Located at the south of South Korea, a tiny island has gained popularity with its dramatic volcanic terrains and picturesque beaches. Known for its island greenery, Jeju Island is a popular sweet escape from the bustling city. There are many places you can explore in Jeju Island but one thing’s for sure, have you really visited Jeju if you haven’t climbed their famous mountain?Mt. Hallasan in SpringNestled in the heart of this island is the famous Mt. Hallasan with the summit at 1,947m tall – the highest point in their country. Pride itself on offering a great view from the top, this mountain takes an average of 7h 19 mins to complete. Here is my experience about my climb and my take on the million-dollar question – Is it worth the climb? ROUTESThere are multiple hiking routes up Mt. Hallasan and each route offers something unique. Here’s a breakdown on the routes and what I would recommend best.1. Gwaneumsa Trail – 8.7km View from Gwaneumsa TrailThis trail serves you one of the best scenic views. As you bask in its evergreen nature and mountainous surroundings, you will be accompanied by butterflies, adding to the ethereal experience of the hike. At your resting stops, be ready to meet some of the most majestic crows that governs the area (Tip: do not provoke the crows!). Guaranteed to lead you to the summit, this trail is one of the safer paths due to its functioning stairway and rope rails. 2. Seongpanak Trail – 9.6km View from Seongpanak TrailA less steep option with a forestry scene lies in this trail. With a gentler incline, this trail up is generally less taxing compared to the never-ending multitude of stairs from Gwaneumsa Trail. Nevertheless, do not underestimate this trail as it gets rocky upwards and requires good footwear to thrive in this terrain. This trail does takes you to the summit, and you might even spot a deer along the way.You can get good hiking gears from Decathlon! If you are looking to explore Hallasan National Park but don’t wish to commit to the full hike, there are two other trails that are shorter: Eorimok Trail – 4.7km & Yeongsil Trail – 3.7km. These trails do not go up to the summit, but you could still clock some steps there and enjoy nature.If you’re hoping to complete this hike and fully experience Jeju Island, my recommendation would be to hike up via Gwaneumsa Trail and down the Seongpanak Trail so that you can enjoy the view up and safeguard your knees during the descend. View from the peak of Mt. HallasanADVICE TO NEW HIKERSIf you’ve read this far, you are probably serious about this climb. Mt. Hallasan is open all year round, however, the trails may close due to unforeseen weather circumstances or fog. Additionally, due to the shorter daylight during the colder seasons, the peak closes at different timings as well. In my opinion, the best seasons to climb would be Spring or Summer, when most days offer clear views of the scenic routes you signed up for!As an amateur hiker, there were a few things I wished I knew before climbing Mt. Hallasan and I hope this advice will help you on your hike. 1. Sunscreen As you will be getting closer to the sun, sun protection is extremely important. Either gear up with UV protection gears or apply sunscreen generously to every inch of your body. My mistake was not applying enough, and I had to face the unfortunate consequence of getting second-degree burns on my shoulders after only spending 20 minutes at the summit – that’s how strong the sun was.  Purchase your sunscreen & earn up to 4% Cashback from Sephora!2. RegistrationClimbing this mountain requires registration to prevent overcrowding at the summit and to account for every hiker. Do remember to register on their website before heading there to prevent getting rejected. 3. WaterDespite being surrounded by what we presume is Jeju spring water (which you’ll get to see along the hikes), I would still recommend bringing your own drinking water and snacks, as there are no stores mid-hike. Washrooms up the mountain do not have any water cistern so handwashing must be done with your own water. My mistake was only bringing 2L worth of water and I was dehydrated by the end of the hike – a huge and dangerous mistake. 4. Pace yourselfGoing down the hike takes almost the same amount of time going up as it can be very hard on your knees. If you are an amateur like me, factor in enough time so that you can leave before the sun sets. Remember, there are no streetlamps on the mountain. CONCLUSION: TO CLIMB OR NOT TO CLIMB?Coming from someone that does not have the best stamina, this hike is challenging but beginner-friendly. I took a total of 11h (8am – 7pm) to complete the whole journey, and I can say that the view at the top was breathtaking. Even though my hike was during the peak of summer, it felt cool, and I did not perspire as much as I thought I would. After the hike, my friend and I proceeded to eat 1kg worth of the famous Jeju Black Pork to celebrate our spontaneous hike. Was the hike worth it? Yes, but maybe just once in this lifetime. Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission. 

