This is Seagate latest edition to its portable Backup Plus series - the Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch. And I am pleased to have the chance to review this uniquely designed external hard drive. While I am not into techie stuff, reliable backup drives are a relevant and important gadget in my work as a travel writer and photographer. In this era of cameras and video cameras getting ever higher specifications, having a reliable external back...
New Zealand North Island Self-Drive Road Trip

This 1-week road trip to the North Island of New Zealand, was like a sequel to my South Island road trip, also a year ago in May 2018. Most travel reviews cite South Island as the 'prettier' of the two - more scenic and less crowded with highlights like the spectacular Mt.Cook and Milford Sound or Fiordland National Park while the North Island has the beautiful Hobbiton Movie Set, thermal 'hotbeds' in Rotorua and the Bay of...
Off The Beaten Track to Vilnius, Lithuania.

This short off the beaten track to Vilnius, Lithuania to acquaint myself with birch tree sap and its production was arranged by my business partner in early 2018. Though brief, the trip certainly opened my eyes to this Baltic state, which was a former Soviet bloc nation.
Vilnius city does not have bustling night market nor street food like in Thailand or Taiwan. But if...
What You Can Do With Just 3 Days in Guilin.

China is one huge country and among its 674 cities, Guilin is one of the most popular destinations. But what you can do with just 3 days in Guilin? In this travelogue, I like to share my 3 Days Guilin itinerary and some travel ideas for a quality short trip. Most who have yet to visit this city will surely have seen its spectacular scenery of karst mountain landscape and the ubiquitous 'old fisherman with cormorant'...
Broome – Photographers’ Heaven in Western Australia

This exploratory trip to the laidback resort town with Alvin Foo (Principal, Canon Imaging Academy) and Cindy Loo (Jetabout Holidays) convinced me that Broome is certainly a photographers' heaven in Western Australia.
For city folks with a penchant for the non-touristy, serene and unhurried pace of life or photography enthusiasts looking for spectacular nature, wildlife and landscape or couples planning...
Kanchanaburi, one of Thailand’s most underrated destinations

Kanchanaburi offers something for everyone and in my honest opinion, is certainly one of Thailand's most underrated destinations. Blessed with natural and historical attractions, this laid-back town features many sightseeing opportunities that would please nature lovers and history buffs alike. World War II memories dominate a large portion of the town, with a number of museums and war memorials dedicated to the many lives lost during the Japanese occupation, while nature parks and its...
The Jewel at Changi Airport

When shooting a newly minted landmark as iconic as The Jewel at Changi Airport during the preview days prior to the official opening on the 17th of April 2019, any photographer at whatever level of experience will face a steep learning curve. One of the key challenges comes from the immense human traffic as 500,000 preview visit passes were issued for the 1-week event. But we went through a shooting session and came away with some tips that might just help those planning a photo trip...
Outdoor Pet Photography

Outdoor family photography session with pet can be an important 'milestone' for many. To some, it marks a new adventure in their life with the addition of a pet in the family. Having a pet is a major commitment, somewhat akin to adopting a baby or another family member. I had the privilege recently to conduct a photo-shoot for Paul and Rachel, long time friends who I went scuba diving almost a decade ago. It was a joyous occasion to shoot them with their 4.5 months old cute and adorable...
Thermal Gliding in Canberra

Australia has always been one of the world's powerhouses for exciting activities that adrenaline junkies swear by - skydiving, shark diving, kite surfing, hang gliding, and bungee jumping, just to name a few. Coming from a tiny highly urbanised country like Singapore, the opportunity to enjoy thermal gliding is non-existent as huge tracts of land and airspace with the right conditions are required.
Being an aerial enthusiast when I was an avid aeromodeller during my teens, the dream to sail...
33 Things to Do, See, Eat on a Road Trip to Canberra and Regions

This one week exploration trip to Canberra - the capital of Australia and the surrounding regions reveals one thing - Australia is consistently beautiful, whichever the region, with each having slightly different 'personalities and flavours'. The impression of Canberra, being the seat of political headquarter, is 'less exciting' is certainly a misconception. This travelogue highlights 33 things to do, see, eat on a road trip to Canberra and regions. ...