Ronald Tan Field notes · 2009–2012

A photo blog from Singapore

Life in Singapore, tech, games & travel tales.

Weekends around the island, gadget reviews, anime festivals and beer festivals, and long photo diaries from Hokkaido to Bali. Written between June 2009 and September 2012.

  • 80Posts
  • 2,292Photographs
  • 10Places

20124 posts

  1. Phuket

    Let's Relax Spa Phuket

    So during our trip to Phuket, we also went to a nice spa to enjoy the local massage and foot reflexology session. In Phuket, there are so many local massage establishments to choose from that you will be spoilt for…

  2. Phuket

    Deevana Patong Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand

    Our choice of accommodation (Superior Double Room Garden Wing) during our trip to Phuket was Deevana Patong Resort & Spa, which we made the reservations directly through their website at THB 2,500 nett per room per…

  3. Phuket

    Songkran (Water Festival) 2012 Phuket

    We went to a short trip to Phuket recently (12th April to 15th April 2012) and it coincides with the Songkran festival in Thailand. This blog post documents the first day of Songkran (12th April 2012) and the location…

  4. Photography

    Photo Featured – World's Most Delicious Street Food by Travel + Leisure

    Awesome! Another photo that I took in Ho Chi Minh City during my travels was used in an article – World's Most Delicious Street Food by Travel + Leisure. The article also appeared as "Street Food 101: A Global Guide" in…

20118 posts

  1. Vietnam

    Photo Featured - The World's Best Cities for Street Food by foodandwine.com

    Recently, a photo that I took in Ben Thanh Market (in Ho Chi Minh City) was used in an article - The World's Best Cities for Street Food by foodandwine.com. Please head over to…

  2. Photography

    Photo Shoot at Kuta Beach, Bali

    Hello everyone! It's been a while since I last posted on my blog so will start with something simple and nice - Photo Shoot at Kuta Beach, Bali. :P Yeah, this time the location is overseas at Bali and I am helping my…

  3. Life in Singapore

    Beerfest Asia 2011

    It's that time of the year to be jolly over beers - Beerfest Asia 2011 from 16th to 19th June 2011! Same as last year, I purchased the “1-Day OCBC Exclusive Pass" for 19th June 2011, which I paid with OCBC credit card…

  4. Life in Singapore

    Sands SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands

    Recently, my friends were staying at Marina Bay Sands and we were invited to visit Sands Skypark (340m-long and a 150m swimming pool, set on top of the world's largest public cantilevered platform on 57th floor) since…

  5. Life in Singapore

    Sentosa Photo Shoot

    Sometime in July 2010, I helped out my brother as a photography assistant. This time round the location is Sentosa and the sun is hot! The team involved in the photo shoot: Styling: Nur Abdul Samad bin Harun Hair &…

  6. Cyprus

    My Holiday in Cyprus

    The following is a guest post by Emma, a 24 year old traveller originally from Nantwich, Chesire. Emma enjoys cycling at weekends and adventuring abroad on a budget. Emma lives with her partner in London. Cyprus is an…

  7. Life in Singapore

    Photoshoot for Harper's BAZAAR and ION Photography Awards 2010

    During February 2010, my elder brother, requested for my help as photography assistant for one of his photo-shoot and as I was available, I went ahead to join in the fun. This particular photoshoot for taking part in…

  8. Japan

    Hokkaido Shrine Photo Featured on In-flight Magazine

    Several months ago, I was fortunate to be contacted by the editor of an in-flight magazine who is putting together an article on Sapporo and was asking whether I am keen to lease my photos that was taken in Sapporo…

201023 posts

  1. Batam

    3 Days 2 Nights Trip at Harris Resort Batam

    This short trip to Batam was made on 10th Sept 2010 (during the long weekend of Hari Raya Puasa), together with the same gang of friends that went to Malaysia (See "A Day in Kuala Lumpur 2" and "A Day in Malacca"). Our…

  2. Life in Singapore

    i Light Marina Bay

    Passed by Esplanade and happened to see "i Light Marina Bay" ( 照亮滨海湾), - Asia's First Sustainable Light Art Festival, which is held from 15th October to 7th November 2010 from 7.30pm onwards to midnight. The entry is…

