Well hello to you my reader chums! Malaysia was a country which completely surprised me and it was underrated in my opinion. I loved how diverse it was and the level of experiences varied from beach bliss, and cool cities to gorgeous countryside settings and delicious food.

Malaysia has more than meets the eye and two weeks allows you to see some of the highlights, embrace its culture, the food and experience the diverse range of people and environments. 

If you're planning a holiday to Malaysia, here is my experience and 2-week itinerary to Malaysia - and what to see and do.

1-2 days in Malacca

I travelled to Malaysia from Singapore (6-hour bus ride) which is why Malacca was my first destination in the country. Malacca isn't very big and you only need a day or two to see the best sights and get a feel of the place. The city has a unique vibe with various things you must see, including Jonker Street, Cheng Hoon Chinese Temple, the Maritime Museum, the floating mosque and the gorgeous river. You'll fall in love with the street art and embrace the quaint cafe scene too.

3 days in Kuala Lumpur 

Kuala Lumpur is a two to three-hour bus ride from Malacca and you can easily book the bus ride on EasyBook. Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's capital and a gorgeous city to experience. The city is a typical capital spot and really reminded me of Singapore with the array of skyscrapers and modern architecture. I loved how the city was incredibly diverse with iconic sights such as the Twin Towers, electric night food markets, temples to the stunning Eco Park and noteworthy Batu Caves. 

3 days are plenty of time to see the highlights of the city as well as enjoy city life, from a diverse range of markets to delicious food scenes and shops, and coffee shops too. It's a place that doesn't stop and I loved that like all capital cities, it had a bustle and ambience to it.

2 days in Cameron Highlands

As a break from the city air, it's time to appreciate the countryside of Malaysia and I fell in love with it. Prepare for some fresh air, and gorgeous views and for the weather to get much cooler as you make your way up to the town of Tanah Rata and visit the Cameron Highlands. The bus from Kuala Lumpur to Tanah Rata takes around 4 hours and is easy to book.

I adored the Cameron Highlands and it was one of my favourite spots as it was completely different to everything else I had seen before. Your time in the town of Tanah Rata will be hiking up to the mountains, visiting the tea plantations and strawberry fields and enjoying the local market, and restaurant scene in the town.

4 days in Penang

From Tanah Rata, you'll need to take another bus down to Penang which takes around 6 hours. Penang surprised me completely and I loved my time here. I stayed in Georgetown which was the perfect base to explore the highlights, head on day trips around the island and enjoy the island's bustle. Penang features a variety of things to do from the nature scene of the Penang National Park, the incredible Kek Lok Si Temple, Georgetown's street art and historic, Fort Cornwallis, plus much more.

Georgetown had a quirky vibe to it and I could walk around its streets for ages with trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops and see the art everywhere.

3 days in Langkawi

After a wonderful time exploring the country's best temples, food markets, nature scenes and fantastic cities, it's time to enjoy the calmness of Malaysia's best beaches. Langkawi was more than a beach destination with plenty to see and do and takes a three-hour boat ride from Penang. Featuring the longest cable car in the world and the skybridge, stunning waterfalls, and the island tour, you'll experience many natural wonders and scenery. Langkawi is also packed with gorgeous beaches to experience days in the sea, relaxing on the sand and enjoying the sunshine.

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning on visiting Malaysia?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Singapore is a unique destination with incredible experiences, skyscrapers, a diverse range of food and a completely clean look. I loved my time in Singapore; it's one of those luxurious destinations where I felt completely safe and secure.

If you're new to Singapore or heading there on holiday, here is my 3-day guide to Singapore and what to see and do on a budget.

Day one - Get a taste of the city 

Walk around the Arab Quarter and Haji Lane

The Arab Quarter is a beautiful area in Singapore, packed with colourful shops, buildings, cute coffee shops, restaurants and more to browse around. It was probably my favourite area to mooch as I loved the bright colours and the stunning Sultan Mosque was a dream to look at. Haji Lane is nearby and probably my favourite street, covered in colourful street art, with charming shops and cafes to spend hours roaming around and pondering.

