A Malaysian’s Journey to Sapa, Vietnam: Cat Cat Village, Sun World Fansipan Mountain, Moana Lisa, Sapa City Town

Hey guys! Welcome back to my travel blog!
I’m so excited to share the next part of our Sapa, Vietnam adventure with you!
If you’ve already read my first post, where I talked about our hotel stay and transportation tips, you’ll know that our journey up to this peaceful mountain town was smooth and scenic.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can click HERE to read all about how we got to Sapa and where we stayed.
Now it’s time to dive into the part I’ve been looking forward to sharing the most, the real magic of Sapa: the breathtaking landscapes, quiet mountain villages, rich cultural experiences, and the peaceful vibe that makes this destination so unique.
Sapa surprised me in so many ways; from the cool, foggy mountain air to the colorful villages in the valleys, it felt like we were in a picture.
Everywhere we went, there was something nice to see, whether it was a waterfall hidden in the trees, a quiet spot with mountain views, or a local market full of bright fabrics and handmade things. 
The peaceful feeling and unique culture in Sapa made this part of the trip very special.
This post is all about the places we explored in and around Sapa, I’ll also share what stood out to us and why this destination should definitely be on your Vietnam itinerary, especially if you're someone who loves nature, photography, or a bit of adventure.
Let’s get into it , and trust me, by the end of this post, you might just find yourself dreaming of misty mountains, peaceful villages, and scenic trails too.


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A Malaysian’s Journey to Sapa, Vietnam: KL to Sapa Travel, Where to Stay, and Hanoi Return

This blog post has been long overdue, one that I’ve been meaning to write for quite some time now.
Life moves fast, and sometimes it's easy to delay documenting the beautiful moments.
But some memories are too precious to keep to ourselves, and this trip to Sapa, Vietnam, is one of them.
Back in February, right after the Lunar New Year holiday, I went on a short but unforgettable getaway with my two dear girlfriends, Wan and Kay.
We had planned this trip for about six months, counting down the days with excitement and anticipation, and finally, it came true.
But this wasn’t just any trip; it was a celebration of our 25 years of friendship, a quarter of a century of growing up, laughing, supporting each other, and creating a lifetime of memories.
Time really flies. It feels like just yesterday we met in the US, figuring out our way in a foreign country, sharing the same house and even the same room.
We studied together, cooked together, stressed over exams, and found joy in the little things. We also worked hard, juggling part-time jobs and saving every dollar of pocket money just to make ends meet. Looking back, those days were tough but filled with warmth, determination, and genuine joy.
They were the kind of moments that shape you, and they remain some of the most treasured times in my life.
For this trip, we spent 4 days and 3 nights in the beautiful highlands of Sapa, followed by 3 days and 2 nights in the vibrant streets of Hanoi.
In this post, I’ll be sharing how we traveled from Kuala Lumpur to Sapa by sleeper bus, returned to Hanoi by sleeper train, and a review of the hotel we stayed at.
Since this is quite a long post, I’ll be covering all the places we visited and the food we tried in a separate one. And then the Hanoi adventures will be saved for another new post!
So if you’re thinking of planning your own Sapa journey, or just want a cozy read, stay with me.


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Just Clean Cleaning @ Where Cleanliness is a Way of Life

Let’s be honest....
Cleaning might not be everyone’s favorite thing, but for me, it’s everything.
Clean spaces make me feel calm, clear-headed, and in control.
Whether it's at home or at work, I believe cleanliness isn't just about appearances, it's about hygiene, health, and a sense of peace.
I’ll admit it...
I have a bit of OCD when it comes to cleaning.
I can’t relax unless every corner of my house is spotless, and yes, that includes behind the fridge and under the couch!
The same goes for my workspace, I’ve found that a clean environment helps me think clearer, work smarter, and just feel better overall.
With that said, today, I want to share a little more about Just Clean Cleaning and what it’s all about? What do they do? And how can they help make your home or workspace shine?
Let’s find out together.