  3. Malacca

    A Day in Malacca

    Continuing from "A Day in Kuala Lumpur 2", we decided to check out from the hotel early (immediately after breakfast) so that we can visit Malacca on our way back to Singapore. We spotted Philea Resort and Spa when we…

  4. Kuala Lumpur

    A Day in Kuala Lumpur 2

    Hiya, this is a long overdue blog post! The Kuala Lumpur trip was made during the long weekend of 7th to 9th August 2010 where Singapore was celebrating it's National Day and it's a holiday on 9th August 2010. We (a…

  5. Otaku

    Mecha Art Museum

    The Singapore Cosplay Club brings forth to you a new event, the Mecha Art Museum! Venue: West Coast Plaza (154 West Coast Road Singapore 127371) Date of Exhibition: 10th September 2010 - 31st October 2010 (11am -…

  6. Bali

    A Day in Bali 4

    Today is our last day in Bali so after breakfast, we went to take a dip in the swimming pool as there wasn't much time to go anywhere else and also we need to check-out latest by 12.30pm. I swam around for about 2 hours…

  7. Bali

    A Day in Bali 3

    Usual routine of having breakfast at Kuta Beach Club but today we started the day a bit later as we only have snorkeling planned at 10am. The rest of the day will be pretty OTOT (own-time-own-target) so we are going to…

  8. Bali

    A Day in Bali 2

    The next morning, after breakfast at Kuta Beach Club, we met up with Ketut (our English-speaking driver) at 9am at our hotel lobby. Check out "A Day in Bali 1" for my review of him! Today's itinerary is as follows:…

  9. Bali

    A Day in Bali 1

    We met up with our English-speaking driver at 8.30am (after breakfast at Kuta Beach Club) at our hotel lobby. I have booked for his services via email before reaching Bali and he charged Rp 400,000 per day (around 10…

  10. Bali

    A Day in Bali

    Hi all, how are you doing? Guess where I am? :P I am at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 waiting for the 1905hr Jetstar Asia flight to Bali, Indonesia. For this trip, there will be a change as it not just me and my…

  11. Life in Singapore

    Singapore Food Festival 2010

    The yearly Singapore Food Festival (first started in 1994) is back again and this time featuring the culinary cultures behind different Singapore Chinese dialects. From 16th to 24th July 2010 (4pm to 11pm), Clarke Quay…

  12. Gadgets

    DiCAPac WP610 Waterproof Underwater Case for LX3

    In preparation for my upcoming trip to Bali, I went to scout around for a waterproof case for my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 camera so that I can have the option of taking the camera into the water. The research made…

  13. Life in Singapore

    Merlion Park

    Passing by Esplanade area, so decided to head off to Merlion Park to hang out for a while and take some photos. Merlion Park is located near Marina Bay, Singapore and is a popular tourist attraction. Walking along…

  14. Life in Singapore

    Beerfest Asia 2010

    20th June 2010 (Sunday) marks the day that I attended Beerfest Asia 2010. I wanted to get tickets for 19th June 2010 (Saturday) so that I can hang around later but it was already sold out. The event was held at Marina…

  15. Kuala Lumpur

    A Day in Kuala Lumpur 1

    Early morning around 7plus, I was woken up by some commotion at the lobby, think might be some guests checking out. Then, I tried to get back to bed but wasn't able to so decided to wake up and have breakfast before…

  16. Kuala Lumpur

    A Day in Kuala Lumpur

    A recent business requirement brings me to Kuala Lumpur (KL) , Malaysia. This time round I will be taking the coach up north instead of driving as it will give me time to catch up on some reading as well as work. The…

  17. Cyprus

    A Wonderful Trip in Cyprus

    The following is a guest post by George Christodoulou from OneTravel.com - please head on there if you are looking for travel deals. If you've never visited Cyprus before, put it on your list. If you live in America the…

  18. Gadgets

    AllKit Cigarette Mount Holder and Charger with Full Range FM Transmitter for iPhone and iPod

    I needed a car kit to charge my iPhone 3GS while on the move so I went around searching for a car mount with charging capabilities. In the end, I found the above "AllKit Cigarette Mount Holder and Charger with Full…

  19. Vietnam

    A Day in Ho Chi Minh City 1

    This is my 5th day and also the last day of my Vietnam trip. If you like to see the last 4 days of my trip, please do click here. Above photo shows the corridor of Elios Hotel (which I am staying) - I was pretty…

