[June 2017] A 5-day fun in Tokyo, Japan for under 25,000 pesos!

Note: Exchange rate for that week was at an average of 1 PhP = 0.46 yen

Most people perceived that a Tokyo trip is going to make you bankrupt for months, but I am gonna break that perception. Here, i'd go into detail as to how I enjoyed our 5-day Tokyo trip with a tight budget of under 25,000 pesos.

Meiji Shrine.

TIPS:

Passport and plane ticket.

1. Buy airfare tickets on seat sale period. Most of the time, interval between booking period and travel period on promo seats are from 5 to 12 months. Hence, book 6 months before your scheduled trip. We got our Jetstar roundtrip ticket from Manila to Narita at 6,200 pesos last January 2017.

2. Secure a Visa. Of course, a round trip ticket won't do even if you have a Philippines passport because you need to have a visa to enter Japan. Get a visa at least 3 months before your flight. I got my visa from an agency near my office for only 900 pesos. Also, getting a visa is not directly approved so pray fervently and check blogs as to the usual requirements on getting a visa.

J-world.

Disney Sea - Journey to the Center of the Eart (volcano), view from the Train line.

3. Plan your day tours so as to check if the attractions you like to visit are available through online booking. I got my Disney 1 day pass and J-world unlimited day pass from Klook for a total of 4,500 pesos only.

The Fantasmic! show at Disney Sea.

4. Book your accommodation online two months before your trip. That will actually save you alot of money, as it did to us. We got our hotel through Agoda for only 4,200 each and that includes daily breakfast.

The IC card that can be used in almost all transport system including vending machines and convenience stores.

5. Prepare an itinerary for your train travels. You don't want to overspend on train fares because it's quite hefty. I did this and spent only 2,500 pesos for our 5-day trips. Also, you may rent an IC card through pasmo or suica vending machines and return it afterwards. In addition to preparing an itinerary, you may use hyperdia as your basis for your from/to travels within the vicinity. Taxi should be your last option and only if you can spare thousands of yen.

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780 yen (+ tax) worth of yang chow rice at Keisen Restaurant.

6. You can live with convenience store foods, right? That's how we lived for 5 days. I just ate twice on a diner and spending a total of 1,000 pesos for both dine-ins. 7Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson are our go-to dining shops. My budget for each normal meal is at 200 pesos.


Here is the breakdown for our individual expenses. Some are in Yen and then converted to PH pesos and rounded off to estimates.

Visa processing fee ... 900 pesos
Flytpack wifi for 5 days ... 630 pesos/each (we got a 20% discount upon booking!)
Jetstar roundtrip ticket Mnl-Nrt-Mnl ... 6,200 pesos
Travel tax ... 1,620 pesos
Disney 1day pass ... (¥7400) 3,361.00 pesos
J-world unlimited day pass ... (¥2,600) 1,165.00 pesos
Sakura Hotel Nippori 5d/4n ... 4,200.00 pesos
Suica IC card and load ... (¥6,200) 3,000 pesos
Keisei bus from Narita Airport to Tokyo stn ... (¥1,000) 456 pesos
Foods ¥400 x 13 ... (¥5,500) 2,600 pesos
Miraikan pass ... (¥620) 300 pesos
Total ... 24,030.00 Phil. Pesos only!!!

Our itinerary for this trip? Here!

DAY 1 

·         Arrival. Ikebukuro (Jworld) and Ginza tour

DAY 2

o        Asakusa and Odaiba tour (Miraikan, Mega Web, Venus Fort)
             

DAY 3

o       Meiji Shrine, Metropolitan City Hall, Shibuya and Shinjuku tour

DAY 4

o        Disney Sea day tour.
             

DAY 5 (LAST DAY): 
Akihabara Electric Town Center.

Here are a few tips I can give you. Remember these things alright?

1. You may take a train from Narita airport throu Keisei main line and you only have to spend as low as ¥1,000 per trip. You may alight at Nippori stn.

2. Book your tour passes through Klook if available. Its cheaper there.

3. For accommodation, Agoda works well for us. Alot of cheap hostels are available. We were just lucky to book for a cheap price because it just opened 6 days ago.