Visit the Hawker markets 

Singapore is expensive to eat, similar to London and Dubai, which is why if you're on a budget, stick to Hawker markets. I loved to find various types of traditional Singaporean foods and other cuisines - and the best part, it's affordable. There are plenty of markets dotted around Singapore such as Maxwell Food Centre and Makansutra Gluttons Bay. Whether you want to try the classic fried carrot cake or enjoy some Thai food, there is a great food market to get your foodie hit.

Visit the Cloud Forest

Cloud Forest is probably one of the most popular things to do in Singapore and a must-visit when you're visiting. I loved my time exploring Cloud Forest because it's a combination of a garden and an art exhibition all in one. I especially liked how during my visit, it was Chinese New Year and the year of the rabbit, meaning everything was decorated with rabbits. It's a fun attraction to see bright lights, waterfalls, gorgeous decor, plants and more.

See the Merlion statue

Along the Marina Bay, it's a gorgeous sight with stunning skyscrapers, the marina itself and plenty of shops and restaurants to see - there's never not anything to do. The Merlion statue is one of the most popular sights along the bay and a landmark you should tick off your list and get a snap,

Watch the light show at the Marina

As I said, the marina is a gorgeous destination to spend during the day and night. At night the whole area lights up with a light show which is free to everyone. It's a gorgeous spectacle and a lovely way to end the night with a drink or ice cream. The marina also has an amazing shopping meal next to it, which is lovely for an evening browse after the show.

Day two - See the top sights 

Visit China Town 

Singapore is a hub for all different types of cultures and that's why China Town is worth a visit. There's lots of colour, shops, restaurants and the beautiful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple to take a look at. You can spend as long as you want roaming around here, grabbing a bite to eat and seeing the sights.

Roam around Little India

Little India is the same boasting a gorgeous sea of colourful buildings and ambiance. I wish I got to spend more time admiring this area but the rain washed part of the day out. There are plenty of restaurants, temples and markets to have a look at as you mooch around.

Go to Singapore Botanical Gardens

I adore a botanical garden as it always adds a bit of peace in a bustling city. These gardens are pristine with plenty of flower variations, floral decoration and waterfalls. It's lovely to have a mooch around and spend time with a picnic.

Visit the Gardens of the Bay light show

One of the other iconic sights in Singapore is the Gardens of the Bay. You can visit this in the daytime but it really comes alive at night with the light show and lighting up across the city. The best thing is the light show is free and a spectacle to witness. 

Day 3 - Venture further out from the tourist path

Enjoy the coffee shop scene 

After all the main sights in central Singapore have been seen, it's time to slow down and enjoy the residential vibe of the city, including its coffee shops. As it's got the busy vibe of London, coffee shops are in the bucket loads and you can easily find one to suit your taste and aesthetic. It's great for a moment to pause, journal and reflect on your travel time.

Spot the street art in Tiong Bahru

One of the things I loved in Singapore was the street art scene as it was everywhere, including one of the areas, Tiong Bahru. This area was out of the central part of Singapore and renowned for random pieces of street art around the residential homes. It's a quiet area with a few shops and the art is gorgeous to see.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What is your favourite thing to do in Singapore?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I don't like to brag but I'm a bit of a pro when it comes to booking holidays. As someone who is obsessed with travelling and spends my free time either planning trips or going on them, I've picked up some useful lessons and tips along the way. 

If you're looking to book a holiday and need some advice and tips, here are 5 things you need to do before booking a holiday.

Consider your location, date and length of time

Holidays are different for everyone, whether you love to relax for a week away, go hiking, see the classic tourist sights or head off the beaten path. We all have our preferences on what we like in a trip and destinations that we're dreaming of. The first port of call for any holiday planning is deciding where you're going, when and the length of time the trip will be. Making all these definite decisions will give you a leg up with all the other organisational tips and guide your choices.

Decide on your budget

With your location, length of time and date in mind, you can decide on your budget. Budgets are different for everyone because it depends on the type of holiday you want, whether that's more luxurious or a shoestring type trip. You should decide on a budget for your total accommodation, transport and spending money with leeway for emergencies.

