FIRST TIME IN CHINA, BUT DEFINITELY NOT THE LAST

Hi friends, after a year, I’m finally writing again.

It feels different this time. There’s so much I want to pour into this blog, but oh well… I’ll save some of it for later. Hahah!

I never thought this year I’d unlock two new countries: Vietnam and China. I mean… WOW. But bear with me and let me walk you through my China trip first.

5am light warms my soul

It all started from a casual chat about traveling. Then we voted on which country to go to, and fast forward suddenly we were ready to gooooo. Four of us chose Shanghai, China, instead of Korea or Japan lol. Okay… maybe next time!

Before I talk more about the trip, let me introduce you to my friends. We’ve been friends since junior high (so about 15 years now), and I even featured them on my blog years ago, before we were separated by different universities. Now, three of us have moved and are glued to another city together.

As someone who’s very picky about who I travel with, I just knew this trip would be a hit—no drama, just fun. And yes, we absolutely crushed it.

Back to the trip. The length was perfect: 8 days exploring Shanghai, Suzhou, and Zhujiajiao. The weather? Chef’s kiss. Around 8–17°C, perfect for layering but not overdoing it. You know what I mean? Lol.

Now, let’s talk about food... because how can we not? We knew we’d love any Chinese foods even if we picked places randomly. And we were right.

One time in Zhujiajiao, we were just casually walking around with zero intention of finding food. Suddenly, we smelled something savoury and irresistible. All four of us stopped at the exact same time, trying to figure out where the smell came from. Oh my goodness, it was hilarious. Within five minutes, we found the store and walked straight in without hesitation. And the food? BOOM. So comforting like mom’s cooking. No wonder the place was packed with locals. 

Of course, we also had a food wishlists. We tried Xie San Bao (蟹叁宝) for crab roe noodles and dumplings. I’d rate it 8.5/10—tasty, but honestly, similar to other crab roe dishes we had at less popular places. In contrast, Fei Da Chu (费大厨) is a must. I totally get the hype. The dishes are classic Chinese food, but the flavours? Hands down.

Okay, enough food talk before I start drooling again. Let me take you through some of the places we visited.

The Oriental Pearl Tower looks stunning both day and night. Seeing it up close was breathtaking. It’s huge. Even though it was raining that night, it didn’t stop us from taking photos before heading to the pier and hopping on a ferry, since we stayed on the opposite side near The Bund.

Talking about The Bund, did I mention where we stayed?
We stayed at Ji Hotel (Shanghai North Bund Waibaidu Bridge), and I highly recommend it. Honestly, Ji Hotels are generally great, but this branch has an especially good location—lots of restaurants nearby, a Lawson, and only about a 10 minutes walk to the train station.

Both Suzhou and Zhujiajiao completely stole my heart. Friendly people, good food, peaceful cities, and I noticed there are more elderly people around, which somehow made the places feel even warmer.

In Suzhou and Zhujiajiao, we spent most of our time visiting gardens. KeZhi Garden is an absolute must-visit. It’s incredibly peaceful and beautiful at the same time. I’m not sure if it was because I visited on a weekday or what, but I loved it so, so much.

All four of us agreed that as we get older, we’ve become… less ambitious lol. Why? Because instead of chasing nightlife, we spent most of our time in gardens (read: quiet places), just talking and enjoying the breeze. A jazz bar sounds nice, but again… we’re old now. Back to the hotel by 10 pm max it is!

Well, besides going to gardens, we also went to Shanghai Disneyland to channel our younger selves. It was amazing (especially the TRON ride!), and now it’s safe to say I’ve unlocked 3/6 Disneylands. Woohoo, more Disneylands to gooooo! 

I’ll close this blog post with one lasting impression: China is truly beautiful. No wonder my grandma kept telling me to visit China whenever I planned a trip abroad. Alright China I see you, I’ll be back soon.

See you (hopefully) soon. Bye xx

TRAVELING ALONE FOR THE FIRST TIME.

Since 2018, I really wanted to experience a solo trip, and finally it's happening in 2024! Words couldn't describe how I feel, but if I had to put it into one word, it'd be ✨ Blessed ✨.

I chose Singapore for my first solo trip because I know how safe this country is. Since I've been to Singapore several times, I know I'll be comfortable.

I went there for only 3 days and had no itinerary. To be honest, this is not for me, but I kind of like it. Let me break down where I went.