  20. Vietnam

    1 Day in Vung Tau & Ho Chi Minh City

    Oh, time really flies and it's already my fourth day in Ho Chi Minh City! No going for guided tour today and will be exploring on our own - We will be going to Vung Tau, which is a popular destination with beautiful…

  21. Vietnam

    1 Day Cai Be & Vinh Long via the Mekong Delta Tour

    Hello! It's our 3rd day in Vietnam and we are still waking up around 6.30am (although a bit tired) to have breakfast before going for our tour to Cai Be & Vinh Long via the Mekong Delta. Above shows the breakfast…

  22. Vietnam

    1 Day Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

    Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) - we woke up around 6.15am to freshen up and then hurried to have the free buffet breakfast at the hotel. The above shows the first round of servings that I had. Food was nice and there…

  23. Vietnam

    A Day in Ho Chi Minh City

    Hey all! It's been a while since I last updated my blog as I have been mulling over some plans for work. Now that it's been sorted out, it's back to blogging again! So here I am at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1…

200945 posts

  1. Penang

    A Day in Penang 2

    Third day in Penang. Same usual process of going for the free buffet breakfast as the previous day (see A Day in Penang 1), then headed out to KOMTAR (Malay: Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak) bus station to take Bus 204 to…

  2. Penang

    A Day in Penang 1

    Second day in Penang (槟城), woke up around 7.30am and headed to the coffee lounge beside the hotel lobby to have our free breakfast buffet. After the breakfast, my partner went to attend her training which was also held…

  3. Penang

    A Day in Penang

    Recently my partner had to go Penang (Malaysia) for some training and since I was on annual leave, I decided to accompany her there and spend the whole day exploring around on my own. Actually, we wanted to catch the…

  4. Gadgets

    New Desktop PC

    Recently went to Sim Lim Square to purchase a new desktop PC as my old one that I have been using for years is slowing down considerably. I have also been pondering to change for ages and now when many cool games…

  5. Otaku

    AFA'09 - Anime Festival Asia

    I attended AFA09 - Anime Festival Asia on 21st Nov 2009, which was held at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. AFA09 is featuring merchadise, live acts and performances, anime / manga and…

  6. Life in Singapore

    Kusu Island

    Here I am at Marina South Pier (滨海南码头) to take a ferry to Kusu Island (Singapore). There are also other regular ferries service heading for Saint John's Island as well. It's my first time going to Kusu Island! Also I am…

  7. Life in Singapore

    Singapore Zoo

    Just visited the Singapore Zoo (opened on 27 June 1973 with total land area of 28 hectares) on a Sunday noon. Yes, I got free tickets as well so did not visit the tickets counter. :P For more information on tickets,…

  8. Life in Singapore

    A Week in Singapore 4

    Wow! It's been a while since I last done a weekly series of my life in Singapore so will continue with this blog post before I starting for forgot the details. Starting off with a set lunch at Yoyogi Japanese Restaurant…

  9. Life in Singapore

    Code Android & SG-GTUG Oct 09 Meetup

    Yo Guys! On Sat 11am (31st Oct 2009), I made my way to Google Singapore office at Temasek Tower to attend Code Android Singapore meetup. Didn't park at Temasek Tower as there are hourly charges before 1pm. Instead, I…

  10. Life in Singapore

    BeerOut! Oct 09 by The Digital Movement

    Last evening (29th Oct 09), I went to an event organized by The Digital Movement (TDM) called "BeerOut!", which was held at Loof (roof top bar). This is only the second time BeerOut! is running and it's actually a…

  11. Life in Singapore

    Web Wednesday Singapore 20.0

    Once again, I attended Web Wednesday Singapore 20.0 last evening (Wed, 28th Oct 09), which was held again at Home Club, the same venue as the previous Web Wednesday Singapore 19.0 (18.0 too!). Today's speaker is from…

  12. Life in Singapore

    Jurong Birk Park Singapore

    Woohoo! Here I am with free tickets to the Jurong Birk Park (裕廊飞禽公园). Pretty excited as I haven't been here in ages and it's nice to be able to explore it again. With around 8000 birds from 600 species, Jurong Birk Park…

  13. Life in Singapore

    The Arena at Clarke Quay

    Today, I am blogging about something different as all the while I was covering mostly all my day events. As Singapore was ranked second for its nightlife and dining by the Global Country Brand Index (2006), I thought it…