4. Suica or Pasmo IC card is really useful. You need this, I tell you.

5. Book in advance your pocket wifi so as you won't have a problem upon arrival in Japan. It's also cheap to book a pocket wifi here in Philippines than in Japan.

5. Always make a detailed itinerary for your trips especially in Tokyo where complications are normal for foreigners due to language barrier.



Did you already go to Japan? Comment below if you spent less than you have budgeted :)

Rain or Shine: The Mt. Batolusong DIY-hike

Would you have decided to continue hiking if you know in advance that it will rain very hard? It's a YES for us.

             "Mt. Batolusong is at 645 masl, and is rated by pinoy mountaineer at 3/9                                                                 difficulty. This is located in Tanay, Rizal"

On the morning of June 10, we all met at the usual meeting place for fellow climbers, JOLLIBEE - MRT CUBAO. We were supposed to meet at 3AM, but only Carla got on time, while me, Maki, Gel and Sean are still snoring at 3AM. Eventually, we were all startled when i woke up and saw the time has already passed the call time. We hurriedly changed outfits and all, booked Uber and went straight to the meeting place.We arrived 15mins before 4AM, better late than never! hah!

Upon arrival at Jollibee MRT Cubao Station, we bought our food for breakfast and immediately set out to travel to Cogeo. There are UV Express available to Cogeo that time but only 4 can be accommodated. So we have no choice but to wait at an empty van. Then we get to negotiate our travel to Cogeo so we can already leave Cubao. We got the van to ourselves for only 350.00 pesos all in all, not bad :)

It was past 5AM when we arrived Cogeo, we then directly look for the terminal of jeeps going to San Andres. We had difficulty in tracing the terminal as it was heavily raining already. Thankfully, someone helped to give us directions on how to go to the terminal. 

The jeep left Cogeo for San Andres around 5:15 in the morning, past sunrise but we know there won't be one as it was raining already. Fare was at 42.00 pesos each.

We alighted at Batanggasan Junction around 6AM, then hurriedly rode a trike going to the jump-off for Mt. Batolusong. Trike fare was 120.00 pesos and can accommodate 4 person.

We arrived at the Barangay Hall around 6:20AM, went straight to the registration booth. FYI, the environmental fee is now at 100 pesos per person, from 40 pesos few months ago. That was expensive! We were given a guide (btw, guide fee is at 500 for a group of 5 for day hike), then we proceed to our hike.

The start of our trek was very chill, passing through a rice field, no sweat of course. It was still raining but moderate. A few minutes after, we were at the base of Mt Batolusong, this is where our struggle started.

OPPA!!!!

The ascend was not that difficult, but there were few assaults on the way. Our pacing is slow considering that it was raining hard and that we have a first timer in the group, but still, we were able to attain the target without compromising anything.

Carla saving her own life.

Prior to arriving at the summit, we were challenge to pass through wall of stones. Few of us were struggling on that moment. We arrived at the summit around 11AM already, then took our lunch and performed our Depsacito "tokhang" dance. (rofl)

DESPACITOOOOOOOOOOOO!

We started our descent at 12NN, still, raining moderately. Although it was raining, we had a few glimpse of the clearing, as most of the time, fog was everywhere.

Walang clearing pero siya, clear na clear. haha!

The descent was more challenging because the trail was already very muddy.

We were able to go back to the barangay hall at around 3 in the evening. We washed ourselves and prepared our things so we can proceed on going back to Manila.

Departing at 4PM, we rode again a trike going back to the high way. Then rode another trike going to the terminal of jeeps for Cogeo. We paid 40 pesos each for the trike going to the terminal.

We alighted at a covered waiting terminal, but my guess is that we were supposed to be dropped on the next terminal, as the fare collector said that we will be dropped off near the bulalo restaurants. 

Setting that aside, we were able to ride a jeep going to Cogeo in a matter of minutes, only paying 30 pesos per person.

Then the rest is history, and maybe your own story.

