Japamazing! Universal Studios Japan and Disney Sea

“When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than any talent for abstract, positive thinking.” ― Albert Einstein

Enjoying Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)

The top favorite rides in USJ have average waiting time of 120 up to 240 minutes (2 to 4 hours). Limited number of Express passes are being sold (separate payment) at the entrance gates and it can go sold out as early as 10 am. The park opens at 10 am. The strategy to maximize the park is to experience the rides first, then go for the park photo-ops after (as this will not entail any waiting time).

For Harry Potter fans, it can be suggested that one should first get a scheduled entrance pass (the booth is inside the park, and already included in the 7,200 Yen ticket) for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as the volume of tourists increases in the afternoon. This entrance pass is valid only once, and to re-enter, a new entrance pass should be procured. Queue for the Harry Potter-The Ride. This may eat 2 hours. Inside the Wizarding World, there are various attractions, like the sorting, buying of wand (which I experienced!), etc. There are also lots of magical shops to buy souvenirs. Experience as well drinking the famous Butterbeer (one can purchase the mug for souvenir) and tasting Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and chocolate frogs from Honeydukes. There are also musical performances and characters roaming around the Wizarding World. 

Enjoying Disney Sea (Tokyo)

Like in USJ, the waiting time for each ride averages 2-4 hours. It is best to enjoy the rides first before having photo-ops.

Sengakuji

The temple is famous for its graveyard where the "47 Ronin" (also known as Akoroshi, the "masterless samurai from Ako") are buried. 

In March 1701, lord Asano Takuminokami of Ako (today's Hyogo Prefecture) attacked lord Kira Hozukenosuke at Edo castle. Asano lost patience after repeatedly being provoked and treated arrogantly by Kira, but failed to kill him in the attack. On the same day, Asano was sentenced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide), while Kira was not punished at all, despite the contemporary custom of punishing both parties in similar incidents. In addition, the whole Asano family was removed from power, leaving Asano's samurai without a job and a strong will to avenge their unfairly punished master.

For over one and a half year, the samurai prepared the avenge under difficult circumstances. On December 14, 1702, the remaining group of 47 ronin under their leader Oishi Kuranosuke finally succeeded to avenge their master by killing lord Kita in his mansion. Afterwards, they carried Kira's head to Sengakuji, and were later sentenced to commit seppuku. - source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3000.html

Osaka (Shitennoji and Dotonbori) Itinerary
Tokyo Itinerary
Kyoto Itinerary
The Best of Japan

Japamazing!, Exploring Osaka (Shitennoji and Dotonbori)

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe" - Anatole France

Places of Interest:

Shitennoji (四天王寺, Shitennōji) is one of Japan's oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. - source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4011.html

Dotonbori is both a shopping haven and gastronomists' town. This place is filled with restaurants and shops. Aside from Osaka Castle, this seems to be a symbol of Osaka. 

More pictures here :)

                                          


Where I book (Hotel Shinosaka)

Ever since I started traveling, I always book my hostel using booking.com. It is convenient for me and very helpful when I do my itinerary. The site does not need any reservation fee, and can also be cancelled 2-5 days prior the reserved date, without cancellation fee. Some of the hostels require credit card information (just to secure the booking, but no charges will be made), but some need only the name and personal details of the one making the reservation. It is safe, as I have been using it since 2011 and my credit card has never compromised. 

The site can be accessed by clicking the link found within the page. 

Universal Studios Japan and Disney Sea
Tokyo Itinerary
Kyoto Itinerary
The Best of Japan

Japamazing! It started with a ... VISA (Japanese VISA Application)

It all started with a ... dream. A dream which is followed by self-commitment. Yes! I finally booked that flight to Japan! What separated that dream from reality? Of course, "VISA".

Research indeed helped me in processing my VISA application.

A filipino citizen cannot enter Japan without a valid VISA. A budget traveler who has no sponsor nor relatives in Japan, can apply for a 15-day single entry VISA.

The requirements (Mandatory) are:

Philippine Passport - must be valid (valid at least 6 months prior expiration)

Application Form - Can be accessed from this site: 

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/consular_j/new%20visa/visa%20application%20form%202012.pdf

Photo - 4.5cm x 4.5cm with white background. This must be PASTED (not stapled) on the application form.

Birth Certificate - must be from NSO Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within one (1) year

Marriage Contract (if the applicant is married) - must be from NSO Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within one (1) year

Daily Schedule/Itinerary - Exactly on this format (proforma file can be downloaded from http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp):

I used the below Schedule (though I did not follow it)

Bank Certificate - BDO charges 100 pesos per copy of Bank Certificate. The important information to be included are: Opening date of the account, balance of the account as of the date of Bank certificate request (no need for the daily average balance).

Income Tax Return (Form 2316) original and photocopy

Additionally (optional), Certificate of Employment and Certificate of Leave of Absence can be submitted together with the mandatory documents.

Validity of Documents is three (3) month from the date of issue.

Reference: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/tourism.htm

Japan Visa can only be applied through accredited agencies. I applied mine through Friendship Tours for only 1,200 pesos. Their office is located at 3F Dusit Thani Manila Ayala Center Makati city Philippines. They are open from Mondays to Saturdays. Other information are available from their site: http://www.visa.friendshipmanila.com/

My Profile:

Provided all the mandatory documents and the optional ones like COE and Certificate of Leave of Absence.

Bank Certificate Balance: 75,000 pesos, account opened 2011

ITR - Annual Income not less than 500K

COE - Employer is an investment bank, employed since Sept 2012.

Got my VISA after two days!