Make your money worth it on every special occasion with an all-you-can-eat buffet! Every Singaporean loves to eat, and buffets often top the list when searching for places to dine during special occasions or casual weekends. With a buffet, everyone can choose what they want from the spread, eliminating any conflicts or worries about ordering!In Singapore, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to all things food! Whether you’re looking for an international buffet featuring a variety of shellfish and seafood, a hearty hotpot buffet, or a savoury BBQ buffet, we’ve got you covered with some of the best options in each category. Join us on a feasting journey and eat well, fellow Singaporeans!International BuffetPeppermintMon to Thu 12pm to 2:30pm: Adult - $72, Child - $36Mon to Thu 6:30pm to 10pm: Adult - $98, Child - $49Fri to Sun 12pm to 3pm: Adult - $82, Child - $41Fri to Sun 6:30pm to 10pm: Adult $112, Child $56Photo credit: Pan Pacific Hotel websiteOne of the most beloved international buffet spots in Singapore, Peppermint is located inside PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay. This halal buffet offers a diverse array of cuisines, allowing you to indulge in tender, juicy beef cuts and delectable salmon sashimi. If you visit during lunch, you might even hear the birds singing in the open lobby as you stroll through the lush, man-made indoor greenery. The soothing interior creates a relaxing atmosphere that invites you to linger longer—a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal!Ellenborough Market CaféMon to Sun 6:30am to 1030am: Adult - $36, Child - $18Mon to Fri 12pm to 2:30pm, Sat to Sun 12pm to 4pm: Adult - $68, Child - $28Mon to Thu 6:30pm to 10pm: Adult - $78, Child - $34Fri to Sun 6:30pm to 10pm: Adult - $128, Child - $52Photo credit: Ellenborough Market Café website Popular for its international buffet, including renowned Peranakan cuisine, Ellenborough Market Café serves buffet all day long! If you’re an early bird, catch their breakfast buffet featuring Indian and Western dishes, along with a classic toast and eggs station. Join them for lunch and dinner to enjoy platters of delicacies showcasing a variety of international fusion cuisine, from kimchi fried rice to lobster mac & cheese. If you’re a DBS/POSB credit or debit cardholder, enjoy 50% off your food bill for the lunch and dinner buffet from Monday to Sundays! That’s basically 1-for-1! Additionally, children dine for free on Sundays! What a deal! Head down now to pamper yourself this week!The ColonyMon to Fri 12pm to 2:30pm: Adult - $74, Child - $37Sat 12pm to 2:30pm: Adult - $78, Child - $39Sun to Thu 6:30pm to 10:30pm: Adult - $96, Child - $48Photo credit: The Colony websiteWhen it comes to international buffets, The Colony at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a name that always pops up in Singaporeans' minds! This restaurant has earned its reputation with its impressive variety of international cuisines. It showcases local, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Western dishes through seven open kitchens: The Ice Bar, The Grill & Rotisserie, The Steam Basket, The Wok, The Tandoor, The Fruit Stall, and The Patisserie. In addition to the buffet, if you’re looking for a quick meal or want to introduce a friend from overseas to local food, The Colony also offers an à la carte menu featuring local favorites like chicken satay, Hainanese chicken rice, and more!BBQ BuffetSuper Thai MookataFrom $16.80/paxPhoto credit: Super Thai Mookata on FacebookEat all you can at Super Thai Mookata, located at CT Hub 2 in Lavender! This gem lets you enjoy a huge variety of meat, seafood, and vegetables at an affordable price. Not only is the food budget-friendly, but their free-flow Thai milk tea is the cherry on top! Recently renovated, this place is now better than ever! So, gather your friends and head down for a night of Thai Mookata delight!Tajimaya YakinikuLunch: Adult - $59.90, Child (5 – 10 years old) - $30.90Dinner: Adult - $69.90, Child (5 – 10 years old) - $35.90*Additional $3 on Friday to Sundays and Public Holidays.Photo credit: Tajimaya on FacebookIf you love Japanese charcoal grill or yakiniku, you must visit this place! Bring your culinary skills to life with their fun and interactive hands-on cooking and dining experience. They offer a variety of premium cuts of meat, including Australian Wagyu and Iberico pork. If that’s not enough, enjoy their fresh catch of salmon, tuna, or swordfish sashimi! While you’re there, don’t forget to finish your meal with a hot bowl of truffle tonkotsu ramen. With so many premium ingredients, this buffet is worth every dollar!TankaojiMon to Thu: $27.88++Fri to Sun, Eve of PH & PH: $29.88++*Hotpot soup is charged separately.Located in Chinatown, this restaurant brings a modern twist to the culturally rich area. Offering a fusion of hot pot and BBQ, you can satisfy both cravings in one place! They serve an impressive variety of ingredients, featuring all kinds of premium meat, seafood, and vegetables. One reason many customers frequent this spot is the extensive selection of sauces and condiments, allowing diners to enjoy savoury or smoky flavors - all within their control!Hotpot Buffet90 MinutesMon to Fri Lunch: Adult -  $17.90, Child - $10.90, Student: $15.90Mon to Fri Dinner: Adult - $26.90, Child - $13.90, Student: $21.90Sat, Sun, Eve of PH & PH: Adult - $26.90, Child - $13.90, Student - $21.90Photo credit: 90 Minutes on FacebookInspired by the streets of Seoul, dining here feels like stepping into a cozy restaurant in Korea during the spring. 