May has arrived and hello from Puteri Harbour!
A beautiful waterfront, down south in Johor, Malaysia!
We're here again! And actually, we were just here two weeks ago. 'A has another business event (he even hired a professional videographer to chase him and the team around this weekend!). He insisted I tag along — so here I am, on a mini vacation!
This time, we drove instead of flying. We found a cozy Airbnb with a nice sea and town view (though, to be honest, there was a bit of chaos checking in — but all good now!). It’s just a 5-minute walk to the harbour, and honestly, that’s what sold the trip for me. 😄
It feels like such a privilege to take this small pocket of time for myself — a soft reset for the new month. Letting May weave in slow joy and reflection. The last time we were here, we weren’t in the right headspace; we had just lost Jojie that weekend. This time, I’m a little more ready — ready to breathe, to live a little, to be present and enjoy the trip.
related post :
📚 #OneBookAtATime — Book Review
My April book review is now up on YouTube!
The Collected Regret of Clover by Miki Brammer 🛒 start reading
📚 Book in Hand:
📖 The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi (translated by Jesse Kirkwood)
This is our May book club pick! I’m still only on page 7 — I started it the night we arrived, but I was too exhausted and completely forgot what I read (lol). In essence, it’s about a man who runs a photography studio where dying people can relive one chosen memory before stepping into the afterlife. Haunting and tender — I’m curious to see where it goes. 🛒 start reading
My first manga ever! I didn’t grow up reading manga — our mom banned them (except a single Doraemon comic my cousin secretly gave me, which I reread over and over). So, buying this was a BIG thing for me, lol! This one is so magical. It follows Coco, a curious girl who isn’t born with magic — but one day, she sees a real witch casting a spell, tries it herself… and accidentally turns her mother to stone. It’s tragic, whimsical, and has a hint of Kiki’s Delivery Service vibes. I’m nearly done and loving it! 🛒 start reading
🛍️ Bookstore Visit
Visited Japan’s largest bookstore chain, Tsutaya, which just opened a new branch downtown here. It’s gorgeous — there so too many people, so I didn’t stay long. And also, I think the one we had in Bukit Jalil is still much cozier and pretty 😌
p/s: I'm excited to start editing the vlog of this trip, I’ll show you more of this bookshop soon!!
🌅 Fresh Air & Harbour Walks
Took a sunset walk by the harbour earlier today. The place was swarming with muggles this time (there’s a weekend flea market! you know how’s that usually), but I found a quieter path along the water. The boats parked in neat rows, the golden light — it was beautiful and refreshing. I was hoping to spot the otter family (saw them two years ago here!), but no luck this time. They were adorable.
🎮 Cosy Games
Went to Toy’s R US and bought me a small LEGO set — Animal Crossing edition, just 78 pieces! It’s so cute and building it tonight was the perfect wind-down activity.
📺 TV Show & 🎧 Song on Repeat
Currently rewatching Atypical — my new comfort show, since The Big Bang Theory is no longer on Netflix. It's about a teenager on the autism spectrum navigating life, love, and — penguins! 🐧 Did you know penguins have a dance ritual to keep warm? I love that.
It's been really lovely to read gently while travelling, enjoying this beautiful little corner of the world. I feel like I’ll never get bored of this place (and ‘A definitely won’t — he beams every time we’re back in Puteri Harbour).
Hope you’re having a gentle, restful weekend. It’s raining buckets here and I'm off to sip 'milo ais' with my husband at 2:00 a.m. on a Sunday! 💛
With a book in hand,
Wawa