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Phuket is quite the popular travel destination in Southeast Asia. I remember visiting Phuket in the 80s when I was really young…while my memory might be fuzzy about that first trip to Phuket, I do distinctly remember the pristine vibes of this locale long before it became part of the tourist map. In the past few years, I’ve made several trips to Phuket with family and friends. Now, Phuket is far more developed and highly frequented by visitors than ever before. But it still has its charming beachy vibes and you can still get that authentic experience if you know where to go.

I’ve stayed in different parts of Phuket every time I have visited along the following beaches -- Patong, Kamala, Kathu, Kata, Bangtao, etc. In addition, I have stayed in AirBnBs, hotels, and hotel villas. It’s been a different experience every time and each setup has its pros and cons depending on who you're traveling with. Here are some of my recommendations of places to go in Phuket and where to eat (by no means exhaustive but just sharing what I have enjoyed).



Beaches:

I have generally found the stretch of beaches along the west coast of Phuket to be quite beautiful. Other than Patong Beach which is overexposed and overcrowded, I have enjoyed the following beaches: Kamala Beach, Bangtao Beach, Surin Beach, and Kata Beach. The east coast of Phuket is less developed in terms of properties. However, I have stayed there as well and it's quieter and more serene.

Most, if not all, of these beaches will have water activities such as banana boating, parasailing, etc. You can also light the night lanterns which can be released in the sky! Specifically, Bangtao beach offers pony and horseback riding along the beach for grown-ups and kids alike. 


Restaurants / Night Life: 

- Beach clubs: There are a few good ones, which have a chill daytime vibe and a clubby night time scene. Check out Cafe Del Mar, Carpe Diem, and Xana Beach Club to name a few. Patong night life is a bit seedy for my taste but it’s definitely rocking at night! 

-  Baan Rim Pa: This place is an institution! They offer authentic thai food (with a veg menu) and the views are stunning from the hilltop! 

- Tung Ka Café: Get ready for a short ride up a hilltop for authentic Thai food. Located on top of Rang Hill, I would suggest going here a bit before sunset to get a spectacular view of Phuket city. Since the restaurant is open air, be sure to take mozzie patches and repellent.

- Baba's Nest at Sri Panwa Resort: This is a rooftop bar in the Sri Panwa Resort located towards the southernmost part of Phuket. From the rooftop deck, you get a stunning view of Phuket peninsula and the Andaman sea as you enjoy cocktails. Just make sure to make reservations in advance!

-Torry's Ice Cream: Located in Old Phuket town, this ice cream parlor designed in the old Sino-Portugese fashion offers delicious local ice cream flavors. 

- Lucha Cantina: Loved their margaritas and their Mexican food was on point!

- Tambu Phuket: Rated as one of the top 50 best restaurants in Asia, this Mughal-inspired tasting menu set in a tent-like setting was a divine experience!

- Sizzle Rooftop Restaurant: Located in the same space as Tambu, Sizzle's menu is more meat-heavy for those interested. The vibe is also really amazing with great sunset views.


Shopping:

- Old Phuket Town is a historical part of Phuket noted for its Sino-Portugese shophouses lining the streets. The main roads within this neighbhorhood are Thalang Road (which has a small lane called Soi Romanee), Phang Nga, Krabi, Dibuk, and Yaowarat. Here you’ll find charming heritage shophouses of various candy colors selling souvenirs, clothes/apparel, and other trinkets. You’ll also find cute coffee shops and some hipster cafes. Definitely worth a visit to roam around and do something non-beach related. I recommend visiting the Sunday weekend market (called Lard Yai) which takes place on Thalang Road on Sundays from 4pm to 11pm. 

My 7-year old doing batik painting with my mom at the Sunday weekend market

Bulan store located on Thalang Road in Old Phuket Town

- I’m not a fan of visiting the generic malls when I travel abroad. But having said that, the Jung Ceylong Shopping Mall undoubtedly offers tons of options for restaurants, a supermarket (should you wish to buy some basic necessities), and local and chain stores. Sometimes that’s what you need when traveling with kids and looking to get some easy shopping done!


Kid activities / Things to do:

- Boat tours - You can do the the Phi Phi Island tour (8-9 hours long) in the form of a private or group tour. Personally, I have preferred booking our own private catamaran tour and dropping anchor somewhere near a small island and spending the afternoon chilling, swimming in the water, etc. It's really fun! Here's my private contact: Julian from Crown Line Asia +66822083670. 

- Patong Go-Kart Speedway is a fun activity to do for the adults and kids. There are many other vendors and locations you can check out.

- Hanuman World - fun ziplining experience with the kids

- ATV riding - Took my mom and kids for this experience and they loved it! My kids sat as passengers and so did my mom with the tour guide. We rode up to the top of a hill and even did a swing ride over the trees. Super exhilarating!

- Horseback riding: I have tried the one in the Laguna area called Phuket Riding Club. They have ponies for kids to ride and horses for the adults. You can choose to do a one hour-long horse riding along the beach or even longer. 

- Elephant sanctuary: There are several in Phuket but I encourage you to look into the ones that are ethical and offer proper care for rescued elephants. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary claims to be the only one to do so.