Day 1:

On day one, most of my time was spent with Jewel. To see this kind of view inside a building is just breathtaking. I can't get enough of the view, so I decided to have lunch at Shake Shack in order to see this view while enjoying my burger! 🍔

 

Next, I checked in at the Dream Chaser Boutique Hotel, which is located in Bugis. I had a very pleasant stay here. Although it's a budget hotel, the service, the interior, and the cleanliness are great! I think you should consider this place if you're on budget 😉

 

After check-in and taking a shower, I just strolled around Bugis for dinner, watched a movie, and bought a ring in the Haji Lane's vintage store. 

 

Day 2:

Usually, when travelling, I tend to wake up and leave the hotel early, like when I'm about to go to work or omething. But for this trip, I woke up around 9ish! This is rare.

 

My second day was filled with shopping in Orchard, a picnic in Marina Barrage, and having a drink in one pub located in Haji Lane. Pretty chill, uh? 

Isn't this beautiful?

The essentials

Day 3:

Since I took a very late flight, so I got pretty much a whole day in Singapore. 

After checked out, I went to one of the popular place in SG called Joo Chiat. In here you can find a Peranakan houses with beautiful colours. 

Besides sightseeing, there are lots of cute stores and Katong Laksa! Wah, I really wanted to try the Laksa but ended up not doing so because I was still full. For sure, I will try it next time!

 

Okay, from Joo Chiat, I go back to the Bugis area, so it's easier for me to pick up my luggage and travel back to Changi. I did try one current popular ice-cream store called Birds of Paradise. It's not overhyped, and you should try their coconut flavor! Yummmz

I never thought I liked solo trips until I had them. 

I enjoy being silent, go whenever I want to, and eat whatever I crave. 

 

Okay, since my friend asked about these questions according to my solo trip, I think I wanted to share my answers here. 

 

Did I scare? No, because I know I'll be safe in Singapore.

Did I feel lonely? No, probably because only 3- days? Idk 🤷‍♀️

Will I go on another solo trip? Of course, I would! Looking for it, haha

 

Any questions about my experience? Feel free to drop me a DM on Instagram, @vneesaa. I'll be very happy to answer all your question(s)!

 

Next month, I'll head to Bali for 8 days. Stay tuned for my upcoming traveling stories!

Thank you for reading,

Nessa

Oh hi, I'm back again with my stories when in Bali!

 Oh, hi mate!

How are you doing? Hopefully you're doing great wherever you are ok. How about me? Well, I'm beyond great.

It's almost a year I don't share stories on my blog. This time is a lot of stories to tell, tbh. 

Starting from I finally know how Bali looks like in person (twice actually, on October and November) before I move to new office. I can't thank enough for His grace, and I couldn't be where I am now because of Him.

Okay, where should I start first? Bali story? Cool, let's roll!

Bali

Bali has been one of my place-to-go for quiet a while, but since there's a pandemic I gotta postpone my urge. But who knows last 2021 I got chance to travel Bali. Not once, but twice in a row! I stayed in very comfortable villas when work outing with ex-colleague. Without any further adieu, here are some snippet!

I find peace in Bali. 

In my opinion, Bali is where you can finding anything. Want to experience something spiritual? A peaceful beach like where my friend and I read book? Majestic mountain? A club to hang with the gang? Bali has it all. No joke. I had experienced some great places as well as their beautiful culture. Love all of them and makes me want to explore more.

Would definitely go back to Bali! But as my past experience, Bali's weather not the best on November because almost everyday there was a heavy rain and wind. But when in October, it was top notch!

Talking about traveling means it's also about the foods. For me, all Balinese foods are great, just the portion is way too big for me. Hahah! It's savory, spicy, crunchy and everything in between. I mean, how can you not love their Balinese foods?

Talking about Bali, for sure there's one highlight moment that I still vividly remember. Which is a guy came to me, introduced himself, we chatted for a while when I was in Motel Mexicola. It's a highlight because no guys ever came to me, so yeah... I bet you know how I feel. Like butterflies?

Bali really hold so many of my core memories. Can't wait for my next Bali trip on July 2024 for my cousin's wedding! 

xx,

Nessa

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR.

Oh, hi mates! I'm really miss blogging so much tbh but these past months I just don't feel like writing much aside on my full time job as content writer. I'm sorry.

Soooo, this month has been magical. I never thought my birthday this year would be much much better than before #blessed

The excitement is elevating in every level tho, and now it's time to tell you why. 

See, since I live alone in Jakarta, most of my weekends are filled with working on my family business' Instagram account or hanging with friends. So earlier this month I realized how much I miss "me time", therefore on Saturday morning I woke up real quick, took a shower, wear a most comfy outfit with tote bag, and start roving around South Jakarta using public transportations.