  14. Life in Singapore

    Singapore Flyer

    Gotten an invitation to experience Singapore Flyer (新加坡摩天观景轮) - the world's largest observation wheel (for now). It is 42 stories high, with a total height of 165 m (541 ft), and is taller than London Eye. Singapore…

  15. Life in Singapore

    Exploring Pulau Ubin Singapore

    It's been a while since I last went to Pulau Ubin to cycle so I decided to head off and explore on a Sunday morning. As it was a Sunday, the parking lots around Changi Point Ferry Terminal (near Changi Village Hawker…

  16. Life in Singapore

    ION Orchard Walkabout

    Not long ago, I took a walk at ION Orchard, a new-concept styled shopping mall that opened in the prime shopping district of Singapore, Orchard Road. First stop to satisfy my salivating mouth is Gindaco Tsukiji…

  17. Life in Singapore

    Burger King® Whopper™ Bar Singapore

    Burger King recently opened the first Whopper Bar in Singapore on 17 September 2009. The Whopper Bar restaurant is located at Blk 3B, River Valley Road, #01-06, Clarke Quay (beside The Arena Live) and operates daily…

  18. Life in Singapore

    Lantern Festival at Chinese Garden

    We recently celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as Mooncake Festival) on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar. This year it falls on a Saturaday (3rd October 2009) so we decided to take a…

  19. Life in Singapore

    Web Wednesday Singapore 19.0

    On 1st Oct (Thurs) 2009, together with Sambit, I attended Web Wednesday Singapore 19.0 at HomeClub. Web Wednesday Singapore is usually held on Wednesday but it was moved to Thursday for this month only as they are…

  20. Life in Singapore

    A Week in Singapore 3

    Duck rice with Char Siew at my nearby coffee shop S$4. This round of the weekly series comprises of many food I had taken. If you have not eaten, it will make you very hungry! :P Having Erdinger Dunkel at home. Still…

  21. Life in Singapore

    Chinese Wedding

    Recently went to my cousin's Chinese wedding (Singapore) and thought it will be nice to share it. In the morning, the groom and the bride will start off very early as per their own family traditions and culture. What…

  22. Life in Singapore

    SingTel Grid Girls On Tour Grand Finals

    At MediaCorp TV to participate in the live telecast of SingTel Grid Girls On Tour Grand Finals - a reality show to select the Grid Girls for Singapore F1 - 2009 Formula 1 Night Race - Singapore Grand Prix. The top 3…

  23. Otaku

    GCA 2009 - Cosplay/Games/Babes

    Visited Games Convention Asia (GCA) on 20th Sept 2009, which was held at Suntec Singapore. Initially wanted to attend the conference too, but wasn't able to spare time away from work. Specially chose to come on the last…

  24. Life in Singapore

    A Week in Singapore 2

    This week post was rather late as I was really caught up with work. This is my take-away lunch where I normally consume on my work desk - mixed vegetables rice that consist of 2 vegetables and 1 meat (chicken) S$2.80.…

  25. Gadgets

    Lumix LX3 Accessories

    Got a mail in the letter box. Errm? What is it? From Andy's Camera Straps? Well, upon opening the envelope (bubble wrapped inside), the above greeted me. Yes, it's a camera strap! Lug mount wrist strap with O-ring at…

  26. Life in Singapore

    Chinatown Singapore

    Recently, I visited Chinatown Singapore to get some stuffs as well as exploring as it had been a while since I last came. Usually, I always come here after office hours to grab dinner as there are a lot of good food…

  27. Otaku

    Gundam Fiesta Singapore 2009

    In celebration of Gundam 30th anniversary, an event Gundam Fiesta Singapore 2009 (organized by Bandai Asia and Sheng Tai Toys) is held from 2nd to 14th September 2009 at Compass Point (Sengkang). I believe this is the…

  28. Life in Singapore

    A Week in Singapore 1

    Another week have passed by. A group of folks handling some devices which I am not able to identify. From far, it's looks like the drip used in hospital. LOL! Taken from my kitchen window. Having lunch at a restaurant…

  29. Gadgets

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

    Just gotten myself a replacement camera not long ago. Although it packed inside an Olympus paperback but it's definitely not an Olympus. It's actually a high-end compact prosumer camera - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3! The…