- Siam Niramit: I watched this Thai cultural performance years ago and I was pleasantly surprised. It is really well done and executed and even children can enjoy and follow. Just a note that it is located a bit out of the way so unless you're staying within 30 mins of this location, I wouldn't place this top on my list.


Hotel recommendations:

There are plenty of Airbnb properties we have stayed at in the past. While I can't recall their names, I can share the hotels and resorts from recent visits that are worth looking into:

- Resorts: Andara Villas (great for adults or large groups), Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (kid friendly resort along Kata beach), Thavorn Palm Beach Resort (very kid friendly but the hotel is 4-star and average in terms of hotel rooms), Como Hotel (great for girls trips), Banyan Tree Hotels (great for families), Dinso Resort, Marriott Hotels

I also recommend booking your own van driver for the duration of your stay! It's more convenient when you are moving around in groups. 



Ever been in a situation where you needed to buy a Singapore souvenir for visiting friends and family and you couldn’t think of what to get? Or you have expat friends who are moving out of Singapore and you want to gift them something meaningful to remember the Little Red Dot?

Don’t worry, I got you covered! Here’s a comprehensive list of local stores where you’re bound to find something suitable for your gifting needs!

Home/Lifestyle

  • Photophactory - One of my favorite go-to websites for finding gifting items! The brand offers purses and home decor pieces (such as tray sets and coasters) which capture the quintessential parts of Singapore, such as the batik print, Perenakan design, and the unmistakeable skyline.
  • I love This City - This online website offers curated paintings, sketches, and photography from different cities and brings their essence to your home. You can check out their page on Singapore and find unique and affordable artworks from recognizable neighborhoods around town (like the Joo Chiat shophouses, etc).
  • Cat Socrates - This charming boutique with locations in Joo Chiat and Tiong Bahru is full of cute and unique Singaporean gifting items - think coffee table books about Singapore, coasters and magnets with funny or irreverent Singlish terms, cards, puzzles, and trays/plates with a Singaporean design. A must visit!
  • Singapore Visitor Center - There are different locations around town and here you’ll find a combination of vintage items (Perenakan style teapots) and more modern gifting pieces (Merlion stuffies, local card games and books) designed for tourists.
  • National Gallery Gift Shop - Great for gifting coffee table books and other stationary type of knick-knacks that are local in flavor.
  • Independent Market - Quirky and fun, Independent Market has tons of curated Singaporean products and brands, including artwork by local artists, cushions and magnets featuring local dishes or Singlish terms, books, etc. 
  • Em + Co Art - Colorful and whimsical art, tea towels, and gifting cards that capture the tropical vibe of Singapore and the classic shophouses
  • The Creative Hut - This watercolor artist has converted some of her best pieces into gifting pieces, such as a fabric hardbound journal and linen sets, that capture Singapore’s lust tropical flora and fauna
One of the many books you'll find at Cat Socrates or at Independent Market

Women

  • Design Orchard - A retails space on Orchard Road which spotlights Singapore's local designers and homegrown brands - be it clothes, jewelry, scarves, or other trinkets, you will find some creative pieces here (note: the items here are on the expensive side)

Kids

  • Times Junior (at Jewel Changi) - With merchandise ranging from books, toys, stationery, gifts and accessories - including a dedicated selection of children’s books by Singapore authors
  • DrawnBy Jessica - These washable silicone mats with magic markers are a great gifting idea for the little ones. There is one specifically with the Singapore skyline which makes it an apt souvenir!
  • Indigrow Kids - Check out their cultural book called A to Z of Singapore. It’s perfect for toddlers and up


Food

  • Bengawan Solo - I love to gift Bengawan’s local treats and cookies (almond cookies, pineapple tarts, sugee cookies, etc) which come in beautifully decorated tin boxes. They last well too so you can easily pack and carry them in your suitcase to gift them to your friends and family on the other side
  • Irvin’s - This Singaporean snack brand is famously known for its addictive Salted Egg Fish Skin Chips. They’ve been a hit whenever I’ve taken then for colleagues and friends. You can easily find stores in the city as well as at the airport.
  • Kaya Jam - It is synonymous with the local breakfast and it's oh-so-good! This coconut-based jam is meant to be spread it on your toast and it's delish! You can find it anywhere but if you're looking for a nice packaging, check out Raffles Hotel Signature Kaya Jam.
  • Tanglin Gin & Brass Lion Gin - Both are local gin distilleries in Singapore that make good quality gin in different flavors. What’s more, they come packaged in beautiful bottles! Be sure to try Brass Lion’s Butterfly Pea Gin which changes color upon adding soda or tonic (it’s one of my faves).




Living outside of India, books have been a powerful medium for teaching my boys about Indian culture, festivals, and mythological stories. Over the years, I've accumulated quite a collection in our home library and while visiting the Crossword Bookstore in Mumbai recently, I discovered a few more!
Sharing names of books and publishers which have helped me in my journey over the years...