It was hella fun! You should try it, you know. Just you, your playlist, and go wherever you want.

Next, I celebrated birthday while sleepover at Verine's (left). These two cupcakes and Finley, who wasn't in frame, are my friends since I was junior high back then in Medan. We separated during college and three of us reunited again in Jakarta.

Funny how we separate for four years but the 10+ years friendship still going strong. Love them to the core!

Moving on. 

This month happen to has Eid Mubarak long holiday, therefore I sleepover in my cousin's. They invited me to Haidilao and my first experience there was marvelous. The food is 11/10 (not gonna lie, shooo good!) and my cousins surprised me with birthday dancing from the employees.

It was so embarrassing because people are looking at me, but on the other hand I was thrill because they got me. Yeah, they got me good because it was spotless and I didn't expect anything tho.

Note: If we become friend on Instagram, you prolly saw how shocked, happy, and laugh until shed tears I am through my Instagram story.

Lastly and the highlight surprise of the year is the spontaneous road trip.

Yes, I really love road trip especially go to somewhere I can see view like below. Gosh, the memories still flying all over my head and it was really fun tho.

This trip is totally unprepared. The idea of this trip came out from my head three days before I went to Bogor and I packed real quick without booking any hotel. All plans about where to go and sleep are still vague, but that's the most interesting points. The experience is indescribable and for sure I would like to have this kind of road trip again!

Here comes to the end, hopefully this post entertains you and I'm able to write more often on my blog like I used to. Oh yes, this year I plan to travel in several places in Indonesia, so see you on upcoming post about my travel journey!

Let's be friend on TikTok, here's my account: vneesaa (just click my username, you'll directly link to the page)

xx,

nessa

YOU WILL BE MISSED.

Hey mates! as what I've said in my previous blog post, I'll traveling to Bangkok and it's time for you to sit back and chill while reading this post alright. 

Where to stay?

Well, this is basically the main point when you're traveling. where to stay?

From me, there two options. If your aim is shopping then I will recommend you to stay in Pratunam area just like I did. oh jeez, walking for more or less 10 minutes then you will arrive in their market which especially sell clothes and bottoms ! if you walk around 20-30 minutes, there are lots of malls there.

Different from you who like night life, Sukhumvit area suits you well because there are lots of pub there and I also visited new Mall which called Emquartier, and look what I found! oh this breathtaking view successfully makes me speechless

Where to go?
Besides shopping, there are lots of temples or museums that you should visit.

Wat Arun is basically like "must visit" place when you're in Bangkok and no wonder that you will find a lot of tourists there. Going to Wat Arun isn't that easy tho because you have to go there by boat (which means you have to pay) but it's not that bad because by paying 200 B, I can go several place by using boat and I got chance to visit the biggest mall in Bangkok called Icon Siam. back to Wat Arun, Wat means Temple #fyi and here are some photos

hands down for its architecture! all of the hues are made of ceramic and it's just so beautiful if I can say.

oh yes, before I write more about where to go I will attach the boat that I use when I visit Wat Arun, Icon Siam, Khao San Road, and Asiatique.

you can sit on top or down stair 

my view when dusk.

Asiatique also a "must visit" place, in here sells so many food which is more into night-market vibes. In fact, they sell alligator meat as well.

Pratunam area is definitely a place that you have to visit no matter you love shopping or not because you can see the crowd and how amazing Bangkok is where there is a bridge that connected from one mall to another so we can easily walk without getting heat from the sun.

You like Chinese food? well, Chinatown is the answer but it doesn't mean that they only sell Chinese food tho. it is phychology thingy I guess when you wanna eat Chinese food then you gotta go to chinatown. I would prefer you to come here at night because you can see all the lights and obviously it would enhance the vibes.  

After a long walk, all we need is Thai Massage. It's calming and relaxing, some people said Thai Massage also a must to include in your itinerary. Perhaps you should give a try

I've one recommended museum that I didn't have chance to visit. It's called Erawan Museum. why don't you try to google it out and thank me later(:

What to eat?
I think every Bangkok foods are delicious, at least for me. Because I like something spicy and a bit sour. Tom Yum is a must when you visit Thailand. keep that in mind.

After You cafe. This cafe is soooo hype in Bangkok and I ordered baby size because I went there all by myself and turns out I can't finished it too because it's a lot. but on top of that, it's delicious! 

This is the popular Honey Shibuya Toast

 If I can say, this Bamii Sabx2 is too overrated. You have to queue just to eat this pork noodle because there are always out of space. [ 100 B / bowl ]

 Thai Tea also a must when you're in Bangkok and no joke this brand is the best of the best.

