My Story

Hi, I’m Melissa — traveler, storyteller, dog-lover, and the creator of Visit Bugis.
My story isn’t just about exploring places. It’s about finding meaning, connection, and joy in the little moments that shape our lives.

I didn’t grow up imagining I’d one day run a travel website. In fact, my journey started most suddenly with a backpack, a slightly chaotic map of Singapore, and a small dog named Milo trotting beside me.

Milo came into my life long before Bugis did. He was a rescue, gentle, stubborn, and endlessly curious. If there were a scent, he’d follow it; if there were a corner, he’d explore it. He taught me something important:
Every place has a story if you’re willing to slow down and look.

That philosophy shaped everything I do today.

How I First Discovered Bugis

Years ago, when I first moved to Singapore, Bugis wasn’t the polished cultural hub it is today. It was vibrant, messy, unpredictable, and full of contrasts. It was also a place I didn’t fully understand. but felt instantly drawn to.

Milo and I would take early morning walks through narrow lanes, still waking up from the night before. Market vendors setting up stalls, temple bells ringing softly, the smell of incense drifting through the air, those walks became part of my routine, and Bugis became part of my heart.

With every morning stroll, I discovered something new:

A tiny café hidden behind a bookstore
A mosaic on a wall that told a forgotten story
A lady who has sold the same handmade snacks for 30 years
A street musician who knew the rhythm of Bugis better than any map ever could

My curiosity grew, my notes grew, my love for the place grew, and without realizing it, I was documenting Bugis long before Visit Bugis existed.

Traveling Taught Me How to See

People often ask why I travel so much. The truth is simple: travel makes me feel alive.
It reminds me how big the world is, and how many ways there are to live beautifully.

Over the years, I’ve wandered through old towns in Europe, climbed temples in Asia, gotten lost in Moroccan souks, and eaten my way across little-known street markets. But no matter where I go, something always brings me back to Singapore and especially to Bugis.

Traveling taught me how to appreciate culture, flavor, history, and people.
Bugis taught me how to bring all of that together into stories that matter.

The Moment the Idea Was Born

The idea for Visit Bugis came during one of my solo walks. I noticed a group of tourists trying to navigate the area using outdated blog posts on their phones. They kept missing the real highlights: the serene temples tucked behind bustling streets, the food spots locals swear by, the small shops full of handmade treasures.

That’s when it hit me:

People visiting Bugis deserve a real guide from someone who actually knows and loves the place.

I went home with the idea still buzzing in my head. I looked at Milo, who was already curled up on the floor, tired from exploring, and said out loud:

“Let’s show people the Bugis we know.”

And that was the beginning.

What Bugis Means to Me

Bugis isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience.
A living blend of cultures, faiths, flavors, and stories.

From the vibrant chaos of Bugis Street to the spiritual calm of Waterloo Street…
From the colorful shophouses to the modern malls…
From hawker stalls to boutique cafés…
Bugis is a place that never stops evolving, yet always keeps its soul.

It inspires me.
It grounds me.
And it continually reminds me that beauty often hides in the everyday moments.

What I Want to Give You

Every article I write, every photo I take, and every hidden gem I share comes from a place of genuine love and personal discovery.

I want you to:

Wander confidently
Taste boldly
Explore meaningfully
Notice the little details
And feel connected to the heart of this neighborhood

Whether you’re visiting for an hour or a week, I want you to experience Bugis in a way that feels real, not rushed, not touristy, but full of soul.

This Is My Journey And You’re Now Part of It

Today, Visit Bugis is more than a blog.
It’s the result of years of walking, observing, learning, and most importantly, feeling.

It’s a growing collection of stories, places, memories, and discoveries.
It’s proof that one person’s curiosity can become a guide for thousands.
And it’s my way of honoring this district that shaped so much of who I am.

Milo is no longer with me, but every time I wander through Bugis, I carry his spirit with me, nose forward, eyes open, heart curious.

So thank you for reading my story.
Thank you for being here.
And thank you for letting me share this journey with you.

Let’s explore Bugis together, one street, one story, and one beautiful moment at a time.

— Melissa