It's not that easy to do a Do-It-Your own trip, but hell yeah, we enjoyed every moment we were together!

Till the next DIYhike!

________________________________________

Summary of expenses (for a group of 5):

Cubao to Cogeo, UV rental =  350.00

Cogeo to San Andres  = 210.00

Batanggasan Junction to Jump-off = 240.00

Guide fee = 500.00

Environmental fee = 500.00

Jump-off to Batanggasan Junction = 240.00

Batanggasan Junction to jeep terminal = 200.00

Terminal to Cogeo = 150.00

Cogeo to Cubao = 120.00

TOTAL = P 2,510.00

or 502.00 pesos per person                                                

Planning ahead for your 5 days travel in Tokyo, Japan!

Yeah! Our travel to the land of the rising sun is fast approaching, hence the itinerary.

But before you plan for your travel, you must already have the following:

• Passport
• Approved Japan VISA
• Pocket money :)

These are our plans, and hopefully we get to stick to it!

DAY 1 

·         Arrival. Ikebukuro (Jworld) and Ginza tour
             Total expenses for the day: 5,270 yen

DAY 2

o    Asakusa and Odaiba tour
             Total expenses for the day: 2,870 yen

DAY 3

o    Meiji Shrine, Metropolitan City Hall, Shibuya and Shinjuku tour
             Total expenses for the day: 1,540 yen

DAY 4

o    Disney Sea day tour.
             Total expenses for the day: 9,160 yen

DAY 5 (LAST DAY): 

             Total expenses for the day: 2,120 yen

Estimated expenses:

                Transpo : 6,340 Yen (buy IC card/ PASMO for train)

                Disney sea: 7,400 yen (3296.25 Php)
                Jworld tour: 2,600 yen (1135 Php)

                Food: 4,400 yen (11 meals x 400 yen)

                Wifi rental c/o flytpack: 2,797 yen (1,260 Php for 5 days and can connect up to 5 persons. 20% less because we got it with a promo code from Getgo)

                Accommodation for 5D/4N: 9,288 yen (4,183.92 Php)

                Airfare (JETSTAR) : 14,000 yen (6,200 Php round trip, per person)
                Phil. Airport Tax.: 3,612 yen (1,620 Php)

TOTAL: 51,000 yen OR 22,970.00 PhP!

Suggestions:

1. For entrance passes, I recommend buying at Klook (web or app).
2. Never take a cab if it's a long ride. It's very expensive!
3. Always have an IC card for convenience when travelling.

Mt. Agua Colonia - An unexcpected climb.

That one climb you thought was easy but it ain't.

On the 24th of April of 2017, the day has come.


..to be continued.

BTS Backpackers PH - schedule of climbs for May to July 2017

Hello fellow hikers! Let's get ready to hike Before The Sun!

The following days are set for a climb! Join us in conquering those mountains!

PS: Chill hike lang 'to :)

May 14, 2017, Sunday 
MTS. PAMITINAN AND MT. BINACAYAN - CANCELLED
Rodriguez, Rizal
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal
LLA (Pamitinan): 14°43′51.7′′N 121°11′29.2′′ E 426 MASL
LLA (Binacayan): 14°43′30.5′′N 121°11′26.1′′ E 424 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-3 hours (P); 2-3 hours (B)
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 (P); 3/9 (B) / Trail class 1-4
Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province

May 27, 2017, Saturday

MAKILING TRAVERSE (MAKTRAV)

Entry point: Sitio Jordan, Brgy. San Miguel, Sto. Tomas

Exit point: UP College of Forestry, Los Banos, Laguna

LLA: 14.13°N 121.20°E, 1090 MASL (Peak 2)

Hours to Peak 2 / days required: 1-2 days / 5-8 hours

Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3 with roped segments

Features: Roped segments, rocky face, limatik, rattan, tropical rainforest

June 25, 2017, Sunday
MAYSAWA CIRCUIT (MTS. SAPARI AND BINUTASAN)
Tanay, Rizal
Trailhead: Sitio Maysawa, Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay
LLA: 14°37′11.5′′N, 121°21′31.1′′ E, 592 MASL (Mt. Sapari); 14° 37′38.9′′N, 121°21′59.6′′ E 577 (Mt. Binutasan)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5h (Sapari); 2.5 (Binutasan)
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
Features: Scenic views of the Sierra Madre, sea of clouds, river