Language & cultural books:

  • Hindi by Reena - intro to Hindi for preschoolers
  • T4Tales - Bilingual (English and different Indian langaugess with beautiful illustrations for preschoolers up to age 5/6
  • Indigrow - A to Z of India and Colours of India books showcase the familiar, cultural and every day moments of Indian life
  • Tulika Books - publisher of children's books by South Asian authors, many of which are bilingual
  • Meet Buckley - English and transliterated Hindi book
  • Mango and Marigolds Press - independent publisher on stories of the South Asian experience, including those living abroad and growing up outside India
  • ShopYug - Offers books on various historical and notable figures in Indian history

Religious/mythology books:

Digital technology surrounds us and is part of our daily lives. Learning how to use it wisely is an essential skill for life and learning in these times. As parents, we sometimes don’t feel equipped to support our child’s journey and worry about their use of technology. Which controls should we put in place? How much screen time is too much? What kind of conversations should we have with them?

In this blogpost, I will share some of the learnings I’ve gained recently from my own research and at a recent workshop I attended on this topic.


Mindset Shift: Not all screen time is the same.

Most of us reading this are probably of the generation where our first ever home-owned computer, the Internet, and smartphones entered our lives when we were older. Since then, technology has evolved by leaps and bounds. We are finding ourselves raising children in a generation where technology is integrated into their daily lives from an extremely young age. It’s a bit scary being in this position because, as parents we’re still “figuring things out as we go”. On top of that, we mostly hear the negative effects of screen time, social media, and use of technology in the news.

First, we need to change our own thinking around screen time. Recognize that not all screen time consumption is the same. There are different types of screen time:
  • Passive: watching TV
  • Interactive: playing videogames, interactive educational apps, browsing the Internet or using social media
  • Communicative: communicating with the real world through your device, such as video-chatting
  • ​Content creation: using devices to make digital art or music
Each type of screen time consumption affects or uses a different part of our brain. Passive use and addiction to social media is known to have negative, anti-social effects on children. However, there is a positive impact on behavior, literacy, and cognitive ability when children are using educational interactive apps or digital tools to create content, coding, and connecting with family/friends using technology (remember how that was a god-send during Covid!).

All this is to highlight the following: How our children use technology is highly context dependent and not all screen time is bad! An hour of watching YouTube videos is not the same as an hour spent designing digital art. :)


Parenting Approaches

There are different approaches to parenting with regards to use of digital devices at home. Given the scope of this post, I will not delve too much into this and will instead share this link for further reference.

My own personal opinion is that it is impractical to eliminate or minimize use of technology in this day and age. It’s all about finding the right balance and following it in a consistent manner so that we don't send confusing signals to our children. Also, your child is watching you. If you’re on your phone during meal times, your child will think it’s acceptable behavior to watch a show on their iPad at the dining table. If you’re scrolling endlessly on Instagram or Facebook while talking to your child, you can expect that they will return the favor to you someday! So remember, role modeling is important and use technology the way you want your children to.


Good Practices / Tips

  • Rule of thumb to tell your child: Be safe, responsible, and respectful with online use and technology. Just as you would want your child to be safe, responsible, and respectful in the classroom or playground, the same rules apply to the digital world.
  • Agree on a set of ground rules for technology and online use. This includes asking for permissions to download apps and agreeing on how much screen time is appropriate, depending on the type of screen time (discussed above). Be prepared to revisit this topic again and again as your children grow and circumstances change.
  • According to sources, the average age that a child will be first exposed to pornography or adult content online is at 11 years of age. Sometimes this can occur simply by accident if a child is searching online for a particular term or phrase. Instead of waiting for it to happen when you least expect it, have a preemptive chat with your child. Remind them that if they see something inappropriate online, they should turn it off immediately and then inform you.
  • Encourage them to think before they post - what may feel like a harmless joke or funny photo could be something that they regret posting later or embarrassing or hurtful to someone.
  • Making good choices online can be challenging for people of all ages, and we all make mistakes. Be present for your child and keep an eye on their online activity. Together you can unearth cool learning discoveries or concerns which can be addressed early on.
  • Create regular screen-free times as a family (e.g., meal times or evenings where you play boardgames) to bond and connect without digital distractions.
  • If you are using your phone in front of your child, name it. That means, identify what you’re doing so that they know you’re not ghosting on them or losing interest when they’re talking to you. I often do this. For example, if we are talking about catching a movie together, I pull out my phone and say “I’m looking up movie timings so that we can plan our weekend ahead”.
  • Keep devices in plain sight. Create a “digital station” or “phone zone” for charging all devices and for identifying a common area for your kids to return their devices once done (before bedtime, etc).

Resources

Be informed
  • Common Sense Media is a great source for families providing reviews and recommendations around video games, TV shows, movies, and technology
Monitoring
  • Screen time function shows how much time you’ve spent on your iPhone or iPad and also enables setting of limits
  • Three finger swipe allows you to see other open windows and apps
Setting parental controls
Some great apps for “interactive” or “content creation” for kids
Helpful articles


I've visited Bali five times in the past few years and always discover something new on this beautiful island. If you've explored enough of the hipp-dippy, earthy vibes of Ubud (see post about it here), it's time to hit up the happening hipster neighborhoods of Canggu and Seminyak in Bali! This blogpost will provide my recommendations for these two different areas which are located relatively close to one another. Seminyak is a hotbed for amazing eateries and boutiques. Meanwhile, Canggu is an up-and-coming surfer beach town, north of Seminyak and south of Tanah Lot.

Things to do in Seminyak 

1. Potato Head Beach Club: Located by the beach (though the beach itself isn't anything to write home about), this beach club is the epitome of casual, laid back Seminyak vibes. The beach club has amazing food and is super kid-friendly during the day time. For a more grown-up vibe, visit in the evenings! 

