If you're an avid traveller, you'll know that a good travel backpack is one that makes travelling easier, more convenient, and capable of carrying all your essentials. In short, the ideal travel backpack should offer carry-on compatibility, comfort for long periods of wear, smart organisation, and durability.When it comes to travel backpacks, there are countless options available. Some cost upwards of $300 and are often marketed as the “perfect” travel bag, especially for business travellers or photographers who frequently carry expensive gear overseas. However, this story isn't about premium-priced backpacks.Instead, we're recommending five comfortable, budget-friendly, and functional backpacks that could become your next travel companion.Shop these Bags on Amazon and Enjoy Up to 4.5% Cashback!Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 44LAt a glance: Ultra lightweight, Multiple colours, Cabin approvedDown side: Not many compartmentsPriced at just under $100, the CabinZero backpack has earned a reputation as one of the best travel backpacks on the market, winning numerous awards over the years and consistently being rated among the best cabin backpacks available.Gone are the days when functional backpacks only came in dull shades of black and grey. CabinZero offers more than 20 colour options, allowing travellers to choose a style that suits their personality. Beyond its vibrant colourways, the backpack is also impressively lightweight, while offering ample storage space and thoughtfully designed compartments to help keep your essentials organised throughout your journey.Bagsmart Blast 38L Travel BackpackAt a glance: Many compartments, Wet & Dry compartment, Expandable, Cabin approvedDownside: Limited colours, Fabric gets dirty easily.  After going viral on TikTok, this backpack quickly became the talk of the town. The sheer number of compartments it offers is impressive, making it a practical choice not just for frequent travellers, but for anyone looking for a versatile everyday bag.Not only is it the perfect cabin-sized backpack that fits neatly under an airplane seat, but it's also an ideal companion for quick staycations and weekend trips to Johor Bahru. Whether you're packing for a flight or a short getaway, this backpack has you covered.Featuring seven zippered compartments, there's plenty of room to organise your clothes, laptop, passport, sunglasses, shoes, and other travel essentials. While the backpack has a standard capacity of 28L, it can be expanded to 38L whenever you need the extra space, giving you greater flexibility for different types of trips.Find Bagsmart Blast on Shopee & Enjoy 0.4% cashback!Bianca Backpack by Tocco TosacanoAt a glance: Fashionable, Many compartmentsDown side: Small in size This one's for the aesthetic girlies who want a travel backpack that perfectly balances functionality and style. Not only is it practical enough to bring on board as a carry-on, but it also doubles as a chic everyday bag for shopping, sightseeing, and daily outings.What sets this backpack apart is its thoughtfully designed organisation. From dedicated compartments for your lipstick and iPad to an easily accessible external clasp for frequently used items, every detail feels carefully considered. It's clear this bag was designed with organisation lovers in mind.If you're looking for a travel backpack that doesn't compromise on style, this is a strong contender. Be sure to check out the brand's other travel bags as well. They're equally functional, packed with smart compartments, and suitable for both business and leisure travel.NEW Go-Bag by Baboon to the Moon At a glance: Multiple colours, Cabin approved Down side: Not many compartmentAvailable in a range of sizes, we highly recommend the 32L version as the ideal balance between capacity and comfort. It's compact enough to fit under most airplane seats, while still offering ample room for your travel essentials. If you need more storage space, larger options are available, with many airlines allowing cabin bags of up to 40L.For young travellers who love a backpack with personality, the Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag is a standout choice. Available in a variety of bold and vibrant colours, it's as stylish as it is functional.The bag's outer shell is made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), a durable material that is resistant to abrasion, weather, and colour fading, while remaining lightweight and eco-friendly. Its tough exterior also makes it easy to place on the airplane floor without worrying too much about dirt or wear, making it a practical companion for any journey.tomtoc 40L Travel BackpackAt a glance: TSA friendly, Cabin approved, opens 180 degree for easy bag checks Down side: Limited coloursThis backpack is designed for the ultimate traveller who values organisation, TSA-friendly features, and enough space to pack everything needed for a weekend getaway.Its standout feature? The bag opens a full 180 degrees, providing easy access to the main compartment through the laptop section. This thoughtful design makes security checks much more convenient, allowing you to quickly retrieve items without having to rummage through your belongings or unpack the entire bag.While it may not come in a wide range of colours, it more than makes up for it with its practicality and travel-focused design. This is the epitome of a travel backpack: functional, efficient, and built for serious travellers who are always on the move.Find this Backpack on Amazon and Enjoy Up to 4.5% Cashback!A good travel backpack is an investment that can make every trip more comfortable and convenient. It keeps your essentials organised, supports your travels, and is built to last for years. We hope this list helps you find the perfect backpack for your next adventure. Happy travels, and here's to many memorable journeys ahead!Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission. 