My Ever Dearest, Singapore

Singapore Suggested Itinerary with Budget

For maps, click here
For more pictures, click here
For Kuala Lumpur itinerary, click here
For Melaka itinerary, click here
For Penang itinerary, click here

Going the Distance, Penang

Penang is the second smallest Malaysian state in area after Perlis, and the eighth most populous. It is composed of two parts – Penang Island, where the seat of government is, and Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley in English) on the Malay Peninsula. The National Physical Plan of Malaysia envisages a Conurbation of George Town encompassing George Town and surrounding areas. The greater metropolitan area of Penang consists of highly urbanised Penang Island, Seberang Prai, Sungai Petani, Kulim and the surrounding areas. With a population of approximately two million, it is the second largest metropolitan area in Malaysia after the Conurbation of Kuala Lumpur (Klang Valley).

(Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang)

Penang from Kuala Lumpur is approximately 12 hours by bus. Luckily, I found a cheap round-trip airfare (via www.airaisa.com) to and from Penang. Since my flight was early in the morning, I decided to stay overnight at LCCT. Sleeping at LCCT was not as good as sleeping at HKIA. So extra caution is needed. 

Penang Suggested Itinerary with Budget

Notes and Highlights

1. Penangites are warm and friendly people. Though many of them do not know how to speak English,  this does not hinder them to respond to lost tourists asking for some direction. 

2. Prepare exact amount when riding the bus. There's still no MTR/MRT in Penang/Georgetown, and so the bus is the best transport to use.

3. Georgetown is an old town. There are lots of old structures and houses. Even the hostel I have stayed in is a very old house. It's creepy, yes, but the place is homey and peaceful. 

4. At first, I was intimidated by the empty streets of Georgetown. It was raining that time, which might explain why they were empty. But soon after the rain stopped, I have seen lots of tourists, mostly Europeans, wandering around. 

5. Penang "PBB Teens" Story. When I found the signage "Muntri", I walked in and went straight to the receptionist. To be honest, he is damn cute "korean-looking" guy. So and so, I handed my passport and told him I booked through www.booking.com. As he was looking for my reservation, I interrupted him with too many questions, like: what is the fastest way going to the airport, where's the nearest money changer, etc. He was too kind to answer each of them. He went back looking for my reservation and asked me if I had printed it since he could not find my name on their list. I handed a copy and after looking at it, he gave me the cutest smile and told me, I entered the wrong guesthouse. It was Muntri House where I made a reservation and not Muntri Guesthouse. I just smiled and apologized then I walked away. But before I stepped out of the house, he called and told me: "Miss beautiful, would you mind if I ask you for a dinner tonight?" Guess what my response was? I said no. Haha! Suplada lang.

6. I expected too much from Penang. And so, I was kind of disappointed when I saw the city hall. It's not in a good condition, at all. 

7. If antiquity and history amaze one person, he will definitely enjoy Penang/Georgetown. 

For maps, click here

For more pictures, click here

For Kuala Lumpur itinerary, click here

For Melaka itinerary, click here
For Singapore itinerary, click here

Magnificent Melaka

From KL, one may visit Melaka as a side trip, travel of which is approximately 3 hours by bus. Buses are stationed at Bandar Tasik Selatan, a very efficient and organized bus terminal. We had no problem in booking our tickets even if we bought them on the same day of travel. Nothing to worry as there are plenty of bus companies selling them. 

Melaka is a small town and tourist spots are close to each other, making it perfect to be explored by walking. What I enjoyed in Melaka are the cute tuk-tuks, and the feeling Melaka gave me as if I went back in time.  

Melaka Suggested Itinerary with Budget:

For maps, click here

For more pictures, click here

For Kuala Lumpur Itinerary, click here
For Penang Itinerary, click here
For Singapore Itinerary, click here

Culture-Shocking Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, sometimes abbreviated as K.L., is the federal capital and most populous city in Malaysia. Rated as an alpha world city, Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic center of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a key city. 

(reference and lifted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuala_Lumpur)

Kuala Lumpur Suggested Itinerary with Budget:

Notes and Highlights

1. One thing I like in KL is that the sun sets around 7 to 8 pm, making days longer for roaming around the city. 

2. I will never, ever (if I will go back) trust Malaysian taxi drivers. Upon arrival at KL Sentral, we looked for the monorail as this would be our transport to our hostel. Unfortunately, we failed to locate the monorail station and so we decided to ask for some directions from the taxi drivers stationed  just outside KL Sentral. One of the drivers, seemingly sincere and kind, told us that the monorail is blocks and blocks away. Because we were too exhausted, plus we're carrying our luggage and it was already dark, we decided to ride his taxi for 35 ringgit (around 500 pesos). The next morning, since we were all energized, we tried finding the monorail station. To our surprise, it's just across the street from where we have asked the driver. 

3. Petronas is indeed a classic piece of architectural treasure. One should visit it at least twice, one during day and one at night. 

4. I was not mesmerized by Batu Cave. Maybe because I have seen caves in Cagayan which are better than it. Plus, I am afraid of monkeys.

5. Like Petronas, KL trip is not complete without visiting Putrajaya. I'd rather go back to Putra than to explore Batu Cave again. 

6. Putrajaya tours are provided by legit taxi drivers just outside Putrajaya Station. The tours vary per hour and per number of destination.

7. I did not enjoy Jalan Alor Street. Maybe because of three things: I was too exhausted; the place was too congested; We ate at a not so good restaurant. 

8. The KL transport system is good. At least better than Philippines'. The use of MRT is the best option to explore the city. The bus terminal in Bandar Tasik Selatan is indescribably organized and efficient.  

9. Sleeping at LCCT is permitted but do exercise extra caution. 

For maps, click here

For more pictures, click here
For Melaka itinerary, click here
For Penang itinerary, click here
For Singapore itinerary, click here