Singapore Arts, Beauty and Inspirations Male Blogger

It was a short day trip to Johor Bahru, settling my lunch with the famous curry fish head just walking distance from Johor Bahru City Square. It was followed up with me over buying the famous wood-fired oven banana cakes from Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory.

After a bit of shopping about, my friend wanted a foot massage and we decided to walk in to Javanese Massage located at M2-23 for one. Unfortunately, the slots were fully taken and our alternative plan was to try the full body massage instead. 

I am usually not the type that would be keen for massages and that day was no exception. The interior of House Of Traditional Javanese Massage was dim and had a rustic atmosphere from rattan and bamboo furnishing. Soon, we were led into a large room, segmented into smaller ones by flimsy looking partitions. After changing into my disposable underwear, the massager assigned to me started applying oil before proceeding on with the massage. In my personal opinion, the overall experience was perhaps mediocre as the pressure was not quite on point. I somehow did not exactly feel recharged or could feel an improvement in my well being. 

The cost of the Traditioanl Foot Reflexology (30mins) is RM48 while an hour would be RM55 for non members. The Traditional Javanese Full Body Massage (60 mins) is RM79, 90 mins would be RM116 and 120 mins is RM153 for non members. They also have other services such as Aromatic Javanese Full Body Massage, Body Scrubs, Shoulder Massage as well as Pre-natal Body Massage.

I have been to Yunomori Onsen and Spa a couple of times so far after my first visit and I do enjoy dipping in alternating pools. Remembering the first time yuzu bath was launched, I did see a couple of yuzus in netting floating about in the water. The more recent relaunch of the yuzu bath got me and a couple of my other onsen buddies questioning where did all the yuzus had gone to. Physically since nothing was seen floating on the surface and even the fragrance of the yuzu was no where to be detected.

At least I still felt that the yuzu one was better than the sakura pool during a period of time. Besides the romantic pinkish red water, I doubt I could remember smelling any sakura scent. Anyway, going to onsen with buddies definitely makes a difference to my enjoyment as occational chit chat would kill some boredom since being alone is super boring.

I felt super dumb at one point of time when I actually locked my locker key in the locker itself and I had to seek help from the kind staff. I bet they were trying hard not to laugh. How the hell was I that absent minded that day!?

I would always enjoy taking selfies while wearing yukata since it is not often that I could wear them right? I even enjoyed taking a short nap in the resting room located through the doorway at the end of the cafe after soaking in the pool for over an hour to two. The dim lights, cozy sofa-like beds with blankets and comfortable cushions could easily bring a tired being to dream land.

More visits with buddies to Yunomori Onsen and Spa in future!

It has been almost a month since I came back from my trip from Taiwan, Kaoh Siung 高雄. I spent about a week in Kaoh Siung 高雄, mainly sight seeing in the urban cityscape and night market hopping as the friend I went with was a maniac in architectural and food photography. As for me? I definitely needed to visit places of relaxation or inspiration since I enjoy blogging about such stuff.

You probably won't find a week's worth of Kaoh Siung 高雄 itinerary since I only intend to share about Fennel Hot Spring Resort 茴香戀戀溫泉會館, Pier-2 Art Center and Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts. Of course I had spammed enough pictures on my instagram as well as my migme account by now. 

The journey from Kaoh Siung 高雄 was long as it took about 2 hours (without traffic jam) by bus to reach 車城站. From 車城站, it was another 10 mins car ride or 45 mins walking distance to reach Fennel Hot Spring Resort 茴香戀戀溫泉會館.    

''Sichong river Hot Spring Area is located at Checheng Township in Pingtung County. The water here is Sodium Bicarbonate spring, excellent quality mineral water. The Sihjhongsi Hot Spring is considered one of the four major hot-spring areas among Taiwan, along with Yangmingshan, Beitou, and Guanziling.''

There were 2 spring options to pick from:

1) The semi outdoor naked spa 半露天景觀裸湯 which was more private and does not require you to wear swim suit and swimming cap. It comprises of Cold Spring Pool, Hot Spring Pool and Medium Hot Pool, costing NT$200 per person.