I recently found myself getting sucked into the black hole of coffee after meeting some new friends who are true coffee connoisseurs. As someone who's avidly "not a huge fan" of coffee, I've always disliked coffees that are bitter or sour. Whenever I mention this, my friends inevitably say, "Grace, you just haven't tried good coffee." I only half believe them because, no matter what I try, I always seem to taste the bitterness and end up not enjoying the drink. If you can relate, we're probably on the same "not a huge fan of coffee" team.Recently, however, my "super into coffee," self-proclaimed "coffee master" friend dragged me to JB and somehow convinced me that coffee isn't actually bitter. According to him, good coffee can even taste sweet. Naturally, I was skeptical, but I couldn't say no and figured I had to give it a try.So, here are a few of his highly recommended coffee roasters in JB that you absolutely have to visit if you're a coffee lover.Delight in 1-for-1 Deals from Tivoli Coffee House on merewards!Sweet Blossom Coffee RoastersAddress: 28, Jalan Maju, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, MalaysiaPhoto credit: Sweet Blossom Coffee websiteSweet Blossom Coffee mainly sells its own specially roasted beans. However, we highly recommend taking a break at the café and trying one of their drinks before picking up a bag of coffee to bring home.Their roasting philosophy is clear. They focus on gently developing each bean's unique origin characteristics during the roasting process, balancing acidity and sweetness while maintaining clarity and maximising the flavour of every origin. As a result, their coffees are generally lighter roasted and well suited to a variety of brewing methods.With delicate fruity notes in every roast, this is exactly the kind of coffee I enjoy. Instead of being bitter, it carries a natural sweetness that really stands out. The GEMBUEL PAJA LILIANA, brewed as a pour-over, completely blew my mind. It tasted nothing like the traditional coffee I was used to. Instead, it reminded me of a sweet cup of hot tea with a gentle hint of acidity. The combination was unlike anything I'd ever tasted, and if there's one cup that could convince me to become a coffee drinker, it would be this one.August Drip CoffeeAddress: 211, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, MalaysiaPhoto credit: August Drip Coffee on FacebookIf you're a true coffee lover who frequents JB, this probably isn't a hidden gem to you. Many coffee enthusiasts flock here to savour beans sourced from all over the world. Located near KSL, this quaint café has built a loyal following, with many visitors dropping by not only for a cup of coffee but also to stock up on beans.If you're planning a visit, take your time at the café and sample a few of their offerings before deciding which beans to bring home.Clod Coffee Bar & Roasters (takeaway only)Address: 123, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, MalaysiaPhoto credit: clodcoffee on InstagramA relatively new addition to JB's specialty coffee scene, Clod Coffee Bar & Roasters is a hidden gem that has yet to be discovered by many.Looking for coffee that smells nothing like traditional coffee? Then Clod is the place to visit. They don't just brew great coffee, they create a full sensory experience. Imagine a cup of coffee with aromas of pineapple pie or orange, jackfruit, and milk. Sounds intriguing? Curious how coffee can smell like that?We highly recommend making a day trip to Clod Coffee Bar & Roasters and embarking on a sensory roller coaster with their selection of over 30 different coffee beans.Rosta Lab Coffee & RoasteryAddress: NO.33, 5, Jalan Utama, Kampung Melayu Majidee, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, MalaysiaPhoto credit: rosta_lab on InstagramThey are the definition of a wholesome coffee house. Why? Kitten and coffee! How could you possibly go wrong with that combination? Even if you're not an avid coffee fan like me, this café is worth a visit just to watch their adorable kitten in action (no, they won't be brewing your coffee).Rosta Lab Coffee & Roastery takes its coffee seriously, offering specially curated brews such as the Acid Bloom. It has a bright acidity balanced with delicate floral notes and natural sweetness, making it one of the coffees you absolutely have to try. Their beans are typically roasted to a medium or darker profile, so if that's your preference, you'll feel right at home here.Aside from the coffee, don't forget to treat yourself to their desserts, pastries, and other drinks, including their popular matcha latte.Brewsmith Coffee RoastersAddress: C-1-12 Block C. The Lakefront, Persiaran