2. Shopping: Go to Seminyak Square and begin your window-shopping or actual shopping experience there! If you’re looking for stores with home furnishings, check out Satunama, Kim Soo, Mercredi and Domicile (just to name a few). I found this article for homewares in Seminyak very helpful. For clothes, you will find many local or international brands that made their start in Bali (these boutiques are generally more expensive). Street shopping and haggling is also fun - I had bought a pair of cute sandals for $13 SGD.

3. Spa: I’ve only tried Sunderi Spa (twice) and it was lovely both times. Good service and massage treatments at a good price.

4. Restaurants:
  • Motel Mexicola: Mexican food done right! If you go for dinner, stay until 10pm and you’ll see the crowd go crazy dancing on the tables to the beat of the live band! 
  • Ginger Moon: Great for lunch or dinner with pan-Asian cuisine. It’s located near all the cool shops and boutiques in Seminyak so it makes for a great option for a meal after your shopping escapades! 
  • Mamasan: This is not a child friendly restaurant in terms of food and ambiance but more suitable for a date night spot. The pan-Asian cuisine here is novel and lip-smacking good. I particularly loved the creative cocktails here - we had ordered 4 different drinks at our table and loved all of them. 
  • Chandi: Lovely restaurant that features Indonesian-influenced cuisine. This place specializes in different types of satay so don't try to stray from that when you make your order. As a vegetarian, I was a bit unconvinced about how good tempeh and vegetable satays could be but Chandi proved me wrong. Seriously good stuff!  
Things to do in Canggu 

1. Finn’s Beach Club: The Beach Club is great for lounging all day, dipping in the pool, and having a relaxing time. We loved the food and service here. Super kid-friendly and a great way to spend a lazy day! In addition, I would recommend Finn's Recreation Club - there's a bowling alley, supervised kids club with activities, trampoline jumping, and a water park. Great fun for the kids! 

2. Surfing lessons: For adults or kids, you can take surfing lessons in Canggu and it's challenging yet fun! My 9-year old went for a spin and he really enjoyed it.

3. Shopping: 
  • Walk along Jalan Pantai Berawa and you'll see lots of homeware stores, such as Bungalow Living, Cove Island Essentials, One Love, etc. (Again, refer to this helpful link)
  • Tamora Gallery: This is a lifestyle shopping center featuring family-friendly cafes and activities, stores, and a kids' outdoor playarea. 
Playing in Tamora Gallery

4. Restaurants (all vegetarian friendly): 
  • La Baracca: There are more than one location but either day, the pizza here is great! The restaurant had a rustic vibe but the food is oh-so-good!

  • Milk & Madu: Think chilled out café with pizza, pasta, avo toast, and breakfast bowls. What I loved most about this café is the play corner meant just for kids. There’s a big treehouse and a slide along with coloring activities to keep the little ones happily engaged.

  • Zin Cafe: Absolutely love the breakfast options here, including the eggs and the breakfast bowl
  • Yema Kitchen: Mediterranean cuisine with delicious food
  • Nu Delhi: For days when you want Indian food to hit the spot
  • Panama Kitchen & Pool: Restaurant with a family pool in a cute charming setting (1 min walk from Finn's Beach Club)
  • Other restaurants and coffee shops to visit in Canggu: Cafe Organic, Hungry Bird, Revolver, La Laguna (go only in the evening for the live band), Monsieur Spoon (this French bakery unexpectedly opens onto a rice paddy field!), and Seasalt in the Alila Hotel (amazing beach views over drinks).
5. Tanah Lot Temple: Amongst the more famous temples in Bali, Tanah Lot is a rock formation which is also home to an ancient Hindu temple. If you're in the Seminyak or Canggu area, you are not that far from the temple so it's well worth a visit!

Enjoying coconut water just outside Tanah Lot temple
Tanah Lot - you can see the rock formation over the water with the temple on top

Other Areas in Bali

Nusa Dua is the beach destination of Bali. This is where you are likely to find the better beach spots and get some sun & sand. If you want to do snorkeling, it's worth considering a trip to the nearby island of Nusa Penida. A speedboat takes you on a 45-60 min ride (sometimes bumpy) to the island where there are clear waters fore excellent snorkeling. We have done this with the kids and it's doable (though a bit of a trek). It does make for a full-day plan. We worked with Forever Vacation for planning our Nusa Penida visit. 

Overlooking the cliffs on Nusa Penida

Jimbaran is another area in the south of Bali. There is not much to do in this area itself other than visit Ayana Resort which boasts the famous Rock Bar. Essentially a bar carved into the side of a rocky hill, this spot is really a great place to enjoy sea views and fancy drinks in a unique setting (I really have to give it to Bali for having figured out how to create amazing experiences in restaurant settings!). When I had visited Rock Bar, I happened to take my kids with me as they are allowed to enter the restaurant/bar.

I hope you guys found this Bali guide helpful. This guide is by no means exhaustive but it's a good start! Do let me know what you discover from your travels there.