90 Minutes is conveniently located at Rendezvous Hotel and specialises in tteokbokki! Start your meal with their fishcake skewers, then dive into an array of tteokbokki and ramyeon. Don’t forget to add your favorite ingredients, including pork belly, beef slices, clams, squid, and more! Finally, complete your meal with fried rice, prepared with assistance from the staff. This place will take you on a gastronomical journey - all within a 90-minute timeframe! Enjoy 1-for-1 buffet when you flash your merewards app!Enjoy 1-for-1 Buffet Deals From 90 Minutes Here!Shaburi & Kintan BuffetWeekday Lunch: Adult - $24.80 / $35.80 / $54.80, Child - $9.80 / $9.80 / $15.80, Senior - $21.80 / $32.80 / $51.80Dinner, Weekend & PH: Adult - $35.80 / $42.80 / $59.80, Child - $14.80 / $14.80 / $19.80, Senior - $32.80 / $39.80 / $56.80Prices stated are for Regular Shabu / Special Shabu / Premium Wagyu Shabu respectively.Photo credit: Shaburi & Kintan Buffet on FacebookProviding the best of both worlds, Shaburi & Kintan offers you the option to choose between hot pot, BBQ, or both! With Shaburi, you can enjoy a personal hot pot—no more sharing soup or debating which base to choose! Additionally, there are three different shabu options: Regular with 5 items, Special with 15 items, and Premium with 20 items, including Wagyu, abalone, and more. Alongside these meat selections, you can indulge in a buffet platter located in the middle of the restaurant, featuring fried snacks, vegetables, ice cream, and even a chocolate fountain with marshmallows!JiangHu HotpotFrom $27.80++/paxPhoto credit: JiangHu Hotpot on FacebookWith three convenient locations islandwide - Northpoint, Orchard Central, and Pasir Ris Mall - Jianghu Hotpot is a popular Chinese hotpot chain known for its famous 3-in-1 buffet, which features hotpot, BBQ, and grilled fish. They offer generous options, boasting over 100 choices for big eaters! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat experience, and don't forget to take advantage of their complimentary condiments, cold dishes, fruits, desserts, and ice cream. This place is a true foodie heaven for anyone with a hearty appetite!With every hearty meal, such as an indulgent buffet, comes the responsibility to maintain our health and physique. While everyone should treat themselves from time to time, it’s important to remember to enjoy everything in moderation and drink responsibly. Ultimately, life is meant to be enjoyed, but with a good health!

Walk down your beloved markets or Housing & Development Board (HDB) and you’d find that shops are starting to sell squishy toys suddenly and there seem to be a demand for it.So, why are qquishy toys making a comeback in Singapore and are they really worth the hype?  Read on to find out about the benefits of these adorable squishies and where you can get them! As the festive seasons approach, maybe this could be the gift to gift your friends!Grab Them from Toys "R" Us & Earn 1% Cashback!What are Squishies?Soft, satisfying and ridiculously cute, squishy toys range from slow-rising bread and butter designs to crunchy fruit and adorable animals. These tactile toys have evolved well beyond the simple stress balls we are familiar with.But besides being fun to collect, squishies are also practical and make great work companions.Benefits of SquishiesFidget ToysIn a generation of fast-paced information, it can be difficult to stay still at times. Sometimes, we just want something to fiddle with while thinking, watching a show or even sitting through long meetings. Squeezing a squishy is a great way to keep our restless hands moving without drawing attention!Stress Relief Squeezing something can feel calming, much like how stress balls are supposed to help. With slow-rising squishies, there’s something about watching them slowly puff back up that helps calm the mind. In fact, squeezing a stress ball or squishy can help provide temporary relief from stress and tension.Of course, they are not a solution to chronic stress and anxiety. However, they can still offer a fun sensory break during a tiring day.Get Your Children off Screen TimeChildren can sometimes get restless and reach for their phones for comfort when they are bored. If you’re able to replace screen time with a fidget toy like a squishy, it gives them something to do without relying on their phones.Moreover, most squishies are small enough to toss into their school bags, making them a convenient classroom toy to fidget with while listening.Where to Buy Squishies in SingaporeIf you haven’t noticed, most stores selling squishies are hidden in the heartlands, and there could even be one just underneath your block. In fact, some hardware stores in Singapore even have a section dedicated to popular squishies! Popular toy stores like Toys"R"Us sell them too.Earn 1% Cashback with merewards When You Shop with Toys "R" Us!With squishies becoming so convenient to purchase, we believe they make the perfect gift for both children and adults.Here are some stores with a wider variety of squishies for you to explore:The Squishy Town, Eunos113 Eunos Ave 3, #07-09 (room 6) Singapore 409838Their squishies are quirkier, showcasing a variety of food-shaped designs. Their recent selections have included everything from hash browns and snowmen to bread-shaped envelopes.Meowiie Squishy, Upper ThomsonThomson V Two, #01-26, Singapore 575629Meowiie is especially good for shoppers looking for more unusual designs and brands. Its online catalogue features everything from crunchy cheese and mangosteen to pudding, toast and more. Its physical store is conveniently located at Thomson V Two, close to Upper Thomson MRT.Yishun Squishy ShopBlk 418 Yishun Ave 11 #01-421 Singapore 760418Blk 417 Yishun Abe 11 #01-329 Singapore 760417It may look like your typical hardware store, but it has also ventured into selling squishies, and not just the popular ones. They carry a wide range, including variations of the ever-so-popular butter, as well as colour-changing and glow-in-the-dark squishies.If that’s not enough, you can find even more squishies at the neighbouring Block 417!We hope you have a fun time finding the perfect squish! Just a reminder that popular squishies tend to sell out really quickly, so be sure to check out the shop’s social media platforms or contact them in advance before heading down.Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.