Southkey 1, Kota Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, MalaysiaPhoto credit: BREWSMITH on FacebookEvery cup of coffee brewed here comes with a flavour card that breaks down its tasting notes, making it easy to better understand the drink's flavour profile.One of the best things about this café is that it's still relatively under the radar, so it rarely gets too crowded. Its clean, minimalist aesthetic also creates the perfect setting to chat with the baristas, who are always happy to recommend a brew or share the story behind their carefully curated blends.Besides selling their own beans in-store, they also supply them wholesale to cafés across Malaysia. Their selection features beans from renowned coffee-growing regions such as Colombia, Ethiopia, and Brazil. Whether you prefer washed or anaerobic natural beans, there's something here to suit every palate.These hidden gems aren't your typical cafés serving an extensive menu of food and drinks alongside coffee. Instead, they focus on what they do best: coffee. From carefully sourcing and roasting their beans to expertly brewing every cup, each café takes great pride in its craft.If you're a serious coffee lover looking for quality beans to brew at home, we highly recommend visiting these cafés. Grab a cup, chat with the baristas, and discover the beans that best suit your taste before bringing them home.Enjoy 1-for-1 Dining Deals on merewards!

When it comes to fitness smartwatches, Garmin has built a reputation for offering some of the best wearable on the market. Whether you're looking for a stylish everyday smartwatch, a running watch, or an adventure-ready GPS device, there's a Garmin watch designed for your every need.The challenge is knowing which Garmin series best suits your needs. With popular collections like the Forerunner, fēnix and Instinct, and others like Lily and Venu, each watch brings detailed, specific functions to your chosen lifestyle.Read on to find the specifics of each Garmin watch and compare them before purchasing.Get Your Garmin Watches from Shopee & Enjoy 0.4% Cashback!Garmin Venu: The All-Rounder Garmin Smartwatch Overview: For casual runners, gym-goers, users switching from Apple or Samsung Galaxy Watches, an all-in-one watch for work and workout.Photo credit: Garmin websiteIf you want the perfect balance between smartwatch features and fitness tracking, the Garmin Venu, especially the Venu 4 ($729) is our recommendation. However, this is not much of a sports watch, but a lifestyle watch with limited sports mode tracking compared to other models.It is designed for everyday wear and combines a vibrant AMOLED display with Garmin's comprehensive health monitoring features. It tracks heart rate, sleep, stress, Body Battery™, blood oxygen levels, workouts, and offers built-in GPS for outdoor activities.Other features include music storage, notifications, Garmin Pay which adds up to it excelling as a lifestyle smartwatch too.Garmin Forerunner: Built for RunnersOverview: For serious runners, marathon runners, competitive athletesPhoto credit: Garmin websiteIf running is your primary sport, the Garmin Forerunner series is one of the best watches to own.Forerunner watches focus heavily on training performance. Depending on the model, you'll find advanced features like Running Power, VO2 Max, Training readiness, Multi-band GPS, Race predictions, Recovery time, PacePro guide, Heart rate variability status, Daily suggested workouts.Many models also support cycling, swimming, triathlon training, and structured workouts.Unlike lifestyle smartwatches like Apple or Samsung Galaxy, every feature on a Forerunner is designed to help athletes improve performance.Garmin fēnix: The Premium Outdoor Sports WatchOverview: For outdoor adventurers, trail runners, hikers, expedition travellers or multi-sport athletes.Photo credit: Garmin websiteThe Garmin fēnix series is Garmin’s iconic multisport watch. It is their flagship product and one of the most premium sports watches out there.Built with premium materials such as titanium, sapphire crystal, and stainless steel, fēnix watches are designed to handle demanding environments while offering virtually every feature Garmin makes.Highlights include: Multi-band GNSS (tracks multiple radio signals for highly accurate positioning), Topographic/Ski/Golf maps, Advanced navigation, Expedition mode, Solar Charging (selected models), Dive-ready and long battery life.The fēnix is equally comfortable during mountain expeditions, ultramarathons, cycling tours, skiing holidays, and everyday office life.While it's one of Garmin's most expensive watches, it also delivers one of the broadest feature sets