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My Review of the Origin Hybrid Mattress @ Origin Mattress (With Discount Code)

Over the years, I’ve received countless questions about my skincare routine; what products I use, how often I exfoliate, or which serums I swear by.
While I do have my favorite skincare staples, there's one thing I always emphasize: great skin starts with great sleep.
Lately, I made a small change that ended up making a big difference in how I sleep and feel overall.
I finally decided to change my mattress and got the Origin Mattress, something I had been thinking about for a while.
One of the main reasons I looked into Origin was because I already had their Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow, which I bought about five years ago.
That pillow has held up so well over the years, it’s still in great condition and helps me sleep comfortably every night.
If you're interested in my review of the Origin pillow that I mentioned, you can read it HERE.  
So I already trusted the brand, and that gave me the confidence to try their mattress too.
After just a few nights of sleeping on it, I felt more rested, and because I was finally getting good, deep sleep, my skin started to feel more refreshed too. :)
It really reminded me how much good sleep matters, not just for how you feel, but also for how you look.
So for today’s post, I’ll be sharing my personal review of the Origin Hybrid Mattress, based on my own experience after using it for a while.
I know many of you are curious about whether it's really worth the hype, especially if you're looking to improve your sleep quality like I was.
Hopefully, this post will give you a better idea of what it’s like, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you too!


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North New Zealand: 5D4N Must-go-Places in Auckland (Part 5)

Hey everyone!
Can you believe it’s already been a month since my last post here?
Time really flies, somehow it’s already end of April and the first quarter of 2025 has come and gone!
I hope you’re all doing well and that the year has been treating you kindly so far.
It honestly feels like forever since I last updated my travel blog.
Ever since I started sharing more actively on XiaoHongShu (XHS), I’ve been pouring a lot of my travel content over there, everything from hotel reviews and trip itineraries to food adventures and must-visit spots.
If you’ve been following along, you might have caught my recent posts about Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Vietnam, there’s been quite a bit to share!
If you’re curious and want to see more detailed updates, definitely check out my XHS page https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5fb724510000000001002d80.
I’d love to have you join me over there too.
But for today, let’s get back to where it all started, my journey to New Zealand.
I figured it’s finally time to wrap up my New Zealand travel series.
Can you believe it’s been almost a year since that trip? Time really does slip away...lol
Thank you so much for sticking around and being a part of this journey with me.
And yes, I have to finish this post because… guess what? Another road trip is just around the corner—I'm heading to the UK next month!
I believe it's going to be another fun road trip—probably the most exciting one of the year.
I seriously can't wait!
But before that, I just need to wrap up the final chapter of my New Zealand adventure! :)


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Campervan Road Trip in South New Zealand: 5D4N Must-go-Places in Christchurh (Part 4)

Yes! Finally, Our South New Zealand Road Trip Ends in Christchurch!
After an incredible journey exploring the South Island of New Zealand, we’ve finally arrived at our last stop: Christchurch! 
This marks the end of an unforgettable campervan road trip that took us from Queenstown, through Te Anau, Milford Sound, and Arrowtown, to the stunning Lake Wanaka, Haast Pass, Twizel, Mt Cook, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, and Timaru. 
Each place we visited had its own charm, mostly small towns and peaceful villages that offered a quiet retreat into nature. It’s been an amazing experience; hiking through stunning landscapes, capturing breathtaking views, and discovering local cultures and histories. 
But after all that tranquility, we were ready for a change of pace, entering Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. 
It’s time to embrace the city vibe! Jia En, in particular, is thrilled for this part of the trip. As a true city lover, she’s been exicted awaiting the chance to leave behind the quiet, peaceful towns and embrace the vibrant energy of urban life.
If you’re new to my blog, be sure to check out my previous posts where I’ve shared all the details of my journey across New Zealand’s South Island. 
Part 1: we explored Queenstown’s adventure-filled landscape, the serene beauty of Lake Pukaki, the tranquil town of Te Anau, the awe-inspiring Milford Sound, and the historic charm of Arrowtown.
Part 2: we discovered the stunning landscapes of Lake Wanaka, Haast Pass, Twizel, Mt Cook, and Lake Pukaki, each offering unique natural beauty and unforgettable experiences.
Part 3: we visited the stunning Lake Tekapo, enjoyed stargazing at Mt John University Observatory, and had a memorable encounter with wild blue penguins in Timaru.
So, here comes our exciting 5D4N adventure in Christchurch, where we’ll explore the city's vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions!
Ready? Lets go! :)