Aside from the favourite pastimes of eating and shopping that every Singaporean loves, there are many more activities in Singapore that you can enjoy as a group. Many of these interactive experiences have garnered lots of attention over the years, and we want to recommend a few must-visit places!Whether you’re planning a team bonding activity or just want to have some fun with your friends, this article is for you!The Fragment RoomPrice: $38 (1 pax), $75 (2 pax), $99 (3 pax), $128 (4 pax), $160 (5 pax)Photo credit: @thefragmentroom on InstagramLet off some steam and let your intrusive thoughts run wild! Whether you’ve always wanted to smash up an old TV or a computer, they have all the items you need! Start smashing items with your friends in this safe space and scream to your heart’s content as a form of stress relief. If any of you are going through a heartbreak era, don’t forget to print your ex-partner’s face and hit it with all your might. With an affordable price, you’re provided with safety gear protecting you from head to toe, so you can really go all out with the smashing. Furthermore, you can top up with electronics for only $25++ or go Beast Mode with a crate of breakables for only $25! Indeed, the best place to (legally) go crazy! Griddy Grid (The Floor is Lava)Price: $18/pax (Weekday), $20/pax (Weekend)Photo credit: @griddy.grid on InstagramClock your workout while challenging one another to everyone’s favourite childhood game – THE FLOOR IS LAVA! Avoid the red squares while trying to get as many blue squares as possible on the floor and wall! This immersive gameplay has multiple difficulty levels and will have you bringing your best A-game and aiming to be the highest scorer within your 25-minute session! Though the session seems short, expect heart-pounding excitement and non-stop action. Simply put, this game is the ultimate adrenaline rush. The best way to have fun and clock a workout for all your inactive friends! Kulnari Mystery GolfPrice: $32 (Off-Peak), $38 (Peak)Photo credit: @kulnarimysterygolf on InstagramBlending history and gameplay, Kulnari Mystery Golf will transport you back to the 1920s where you get to investigate a mysterious case at the Kunari Trading Company while playing mini golf! Think escape room + mini golf all in one place, the perfect chill activity for all the history fanatics that wish to have a little fun too!The 18-hole mini golf includes a hidden path, messages and symbols that are all important for you to solve the final mystery! Be sure to put on your thinking caps, collaborate, and follow the clues along your golf path and enjoy the game!HiRoller Indoor Skating RinkPrice: $12 (Weekday), $15 (Weekend), $6 (Rental Equipment)Photo credit: @hirollersingapore on InstagramBe transported back to the 80s at HiRoller Indoor Skating Rink! Not only is this place perfect fun for your group of friends, but you can also invite parents along and let them relive their youth again with their a-go-go theme nights! Check out their social media page and come dressed for the theme and to stand a chance to win best dressed! We promise you that this will be a night to remember for those born in the 60s! Sandbox VRPrice: $44-$55 per guest (1 - 6 guests)Be transported into another world with virtual reality, conveniently located at Orchard Central! Decked out from top to bottom with VR gear, choose your preferred storyline and challenge or solve problems with your friends! With trending themes such as Squid Game Virtual, Star Trek, and more, get ready to conquer your fears or fight monsters alongside comrades. Just be careful not to bump into your friends in reality!As the VR gear streamlines your virtual sense, some may feel light-headed or motion sick. Do remember to play safe and voice out when you’re feeling uncomfortable, and most importantly, have fun! There are more activities that are perfect for couples and smaller groups of friends. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, you can also find easygoing activities like tufting, pottery, and painting in Singapore. With these engaging options, there's no reason to call Singapore a boring destination - there’s something exciting for everyone!Read More About What You Can Do in Singapore!