available.Get Your Garmin Watches from Lazada & Enjoy Up to 10% Cashback!Garmin Instinct: Rugged, Reliable and Ready for AdventureOverview: Maximum durability, heavy-duty, for Military personnel, Outdoor workers or campers.Photo credit: Garmin websiteInspired by military-style design, Garmin Instinct prioritises durability over luxury. It meets military standards for thermal resistance, shock resistance, and water resistance, making it ideal for harsh environments.Despite its more rugged appearance, the Instinct includes many advanced Garmin features closely similar to the fēnix. Compared to the fēnix, the Instinct is generally lighter, more affordable, and focused on practical outdoor performance rather than premium aesthetics.Garmin Lily: Designed for Style Without Sacrificing WellnessOverview: Wellness tracking, Fashion-conscious buyersPhoto credit: Garmin websiteRather than focusing on hardcore athletic training, Garmin Lily is built around wellness, comfort, and elegant design. With its compact case and patterned touchscreen, it's one of Garmin's smallest and most fashion-forward watches.Despite its minimalist appearance, Lily still tracks key health metrics including heart rate, sleep, respiration, stress, menstrual cycle tracking, and daily activity.While it doesn't include onboard GPS, it can connect to your smartphone's GPS during outdoor walks or runs.Which Garmin Watch Should You Buy?In short, choosing the right Garmin watch depends less on budget and more on how you plan to use it.Garmin Venu: Everyday smartwatch that handles everythingGarmin Forerunner: Serious runners that chases personal best.Garmin fēnix: Ultramarathon runners, outdoor enthusiasts that loves everything sportsGarmin Instinct: Prefers watches that are more rugged looking & still wants the best Garmin functions.Garmin Lily: Aesthetic watch that is elegant and lightweight.Before making your decision, consider how often you'll exercise, whether advanced training metrics matter to you, and how important smartwatch features like music, payments, notifications, and premium design are in your daily routine. Matching your priorities to the right Garmin series will ensure you get the most value from your purchase, both on your wrist and in your fitness journey.Get Your Garmin Watches from Shopee & Enjoy 0.4% Cashback!

There's plenty of information about weight loss out there. Eat this, don't eat that. Do this, don't do that. It can feel overwhelming.The truth is, the concept of weight loss is actually quite simple. I'm going to explain it in the most basic layman's terms. Once you've understood the concept, the next step is putting in the work, but not to the point where you're constantly unhappy or exhausted.Before we get into that, though, we need to break a few common myths.Kickstart Your Fitness Journey with Nike & Earn 6% Cashback!1. Food Is Fuel, Not Your EnemyMany people who want to lose weight think that eating less, or cutting out certain foods completely, is the key to success.Well, yes... and no.Yes, because eating less or eliminating certain foods can reduce the number of calories you consume. But no, because it's usually not sustainable. The moment you go back to eating those foods or return to your old habits, the weight often comes back.Instead of seeing food as the enemy, start seeing it as fuel. Your body needs food to function, recover, and perform at its best. The real challenge isn't avoiding food altogether. It's learning to choose the right foods and eating them in the right amounts.So let's start by understanding what eating the right foods actually means.2. Exercise Alone Is Enough to Lose WeightMany people believe they can lose weight simply by exercising without changing the way they eat.Exercise certainly helps. It burns calories, improves your fitness, and offers countless health benefits. However, exercise alone is often not enough for significant weight loss.After a workout, your body needs to recover, and you may feel hungrier than usual. If you consistently eat back more calories than you burn, it becomes much harder to lose weight.So, should you still exercise? Absolutely.The best results come from combining regular exercise with maintaining a calorie deficit. Think of exercise as a powerful tool that works alongside good nutrition, not as a replacement for it.3. Losing Weight Means Losing FatMany people use the terms "weight loss" and "fat loss" interchangeably, but they're not the same thing.When the number on the scale goes down, you're not just losing fat. You're also losing water, and if you're not eating enough protein or doing resistance training, you may lose muscle as well.Muscle helps shape your