Think about your holiday wardrobe

Holidays don't automatically mean a sunny destination and why, you need to consider your wardrobe. I always research the destination and what the average weather is like in the month to give me an idea of what to wear. If you're going during shoulder season or when in-between weather is predicted, ensure you bring layers, waterproofs and useful shoes. Thinking about your holiday wardrobe also helps you consider how much luggage you'll need to bring. 

Research and write your itinerary

My favourite part of the trip: researching and planning what you're going to do. With itineraries, they don't need to be every fine detail, but they should consider any specific activities or sights you'd like to visit as it'll make it easier to plan out your days and book excursions in advance. Also, having an itinerary can help see if you need to increase your budget and be aware of how close the sights are and how you need to get around. For instance, some activities may be quite far away from each other and you'll need to get public transport or hire a car.

Think about all the holiday safety elements of your trip

Holidays are exciting and packed with memories to be made, however, you do need to consider all the 'safety' elements before heading out on your trip. These include travel insurance, visas, research of the culture dos and don'ts, where the safe places are to go and what scams are common occurrences in that country. Also consider making a list of emergency numbers, separating your money, photocopying important documents and downloading relevant apps which help you on your travels.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What tips would you add?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Looking after your mental health should be your number one priority and something I value highly. By caring for your mind, it benefits every element of your life, including your outlook on life. This means listening to your mind and what you want, putting yourself first and speaking kindly to yourself.

Whether you're dealing with burnout or feeling stressed, burnout is common and here are my tips on how to prevent and deal with burnout. 

Take breaks throughout the day and week

Breaks are the key to looking after yourself. If you're constantly working and giving 100% energy, you're going to burn out. You need to have breaks to recharge, give yourself room to think and recover from hard work. Your phone battery needs to charge after a while and you're the same, you're human after all. If you're known for not coming up for air, schedule breaks into your calendar as it'll give you the reminder you need.

Do activities which promote joy

Burnout is easy to come by, especially if you're doing activities or tasks that make you frustrated or fill you with negative energy. Find activities that spark joy, whether it's writing, baking, going for a walk or doing pilates. Whatever the activity is, ensure it's one which makes you happy and you can implement it as much as possible in your daily and weekly routine. 

Reduce screen time

Screen time is the source of many negative effects, such as enforcing negative thoughts about yourself and a constant dopamine hit. I find I use my phone more when I'm burned out as I'm in a negative mindset and need something for that dopamine hit. Reducing screentime can help keep a more healthy mindset towards your daily life and yourself and add to the techniques of prioritising your mental health.

Stay social

Socialising is incredibly important for us to reduce loneliness and put ourselves first. Staying social adds that positivity to your day and gives you that break away from work and the other frustrations in your life. Similar to how you organise breaks, do the same with socialising. Whether it's after work or on the weekend, social plans help immensely for your mental health.

Get outside and experience the fresh air often

Fresh air and getting outside are crucial to caring for your mental health and the same with preventing burnout. I find that burnout is more common for me when I stay inside and continue working rather than take a break and go outside to breathe in the fresh air.

Prioritise good nutrition 

Health is the most important thing, both mentally and physically. Nutrition goes hand in hand with both physical and mental health, having a positive impact on both. How we eat can help boost our mood, productivity levels and how we treat ourselves. By making quality food, you're prioritising your health which is a self-care tactic we all deserve more of.

Ensure you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep

Sleep is so important for our mental health and ensuring we're looking after ourselves. 7 to 8 hours of sleep is recommended for a good night's sleep and it's vital we all get it. By sleeping enough, you'll be able to fully recharge your batteries and that means, burnout and overworking yourself is less likely.

Write down your thoughts and feelings regularly

We all carry plenty in our minds, whether it's a to-do list, something we're anxious about or endless work tasks. Whatever it is, write it down and how you're feeling about it. By doing this, it'll take a weight off your shoulders and means there's less to think about and you're less likely to burn out.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Being a freelance writer is hard, wonderful and rewarding, and I love that I'm able to work every day, building a business I love. Growing a business has its challenges but that's the beauty of it.