This bread also so popular in Bangkok and I ate it in Chinatown. Pardon me, I couldn't write their name here but you can find it on my Instagram Story(:

IT'S MICHELIN GUIDE HAINAN CHICKEN RICE!! You gotta queue too for this savory chicken rice. I don't know about you but I'm the biggest fan of chicken rice and I like this. You can also request which part of the chicken you like. I'm major love chicken breast so I ordered mine with chicken breast.

Any Transportation options?

When in Thailand, I would recommend you to try using TukTuk at least once because there are lots of TukTuk scams especially for tourist so I think once is enough.

BTS, it's a monorail that ease us to go from one place to another. Negative side is that for elder people, it would be quiet hard and you need more in walking but put aside the negativity, the positive side is that it's way cheaper. I used BTS when I got chance to solo traveling on my last day in Bangkok.

Grab. It's an online taxi. 

Taxi. It's a freaking taxi. 

Bus. I didn't use bus but I think you should give a try but not when you travel with your fam. 

and it comes to the end. hope this post helps you, mates. After more or less 10 years finally I'm back to Bangkok and I can see lots of differences compare to last time I visited Bangkok and nothing can express my feeling besides happy. 

oh jeez, it's already the last month of the year and all I can say is that I'm beyond blessed with whatever happens to me this whole year and I'm surely can't wait to see what's waiting for me in upcoming years.

have you start counting blessing? 

xx,

nessa

TOKYO, 2019 [PART II]

hey mates! good to be back and carry on my Japan trip journey, finally now we are in the last part of the trip. Lists that I will mention below are somehow the best I've ever mentioned, save the best for the last. 

Fans of Takoyaki or that crispy bread with strawberry filling? if you are then visiting Gindaco is a must! I meant, how can you go to Japan but not try their most favorite dishes? Still remember, it was beautiful morning with bright sun and windy air, my cousin and I sat on their small shop and eating these after shopping in their local store.

WISHLIST CHECKED! at first my cousin and I have a long thought about which should we choose, Disneyland or Disneysea? turns out we choose Disneysea because it's beyond blessing and out of our expectation that we can go to Japan, since Disneysea only can be founded in Japan so in case this is our last time in Japan then we have no regret leaving because we choose Disneysea.

Actually we tried lots of foods that they sell, but these cutie aliens mochi is the best of the best so I just post this. guess what, each mochi has different flavor! which bring personal surprise for me guessing which flavor is this.

Everytime I traveling, I always look for hidden gem. Place that not so familiar or perhaps it's so hard to find, I'll go! Found this aisle in around Shinjuku, close to their train station. Actually I saw several western photographer or traveler went here but never thought of my mind that it is so hard to find this place. I don't know it is because my cousin and my phone are dead so we couldn't use map or because it is small aisle so it is more complicated. Well, at first I was shocked because majority people who sell foods are people from China, not Japanese.

Another must-eat food when you're in Japan especially Tokyo is fluffy pancake in Gram. Good news! now Gram also open their branch in Jakarta, Indonesia. seriously, by the time I taste it I'm feeling like I'm in cloud 9! well, in Gram each customer must order 1 food/drink so these are what we order. Actually we want to try their original fluffy pancake but it is sold out so we tried their fluffy pancake with three-layer-of-topping. On bottom is egg, middle is chocolate with cream and on top is fruits.

Last time I had almost one free day alone at Tokyo because my cousin took early flight back to hometown meanwhile mine was at midnight so I decided to go somewhere to chill. I choose Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building as my destination, because it's free. yes, it's free. Tokyo Tower sounds cool, but since at that time I didn't have lots of money and I still needed to use my money for eat and transportation so I prefer Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and you can see Mount Fuji from here! so if you have another free time and you want to see Tokyo from top then Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building will be a destination that you take into consideration. but you guys have to queue because there are lots of people there.

For me, Ginza is more about elite and shopping centre. You can find any brands you want, in fact there is 6 floors UNIQLO in Ginza.  

Last but not least is Gyukatsu. oh jeez! this is h-e-a-v-e-n. There are slices of raw beef that you can grill it by yourself, dip it with various sauces, salad, scallop, soup and rice. This is just a perfect mix! since you grill it by yourself, you can decide whether it is rare, medium rare or well-done.

so it's a wrap for my Japan trip, jeez I miss Japan so much tho. Hopefully next year I have a chance to travel around Indonesia and visit place that I've never been to.

xx,

nessa