body, supports your metabolism, and makes everyday movement easier. That's why the goal shouldn't simply be to weigh less. The goal should be to lose fat while preserving as much muscle as possible.Now that we've cleared up some of the biggest myths about weight loss, let's look at how the body actually works in the simplest terms.Get Your Exercise Gears from Decathlon & Enjoy Up to 2% Cashback!CaloriesThis scary word is actually pretty simple to understand. The only way to lose weight is to be in a calorie deficit.Start by calculating your daily maintenance calories using an online calorie calculator. Before creating a calorie deficit, spend two weeks tracking your calorie intake to build the habit.Next, reduce your daily calorie intake by 200 to 500 calories below your maintenance level. This refers to your overall daily calorie intake, which takes into account exercises that help burn calories.ExerciseNow, what do we mean by "overall"?Let's say your maintenance calories are 2,200. If you burn 300 calories through exercise, you've already created a calorie deficit. However, exercising also means your body needs enough fuel to recover and perform well. After a workout, hunger hormones can make you crave foods that are high in calories but not very filling. This can easily lead to eating back more calories than you burned, preventing you from staying in a calorie deficit.This is why hitting your daily protein target is so important, which we'll explain in the next section.The right type of exercise also helps you build a body you'll love. The fundamentals are simple: cardio exercises, such as running or spin classes, burn calories and can lead to the loss of both fat and muscle if not paired with proper nutrition and strength training. Strength training, on the other hand, helps shape your physique while preserving and building lean muscle mass. It also boosts your resting metabolism, strengthens your joints, improves balance in everyday life, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.In short, don't skip strength training as part of your exercise routine.Enjoy 15% Off Fun Cardio Games like Floor is Lava!DietDieting is often the hardest part of weight loss, yet it is also the most important. In fact, nutrition accounts for about 80% of successful weight loss because it's all about maintaining a calorie deficit while keeping your body fueled and satisfied.So, what are the best foods to eat? You've probably been hearing the term "protein maxxing" a lot lately. But what's all the hype about eating enough protein?First, calculate your daily protein intake based on your body weight and activity level. This is the amount of protein you should aim to consume each day to help maintain your muscle mass while losing weight. The goal of weight loss isn't just to lose weight. It's to lose body fat while preserving as much muscle as possible. Getting enough protein plays a key role in maintaining muscle, especially if you're exercising regularly.Protein also requires more energy for your body to digest and process than carbohydrates or fats, meaning you burn slightly more calories during digestion. More importantly, protein is the most filling macronutrient. It helps keep you full by slowing down digestion, stabilising blood sugar levels, and increasing the release of hormones that promote fullness.Does this mean you should only eat protein and avoid carbohydrates? Absolutely not! Carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy. If you're staying consistent with your workouts, carbs are essential to fuel your training, helping you lift heavier, run farther, and perform at your best.Protein Max with Heybo and Enjoy 10% Off!If we were to break it down into simple steps, here's where you should start:Calculate your maintenance calories and begin tracking your daily calorie intake.Aim for a daily calorie deficit of 200 to 500 calories.Calculate your daily protein target and try to hit it consistently.Incorporate strength training into your routine to build lean muscle mass and boost your resting metabolic rate.Adjust these habits to fit your lifestyle so they remain realistic and sustainable.Lastly, remind yourself why you're choosing to build a healthier lifestyle and who you're doing it for in the years to come. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Weight loss and building muscle take time, and lasting results don't happen overnight.Enjoy the process, learn what works best for you, and celebrate the small wins along the way. Success starts by simply showing up, whether that's making it to the gym or choosing a healthier meal. You've got this.Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.