If you're starting your freelance writing business or in the early stages, here are my best tips for growing your business as a freelance writer.

Build your personal brand on LinkedIn

I'm in love with LinkedIn, it is becoming my favourite social media platform to use personally and from a business perspective. LinkedIn I found is wonderful for discovering new clients, networking with people, learning insight from professionals and finding new opportunities. It's also a great platform to build up your personal brand, sharing who you are and personal insight. I've found by creating personal brand content, I've grown a following and it's easier for prospective clients to find me.

Reach out to previous employees

Whether you've worked in the marketing industry for a year or seven, you're guaranteed to have an employment history before making the move to freelance. To start looking for work, reach out to those previous employers and see if they have any opportunities for freelance work or can work with you in some way.

Create a writing portfolio

A writing portfolio is key to showcasing your work and sharing with potential clients your level of work and experience. Put all of your work in a document, and make sure you regularly update it. Once it's made, you can easily attach it to an email when you're pitching to a client. 

Keep writing every day

To develop your craft, you need to practice it and show up consistently. I would recommend writing every day, whether that's a blog post, fictional writing or social media post. By constantly writing, you'll improve, notice mistakes and also point out where you can make improvements. Over time, you'll see a dramatic difference.

Pitch for jobs on freelancing platforms

When you're new, it can be hard to know where to find work and why, freelance platforms are the place to be. Whether it's Upwork, Fiverr or many others, you can pitch for relevant jobs and build up your clientele and experience as a social media platform. 

Pitch to jobs you see on social media platforms

Social media platforms are a winner for freelance pitches, from LinkedIn, and Twitter to Instagram. I especially love LinkedIn and will constantly search 'looking for a freelance copywriter' and see what pops up. If you do this search daily, you can see which opportunities are new. 

Keep things consistent 

Consistency is key to success and this includes growing your freelance business. Think about consistency when it comes to creating a personal brand, and promoting yourself online and in your workload. You need to show up and be your true self in order to be successful.

Always stick to your core values 

Your values are everything and the why behind your business. For example, mine are authenticity and enthusiasm and with these values, everything I do centres around them. From choosing clients, writing and networking with others. I strive to be my authentic and honest self and be enthusiastic with everything I do.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Thrillers are my favourite type of novel. I love a book to suck me and keep me hooked with lots of twists and turns. Paula Hawkins is one of my favourite authors of this genre because I adored her books, The Girl on the Train and Into the Water. 

Whether you're a fan of thrillers like me or fancy a new novel to jump into, here is my full book review on Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins.

Plotline

The plot follows three women, all connected to one brutal crime. Three women who are determined to right the wrongs done to them, and all who have everything to hide. With hard life experiences, these women all have the potential to do terrible things, but only one of them could have killed Daniel Sutherland.

It's a plot with plenty of secrets, resentment, lies and dark history of each woman's life and I love how that's intertwined into the blot.

Characters and relationships

The plot has many main characters and focal people in the plot, including Carla, Laura, Irene, Miriam, Angela and Theo. The character descriptions and build-up in this book were written beautifully and thoughtfully, and it really added value to the plot. My favourite character has to be Irene because she was just a completely normal older woman and I liked how she friended Laura and their relationship evolved. Angela and Carla are sisters and honestly, their relationship saddened me as the plot panned out.

My least favourite characters were Miriam and Theo as the entire time I didn't get a great feeling from them and that was apparent in the plot.

Overall thoughts

Overall, I adored every part of this book. Paula Hawkins is one of my favourite authors and her books never fail to disappoint. This book had the perfect pace for a murder mystery, that balance of revealing information at the best time but enough suspense to make it an incredible thriller. I loved how the characters unveiled as the plot moved on and I learnt how they link to one another and the overall plot, which was genius.

I would 100% recommend this book to any thriller or murder mystery fans and those who love to dive in deep with a book straight away.

Ending

The ending was better than I expected as I never know if a brilliant book lives up to expectations. I thought this book was going to go one way and then it made a turn with a completely different ending.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What's your favourite book at the minute?

Thank you for reading <3