There is something about Bali. Maybe it’s the fact that it has retained its authenticity despite the massive tourism. Maybe it’s the Balinese people who are so genuine in their interactions with you. Maybe it’s variety of things that Bali has to offer, from beaches to volcano hikes to rice terraces. Or maybe it’s the sheer number of inviting cafes and the fact that they all have wifi! Whatever the reason, I find Bali a versatile destination for a couples getaway or for families with kids. I have been to Bali 5 times in the past few years and I know there is still so much more to explore. 

This blogpost is specifically on Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. Ubud is the perfect place in Bali to get away and be closer to the elements. Here you will find the famous rice terraces and the flourishing arts and crafts centers on the island. You can hear the sounds of nature and help a farmer harvest his rice for the season! 

If you choose to go to Ubud, my recommendation is to just stay put there for 3-4 days. It’s further away from the main, frequented areas in Bali, such as Canggu, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua. Thus, one can unnecessarily end up spending a lot of time going to and from Ubud for just a day’s trip. 

Here are my top 10 list of things to do in Ubud (followed by foodie recommendations below)!

1. Tegalalang Rice Terraces: There are several restaurants along the rice terraces and almost all boast a view of them. Pick one to have lunch in and take lovely pictures of the rice terraces. Along the same lines, look into doing a walking or biking tour of the rice paddies. We did a walking tour and my older son enjoyed getting a glimpse of the slow, village life!



2. Pod Chocolate Factory: Bali’s own chocolate factory makes its chocolates from locally grown cocoa pods. Kids will love making their own chocolates here! And well, adults too! Pick which kind of chocolate you want along with the toppings and you’re all set to create your own gourmet batch to take home (just make sure they don't melt later in the heat like ours did!). You can take elephant rides in this place as well.


3. Monkey forest: This is the famous touristy thing to do in Ubud. Worth a one-time visit to see friendly (and sometimes rather naughty!) monkeys up close in their natural forest habitat. The forest itself is extensive and has a mysterious air about it with dense trees and creeping vines.


4. Bali Swing: So there are more than one of these “Bali Swings”. They look super cool in the Instagram photos, with the person soaring high in the air with a view of some hills over yonder. But I’ll warn you that it’s a bit of a tourist trap. We had gone to Bali Swing, lured by similar such enticing photos only to find long lines of people waiting to just climb a swing and get a ride. My advice is to try to go early in the day when the lines are shorter. Ultimately, I’d say it was fun just as long as the waiting lines aren't too cumbersome.


5. Ubud main market area: Lots of shops and boutiques to check out here, both along the main road and the inner alleys. Your best bet is to stay along these connected roads and you'll find many a store or cafe here: Jalan Raya Ubud, Jalan Dewi Sita, Jalan Arjuna, and Jalan Hanuman. Plan for a few hours to stroll along this area.

6. Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur: This is one of my top activities to do in Bali. I've done the sunrise trek twice now, once with my husband and second time with my 9-year old son. It's a moderately challenging trek up the active volcano of Mount Batur. The trek begins at 4:00 AM so that you reach the top just in time for sunrise. It's worth the climb and is definitely an awe-inspiring experience! There are many tour operators you can find online. Ours was Abadi Bali Tour & Travel (whatsapp at +62-878-6057-0999).

Atop Mount Batur just at sunrise at 6:00 AM 

7. White Water Rafting along Ayung River: If you are looking for an "intro level" white water rafting experience, this is perfect. It was a good combination of relaxing and exhilarating 2 hour ride down the Ayung River, led by our guide. I did this activity with my 9-year old son and he loved it! We went through Ayung Dewata Rafting for our experience. 

8. Saraswati Temple and Ubud Palace: Both these heritage spots are located near the Ubud market area. For the Saraswati Temple, the locals recommend going in the evening to see the beautiful sunset that lights up the temple premises. In the daytime, it is nothing too exciting as the temple itself is not open to the public (only the small compound). Similarly, you can enter Ubud Palace for free and walk around the main (small) premises and get a feel of the traditional temple architecture. 

At the Sarawati Temple

9. Tirta Empul is a Hindu temple built around a bubbling spring. What I loved about our experience is that even though it is a religious place of worship, its spiritual acts can be taken by anyone. One enters the cold spring waters and undergoes a purification of sorts. Each watering spout holds special significance, such as washing away bad deeds and karma. It's a beautiful ritual and we all participated in it as a family. 


10. Tibumana Waterfall: We made our way down many, many steps to get to this concealed cove with a waterfall. You can go for a dip in the cool refreshing water or chose to see the waterfall from a close distance.

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Foodie Recommendations

Walk along Jalan Gautama and you will find plenty of charming little cafes, many specializing in organic & vegan foods! In addition, there are restaurants in other parts of Ubud worth visiting. Our recommendations below:
  • DUMBO: Great cocktails and thin crust pizza
  • Akasha: Entirely vegetarian and vegan food restaurant nestled amongst the rice paddies. It's a beautiful restaurant and the food is delicious.
All vegan menu at Akasha
  • Taco Fiesta - Fairly decent Mexican food in a small lane called Jalan Bisma off Jalan Raya Ubud. Makes for a good meal stop during your shopping in Ubud Market area
  • Warung Siam Ubud - good Thai food and good people watching! 
  • Soma Café: Located in an antique wooden house, the menu comprises of various fruit juices and what they call “raw” food items. The food is strictly ok but the restaurant gets a thumbs-up for being kid-friendly with a kid zone upstairs.
  • Murni’s Warung: I suggest going for lunch as it would get quite mosquite-infested by dinner time. The restaurant setup and décor is so interesting as it is built against the side of a hill. Other than the fact that you will need to take mozzie patches when you go, this restaurant is very kid-friendly.
  • Ganesha and Indian Delites for days when you crave Indian food 
Outside Soma Cafe
  • Luwak coffee: Ubud is the place in Bali to try the famous luwak coffee. Have you heard about it? Well, if you haven’t, I’ll let you read about it for yourself. But certainly it’s a fun experience to try it out this famous coffee.