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A Short Staycation and Celebrate Chinese New Year @ Royale Chulan Seremban

Hey! How's everyone weekend?
It’s been a busy week for me, and I’ve come to realize that December and January are always my busiest months of the year. 
In December, I usually take at least one week off to relax, but then it’s back to the whirlwind of Christmas celebrations with friends and family. After that, January kicks in, and work always picks up as we prepare for Chinese New Year. On top of that, I’m also celebrating my birthday this month, making it even more busy and eventful. And let’s not forget, Chinese New Year also falls in January, which adds to the excitement (and the stress).
So, between work, family gatherings, celebrations, and personal milestones, December and January always end up being a blur of activity.
Despite the craziness, I decided to take a short break to recharge and escape the hustle and bustle. 
Last weekend, I went on a staycation to Seremban, and it was just what I needed. 
The peaceful surroundings and a change of scenery were the perfect remedy after all the busy days. It was a refreshing little getaway that gave me the time to relax and reset before diving back into everything.
So today, let me share more about my short getaway in Seremban, especially the hotel I stayed at this time, Royale Chulan Seremban. 
It was a fantastic choice for a relaxing stay, with its comfortable amenities, great location, and welcoming atmosphere. 
It’s amazing how a short trip can do wonders for your energy and mindset. 
Now I feel more ready to tackle the rest of the month, with all its celebrations and responsibilities!


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Campervan Road Trip in South New Zealand: Must-go-Places in Lake Tekapo, Mt John university Observatory, Timaru with Wild Blue Penguins (Part 3)

Hey everyone! Welcome back to my travel blog.
I’m so excited to kick off 2025 with a new post, continuing the story of my New Zealand adventure from May 2024. 
I know it’s taken me quite some time to finally wrap up this post, I hope you don’t mind the delay, and I truly appreciate your patience and support. 
A huge thank you to all of you who’ve been following along since the very beginning, it means the world to me! Please stay tuned for more travel stories coming your way, and I can't wait to take you on this journey with me.
After two incredible parts of stunning landscape, charming towns and amazing experiences, I am super excited to share what's coming up next.
If you missed parts 1 and 2, here's a quick overview. 
In part 1, I wrote about the campervan we rented from MAUI Motorhomes and our journey from Queenstown. We enjoyed the lively vibe and amazing views, then traveled to Te Anau, saw the stunning Milford Sound, explored the historic Arrowtown, and by Day 5, we reached the beautiful Wanaka. One of the highlights of this leg of trip was definitely catching the Southern Lights on the 4th night in Queenstown, an absolutely magical experience!
In part 2, I shared our time in Wanaka, surrounded by mountains and lakes, and also driving along the incredible Haast Pass, one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. After Wanaka, we stopped in Twizel, a peaceful town surrounded by nature, and then made our way to Mt. Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak. The drive was amazing, with snow-covered mountains, roiling hills, and clear lakes all around. Seeing Mt. Cook up close was something I'll never forget! Our trip continued to Lake Pukaki, where the water was the most brilliant blue I've seen. I took so many photos and also treated ourselves to some fresh raw salmon to enjoy the moment. 
And for today's post, let's wrap up our time at Lake Tekapo and Timaru before we head off to Christchurch, where we'll finally get a taste of some city vibes!


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