, I would have kept driving it. I may miss the lifestyle – but I certainly won’t miss the cost.
Looking Back
A year passes faster than it feels while living through it. These 18 moments are what remained after the noise faded. Not everything, but enough.