July 9, 2017, Sunday
MT. AYAAS TRAVERSE
Rodriguez, Rizal
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal
Minor jumpoff: Brgy. Mascap, Rodriguez, Rizal
LLA: 14°45′3.38′′ N, 121°12′27.5′ 627 MASL (+570)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 3-4 hours
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 with river trekking
Features: River trekking, scenic views, waterfalls


We'll post itinerary and estimated damages for each climb 2 weeks before the scheduled date.

Like us on FACEBOOK :) to be updated!


credits to www.pinoymountaineer.com for the subtle descriptions.

The Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi Day Hike

On March 26, 2017 at Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal, the extra-hot hike happened.

As early as 4AM on that day, we (Me, Maki, Ariz and Chano) gathered right in front of the FX lay-over at Cubao, just beside Jolibee in MRT Cubao Station.

We were supposedly departing at exactly 4AM but our harkor friend Ariz took alot of time preparing his meals (haha!), so yeah we departed around 4:20AM riding the FX going to Rodriguez for 50.00 each. 

Around 5:30AM, we arrived at Eastwood in Montalban. We then rode a trike for 15.00 each going to Wawa. 

It was almost 6AM that we arrived at Wawa, we then contacted our guide, Kuya Romeo, to assist us in the processing of the registration. We only have to pay 25.00 per mountain per person for the registration fee at the barangay hall of Wawa. 

Just a few minutes past 6AM, we started our twin day-hike.

Past the jump-off is the Wawa Bridge, in early years, this bridge is not yet available hence climbers had to cross the river in order to proceed to the hike.


We traversed Mt. Pamitinan first so that we will not be stranded when the peak time comes in, starting 8AM.

Mt. Pamitinan is a simple hike, although an hour after the start of hike, you will have to climb rocks in order to continue the climb. Mt Pamitinan has alot of lime stones, and also very sharp rocks that are not so safe if you will climb barefoot and barehands, hence you need to wear a durable footwear and a gloves. No worries! Gloves are available at the jump-off from 40.00 pesos to 60.00 pesos a pair.

It took us about an hour and a half to arrive at the peak of Mt. Pamitinan. The landscape is truly overwhelming. The scorching heat did not bother us taking pictures at the summit. Each of us did the live-or-die pose at the summit, which the Mt. Pamitinan is famous for.

Around 9AM, we started descending back to the junction to continue with our 2nd mountain, the Mt .Hapunang Banoi.


Hapunang Banoi is coined from two tagalog words, hapunan which means dinner, and banoi which means bird, specifically the Philippine eagle. Yes, in the past, the said mountain is where eagles hunt for food.

Mt. Banoi is no different to Mt. Pamitinan, only that it has another route which our guide called the "mas masaya" route, a bit difficult as the stones are more sharper and getting alot thinner than it used to, so we had to be careful in our every step.

We reached the summit of Mt. Banoi at around 10:30AM, the heat of the sun is already felt by our very skins, but the scene is truly majestic. Every inch of the view is remarkable and rewarding.


We planned on going for a trilogy hike, adding to it the Mt. Binacayan on the opposite road, however, me and Chano felt pain in our knees, restricting us to continue with the trilogy.

Everything ended well past noon, yes, that's right, we are that fast. We were back at the registration area before 2PM.

So that is all for this one day hell-of-a-twin-hike adventure! To more twin-hikes in the future! 😎


*photo credits to Maki, Ariz and Chano.

*If you are in need of a guide, you may contact Kuya Romeo, he's a photographer/guide, at 09101668471. (Guide fee is regulated at 500.00 per mountain, maximum of 7 persons per guide).

My first solo out-of-the-country trip: BORNEO!

Yes you heard that right! Borneo, a.k.a Kota Kinabalu.

Details on the trip will be posted here soon :)