** Blogpost updated on Oct 12, 2022 **

Diwali is a special time of year for many South Asians. While Singapore's current restrictions will not allow for group gatherings and celebrations for Diwali, one thing is certain - we all are, nonetheless, looking for ways to make the Festival of Lights special for our family and friends. I've had the distinct pleasure of being able to try products and services by many South Asian entrepreneurs by virtue of being in the social media space, and am so grateful for that. As a way to support them, I thought it would be a good idea to put together a Diwali gift guide specific for Singapore-based brands and businesses creating festive gift boxes and hampers!

I have personally tried and tested over 95% of the products/services relating to the festive season in the list below. If I have missed any, please do let me know and I'd love to add to this list.

Fun fact: Almost all of the tags below are women-led businesses and I love the idea of supporting them further!

HOME & LIFESTYLE 
Be it natural essential oils and remedies, eco-friendly stationery, handcrafted candles, block-printed table linen, and other pieces to add a beautiful touch to your home - I've enjoyed them all
Photophactory - Rich designs of decorative trays, cheeseboards, and other home pieces
Mira - Handcrafted soaps and candles
Ollie Oils - Gift boxes with essential oils and wellness treats
B'trayed Etc. - Home decor, trays, and linen products
House of Happy - Festive collection of table decor sets
Happy Homes - Home linen products
Left Handesign - Sustainable gift products such as plantable greeting cards, notebooks, pencils
Happy Hands - DIY Diwali kits and other gifting items
Kaladristhi  - Handcrafted home decor
Domi Living - Home decor
Meraki Lily - Home decor
The Creative Hut - Diwali festive cards

FOOD 
Think chocolates, mithais (some even vegan), kulfi, and other mouthwatering delights tailored for the festive season and packaged beautifully for gifting!
Healthyish and Happy - Cardamom rose laddoos made with all the good stuff (nuts, dates, spices!)
Indian Spice Box - Organic indian spice boxes in beautiful packaging
The Nut Bite - Customizable box with a variety of nuts in different flavorings; includes candles/diffusers
Her Rise Above - Variety of gifting hampers put together by a business essentials program for women
Bombay Kulfi - Assorted kulfi flavors (paan, mango, gulkand, you name it!)
From the Pan - Mithai box
Nourish - Vegan mithai box
Indulge by Ekta - Diwali cookies
Holy Grains - Fresh homemade granola (try the rose pistachio one!)

BEAUTY/WELLNESS 
Highly recommend these organic, natural skincare brands that don't break the bank. Most are offering Diwali bundles! 

GIFTS FOR KIDS 
My recommendations for books and crafts to bring to life the magic of this season with kids
T4Tales - "Kahani Purani", a storybook of the Ramayan for kids, in different languages
Indigrow Kids - Books, puzzles, and games related to India and a free downloadable Diwali festival kit
Book Bear - Diwali bundle of books related to the Ramayan and the Festival of Lights
Hindu Toys - Mantra-singing plush toys of Hindu gods and goddesses
Indian Spicebox Kids Book & Spice Box available from Closet Full of Books 

ADULTS & KIDS ETHNIC WEAR AND ACCESSORIES 
There are tons of ethnic fashion and jewellry brands and I can't possibly list them all. But here are some local brands across different price ranges that will get you sorted for the festive season!
Nimbu Kids - Adorable ethnic wear for the little ones with a fashion sustainability ethos
Lime and Lemon Kidswear - Ethical brand for kids clothing, including ethnic wear
Saffron Strokes - Curated collection of kids clothing and pajamas
Empaar - Ethnic wear for kids and men
Eminent Mien - Women's clothing and accessories
Amaalya  - Women's kurtas, kaftans, and dresses; home decor and table accessories
Jinders - Women's clothing
Melange - Women's clothing
Divas Closet - Women's clothing
Aadya's Boutique - Women's clothing
Linen n More - Women's clothing
Twinkle Toes - Jooties


It's probably the most "daring" thing I've ever done in recent times - to travel during a pandemic and clock in a total of 4 weeks of hotel-based quarantine (in Singapore and Thailand)! These are unusual experiences in unusual times. But half the battle is won when you enter a required quarantine with a positive, can-do approach. A hotel quarantine is not a breeze. But there are things you can do to make your stay as comfortable as possible within a confined space. In this post, I'm going to share all the resources and things you should consider bringing with you so that you are fully prepared for the long stay. 

To set your expectations, the hotel facilities dedicated for quarantine in Singapore comprise of standard rooms. As a family with kids, you can request for two adjoining rooms with a connecting door (email at ICA_SHNhotelneeds@ica.gov.sg) OR you can look into upgrading to a suite which provides more space and even a kitchenette. Our family stayed in two conected standard rooms - these rooms do NOT have a balcony or open windows, there is no laundry service or room cleaning service, and there is a limited set menu from which to order meals. 