  30. Life in Singapore

    Iluma @ Bugis Light Up

    On 15th Aug 2009, we went to a newly opened shopping mall called Iluma. It is located in Bugis and prominently situated opposite Bugis Junction. Inside Iluma, an artist is painting on the wall. We came to know that…

  31. Life in Singapore

    Marina at Keppel Bay

    Recently, I visited a lesser-known Marina at Keppel Bay, which is located at Keppel Island (Singapore). I knew about this place from some friends a while ago but only managed to explore now. For the location, please…

  32. Life in Singapore

    Singapore 44th National Day 9th August 2009

    On 9th August 2009, we celebrated Singapore 44th National Day. I didn't manage to get any tickets (through e-balloting via NDP website) for the National Day Parade (NDP) and hence will have to watch the live telecast on…

  33. Life in Singapore

    A Week in Singapore

    Believe to be a Saturday morning, after cleaning my Canon EOS 400D camera (called Digital Rebel XTi in North America and EOS Kiss Digital X in Japan) , then took a photo of my balcony light which looks like a bird nest.…

  34. Life in Singapore

    HortPark - The Gardening Hub

    On a bright sunny Saturday morning, we decided to take a walk at HortPark located at 33 Hyderabad Road (Singapore). Admission is free. View Larger Map HortPark is a 23 hectare park that caters to the showcasing and…

  35. Gadgets

    Lenovo ThinkPad X200s

    Recently I got my hands on a Lenovo ThinkPad X200s. A ultra-compact and portable 12.1" notebook for the mobile road warriors. It is similar to Lenovo ThinkPad X200 except that it's lighter and less powerful. The…

  36. Japan

    A Day in Tokyo 2

    17th May 2009 - Headed off to Harakuju for our last day of sightseeing and shopping in Japan. JR Harajuku station in the photo above. First Stop - Meiji Shrine which is just a short distance away from JR Harajuku…

  37. Japan

    A Day in Tokyo 1

    16th May 2009 - Intended to wake up early at 4.30am to go Tsukiji fish market (the world’s biggest fish market) to view the famous tuna auction but due to the tiredness we sustained during yesterday's shopping, we…

  38. Japan

    A Day in Tokyo

    15th May 2009 - Using the 2-Day Tokyo Metro Open Ticket that we purchased earlier, we took the subway from Ueno Station to Nishi-Shinjuku station (duration about 34 mins) and walk over to Tokyo Metropolitan Government…

  39. Japan

    A Day in Hakodate & Tokyo

    14th May 2009 - Hakodate Morning Market (asa-ichi) in search of breakfast. Just need to cross the road from hotel and we reached Hakodate Morning Market. One of the many stalls selling dried products. From one of the…

  40. Japan

    A Day in Lake Toya & Hakodate

    13th May 2009 - Nice weather when I woke up around 7am. As it was still early, I went to Onsen to freshen up. Nothing beats having a hot spring bath in the cool morning hours. Using the 2 coupons issued yesterday, we…

  41. Japan

    A Day in Sapporo & Lake Toya

    12th May 2009 - Breakfast at hotel and then proceed to check-out as today we will be leaving to Lake Toya. We need to check-out by 10am but as our free transport to Lake Toya is scheduled at 1.30pm, we left our luggage…

  42. Japan

    A Day in Otaru & Sapporo

    11th May 2009 - Buffet breakfast at the hotel where you are allowed to eat till you are full. This is also the breakfast that that we had over the past 2 days (9th & 10th May 2009). Consists of different varieties of…

  43. Japan

    A Day in Sapporo 2

    10th May 2009 - Took the subway from Odori Station to Shin-Sapporo Station, then went to the bus station and boarded "Kaitaku No Mura Yuki" (Bus Number 22 from No 10 platform) JR Hokkaido Bus ¥200. After 15 mins ride,…

  44. Japan

    A Day in Sapporo 1

    9th May 2009 - After a good night sleep from yesterday's exhaustion, we woke up early and ate the free breakfast at hotel. Then, proceed to Susukino Subway Station (3mins away from my hotel) - still empty as it's still…

  45. Japan

    A Day in Sapporo

    7th May 2009 - at Changi Airport Terminal 3 awaiting for SQ flight on A380 to Tokyo Narita Airport. It's a night flight departing at 2340 hours (GMT+8). At the departure hall. 8th May 2009 - finally reach Tokyo Narita…