2) Health Spa Love Sea Water Therapy Spa 愛情海水療SPA which required me to purchase a swim suit and swimming cap since I did not bring mine. It comprises of  Hot Spring Spa, Spa For Children, Floral Hot Spring, Herb Hot Spring, Garra Rufa Obtuse, Cold Spring Pool, Hot Spring Pool, Medium Hot Pool and Steam Room. It cost NT$300 per person.

Garra Rufa Obtuse 溫泉親親魚池 is basically a tiny fish pond where you dip your feet in and these little fishes would start nibbling the dead skin off your feet. I even ''stole'' other people's fishes once my feet landed in LOL. 

Lockers available at a cost of NT$10 to place your belongings and their toilets have soap and shampoo as well. Many random photos below.

Garra Rufa Obtuse 溫泉親親魚池

Overall it was a relaxing experience since the day before, I spent half the entire day cycling to the end (cargo area) of Cijin. The distance sure was crazy....definitely CRAZY in a foreign land. Not forgetting walking over 30km each day...

There were many cute little kids playing around, more like a family orientated Hot Spring Resort and the place was not exactly well maintained since there were faulty activation buttons. I should not be complaining since I paid only NT$300 for unlimited time and I probably spend about 3-4 hours in there. Hmmm maybe more hotspring and spa posts in future?

You may want to check out their web page for more information here: http://www.fennel.com.tw

Being the first Japanese Onsen with the largest variety of pools in Singapore, Yunomori Singapore has positioned itself in being authentic and a hub for relaxation as well as rejuvenation. Besides the onsen which was probably the highlight, Yunomori also consists of Thai style treatments as well as massage.   

Stepping into Yunomori Singapore almost felt if I could just surrender myself to enlightenment and I admit that I am definitely a huge fan of zen space and elements as well as woody and earthy-toned furnishing. Just check out and admire the tessellation wall while placing your shoes into the lockers perpendicular to them.

With the launch of Singapore's first ever Yuzu Bath which I would be sharing, Yunomori cafe has also doled out a series of yuzu theme dishes!

Starting off with the irresistibly refreshing Yuzu Soda ($5+) which I couldn't help constantly sipping and enjoying the combination of the citrusy minty soda.  

  

  

The Onsan is split into male and female (sorry, no couple onsen..) since being naked is required before entering the onsen premise. Baskets of neatly folded Yukatas laid before me as I had a difficult choice of selection since I kind of love a couple of these designs. Wondered how I ended up with the bird prints. 

It definitely was great to have another blogger friend with me since probably the best moment to capture photos would be in Yukata, either before or after enjoying the onsen.

Armed with only a small towel while the yukata, a bigger bath towel and the rest of my belongings were placed into our individual locker. The black band that I wore around my wrist was the key to unlock my numbered locker door.

My friend and I had a quick shower (as required) before heading over to the onsen to soak. I admit that I am the type who could not be bothered to even shield my private part while in the onsen area while most people would instinctively do so. All guys isn't it?

I kept wondering how females behave in the onsen. I doubt they would reveal.   

There were a total of 7 categories of bath/spa in which you could enjoy. 

Clockwise order from entrance, they were:

 Bubble Bath, Jet Bath, Soda Bath, Yuzu Bath, Hot Bath, Cold Bath, Steam Room and Suana.

From what I personally experienced, the Yuzu Bath was my favourite as I repetitively went back into it to enjoy the fragrance of the Yuzu. Soaking in yuzu bath is practised by the Japanese during winter season where it was believed to help ward off winter colds and common flu. Not only that, the my skin felt smoother and more moisturised! The yuzus were in sachet bags and could be seen floating on the surface of the bath. Not to forget, they were specially imported from Japan!

At that time which was about 10pm, many other guys also repetitively went back to the Yuzu Bath since it would only be available for a limited time till 31 December 2016.

Check out the EXTENDED 1 FOR 1 ONSEN PROMO due to popular demand!

T&C Apply

Thank you Brandcellar and Yunomori Singapore for the invite.

Yunomori Onsen & Spa Singapore