With that said, below are some of the items I think are helpful to carry:

  • Wet wipes or an all-natural surface cleaner (Ollie Oils has a good one) to clean surfaces in your room/living space/bathroom. It was especially handy becaue the kids would eat on a small table and inevitably drop food on the floor or dirty the table. So wet wipes were really handy! 
  • Room deodorizer or spray: With no open windows, there is no fresh air in quarantine. Add to that the fact that you're eating, sleeping, and exercising in the same space for several days at a stretch. A deodorizer really helps to freshen up the air and remove any odors or staleness in the air. 
  • The Laundress is a line of non-toxic products which I found very useful for travel: The "Crease Release" is a spray which removes wrinkles from clothing without the need for ironing (available via different websites in Singapore and Amazon). They also have laundry detergent and other cleaning items that you may want to check out! 
  • Plastic tupperware/boxes to store food left over from your meals: You'll find that you don't necessarily finish all the food and some food items are good to save for the next day. So some storage containers are helpful to have. 
  • Pack enough inner wear (i.e., undergarments) to last the duration of the quarantine if you don't plan to wash your own dirty clothes. Also, to reduce unnecessary laundry build-up, I feel there's no shame in repeating your outfits since you're indoors and sweat-free anyway
  • Pack vitamin D supplements: In general, it's good to take vitamins! But more importanlty, since you're not exposed to the sun for a long stretch of time, preempt a vitamin D deficiency by taking your supplements
  • Entertainment for grown-ups: Books/Kindle, embroidery kit, adult coloring books, your Apple TV device... whatever you need to keep sane and calm
  • Entertainment for kids: Refer to my Instagram post with my recs (this warrants a separate post in itself!)
  • A bit of indulgence: If you're with young kids, there may not be much time for relaxation but you can still bring a touch of indulgence into your quarantine. I suggest bringing some essential oils or ordering bubble bars or bath bombs from Lush to be delivered to your hotel
Useful Resources:
  • Rental needs: www.happyshn.com is a website which allows you to rent items you might need for your quarantine, such as a microwave, exercise equipment, yoga mat, fans, vaccuums, portable washing machines, etc. It's a brilliant idea and we used it for renting a microwave - easy and fast delivery!
  • Online workouts: I highly recommend doing short workouts or getting some movement into your day during quarantine. It really helped to boost our spirits and alleviated that "cooped in" feeling. There are tons of workouts you can do in your hotel room - search for PopSugar Fitness, Brian Syuki for walking-based workouts, and SELF for HIIT/cardio on Youtube (20-30 min workout routines worked great for me personally). In addition, you can pack resistance bands or light weights to support your workouts!
  • Good delivery apps (Food Panda, Deliveroo, and Grab Food) and alcohaul.sg for delivery of spirits to lift your spirits! :) They helped to break the monotony of the hotel food and gave us something to look forward to whenever we ordered something. 
I hope you found this list helpful. Good luck to those of you embarking on any travels and get ready to face quarantine like a boss! If you have any questions, just email me at urbanmantra1@gmail.com or DM on Instagram. 

Balancing work and parenthood is challenging and at times, really overwhelming. But time management and learning how to juggle all the different facets of your life is key! As a working professional, a mom to 2 boys, and an active blogger, I often get asked how I “do it all and make it look so easy”. Be under no illusion - it’s NOT easy and I DON'T do it all. Have you heard of the saying of how serene a duck looks on the surface, but underneath he's paddling like hell? Yeah, that’s me.

I’m certainly no expert but would humbly like to share some practices which have been effective for me in better balancing my life goals and ambitions.

1. Ask yourself what you want in life and focus your energies accordingly.

Are you looking to build a high-profile career or develop your own business? Or are you looking for a steady job that keeps you satisfied, pays the bills, and gives you balance in life? If you don’t know the answer, then sort that out first. Because you need that clarity on a meta-level to decide where you want to focus your energies on and how you tackle the different facets of your life (be it kids, a career, or non-professional endeavours).

Example: Upon self-inflection several years ago, I realized I wanted a balanced lifestyle with regards to my job, family, and personal pursuits. I sought a career path that gives me meaning and purpose without necessarily the highest-ranking positions. I wanted to be a hands-on Mom to my kids. I wanted space to pursue my own passion projects (i.e., blog/Instagram). So with that clarity, I divide my life roughly into the following framework: 40% career, 40% family & kids, 20% personal endeavours. This bigger picture helps me figure out where to channel my time and efforts. 

2. Be flexible and adjust your priorities as needed.

Priorities are not static. No single week is the same in terms of what's on your plate. A successful habit I have had for years is making a planned "intentions and to-do list" at the start of the week (Sunday night or Monday morning). I write down what needs to be done according to the different buckets in my life (work deliverables, family stuff, social media content creation, social obligations, etc) and rank them in order of importance for that week. Doing this gives me a sense of intentionality and clarity on how to manage my time before the week kicks in. 

At certain times, work will reign supreme because there’s a major deadline coming up and everything else takes a backstep. Other times, I will be able to place more time and attention with my children. Be flexible and not guilty in knowing that priorities do shuffle around. 

3. Create a strong support(ive) system.

It takes a village so don’t try to do it all on your own. Between my husband, a reliable helper, trusty friends, and a good school, I ensure that my kids are well-taken care of, happy, and well-adjusted. On the career front, I place strong importance on jobs which allow flexibility and are supportive of working mothers and their schedules - this makes a BIG difference in maintaining work-life balance!

4. Be efficient & work smart!

One thing I know I'm good at is my ability to get sh*t done. I achieve that by being disciplined and efficient across all areas of my life. How?
  • Work smart: I calculate the areas of my life where I need to work hard versus work smart. For example, I don’t compromise on my kid’s learning but I let it go if they didn’t eat the most healthy meal every single day of the week (for some, that priority may be flipped). At work, I will dedicate much more time for a big report with high visibility and impact but for a lower priority project, I would put in just enough effort to keep the ball rolling but not agonize over every small aspect. Know when to give your 80% versus your 110%.
  • Goes without saying, stay on top of things with lists or online apps that help you create efficiencies and organization in your busy life! There are tons out there and find what works for you :)
  • On the home front, I try to create efficiencies in small ways so that the household can run smoothly: weekly meal planning, online grocery shopping at the start of a new week, outsourcing housework if needed with hired help, ordering in meals on certain days to relieve cooking fatigue, and having the kids clean up after themselves. 
5. Lay boundaries to make space for family or personal life.

We all know that work can easily spill over our personal life if we don't lay clear boundaries. So here are two tips that I apply:
  • Both I and my husband block out our work calendars for certain times of the day when we want to be with the kids. That way, no one schedules work meetings and people learn to be more respectful of your time.
  • Secondly, let’s get better at saying NO in the workplace or acknowledging when we need more resources and support. By having the courage to say NO or conversely, ask for help, we are setting ourselves up for a more manageable lifestyle.
If you found this post helpful, do let me know! I would also love to hear your thoughts on how you balance work and life. 

About three years ago, I left my old job without another in hand. I knew I had gone as far as I could in that job and the company was going through turbulent times. It was time to look elsewhere. At the same time, I also wanted to spend more time with my kids. To quit a job without knowing where I was going next was a scary thing to do. But it was also the right thing to do...for me at that time in my life. Ultimately, I did take that break which lasted 6-7 months (fairly short in the grand scheme of things). I have no regrets and haven't looked back since.

Many of us may be at a juncture where we're considering a career break. Are you deliberating whether it is the right move? Are you worried how it will impact your career trajectory or prospects of finding a job later on? I want to let you Moms out there know that taking a career break for family (or even other reasons) need NOT equate to career suicide.

From my own personal experience, I made 4 revelations which I'd like to share with you. These revelations require a proactive and productive mindset and worked well for me. Hopefully, they can may help you emerge on the other side of your career break, happier and wiser. 

#1. Treat the break as an investment towards yourself and your next phase in life. Being on a career break doesn’t mean you’re sitting idle. I found myself busy in various ways, balancing quality time with the kids while also pursuing interests which I never had time for before. For example, I took a course on social media marketing (for my own interest) and attended seminars on AI (incidentally, same field as my role now). This leads me to my next point....

#2. Make a strategic plan and stick to it. Going in, I didn't know how long my career break was going to be. But one thing I did know was that I didn't plan to be out of the job market for very long (not more than 1-2 years). So I made a monthly plan of action and stuck to it (it helps to brainstorm and talk it through with your partner too). I signed up for seminars and workshops on various topics. I created a bucket list of fun and educational things I wanted to do. I made a point to meet 2-5 people on a professional level weekly for "coffee chats". I even used LinkedIn to “cold-call” people working in companies or jobs of interest to me. Some of the things that I did were also relevant to add to my resume.

#3. The gap in your resume is NOT a bad thing; it’s HOW you explain it that matters. When you do return to the job market, there is no shame in explaining to potential employers that you chose to prioritize family and at the same time reassess where you wanted to take your career. Normalize this thinking and talk about it frankly. In my case, as I spoke to various people in different companies, this reasoning was accepted without question (I recognize that this isn't the case in all industries). Secondly, outline the list of activities, projects, or courses you did for self-development - this shows initiative and a growth mindset. Lastly, don’t be apologetic or guilty about taking time off! Sadly, we are made to believe we somehow failed by choosing to be at home and giving up a job. Own it and be self-assured that you’ll get back to work when the time is right. This confident attitude makes a difference during interviews. 

#4. View this break through a macro lens. A break is a tiny blip in your overall life timeline. We have many years of working ahead of us. So a break is GOOD for us! It forces us to reset our thinking and is an opportunity to reassess career paths. Believe that you can & will climb back!

Bottom line? Be productive in ways that help you on a personal or professional front and enjoy it. Network. Upskill yourself with courses or seminars. Make genuine interactions with people who are in the line of work you want to break into. Freelance. Read lots. Do something you always wanted to do that is not career related! The best part? You get to do it on your own terms and convenience! You never know how these experiences will lead to something in the future.

Lastly, let’s not forget to focus on the very reason for wanting to quit working for a while: our children! This phase is one we’ll never get back so let’s fully embrace it and make it count.